| Author |
Topic: p/p tuning problem...HELP!!!!!!! |
Jory Simmons
From:
Elkhorn, Wisconsin, USA
|
Posted 26 Feb 2006 2:21 am |
|
My p/p has developed this problem where when I let off "A" ped.....(C# back to "B" )(string 10) comes back flat, and I constantly have to re-tune at the end plate.....drives me nuts and I can't fig out why!!!! Anybody??????Thanks ASAP!!!!!! Jory
------------------
Jory Simmons
[This message was edited by Jory Simmons on 26 February 2006 at 11:54 AM.] |
|
|
 |
Dave Magram
From:
San Jose, California, USA
|
Posted 26 Feb 2006 3:04 am
|
|
| Jory, you need to isolate the problem. The first thing to do is to make sure the changer is working. Disconnect the pull rods from the changer fingers involved by loosening the collars on the pull rods. You can then "tune the changer"; pull on each changer finger and see if the string goes all the way to C#, then release it and see if it returns to B. If so, the changer is working properly. Reconnect the pull rods and make sure the pedal is pulling the changer finger all the way so that the string is in tune. If not, you need to check what else could be preventing the changer from working. Check the compression springs. I've heard that some people use none on either string, or a very short (turn and a half) spring on the thinner string. I assume that you have put a drop of oil between the changer fingers about once every six months or so. If not, the changer may need some lubrication. If you don't have it, I'd recommend the Clem Schmidt book on maintaining Emmons p/p. It is called something like "Theory and Methodology of Pedal Steel Guitars" and I believe is available from Emmons Guitars or Bobbe Seymour for about $12. I hope this helps. [This message was edited by Dave Magram on 26 February 2006 at 01:30 PM.] [This message was edited by Dave Magram on 26 February 2006 at 01:31 PM.] |
|
|
|
Charles Dempsey
From:
Shongaloo, LA
|
Posted 26 Feb 2006 5:52 am
|
|
From "A WILDERNESS GUIDE TO BASIC SETUP OF AN EMMONS PUSH PULL STEEL GUITAR":
| Quote: |
| A common problem on older guitars (what Emmons push pulls aren’t) is strings not returning to their proper pitch after they have been lowered. This occurs mainly because the lower return spring does not have enough tension on it. These springs after years of repeated use lose some of their flex and have to be tightened up. On most of these guitars the lower return spring is attached to a rod which feeds through metal rack and is held in place by a collar. To increase tension take a set of needle nose pliers and stretch the spring with one hand and undo the collar set screw, then fasten it so that it is tight against the rack. If you over tension the spring the pedal or knee lever on that string will become stiff. You have to adjust for this while making sure the string is returning to its proper note. |
Charlie |
|
|
|
Larry Bell
From:
Englewood, Florida
|
Posted 26 Feb 2006 9:01 am
|
|
It's very doubtful that a return problem on the A pedal is a return spring issue. Return springs help return the changer to the 'balanced position' after the string is LOWERED. String tension should be enough to return after a raise. Dave's suggestion is always the first thing to do on a push-pull -- TUNE THE CHANGER. If the changer raises then returns when you manually pull the raise finger out, the problem is elsewhere. This problem could be from a ball end or other stuff lodged in the changer, binding at many different points, and a whole host of other causes. First question to answer: IS IT IN THE CHANGER?
------------------
Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S/D-12 6x6, 1984 Sho-Bud S/D-12 7x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps
|
|
|
|
Justin Griffith
From:
Taylor, Texas, USA
|
Posted 26 Feb 2006 9:22 am
|
|
Just a thought. Is the roller up by the key head turning freely?
------------------
Justin Griffith
D-10 Blanton 8X4, D-10 Emmons P/P 8X5,Nashville 400,Matchbox 7-A,Goodrich L-10K,Walker seat.
|
|
|
|
Charles Dempsey
From:
Shongaloo, LA
|
Posted 26 Feb 2006 3:06 pm
|
|
| Quote: |
| It's very doubtful that a return problem on the A pedal is a return spring issue. Return springs help return the changer to the 'balanced position' after the string is LOWERED. |
Duh, yeah. I read it backwards.
Charlie |
|
|
|
john widgren
From:
Wilton CT
|
Posted 8 Mar 2006 7:18 am
|
|
| Of course check the changer first: But sometimes it's just that the bell crank collar is too close to the bell crank. Make sure that fishhook is not binding up the open tuning position.(too tight). If it, is you must select another leverage option, or move the pull collar away from the bellcrank, or increase the pedal travel. PS: I'll bet that if you have a B to Bb lower, that's messed up too. (Ignore last comment if you don't have that change.) [This message was edited by john widgren on 08 March 2006 at 07:21 AM.] |
|
|
|
Paul Wade
From:
mundelein,ill
|
Posted 8 Mar 2006 7:38 am
|
|
jory, give mike cass a call in nashville.
he is a expert on p/p
paul |
|
|
|
Jory Simmons
From:
Elkhorn, Wisconsin, USA
|
Posted 8 Mar 2006 8:00 am
|
|
Thanks everyone for your comments. I solved the problem by replacing the tuning screw on the end-plate...the red locktite was worn off, and the screw moved too freely, and was probably stripped....anyhow since replacing it( I took one not being used off of C6th neck)it stays in tune now.
------------------
Jory Simmons
[This message was edited by Jory Simmons on 08 March 2006 at 08:01 AM.] |
|
|
|
Kevin Hatton
From:
Buffalo, N.Y.
|
Posted 8 Mar 2006 9:00 am
|
|
| I love it when closet rocket scientists come on the forum and offer help that has nothing to do with the problem. The problem is on the raise and someone is telling this guy that its a lower return spring. Go figure. |
|
|
|
Jory Simmons
From:
Elkhorn, Wisconsin, USA
|
Posted 8 Mar 2006 9:46 am
|
|
Problem solved.....please close this topic!
------------------
Jory Simmons
|
|
|
|
Charles Dempsey
From:
Shongaloo, LA
|
Posted 8 Mar 2006 11:04 am
|
|
| Quote: |
| I love it when closet rocket scientists come on the forum and offer help that has nothing to do with the problem |
And I love it when some big mouth shoots his wad without bothering to read the whole thread.
Charlie |
|
|
|
richard burton
From:
Britain
|
Posted 8 Mar 2006 11:21 am
|
|
Kevin,
A lot of people offer advice on this forum, all in good faith.
I find your remarks distasteful and unwarranted.
Shame on you.
|
|
|
|
Jory Simmons
From:
Elkhorn, Wisconsin, USA
|
Posted 8 Mar 2006 11:50 am
|
|
| Charles......that rocket scientist would be you??????? I don't understand any of your comments on this thread, unless you just have a weird sense of humor!!!!!!! Jory |
|
|
|
Mickey Lawson
From:
Cleveland, Tennessee, USA
|
Posted 13 Mar 2006 5:12 am
|
|
| Charles, you take your chances when you try to help someone. That's' life. |
|
|
|
