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Post new topic 3rd string pull rod rattling when pedal's released
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Author Topic:  3rd string pull rod rattling when pedal's released
Travis Bubenik


From:
Marfa, Texas
Post  Posted 31 Aug 2022 4:04 pm    
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Hey y'all - got an issue that either just started or that I just started noticing on my GFI expo (mercy please, I'm a newbie):

When I release my B pedal my 3rd string pull rod is rattling around something fierce. Does this just mean I've got too much slack on it? (That's my instinct but before I go messing with it on that just wanna make sure I'm not wasting my time.)

Here's a video of what's going on: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/11x9CPjTZWA

Thanks!
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Ricky Davis


From:
Bertram, Texas USA
Post  Posted 31 Aug 2022 6:49 pm    
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If you don't like the slack or how to adjust it out; that is why many put little foam pieces in there to stop the jitters of anything really.
Ricky
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Ricky Davis
Email Ricky: sshawaiian2362@gmail.com
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Jason Putnam


From:
Tennessee, USA
Post  Posted 31 Aug 2022 6:52 pm    
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My Mullen did that too. Unfortunately I think that just happens especially with thinner rods. They flex with pressure and vibrate when released. That’s why some guitar makers put foam blocks under the guitar to dampen the rod noise.
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1967 Emmons Bolt On, 1995 Mullen PRP 3x5,Nashville 112, JOYO Digital Delay, Goodrich Volume Pedal, Livesteel Strings
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Bobby D. Jones

 

From:
West Virginia, USA
Post  Posted 31 Aug 2022 7:15 pm    
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When I got a GFI S12 Ultra from a friend of mine, This guitar come through Billy Coopers Shop in Virginia.
Here is what somewhere along the way someone had wove the pull rods through to keep them from making noise.

No its not a loaf of sliced bread, Its a block of foam.
I removed the foam, Found the 1 rod that raddled, moved a bell crank about 1/4" no more rattle.


I keep it around just in case my other GFI gets a cast of rod rattle, To quiet it till I can work on it.
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Dennis Detweiler


From:
Solon, Iowa, US
Post  Posted 31 Aug 2022 7:22 pm    
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I bought a new U-12 Zum in 83. It came with a foam loaf.
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1976 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics 427 pickup, 1975 Birdseye U-12 MSA with Telonics X-12 pickup, Revelation preamp, Carbon Copy Delay and Hall Of Fame Reverb, Crown XLS 1002, 2- 15" Eminence Wheelhouse speakers, ShoBud Pedal, Effects Pedals. 1949 Epiphone D-8.
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Travis Bubenik


From:
Marfa, Texas
Post  Posted 31 Aug 2022 7:59 pm    
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Hah - well this has turned into a classic “whoops” on my part! When I bought this guitar used it arrived with those foam pieces y’all mention - but in my ignorance I thought it was just some kind of packing material and threw em away! As a wise man once said - “doh!!”
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Jon Light (deceased)


From:
Saugerties, NY
Post  Posted 1 Sep 2022 4:04 am    
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Of course, yes to all the above.

But -- I can't tell from your vid but one cause of rod rattle is sometimes related to the routing of the rod. If it weaves tbrough a jungle of bell cranks on its way to the changer, it can get hung up on another crank, a rod end, a rod clip. Not only does this add friction to the pull, it can also create the tension and springy release you are getting. The answer can sometimes be to loosen the bellcrank and slide it over a tiny bit, or correct its angle if it's sitting a little out of square. But make sure to be aware that you are not creating other problems down the line. If it's crowded under there, sometimes a rod has to thread a needle to get to the changer.

(And sometimes the simplest solution of foam is the best.)
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Jack Stoner


From:
Kansas City, MO
Post  Posted 1 Sep 2022 5:22 am    
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I've had three GFI steels, an Expo S-10 that didn't rattle and did not have the foam. A well used Ultra D-10 with foam and now a new Ultra S-10 with pad with foam.

As a new player, how you are pedaling can cause some noise. I've seen more than one newbie that "stomps" on the pedals and releases and that can jar any guitar.
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