Protect your six-string strings with our selection of the best guitar strap locks

This is a bit unorthodox, because I know you would like to have some serious discussions about the best guitar strap locks, but I want to tell you a story first. When I was 14 years old, I bought myself the first beautiful guitar-an ebony and golden Aria PE. I have been saving money from birthdays and odd jobs. In order to get something that feels and sounds great, I spent four or five years playing a dilapidated classical piece, and then an unnamed Strat replica. .  

When I brought my new guitar home, I spent the whole night playing it, standing in front of the mirror with it, hanging it on my bare chest and walking around the house—— Always feel like the coolest mofo around. 

It was in one of these trots that disaster happened. My belt loosened at the button on my butt, and my most precious possession suddenly and dramatically fell on the tiled floor. The sound echoed in the house in the most disgusting way. 

Although I rescued it quickly, my beautiful PE has been marked for life-a huge, fancy chunk was taken out near its input, and there were about six minor scratches on the whole body. Not only that, it will never hear the same sound again. I know that people might call it BS, maybe just in my mind, but as far as I know, this is not the case; I am ruined. 

In any case, the moral of this story is that I am an idiot-I don't have a lock. I actually don't even know that there is a lock at this time. On the other hand, you are obviously smarter than me and want to invest in some good belt locks. A wise move. They are important-you don't want to directly understand its importance. Believe me. 

So, leaving these aside, let's take a look at some of the best guitar strap locks...

Are you looking for the best guitar strap locks this Black Friday? Check out our Black Friday guitar deals page for the latest news and best deals.

If you are in a hurry and don't have time to spend a few hours to determine your choice, then go get some Schaller S-Lock for your guitar strap. They are a bit predictable, but for our money, they may be the best all-around belt locks. Since Schaller updated the design in 2018, there is no longer a need to re-tighten the nuts, and you can get more additional purchases on the threads, which means you can use them with thicker straps (up to 6 mm). They also come in a variety of finishes, so you should find some finishes that match your hardware. 

If you want something less obvious-either literally or figuratively-the Loxx Strap Lock Set for electric guitars and bass is one of the best low-key options. These locks are discreet, neat and efficient, and can accomplish many things that other locks cannot do, and they are also one of the easiest steel locks to install.

Schaller is probably the most famous and widely used belt lock manufacturer. Together with Jim Dunlop, the German company was one of the earliest innovators in the field, developing its products for the first time in 1981. Fast forward to 2018, it launched an improved S-Locks design based on user feedback and maintained its industry status-standard status.  

S-Lock adopts a pull pin system, which is easy to remove when needed, but sit firmly enough so that you don't have to worry about any accidents. Compared to any other products on this list, their extra-long threads make them more suitable for thicker straps. And these guys are also easy to install, the button and screw are used as a fixed part, you can use an Allen key to screw it in place. 

These locks are also available in eight colors, so it is unlikely that you will have a hard time finding something you like. 

Schaller and Jim Dunlop can rightfully describe themselves as the “two giants” in the current watchband lock field-however, if this is feasible, the German company Loxx will soon join them.

Based on a mechanism designed for the automotive industry, the Loxx Strap Lock Set for electric guitars and bass includes low-profile pull pin systems that are neatly housed in smart little buttons. They are easily intermittent, but they are unlikely to appear suddenly. 

One of the best things about this set is the fixing tool provided, which is basically a cross between a wrench and a two-jaw wrench. However, please take care of it, because it is proprietary, which means you need it to make any adjustments.

Like Schaller S-Locks, the Jim Dunlop StrapLok shoulder strap holder (SLS1031N) has a reputation for quality and reliability. 

However, while Schaller's locks work on a pull pin system, they have a push-button release, which means they are more difficult to open and close, but less prone to accidental release. One thing to note about button locks is that they are far away from the guitar, which means that it does not fit well in a comfortable hard case with a strap.

However, in general, Jim Dunlop's belt lock is an excellent product and an excellent alternative to Schaller S-Lock, especially considering that they are more affordable.

Although it is difficult to regard Daddario as a newcomer in this field, its PW-SLS-02 universal belt lock is one of the newer products on the market. They were launched in 2018 and took off in a considerable way, becoming fierce competitors for Schaller and Jim Dunlop products. 

There are also good reasons. Daddario’s locks are equipped with a pin-pull system. They are fully functional and short in appearance. They are neatly placed next to the guitar body-Daddario realized this when designing them. 

One of the main features of the Daddario lock is that its pull pin is mounted on a large button. This can be a good thing or a bad thing. On the positive side, the larger surface area is easy to grasp-very convenient when you need to install and remove the lock. The downside is that the lock is more likely to be stuck by something. However, this is the worst case, and the PW-SLS-02 universal belt lock is usually an efficient and effective solution.

