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Topic: restoration of a steel |
Richard Lester
From: Constable, New York, USA
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Posted 11 Apr 2017 5:40 am
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I've been wondering what's involved in the restoration of a steel guitar, just curious? Is it just a major cleaning or are new parts put in place, such as the changer and fingers,etc? And how do you know when a restoration is needed? Thanks ![Question](images/smiles/icon_question.gif) _________________ Zum D-10, GFI S10 keyless ultra, 2020 Flight Ready SD-10 Rittenberry, Quilter Steelaire, Telonics vol. pedal |
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Scott Duckworth
From: Etowah, TN Western Foothills of the Smokies
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Posted 11 Apr 2017 6:34 am
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For the changers, unless there is a lot of slop in them, sometimes just a good cleaning will do. Many on the forum recommend Naphtha (lighter fluid). I would recommend to remove the changer from the guitar, although some have said it can be done in the guitar, with it outside, and apply the naphtha so it flows down through the changer. The, you re-oil sparingly. A drop or two goes a long way.
As for tuning keys and other parts, if they are worn out, they have to replaced.
As far as the body, if it is mica, maybe some re-gluing of panels. If it is wood with lacquer finish, then the job becomes harder. It's best to dismantle the guitar. Then, if just the surface coats are dull and scratched, you night be able to polish it, or it may take some careful sanding to remove a coat or two of the clear, then re-clear it.
If the finish is badly damaged, the probably a strip and re-finish is in order.
Just some generic suggestions. If you post what guitar you are looking at re-finshing, along with pictures, we can offer better suggestions. _________________ Amateur Radio Operator NA4IT (Extra)
http://www.qsl.net/na4it
I may, in fact, be nuts. However, I am screwed onto the right bolt... Jesus! |
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Jack Stoner
From: Kansas City, MO
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Posted 11 Apr 2017 8:09 am
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Cleaning the changers while still in the guitar did not do it for me. I had a long thread about mine and did what was most recommended. I had black "goop" oozing out the top of the changer fingers. I "cleaned" them as suggested. It stopped the oozing for about 3 weeks and then started again. The only way I see it, on mine, is to tear it apart and clean everything, oil and reinstall. I may do that this summer. I can use my wife's GFI Expo S-10 if needed while mine is down.
I did that twice on a 71 PP D-10 Emmons. Tore down, cleaned all the changer parts with carburetor cleaner, oiled and put back together. Its a task but what was needed. |
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Mike Scaggs
From: Nashville, TN
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Posted 11 Apr 2017 8:34 am .
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One of the tools I use when cleaning a changer is an ultrasonic hot tank cleaner. Many jewelers use small ones. I have a larger one (6L) and it works wonders on all parts, especially tuners and such.
![](http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/userpix1504/926_IMG_8197JPG_2.jpg) _________________ I can explain it to you but I can't understand it for you
Zum double Hybrid 8x9, 64 Twin (JBLs), p2pAmps Bad-Dawg, p2pAmps Tremendous Reverb, Visit my website www.p2pamps.com |
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