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Topic: 5th string raise issues with A and C |
Andrew Goulet
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Posted 20 Aug 2020 6:09 pm |
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Hi all,
I have a Marlen pull-release that I'm loving. One issue I've been having is that the C pedal raises the 5th string too sharp (B to C#), but the A pedal makes that same change on the same string with no problem. This is a new guitar and changer mechanism to me, so before I start fiddling, I thought I'd throw my line into the pond here.
Thanks! |
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Ian Worley
From:
Sacramento, CA
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Posted 20 Aug 2020 9:46 pm
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Going to need more info. Pics are always good too. It sounds like the problem here is probably with the A pedal, not the C pedal, like your A pedal isn't pulling far enough and the open note is essentially tuned flat to compensate for that. Do you have any lowers on string 5? That will make a difference in how you would sort it out if this is your issue.
On most pull-release guitars you tune the highest note first at the key head with the pedal or lever that raises it to its highest note engaged. At this point the finger should be pulled tight against the body at the forward edge of the changer hole in the top deck, the end of its possible range of motion where the finger can't move any farther. I'm guessing your A pedal isn't pulling it all the way tight. If, when you engage the A lever you can reach under the guitar, push that finger and raise the pitch sharp of the desired C#, that is your problem.
If adjusted correctly, engaging either the A or C pedal the pitch would be the same because they are both pulling the finger to the same hard stop against the body. If the string has no lowers, you would then tune the open B note with the hex screws on the end of the changer; if there is a lower also then tune the open note in the changer window with the nylon on the lowering rod, then tune the lowest note (A# or A) with the hex screw.
Pull-release is a very simple mechanism, but not necessarily intuitive until you grok how the different bits work together. If you do end up making any adjustments based on the above you'll also need to adjust the pedal stops so the pull rod is not putting excess strain on the finger when fully engaged. The pedal should hit its stop simultaneous to the finger reaching the hard stop against the body. |
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Ian Rae
From:
Redditch, England
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Posted 21 Aug 2020 12:02 am
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Pedal stop, wow! My old pull-release didn't have those new-fangled gadgets. The finger hitting the body was the pedal stop, and a delightful squishy feel it had too
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Homebuilt keyless U12 7x5, Excel keyless U12 8x8, Williams keyless U12 7x8, Telonics rack and 15" cabs |
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Andrew Goulet
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Posted 21 Aug 2020 11:44 am
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| Thanks, Ian! It was looking like the fingers just need a millimeter more travel, so I backed off the A pedal stop by less than one turn and now both A and C are in tune! Not sure if that's the best solution but it was a very minor adjustment and is working for now. |
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