Dekley "D9" Steel - New To Playing - A few Questions

Greg Mallozzi · From: Rhode Island, USA

Hey Everyone-
My first post, glad to be in the forum!

I'm fairly new to playing - purchased (what I was told) was a Dekley D9 steel on Facebook Market in Nashville for cheap. Theres nothing on it saying it's a Dekley but was told the "D" shaped pedals indicate it is.

I've been playing for a few weeks now and starting to get down some basics. However, my C pedal broke. Not sure what happened but its totally stiff and doesn't bend - but today, It seems to have fixed itself somehow- but now all the pedals seems to be weirdly stiff and totally out of tune. Otherwise it seems to be pretty solid.

I'm looking into getting it checked out locally but just wanted to make a post here to see if anyone had any pointers, I've attached a few pictures - if anyone has experience with this steel or have any pointers
or suggestions I'd really appreciate it, thanks!!

Jon Light (deceased) · From: Saugerties, NY

I worked on one of these recently but 'unfortunately' it had few mechanical problems so I didn't really gain much hands-on knowledge.

For sure, be certain that there is free movement in the puller stack (YELLOW). See if it somehow got overtightened or if it needs some lubrication (simple light oil is fine).
The stop (RED) looks like it has met some trauma but I don't see how that would be the problem.

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Yup. It apparently is a Deckley. Must have been a student model, or a very, very early one.

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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.

Jon Light (deceased) · From: Saugerties, NY

Yes, it is a Dekley student model.

Also, look to see that there is free movement at the pedal attachment points.
And ..... I notice that in my photo, the pedal rod (yellow) goes into the puller hole from one side while your goes in the other way. There sometimes is a right & wrong way but I can't tell which is right. Your way, could the rod be jamming against the apron?

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Every guitar I have ever seen or had, has the pedal rod hooked up in the manner shown in the OP's photo. The reason I was given when I first started was that it kept the rods from being able to be kicked out while playing.

From the OP's picture, the third pedal seems to be stuck. It may just be something as simple as lube or something tightening up, as Jon suggests.
_________________
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.

Chris Brooks · From: Providence, Rhode Island

Greg, here are two nearby masters of fixing and restoration. Both are Forum members

John Widgren is down in Danbury.
Tommy Cass lives in Baldwinville Mass.

Either could tweak up your guitar and maybe install more knee levers. How many does it have now? Knee levers are essential.

I am looking forward to meeting another Rhode Islander when we all start playing out again!

Chris

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

No Dekley expert here, but that C pedal crank where the pedal rod attaches must have a stop somewhere. It's way past the other two. We can't see what's behind it, but it is apparently over traveled and may be pressing against and binding the linkage rods we see there underneath or behind it.

I'd have to see how that all attaches there, but I believe your problem lies with whatever is causing that pedal crank to over travel and whatever is behind it.

Larry Phleger · From: DuBois, PA

I would like to see some more information on this model of Dekley. I've owned several Dekleys and worked on them, but never saw anything under the hood like these pictures show. They had all pull changers much like the MSA. Was this a student model?

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Well, it does appear to be student model Dekley. I believe my assessment is in error as whatever is acting as a stop, is likely at the pull bar rather than the pedal attachment.

Jon alludes to some bent components so maybe that's causing the odd pedal crank idling position.

Greg Mallozzi · From: Rhode Island, USA

Thanks so much for all the responses!

Attached is another picture, if it helps - you'll see the C Pedal is lower than the others (excuse the dog hair) It still seems stiff and very "cranky" and loud, but does work.

What exactly should I oil underneath?

manny escobar · From: portsmouth,r.i. usa

Hi Greg, I`m in RI. I own the same guitar. We could put our heads together, and maybe this old antiquated machinist might fix the problem. My email is: mannysteel@cox.net

Chris Brooks · From: Providence, Rhode Island

Manny, you're not antiquated! You're just . . . . . experienced! Yeah, that's it. That's the word.

(BTW, Greg, he built his entire pedal steel.)

Happy New Year to you and the trees, Manny.

Chris

manny escobar · From: portsmouth,r.i. usa

Hi Chris, Happy New Year. I cut down my last Christmas tree on 12/23/20. No more killing myself with trees. Hope to hear you play soon.

b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

That's not a D9. D9 means double neck, 9 strings per neck. Or it indicates the tuning D9th (as opposed to E9th). What you have is an S-10, and you should tune it to the standard S-10 E9th.

You can adjust the height of each pedal by loosening the nut at the top of the connector.
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