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Strap locks on a Custom Shop Les Paul?

sozo

New member
Joined
May 20, 2022
Messages
16
Can anyone with a Custom Shop Rx Les Paul let us know what strap lock system you use (if any?).

I was going to fit Schaller strap lock pins to mine, then I realised the huge difference in screw size between the one that Gibson fitted and the Schaller. The Schaller screw is much shorter, and the thread is slightly narrower too. There's no way I'd trust the Schaller to hold the weight, especially with the Les Paul being such a heavy guitar. And the Schaller pin is one item with the screw, you can't use your own screw with it.

While I'm here on the subject, out of curiosity I took a strap pin out of a 2021 Les Paul Standard 1950s (a regular Gibson, not a Custom Shop). I was very surprised to see that the regular Gibson has a much shorter screw than the Custom Shop R9. The Schaller might be ok as a replacement on that one.

See images below:

r9-vs-schaller.jpg



r9-vs-gt.jpg
 

ADP

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 16, 2015
Messages
682
Half of my Custom Shops CAME with Schaller strap locks from the factory.
 

sozo

New member
Joined
May 20, 2022
Messages
16
Half of my Custom Shops CAME with Schaller strap locks from the factory.
That's interesting, didn't know they did that.

If it was factory fitted I'd be less concerned, because the only screw the guitar had known would be the Schaller.

My problem with using the Schaller as a replacement is that their screw is both shorter and narrower than the one I'm replacing, so I'm not convinced it will bite as well into the wood. The hole has already being gouged wider/deeper by the Custom Shop screw.
 

dwagar

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 18, 2005
Messages
4,451
I'm not 100% sure it was on the R9, but IIRC the head on the Gibson screw was a touch too wide for the Schaller. I put it in the drill press and filed it down to fit.
 

poor man's burst

Active member
Joined
Oct 3, 2010
Messages
421
If you'd read my post you would see that isn't possible, I did write, "...the Schaller pin is one item with the screw, you can't use your own screw with it."
My bad. I missed this part. I didn't know this new version.
Either look for the old version with the separated pin and screw or have the screw hole plugged with a glued dowell (toothpicks are unsufficent and non-reliable), after drilling the hole to the dowell size, drill a pilot hole and install the Schaller pin.
 

J T

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 20, 2005
Messages
10,501
I do have Dunlops on one. I have Schallers on my Strat because that's what it came with at the factory so there it is. I don't like Schallers. They're "Clicky" (noisy), and the strap side nut comes loose. I have never had any problem with the Dunlops. But absolutely the bottle stopper washers are the ones to get. They are really cheap and work well.
 

guitplayer

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 8, 2008
Messages
2,114
The rubbers depend on the strap used. They do not work for me. I use the leather old ones
that double lock upon themselves.
 

jrgtr42

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 24, 2005
Messages
2,308
I drilled out the Schaller buttons for the stock screw, then like Dwager above said, filed the stock screw to fit the schaller. It wasn't a CS LP, but one of my other guitars that had a similar issue.
That said, even stock screws seem to come loose for me all the time, so much so that I've long ago developed the habit of checking them when I pick up a guitar.
Even in the shops when i'm checking something fresh out of the box out, I give the strap buttons a bit of a wiggle.
To drill them, it's best to go slow, make sure you have a good bit, and a good grip, and use lubrication.
 

Injam

Member
Joined
Oct 15, 2021
Messages
88
Can anyone with a Custom Shop Rx Les Paul let us know what strap lock system you use (if any?).

I was going to fit Schaller strap lock pins to mine, then I realised the huge difference in screw size between the one that Gibson fitted and the Schaller. The Schaller screw is much shorter, and the thread is slightly narrower too. There's no way I'd trust the Schaller to hold the weight, especially with the Les Paul being such a heavy guitar. And the Schaller pin is one item with the screw, you can't use your own screw with it.

While I'm here on the subject, out of curiosity I took a strap pin out of a 2021 Les Paul Standard 1950s (a regular Gibson, not a Custom Shop). I was very surprised to see that the regular Gibson has a much shorter screw than the Custom Shop R9. The Schaller might be ok as a replacement on that one.

See images below:

r9-vs-schaller.jpg



r9-vs-gt.jpg
Personally I have had a bad experience with Schaller. The pin wouldn’t fit the hole. Pin was too big or hole too small causing my guitar to hit the ground and giving it major scratch. Go with Fender, their quality control is much better. And use your old Gibson screw.
 
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