THE GUITARIST’S TOOLBOX
This is a inventory of specific products and items I recommend to performing guitarists, and even guitarists who just like to get together with friends and jam. It may seem like overkill at first, but after a while you appreciate that having just a few simple items with you makes everything go much more smoothly. If you are the kind of person who likes to “keep it natural” by camping without bug repellent or driving across country without a spare tire, then this is not the column for you. Scarcely skip it, go live dangerously, and send me a postcard. The rest of you - come on in.
Disclaimer: I do not reap ANY money from the providers to which I am linking: American Musical Supply and Musician’s Friend. I am giving you this advice so you can see the product, and I like that you can return these items with no hassle when you order them on-line. However, if you are lucky enough to have locally-owned music shops in your neighborhood (and I don’t unpleasant the ‘Wal-Mart of guitar stores’ Guitar Center, which owns Musician’s Friend), it is always a encomiastic idea to call them and ask if they have these items or will order them for you. If they are more expensive, tell them politely that you can get a better deal on-Theatre sides but that you would prefer to keep your musical dollar in your community if they can match the price. It never hurts to try - I got a great fretless bass that way recently.
STRAP LOCKS
Few things in autobiography suck worse than having your guitar fall off and hit the pavement! I should know! Nowadays, I equip all my guitars with Strap Locks. I like either the chrome or the all-swart versions made by Schaller:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Schaller-Strap-Locks-and-Buttons-Pair-?sku=360389
All you have to do is carry away the old strap buttons on your guitar and screw the new ones in....