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Topic: LDG Changer Finger upgrade ? |
Glenn Austin
From:
Montreal, Canada
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Posted 17 Jun 2004 7:54 am |
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Has anybody ever upgraded their late 70's Sho Bud from the chromed pot metal changer fingers to the new Duane Marrs aluminum fingers. I'm wondering if there would be a significant improvement in tone. The reason I'm asking is because I'm planning on doing a major clean and polish on my guitar and figured I might as well do an upgrade at the same time.
Thanks. |
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Steve Hinson
From:
Hendersonville Tn USA
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Posted 17 Jun 2004 7:58 am
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| Glenn,my LDG already had this upgrade done when I got it from Bob Knight...it works and sounds great.I didn't hear it before the upgrade was done...sorry. |
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Ron Bryson
From:
Bonifay, Florida, USA
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Posted 20 Jun 2004 6:07 pm
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Glenn,
I recently bought the necessary parts for a complete rebuild of my '83 LDG. Mr. Jimmy Powell did most of the work on the mechanics. I replaced the fingers, bellcranks,knee lever brackets, and return springs. I can tell you that Duane Marrs,(and Jeff) are extremely helpful, and the parts that they supplied were exactly what I had ordered, and they were machined to make installation go very well. If you are not familiar with the mechanics of the changer, I would suggest that you could have it done. Marrs Music does expert work. The adjustment after the installation is very critical. As far as the tone, Jimmy played my LDG last night, you should have just heard it! Of course he could make any guitar sound good..Go for it! Ron |
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Ricky Davis
From:
Bertram, Texas USA
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Posted 20 Jun 2004 7:08 pm
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It will be a different change in tone; and it would be up to your ears to wheather or not it would be a better change or not.
I do think the machined Aluminum fingers are supperior to the metal used in the molds of those later style fingers Shobud Did; but they chromed the top of them and I actually like that sound and vibration of that finger. I've played the ones chrome plated with the big keyhead and superior Maple. But the cutoff keyhead like yours and inferior Maple that was used is the sound I don't care for from Shobud; so I wouldn't think I would like the sound with whatever Finger is in there. Now these are just my opinions and there are still many factors of mechanics underneath that add or subtract to sound.
It is mainly the other parts that I would change first; like the rod pullers; as the rods will pull/waller out the holes as it goes and sometimes even bust through. And the knee lever brackets that are also pot metal chromed plated and they tend to brake...and Duane has aircraft aluminum for all those parts. Those parts will improve the playability and stability of the system and that's a good thing; but the sound of your LDG comes from what fingers are the strings vibrating on and what is that mounted to; and what are the strings vibrating on/to the other side; and most the sound of your particular LDG is what material is your changer fingers and material/body is it mounted to; and how is it vibrating on both sides....and that keyhead and Maple is what I don't care for.
Good luck in your quest; and again these are just my personal brainstorms; but you won't go wrong with anything from Duane; and the sound will be different; but is subjective to your own brain/ears; to wheather you like it or not.
Ricky |
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Glenn Austin
From:
Montreal, Canada
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Posted 21 Jun 2004 8:45 am
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| Thanks for all your replies guys. I don't think I'm going to change the entire undercarriage, way too expensive. Sho Buds are great looking guitars but they leave a lot to be desired when they're upside down in the case. I'll try and post some pics when I get it done, a la Ricky Davis ! |
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