This review dives into the Planet Waves Planet Lock guitar strap, specifically the Joe Satriani edition. We'll examine its build quality, locking mechanism, ease of use, and overall performance. Known for its secure locking system, this strap promises a worry-free playing experience, but does it live up to the hype? We'll explore the pros and cons, including its unique design featuring Satriani's signature artwork, the durability of its construction, and the potential challenges presented by its length and compatibility with oversized strap buttons. Our assessment will focus on practicality and overall user experience.This in-depth look at the Planet Waves Planet Lock strap will provide a comprehensive understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. We'll discuss the functionality of its locking mechanism, the comfort and feel of the strap itself, and how it compares to other popular guitar straps on the market. Ultimately, we'll determine if this stylish and seemingly secure strap is the right choice for you, weighing its benefits against potential drawbacks, especially for those with guitars featuring larger strap pins or a preference for longer straps.
Pros And Cons
- Well-made
- Thicker and more durable material than it appears in photos
- Locking mechanism works well
- Can be a tight squeeze to get it into oversized strap pins
- Not overly long
- Slightly narrower than preferred by the reviewer
Read more: 5 Best Black Guitar Straps: A Buyer's Guide
Design and Build Quality
The Planet Waves Planet Lock strap boasts a reversible design with soft rubber padding to prevent scratches on your guitar. The Joe Satriani edition features his signature artwork, adding a unique touch. The strap itself feels thicker and more durable than it appears in online photos, suggesting a higher level of quality.
The locking mechanism is straightforward: a rotating wheel for tightening, and a lever for release. This design ensures a secure fit that won’t easily come loose during play. The buckle is a standard style, easy to use and familiar to most guitarists.
Functionality and Ease of Use
Attaching the strap is simple: slide it over the guitar's strap pin, tighten the wheel, and lock it in place using the lever. Removal is just as easy; press the lever to unlock, and the strap slides right off. The ratchet mechanism is a nice touch, keeping the strap securely fastened without accidental loosening.
However, the strap's rigidity and size might be a challenge with oversized strap pins. While it fits, it requires a firm push to secure it, raising concerns about potential damage to the guitar's finish over time.
Length and Overall Impressions
One potential drawback is the strap's length; it may be too short for players who prefer a longer, more relaxed style. Compared to other straps, particularly the reviewer’s preferred brand (Schaller or similar), this one is a little narrower.
Despite this, the Planet Waves Planet Lock is well-made and offers a reliable locking system. It's a good choice if you want a secure, well-made strap, especially if you appreciate the Joe Satriani design. It is important to consider the potential challenge of attaching it to guitars with larger strap buttons.
Conclusion: Is it Worth it?
The Planet Waves Planet Lock guitar strap offers a secure and reliable locking mechanism, durable construction, and a stylish design. However, its relative shortness and the potential difficulty with oversized strap pins are important considerations. The build quality is impressive, and the locking mechanism works flawlessly. For those who don’t mind the shorter length and are comfortable with a slightly firmer attachment process, it's a high-quality product. The reviewer will continue using this strap but will keep in mind the limitations on length and fitting oversized strap pins.