So I just bought a Spector that had Dunlop recessed strap locks. Not a big fan of the recessed I prefer schallers and all my other are shallers so easier to switch between basses. Anyways looking for the best way to plug these holes. Im decent with wood work...my Dad suggested wood dowels to fill the holes and stain the ends and glue them in. I also heard of saw dust, tooth picks and all other ideas to fill them in with wood filler. Let me know what has worked for you guys in the past.
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Plugging holes in bass
- Thread starter Stevevisits
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- holes
Are you looking to replace the Dunlops with the Schallers using the same holes? If not, why not? If so, many will simply glue in toothpicks to ensure the threads can bite. There’s no aesthetic issue if you use the same holes. I would not use wood filler for any purpose, though some do.
I would never stain a dowel end; it’ll stand out, even in endgrain. What kind of finish are you trying to match on the edges of the body?
I would never stain a dowel end; it’ll stand out, even in endgrain. What kind of finish are you trying to match on the edges of the body?
If I’m understanding correctly, the recessed straplocks will leave a decent sized hole in the bass? As in, much bigger than the screw size? If so, I’d find a Woodcraft or lumber place that has hardwood dowels and get one that’s the same species as the body or, if that’s not available probably get maple and use that to plug the holes. If the new straplocks will cover the dowels then color or stain if you want but, if they’re hidden, you only need to put some clear finish on them to seal them.
If you’re just going to have the mounting screw holes when you remove the old locks then do what Picton said.
If you’re just going to have the mounting screw holes when you remove the old locks then do what Picton said.
DO NOT use wood filler or saw dust. Use either dowels or plugs depending on which way the surrounding grain runs.
I would use the same holes but the Dunlop recessed leave a 3/8 hole so it would have to be filled in first. Not a big fan of the recessed ones because I feel they ruin the instrument
Yeah Matt exactly they leave a big ass hole lol. Yeah I was thinking dowel too and I do think your right the strap button probably will cover it.
I would learn to live with the Dunlop strap locks. The damage is done. Just find a strap you can dedicate to that bass and leave it on, or with the bass. It will save a lot of time and effort.
On the other hand, if the Dunlop strap locks really bother you, do watcha gotta do. It’s your bass.
On the other hand, if the Dunlop strap locks really bother you, do watcha gotta do. It’s your bass.
Color matching existing finish can be tough. If the new buttons don’t quite cover the dowels, you can cut out some felt discs to go under the buttons and cover the dowels or, the Ace and TruValue hardware stores around here have chrome washers. You could get one that would cover the dowel. Depending on how thick the washer is, you might need a slightly longer screw for the button.
Fill it with a hardwood dowel, find the center, and drill for the Schallers. It's a 3/8 hole. The Schaller button is a bit over 3/8, and will cover the filled hole. The felt washer will compress a bit too, filling any tiny gaps.
Why would you think a factory installed recessed strap lock “ruins the bass”? That makes very little sense; no, it actually makes no sense at all. They’re perfectly good and plugging it up WILL ruin the bass. Just leave it alone and find something worthwhile to turn your attention to.
Interesting, if not opinionated response. I'm with the OP, if you are at all active on stage you will eventually hit the button on Dunlopp locks and dump you bass on the stage. The audience may love it, but it's not great for the bass, or keeping the low end happening. I have a plastic parts drawer full of Dunlop straplock parts I've taken off.
Edit- I you want to return to Dunlops, just redrill to the original size, and re-install. No harm, no foul.
Besides, remember that all his other instruments are on Schallers. Makes it about a thousand times easier if everything is on the same system. If I were the OP, I’d do the same exact thing... and I have.
He’s the one that said it “ruined the bass”. It’s stock. So it’s not ruined.
I have regular Dunlop’s that work the same and with the weight of the bass hanging on the locks it takes a good push to release them. Lift the weight off the strap and they easily release. I’ve never really considered it a potential problem. .
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My Old Warwick had those. P.I.T.A.
If you forgot your strap you were screwed. You couldn't even borrow one
If you forgot your strap you were screwed. You couldn't even borrow one
They are not stock and I never once stated they were. They came with the bass but the owner before me drilled these monstrous holes in them. I have schallers on all my basses and it makes it easier using the same straps especially live when my wireless is attached to the strap, I can just switch quickly. Also if you break a dunlop which I have you can't use a regular strap either. I'll post a video of me playing live and you will understand why I need extra support including doing bass slings too
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Yeah I though about it but I do alot of gigs jumping around bass slings stuff like that had a pair of dunlops fail before and biggest thing is when I change basses and my wireless is attached to my strap just easier to have all the same straplocks.
I’ve gone the oak dowel route on a bass with badly wallowed strap button holes. Drilled it so the .375” dowel was a nice tight fit, then cut the plugs to be just proud of the body. Just because i can’t help myself i cut a few lengthwise shallow grooves in the plugs, coated the holes and plugs with white glue, tapped them in and cleaned up the excess. When the glue was dry i carefully brought the plugs down to flush, drilled pilot holes and installed strap buttons. I’m not crazy when i play so i can’t speak to bass slings and such, but this particullar bass has been repaired for a number of years and no problems.
Thanks for sharing the info and giving my advice. Im starting tonight after work pretty much going the same route you did. I don't do bass slings all the time because I have an actually screw rip out on one of my old basses...so now I always go bigger longer screws with wood glue. Other reason I like keeping schaller buttons because once they're on they're on lol I don't like beating on my basses but I play in a alternative rock band so I get into it for sure. Thanks again I'll take pics when I'm done see how they come out!
Do the dowel rod. Depending on the color of your bass, color with a Sharpie. (Might not be necessary.) And then, buy some felt strap button pads. Should cover it over.
Hey guys wanted to give you the update on how it went. Did the dowel rods and it came out perfect! Seems to hold great. I did color it in as much to match but didn't need to because the Schaller button covers the hole. Just something I would rather do because I like tinkering with stuff. Anyways here's the pics. Wanted to show people in case they search the thread. Any questions PM glade to answer. I am not a Luthier by any means, but I feel this is a safe affordable way of plugging these holes without spending the money of going to someone. Thanks for all your guys help!