One of the main differences between lock systems is the way you lock them. Although everyone will prefer a certain style, it is difficult to surpass the pure functionality of Fender Infinity locks. 

Thanks to their smooth ball-bearing system and pinch button release function, they are very easy to remove, but it is almost impossible to accidentally remove them. 

One thing to consider is that although they look very compact, these strap locks actually stand out, so if you are packing your guitar, you may need to remove the strap. However, they do look cool and can indeed enhance the appearance of your Fender.

Although most of the shoulder strap locks in this guide are very simple to install, none can match the Daddario double lock shoulder strap lock for ease of use. With their slide-in/slide-out, clip-like mechanism, they are perfect for those who don’t want to make a fuss about changing buttons and threading bolts through their shoulder straps. 

Of course, these are plastic clips that slide across the top of the strap, and you shouldn't expect them to be as strong or reliable as Shaller or Ernie Ball locks-but unless you turn on The Dillinger Escape Plan style performance, they should do well. 

When we talk about valuables, peace of mind is worth it, but these locks are much cheaper than anything else—even fixing your guitar cord at the same time—so it's worth a look if you don't want to spend a lot of money.

Much like Fender Infinity Strap Locks, Ernie Ball's Super Locks are a great choice for guitarists who like to pinch button release. 

As you would expect from some of the most expensive belt locks on the market, the build quality here is excellent. It would be great if we could say the same to their appearance.   

In the final analysis, it is a matter of personal taste, and depending on quality alone, Ernie Ball Super Locks is a very safe choice you can trust. 

If you like the appearance of Schaller S-Lock but want a more affordable alternative, you are in luck. Stagg's SSL1 BK belt lock is basically similar to the budget version of S-Lock, each pair is about 14 US dollars / 10 pounds, and may be the most attractive steel lock on the market. 

Although they are a reliable product and can do almost everything you need them to do, the lower price does require some trade-offs. First of all, the threads of these strap locks are much shorter, so they are not suitable for thick straps. They also use a nut and washer system to secure them to the strap, so you must pay close attention to them and tighten them from time to time. 

However, considering that you can buy nearly three sets at the price of a set of other brand steel locks, the Stagg SSL1 BK is definitely worth considering.

If you plan to open and close the guitar strap frequently, and you are not an acrobat, then you may want to consider Fender's strap block. With their rubber construction, they don't look ostentatious, but they are actually very effective. 

Of course, you shouldn't expect the same level of quality as the other items on this list, but these people are a great carefree and tried-and-tested choice. Simply slide over the top of the strap and buttons and they can be connected to your guitar in a minute. Since they are made of hard rubber, they do require some effort to wear, but it is reassuring. 

Ultimately, if you want something simple, easy to install, and super affordable, then Fender's Strap Blocks is a perfect choice.

As you might have guessed by now, the guitar strap lock is designed to attach the guitar strap to the guitar in a safer way than standard strap buttons.

The way they work depends on the type you choose. Most of them will be secured by your shoulder strap, such as the classic Schaller S-Locks or Jim Dunlop StrapLok shoulder strap holder dual design, and require you to replace the existing buttons with the buttons of the locking system. But there are also options that are easy to fix, such as Fender Strap Blocks and D'Addario Dual-Lock Strap Lock, which are located on top of the shoulder straps and buttons, so you can keep everything the same. 

The main thing to consider when buying locks is that you need their safety-will you run around a lot or sit most of the time? – And how much work you want to do when connecting them. Depending on your current settings, you may need to re-drill the screw holes to install the new button. However, for most types of belt locks, it should be as simple as removing the current buttons and replacing them with buttons compatible with belt locks. Before doing any work, just double check the gauge of the screw to make sure you don't end up damaging the guitar by trying to force a thicker or longer screw in place. 

Other things to consider are the configuration file of the system and the type of version you want. After you put all the parts together, some systems will end up being very long. If you want a more compact product, then D'Addario PW-SLS-02 universal strap lock and Loxx strap lock set for electric guitars and bass may be your best choice. 

The last thing to consider is the appearance of the lock. Most types have a range of different finishes and colors, so you should be able to find something that goes well with your hardware.

Chris is a contributor to Guitar World and MusicRadar and has approximately 20 years of guitar playing experience-including writing and recording various projects for approximately 15 of them. In addition to practical experience, he has been studying music all his life, especially studying composition in university. He is a bit like a tragic figure in the 90s, obsessed with anything that has fashion, metal edges, or spirit that resonates with stone men. In addition to music, he is also an avid chef, gardener and rugby league fan.

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