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Topic: Marlen 3rd string breakage? |
Mike Ritchie
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2020 7:18 am |
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| I have a 1970 Marlen that I had set up and was working fine but all of a sudden started breaking the G# string. I did change the pull rod on it a while back but it worked just fine for a period of time after that. The string keeps breaking at the tuning post and I have removed the post and cleaned up with emery cloth so I believe it is free of any burrs, however, the tuners are an older style using a slot instead of a hole that you pass the string through. Could this be a set up issue? Tuning head issue? I am looking to replace all of the Schaller M6 Vintage tuners but I don't see a direct replacement using the single screw, only something close that will mean I have to drill holes for the locator pins. Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Mike |
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Ricky Davis
From:
Bertram, Texas USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2020 9:12 am
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You should always wind the 3rd string around the tuning key post 7 winds at least. If it still breaks ANYwhere along the line; it is a bad string.
Ricky
_________________
Ricky Davis
Email Ricky: sshawaiian2362@gmail.com |
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Mike Ritchie
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2020 9:33 am
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| Thanks and I will try 7 wraps, but this happened to five new strings in a row with at least 3 or 4 windings so I was thinking maybe some other issue snuck up on me. |
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Ricky Davis
From:
Bertram, Texas USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2020 10:39 am
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what brand and gauge string, broke 5 in a row???
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Ricky Davis
Email Ricky: sshawaiian2362@gmail.com |
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Mike Ritchie
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2020 11:11 am
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| Jagwire, 11's. I bought a dozen a few months back after breaking a few and I had used them on my Carter Starter and liked them just fine. I really think it might be these old slotted tuners, the strings try to walk right off when I am putting them on and I never seem to get a good wind. |
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Ricky Davis
From:
Bertram, Texas USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2020 2:53 pm
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ok it's not the string brand; so if they always break right there on the peg; probably that is the issue....but I do think, like you mentioned...more of a "secure" issue...as some how the string is not secured enough with the windings if it still wants to move on the peg?? hmmmmmm...can you snap a shot....and put it up here of those tuning pegs?? I know Marlen pedal steels well, even ever since the Speedy West endorsement late 60's...but I have no idea the kind of tuning machine you are talking about...sorry.
Ricky
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Ricky Davis
Email Ricky: sshawaiian2362@gmail.com |
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Mike Ritchie
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2020 3:24 pm
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I soldered the slot at the end to keep the string from walking off and tried it one more time hoping to get a nice tight wind. It held until I had to re-tune the new string (five minutes later), then broke in the same place. |
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Ricky Davis
From:
Bertram, Texas USA
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Posted 7 Nov 2020 5:03 pm
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Wow; those are some wicked looking posts to wind on to....geeeeze. Looks like Grovers would go right on there as replacements....>but have you tried replacing that 3rd string tuner; with a tuner from a very NON abused changing string a million times post??? Like maybe even the 4th tuner on the C6 neck...
Ricky
_________________
Ricky Davis
Email Ricky: sshawaiian2362@gmail.com |
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Mike Ritchie
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 8 Nov 2020 7:40 am
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| Yep, they have seen better days. I have a Grover 210C on the way and if that works out I'll be replacing them all. Looks like I will just have to drill a hole for the pin and it should work. |
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Ricky Davis
From:
Bertram, Texas USA
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 8 Nov 2020 8:13 am
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| Mike Ritchie wrote: |
| Thanks and I will try 7 wraps, but this happened to five new strings in a row with at least 3 or 4 windings so I was thinking maybe some other issue snuck up on me. |
Like Ricky says, 3 or 4 is not enough! You need at least 7.  |
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Mike Ritchie
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 8 Nov 2020 8:39 am
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Thanks for the info on the Rotomatic tuners, I just don't see the measurement from the center of the post to the center of the screw hole so I'm worried it might be off a bit. I found some info on the 210C here on the forum and figured it might work but the Rotomatics would be a lot easier if they lined up. Might have to see if I can locate a single and try it. I need about 10.5mm from the center of the post to the center of the screw hole. Hopefully I can try the 7 plus wrap method soon. Thanks again!
