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Post new topic Removing Rack and Barrel Changer
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Author Topic:  Removing Rack and Barrel Changer
Jon James

 

From:
Durham, NC, USA
Post  Posted 17 Dec 2004 10:01 pm    
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This is potentially dumb question from a new steeler. I really want to clean the fingers and pivot points on my sho-bud with the rack and barrel tuning system. How do I get these things off the guitar? Do they even come off? Is it totally useless to do this or will a little tri-flow do the trick? I need a little help. This is my first post so I am going to see what the Smilies legend button does now.
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Ricky Davis


From:
Bertram, Texas USA
Post  Posted 17 Dec 2004 10:44 pm    
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Yes it's a good thing to take the fingers out to clean them properly.
Take strings off..ha
Then loosen the barrels behind the racks and take all the rods out. Then un-hook all the raise springs off bracket that's attached to the bottom of the body. Then unscrew all lower springs and take screws out so they don't get in the way. Then turn guitar upright. Then with a small screwdriver; pound out the axle that holds fingers in top plate. Then the fingers will drop out the bottom.
Have fun.
Ricky
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Jon James

 

From:
Durham, NC, USA
Post  Posted 17 Dec 2004 11:11 pm    
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Wow, thanks Ricky. I suspected that the Pin was removable but did not have enough guts to investigate it. Do you have any recommendations for cleaning it? Most of the other parts I have just used a little paint thinner, 0000 steel wool, and a clean cloth.
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Duane Marrs

 

From:
Madison, Tennessee, USA
Post  Posted 18 Dec 2004 5:59 am    
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Jon, Thats a good idea, especially an older changer, since they can get really gunked up. I disassemble literally hundreds very year, and they get nasty & gritty after time. I like to use some type of go-jo hand cleaner and warm water with a small wire brush. Then thoroughly rinse and dry. Also, the axle should be cleaned and turned, too. Do this by putting the axle in a drill using 600 grit sand-paper and it will make it smooth as a baby's butt. This takes out groves and burrs. Your changer will work good as new. Check for loose rivot's also, lightly tap them with a hammer on a vise or hard surface. Wobbling in the unit can cause tuning and adjustment problems.
Since you have them out and want them dressed and polished I can do that for you for about the cost of shipping. I can get all the grooves out and make them like new again.Our address is www.duanemarrs.com, and direct to me Jeff Surratt. I'll be back after Christmas. your friend, Jeff
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Jon James

 

From:
Durham, NC, USA
Post  Posted 18 Dec 2004 9:41 am    
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Thanks for the tip Jeff. I didn't even think about polishing the axle. I actually just put an order in to you guys for some new tuning rods. Anyways thanks for the offer to help polish the changers for me, but I think I need to spend a little quality time with a wire brush and my instrument, maybe it will be like some sort of bonding experience. I have a follow up question. Once I have satisfactorily cleaned all parts, when I reassemble it, do I need to add any sort of 'good' grease to the parts? What do you recommend?
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Jon James

 

From:
Durham, NC, USA
Post  Posted 20 Dec 2004 10:29 pm    
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Alright I really need some help from anyone out there.
I have completely cleaned and polished all of the parts to the changer. What do I need to put on the axle upon reassembly? I sure could use some good advise seeing how I can't play my new bud until I put it back together.
Thanks,
Jon
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Chuck McGill


From:
An hour from Memphis and 2 from Nashville, R.I.P.
Post  Posted 21 Dec 2004 5:09 am    
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Way to go Jon. You led me to believe you were a newbie but it sounds like your knee deep in it now.
Let me know how the Professional plays when
you get it back together.
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