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Topic: Knee lever help with Mullen D-10 - Driving me nuts!! |
Howard Steinberg
From:
St. Petersburg, Florida , USA
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Posted 2 Apr 2012 4:07 pm |
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I have a Mullen D-10 that I bought new in 1985. It's been played a lot but has been well cared for and trouble free for 27 years. I had posted regarding this problem previously and received some good suggestions which were followed but did not resolve the problem.
Here's what is going on - The lever in question lowers the Eb (2nd) string 1 step and the D (9th string) 1/2 step. The lever uses the 9th string lower as a 1/2 stop. Everything associated with this lever is in tune, including the 1/2 stop. The problem is that the finger (not sure if this is the correct term)that the return spring attaches to will not go back into the changer when the lever is let off. It stops at the 1/2 stop and I can give the lever a push or stick my hand under the guitar and easily push the finger in. I've tightened the spring as much as it will tighten.
The crossbar that everything is attached to had nylon bushings. There is 1 spot with metal on metal which is well lubed. Is it possible that the spring is worn out and needs replacing? If so does anyone have parts or is this generic? I emailed Mullen about a month ago and they never responded. Any help is greatly appreciated. I'm at the point of attaching rubber bands to give the spring some assist.
Howard
_________________
Justice Pro Lite (4-5), Justice D-10 (8-5)x2 , Quilter Steelaire, Hilton Pedal, BJ's bar. |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 2 Apr 2012 4:17 pm
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I'd look for something binding or broken, or maybe a ball end blocking something.
One question: did this come on gradually or suddenly?
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Howard Steinberg
From:
St. Petersburg, Florida , USA
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Posted 2 Apr 2012 4:26 pm
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Lane - Thanks for your reply. The problem was sudden.
The changer is properly lubed and offers no resistance when the finger (?) is pushed in manually. As I had mentioned, the finger(?) will go back in with a gentle push on the lever, as well. If I stretch the spring a little the finger will go back in. Thanks for your assistance. Howard
_________________
Justice Pro Lite (4-5), Justice D-10 (8-5)x2 , Quilter Steelaire, Hilton Pedal, BJ's bar. |
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Jerry Overstreet
From:
Louisville Ky
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Posted 2 Apr 2012 4:29 pm
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Try tightening the return spring for the string that doesn't return properly. I've had this problem a few times on my Mullen guitars.
If you cannot tighten it, or it's already been run up to it's limit you probably need to clean and lubricate the finger.
I use a pick set to unhook the spring from the finger and, after lubing, operate the finger several times to get the lube down inside the changer. You may have to perform this operation several times.
If neither of these things help your condition, call Mike or Del at the factory for help. |
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Tony Glassman
From:
The Great Northwest
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Posted 2 Apr 2012 4:52 pm
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I had a similar problem on a Zum. It turned out to be that a "raise-helper" spring was too tight........(just enough so to interfere with the lower return, but not the actual lowering).
Also see if there is a broken string end hung up in the changer. |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 2 Apr 2012 5:00 pm
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I had a change suddenly go wonky in the return on my Zum: the bellcrank-shaft screw had loosened a touch and moved to the side a tad and the pull was no longer straight. My thigh could lower it, but the spring didn't have enough oomph. (another casualty of transport while assembled: vibration is bad)
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Eddie Lane
From:
Branson, Missouri, USA
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Posted 2 Apr 2012 7:29 pm
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| If nothing is binding in the changer, try cutting about 1/8 inch off the return spring. This will give you a little more adjustment on the spring. Also make sure that you have a little side play in the cross shaft. |
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Al Miller
From:
Waxahachie Texas
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Posted 2 Apr 2012 8:11 pm Mullen
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It is very unusual that Mullen did not return your email .. more than likley your email went to their JUNK BOX !! it sounds as if you have a string Ball in the changer but that would be every-ones answer.... I would call Mike Mantey at Mullen or contact Mickey Adams they will get you fixed up . Mullen "IS" the Best Steel Guitar Available in the free world today dont give up, there is a reason they have not responded and its not because they dont want to help you ...
Boo Miller
If you dont get an answer in a day or 2 from Mullen Or Mickey Adams Contact me i will rattle thier cage for ya !! a satisfied Mullen owner for over 17 yrs ..
Boo Miller
Boo Miller
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AL (BOO) Miller
Mullen D10
76 Emmons P/P
2022 65 Emmons Resound P/P D10 |
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Henry Matthews
From:
Texarkana, Ark USA
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Posted 2 Apr 2012 8:16 pm
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It's one of four things, three which have already been mentioned above, foreign object in changer, return spring or helper spring it it has one. The fourth is a worn rivot in changer causing problems. My bet would be return spring not strong enough. Same thing happened to my Zum and a new spring solved the problem.
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Henry Matthews
D-10 Magnum, 8 &5, dark rose color
D-10 1974 Emmons cut tail, fat back,rosewood, 8&5
Nashville 112 amp, Fishman Loudbox Performer amp, Hilton pedal, Goodrich pedal,BJS bar, Kyser picks, Live steel Strings. No effects, doodads or stomp boxes. |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 3 Apr 2012 11:40 am
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lane..why would that screw loosen up due to transporting set up as opposed to packed up? that has no logic to it!
i transport set up lots of times. the only stress i see in this would only be in the leg sockets....and has never caused me a problem in 40 yrs. |
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Howard Steinberg
From:
St. Petersburg, Florida , USA
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Posted 3 Apr 2012 11:51 am
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Problem is fixed!! Thank you to everyone who replied to my post for help. As a first step I swapped out the spring for the E9 2nd string return with the spring for the 10th string on the C6 neck. Problem on the E9 neck is fixed and the 10th string on the C6 is working for now. Thanks again for the help. Howard
_________________
Justice Pro Lite (4-5), Justice D-10 (8-5)x2 , Quilter Steelaire, Hilton Pedal, BJ's bar. |
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Mickey Adams
From:
Bandera Texas
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Posted 3 Apr 2012 12:25 pm
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Howard, glad to hear that you get this resolved...One thing Id like to point out for future reference...for all Mullen owners..As the seasons change the wood expands and contracts. The cross-shafts have a locking collar at the rear apron, which limits the play in the shaft, and has a nylon bushing through the support plate. These locking collars should NOT be placed too close to the support plate, but should have enough room so theres a LITTLE play in the shaft. Lubing the nylon bushing is RARELY necessary IMHO. If the tolerances are correct, and the center rail is properly aligned, the shaft should move freely with very little resistance. Sorry to hear that Mullen didnt answer, I know they are swamped with orders for the DISCOVERY, and The G2!....If you need assistance in the future...Feel free to call...anytime!..Mick
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Mullen G2, Rittenberry S10, Infinity D10, Zumsteel 8+9
Anderson, Buscarino, Fender, Roman Guitars, Sarno Octal, Revelation Preamps, BJS BARS, Lots of Blackface Fenders! |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 3 Apr 2012 1:45 pm
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| chris ivey wrote: |
lane..why would that screw loosen up due to transporting set up as opposed to packed up? that has no logic to it!
i transport set up lots of times. the only stress i see in this would only be in the leg sockets....and has never caused me a problem in 40 yrs. |
I suspect it was the amplification of the vibration by the leverage of the long legs, together with the rough ride of a ¾ ton E150 van. I found loosened screws throughout the guitar. The worst ones were in the end plate to cabinet screws, but I found loosened screws all over.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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