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Ricky Davis
From:
Bertram, Texas USA
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Posted 8 Nov 2020 11:57 am
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Oh I see the pin thingy now...ok cool if you found info and the 210C Grovers might work.
But I still think you should try swapping the 3rd string E9 tuner with the 3rd or 4th string C6 tuner and like me and Donny say> 7 wraps.
Ricky
_________________
Ricky Davis
Email Ricky: sshawaiian2362@gmail.com |
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Mike Ritchie
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 8 Nov 2020 12:27 pm
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| Will do. Thanks guys. |
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Mike Ritchie
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 10 Nov 2020 4:12 pm
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FYI: Tried the Grover Rotomatics but the footprint is just slightly off and the cylinder/bushings are designed for a slight thicker Keyhead or headstock. Waiting on the 210c's and will see if those work. I really need to change them all anyway and will report back in case there are any other Marlen owners with similar tuners looking to do the same.
Thanks again for the advice! |
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Ricky Davis
From:
Bertram, Texas USA
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Posted 10 Nov 2020 5:12 pm
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Okay cool bro, let us know how it goes along, and stay with it.
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Ricky Davis
Email Ricky: sshawaiian2362@gmail.com |
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Larry Bressington
From:
Nebraska
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Posted 10 Nov 2020 7:39 pm
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Yip what Rick said; When i cut my string 3rd, i attach it to the finger then run the string all the way to the end of the guitar (past the tuning head) out to the endplate for length, then snip it and start winding.
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A.K.A Chappy. |
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Bobby D. Jones
From:
West Virginia, USA
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Posted 10 Nov 2020 9:50 pm
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Looks like as a quick cure to stop breaking strings. The hole that someone has drilled through the shaft behind the slot in the shaft is now the string anchor hole.
Put the end of the string through the hole behind the slot, And wind the string on the smooth shaft. This should allow for a smooth 4+ wraps on the tuner shaft.
WEAR SAFETY GLASSES while sitting at the guitar till you get this problem resolved. A string breaking at the key head is dangerous to your eyes and hands.
I had a string to once break at the key head on my old MSA, The string wrapped over my right hand with bar and went into my right hand ring finger, I had to pull to get the string out of my finger. I was lucky it did not hit me in the face or eye.
Be Safe, Good Luck on finding a safe cure for this problem and back Happy Steelin. |
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 11 Nov 2020 3:36 am
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Looking at that post I'm surprised EVERY string you put on didn't break 
_________________
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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Mike Ritchie
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 11 Nov 2020 4:38 pm
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| Great tips and advice guys and much appreciated! I have a starter steel I am still practicing on so I'll just be patient until I get new tuners. I'm thinking hard about switching the problem tuner with the other neck like Ricky said, but I'll probably just create and additional issue I'll have to deal with. I don't mind working on this old gal, she was pretty much put out to pasture when I picked her up so we have "bonded" since the rescue. And Tony, I did break just about every string I put on that post which led me to this one |
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Mike Ritchie
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 12 Nov 2020 4:21 pm
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210 C installed and it was very simple. Had to drill a hole for the alignment pin (drill size 42) and in she went. Finally got a nice wrap on it and so far so good. Nice to have my G# back and I will be ordering a couple of complete sets of these 210 C's so I can replace them all next time I change strings. Thanks again for the help! Hope this can help someone else out who is looking for some replacement tuners for an old Marlen.
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Mike Ritchie
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 12 Nov 2020 4:21 pm
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| Sorry about the monster size pics, not sure how that happened? |
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Ricky Davis
From:
Bertram, Texas USA
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Posted 12 Nov 2020 6:54 pm
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Way cool; that tuner looks nice.
Ricky
_________________
Ricky Davis
Email Ricky: sshawaiian2362@gmail.com |
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