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Post new topic Sluggish Knee-Lever
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Author Topic:  Sluggish Knee-Lever
Tim Tweedale

 

From:
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Post  Posted 15 Apr 2018 8:34 pm    
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I've been having a strange issue with my steel over the last few months. I've been really busy, only taking it out ever few months. When I set it up, the E lever lowers the high E, but barely affects the low E. Gradually, as I engage it a number of times it starts working a bit better but is very sluggish, taking maybe 2 full seconds to get down to a D# and the same getting back up to E.

Yesterday, I noticed the same issue affecting the F lever too. Any ideas what might be causing this? I'm not great at solving mechanical issues, so any help would be really appreciated.

Tim
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Paul Sutherland

 

From:
Placerville, California
Post  Posted 16 Apr 2018 12:06 am    
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My first thought is you have a lubrication problem. When's the last time you put a spot of a lubricant on the changer fingers or the roller nut?

It would probably help if you told us what kind of steel you have.
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It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.
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Tony Prior


From:
Charlotte NC
Post  Posted 16 Apr 2018 12:23 am    
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turn it over and watch it, look at the pull assembly while engaging the lever. Bell crank, pull rod, nylon tuner, obstruction, all sorts of things can cause this, don't guess, identify the issue. Inspect every part of the chain. Maybe it is the changer, maybe it's not.
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years

CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website
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Richard Sinkler


From:
aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana
Post  Posted 16 Apr 2018 5:51 am    
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Over tuned? Back out all the pedal tuning nuts, tune your open strings and tune up the pedals.
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Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 55 years and still counting.
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Larry Bressington

 

From:
Nebraska
Post  Posted 16 Apr 2018 7:47 am    
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Use your hand and lower that finger manually by pushing on the tail of the lower..... does it lower? does it snap back? Does it respond freely?

Is there free play between nylon and changer? There should be a smidge when levers are not actuated....Is the bell crank tight and not loose and wobbly?
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A.K.A Chappy.
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 16 Apr 2018 8:23 am    
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When I was having that problem with an Emmons La Grande II, I bought a can of this stuff. It took care of the stickiness.
You can find it in sporting goods stores.

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Tim Tweedale

 

From:
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Post  Posted 16 Apr 2018 6:56 pm    
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Thanks fellas. I'm betting that it is an over-tuned issue. I will check that out and let you know. It's a 2004 Carter SD-10. Is there a standard type of lubricant used for pedal steel?

Tim
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Paul Sutherland

 

From:
Placerville, California
Post  Posted 16 Apr 2018 7:04 pm    
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Someone recommended Remington Gun Oil with teflon in it. I've been using that for about a decade. Seems pretty good.
_________________
It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing.
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Larry Bressington

 

From:
Nebraska
Post  Posted 16 Apr 2018 7:10 pm    
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You know I got to thinking about this, and I wanted to say, if the nylon is over tightened it will start to lower then it will start to raise giving the effect of not lowering. I would definitely back that nylon tuner all the way off before going any further and see what it does, You have to adjust it back in again a bit at a time see what it does. Does the guitar look gummed up?? Or has it been a living room queen? Drop of oil between the fingers, tip it upside down and do all moving parts......and put a rag down because mummy won’t be happy with those oil drips on carpet which happen over time.

I use mystery oil, don’t use wd 40 or penetrating oil as that’s for busting loose like exhaust bolts etc.
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A.K.A Chappy.
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Tony Prior


From:
Charlotte NC
Post  Posted 17 Apr 2018 12:41 am    
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well, my take as usual, don't oil anything until you learn what the issue is or what it is NOT.


QUESTION:

When was the last time everything worked fine ?

What changed since then ?
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years

CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website
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