Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

I just bought a 2002 350 v63 Liverpool. My first Ric after selling my 330 and 620 many years ago. As a Schaller strap lock user on all my guitars, I was disappointed that this one is not compatable. The lock will fit over the button, but does not lock. I tried to loosen the buttons by hand but they are not budging. Are they easily removed with pliers? I am a DIY guy so I rather change out the buttons to the new style but will not if I fear damage. Anyone changed out the old vintage buttons for the new Schaller compatable ones? Any tips? Many thanks.

Try using a rubber jar opener. Pliers will damage the button.

toomanygtrs wrote:Anyone changed out the old vintage buttons for the new Schaller compatable ones? Any tips? Many thanks.

Several times, as I use Schaller locks on all my instruments.

As Kenny noted use a piece of rubber to protect the finish of the buttons while removing them (they unscrew; don't just yank them out).

Thanks for info. Very different from all my other gtrs for sure.

If you are going to replace the button, might as well place a felt washer under it. Those little felt washers come in various colors. Choose whichever color suits your guitar best.

I put a pair of those felt guys on my 360/12. I find it odd that Ric doesn't use those washers. The metal of the button sits right on the finish. Never seemed right to me. The finish on my upper horn actually cracked and chipped a bit due to the pressure of the strap button on the finish. A washer underneath the button covered up the damage and now protects the finish.

2 words:
Dunlop Dual Design Straploks.

Removal of the strap buttons was also covered in an earlier thread:

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=405330&hilit=+straplock

It's often worth searching for previous references, we have covered a lot of subjects over the years! .

Besides a piece of felt as a washer, one can use a #10 nylon washer, as I do with my DIY strap bolts made fromdrilled-out buttons and filed-down machine screws: