A lot of you know this trick already, but it bears repeating:
The rubber caps on Grolsch and some other Euro craft beers are the perfect size for strap locks.
Don’t get me wrong—proper strap locks are great, but the beer-bottle variety are actually quite reliable, and a great choice if a) you have a valuable vintage guitar you don’t want to mess with, b) you’re broke, or c) you just like skunky Dutch beer.
Seemingly everyone in Europe knows this trick, but I still get startled comments from Stateside folks who spot the Grolsch gaskets on my old Strat.
Sadly, the rubber-topped bottles are becoming scarce, though you can still find them at larger liquor retailers. Not that I hang out in such places or anything.
This is not an errand to entrust to your drummer. Chances are he or she will return with one of these:
6 replies on “Strap Lock: Free with Beer!”
Chances are your drummer will come back with a Budweiser. Eeek.
That’s a great tip. I know one European who hadn’t heard of this. Mind you, Guinness doesn’t come in rubber-topped bottles.
I heard Guinness is coming out with a light version for the U.S. palette. Oh, the national humiliation.
Weird thing: Guinness really DOES taste different in Ireland! It seems more aerated and way easier to drink. Not that I know from personal experience of anything.
Joe- you rule. My ’57 RI strat and I thank you. Nice blog too, I’m glad to see you are still writing.
Well, the Grolsch tone is unbeatable on a rosewood-fingerboard Strat. How does it translate to maple? 😉
Great. I had to buy two cases to make sure I had enough strap locks to install on all my guitars. But after consuming all that Grolsch I can’t remember how to play. Thanks.
Check this video out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjCi5yefz-o