| Author |
Topic: MSA changer cleaning question |
Butch Pytko
From:
Orlando, Florida, USA
|
Posted 28 Mar 2014 2:01 pm |
|
I've just taken out both changers on my 1979 Vintage XL to thoroughly clean them. After years of playing pedal steels, this is the first time I've ever done this.
I'm wondering, does it make any difference or not if I put the fingers back on the axles in the same exact order?
Each finger assembly is exactly the same, but I'm wondering about the "most used pedals" that may have caused more wear on their fingers, as opposed to the less used pedals/fingers. Thanks. |
|
|
 |
Mike Wheeler
From:
Delaware, Ohio, USA
|
Posted 28 Mar 2014 2:32 pm
|
|
The order doesn't matter...they're all the same. But I'd inspect every finger for excessive wear. Since some fingers are used more then others, you should readily see any differences. Just inspect them closely side by side.
Check that the upper part that holds the string fits well on the axle. All of them should fit the same. If not, you might have excess wear on the loose ones...which means they might need to be replaced. Also inspect the axle itself...it should be smooth with no signs of gouging from the fingers...if not, it might need replacing also.
If everything looks good after cleaning, lube everything with your lube of choice (I like TriFlow) and reassemble. The changer should play like warm butter.
Good luck.
_________________
Best regards,
Mike |
|
|
|
Russ Wever
From:
Kansas City
|
Posted 28 Mar 2014 10:31 pm
|
|
Butch, One important place to look at for
potential wear is where the scissor-blade
contacts the string finger.
It is a 'knife-action' and if the changer has
been ran a lot without enough lubrication, the
harder scissor-blade may have cut a 'rut' into
the softer aluminum string finger.
If this 'rut' wears deeply enough it can make for
a 'sticky' feel when you release the pedal/knee.
~Russ
_________________
www.russface
www.russguru |
|
|
|
Jim Palenscar
From:
Oceanside, Calif, USA
|
Posted 29 Mar 2014 7:04 am
|
|
| What Russ said as well as try to put the fingers with the least amount of obvious string wear on the unwound strings (typically #'s 1-6) in order to avoid the sitar-like sound that sometimes occurs. |
|
|
|
Butch Pytko
From:
Orlando, Florida, USA
|
Posted 31 Mar 2014 10:46 am
|
|
OK, Mike, Russ, and Jim--thanks for your help.
I've got both changer parts thoroughly cleaned. Three or four of the polished fingers where the string attaches have a dark/black stain that the cleaning solvents wouldn't take out--must be from my hand or arm sweat through the years of playing. After watching youtube videos of "How to polish using a Dremel with buffing compound", I'm going to try that.
Didn't realize how fragile those pesky plastic washers are--I broke two already and am almost afraid to scrub the rest for fear of breaking them. Can I use Tilex/bleach on them, or is a bleach cleaner too strong? I've got them soaking in mild dish soap and water first, to see if that will clean them. |
|
|
|
Mike Wheeler
From:
Delaware, Ohio, USA
|
Posted 31 Mar 2014 11:03 am
|
|
I couldn't get the washers clean on the MSA that I'm currently rebuilding either. I just ordered new ones from Jim Palenscar. Actually, once they are installed you can't see that they are dirty anyway, so maybe just order a few of them.
Rather than the Dremel tool, I'd advise using a very fine grit wet/dry sandpaper in long, one inch, strips and polish them using a "shoe-shine" motion. That will keep the curvature of the finger intact, while polishing out any gouges or scratches. The Dremel could change that curvature causing string buzzes....not good.
_________________
Best regards,
Mike |
|
|
|
Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
|
Posted 31 Mar 2014 11:33 am
|
|
Rather than abrasives, the chemical polish of Mother's Mag and Aluminum Polish (or California Custom, John) will get that blackening off tout suite.
_________________
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
|
|
|
Alvin Douglas
From:
Prince Edward Island
|
Posted 31 Mar 2014 11:54 am
|
|
I recently cleaned and reassembled my changer. When I started the job, I only had a can of WD40 so I sprayed some in a coffee can lid and dropped the parts and washers into it. While it sort of worked as a cleaner, it would not touch most of the black scale on the fingers. I bought a can of brake cleaner from Napa. The smell reminded me of something called carbon tetrachloride (sp?) that was a common household cleaner I remember as a kid. It worked amazingly well but I was not brave enough to use it on the washers. The WD40 seemed strong enough to do the job. I bought a can of G96 lubricant cleaner from a local gun shop. I'm happy with the results. Good luck with your project.
Alvin
_________________
Fender American Deluxe Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul Standard, Quilter MicroPro 8. |
|
|
|
