| Author |
Topic: Changer on new Jackson is REALLY sticky |
Jacob Yergert
From:
Centennial, Colorado, USA
|
Posted 12 Jul 2024 1:47 pm |
|
Hi there.
Im a new player with a Jackson Blackjack. I've owned the guitar for about six months. So far learning to play has been relatively easy equipment-wise. I barely had to tune the guitar for the first two months I owned it!
Is the changer supposed to be really hard to turn? This is the only PSG that I've ever owned or tuned, so maybe it's like this on all of them. I was cranking so hard to get my LKL in tune that I was worried I would damage the plastic pin in the hole. I am trying not to turn the changer with the lever or pedal pushed in since there's already more tension on the string.
Is this normal? |
|
|
 |
Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
|
Posted 12 Jul 2024 1:57 pm
|
|
You keep using the term "changer", when it sounds to me like you are attempting to tune and individual string with the nylon tuner in the endplate,, Is this correct?.. If so, I have had some steels over the years that were very hard to turn indeed. They typically loosen just a tad over time. If they are that crazy tight, you may want to grab the pull rod for that string with a pliers or something, to keep from damaging the rod or bellcrank..I have taken nylon tuners off before and put a drop of oil on the threads because the nylons were just too tight to deal with otherwise... However, before you take my advice, or any advice here, you should call the guys at Jackson that built your guitar, and ask about this problem.. They may have seen it before on some of their guitars, and any recommendation they give you is more valid than any that I could give... bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
|
|
|
Jacob Yergert
From:
Centennial, Colorado, USA
|
Posted 12 Jul 2024 6:49 pm
|
|
| Bob Carlucci wrote: |
| You keep using the term "changer", when it sounds to me like you are attempting to tune and individual string with the nylon tuner in the endplate |
Yes, you nailed it. This is what Im looking at-- a knurled tool that goes on the nylon tuner. The pedals arent so bad, but the knees are SO STIFF
 |
|
|
|
Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
|
Posted 12 Jul 2024 7:47 pm
|
|
Two things you could try; remove the nut and rub some soap or wax on the threads for lubrication, or you could could get a tuning wrench with a larger handle...
http://www.psgparts.com/shop/page/13 |
|
|
|
Marco Schouten
From:
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
|
Posted 13 Jul 2024 1:54 am
|
|
Get a tool with a bigger knob. It will turn much easier.
_________________
----------------------------------
JCH SD-10 with BL XR-16 pickup, Sho-Bud Volume Pedal, Evidence Audio Lyric HG cables, Quilter Steelaire combo |
|
|
|
Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
|
Posted 13 Jul 2024 4:47 am
|
|
Ok, Yeah, If I had that guitar here, I would back the tuning nuts off and put a bit of lube on the threads, and work it a bit if they are really that stiff.. Some guys will say the threads have to be dry, but I have had several steels over the years where I had to lube those threads or ruin the rod or nylon tuning nut trying to turn the nylon nut. They can be crazy tight.
A nut driver will give a lot more torque than the tuning wrench you are using, so thats another option, but it also puts more strain on the rod and bellcrank. Give Jackson a call or email and ask them about it.. They built the guitar and would be happy to help you out...bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
|
|
|
Eric Dahlhoff
From:
Point Arena, California
|
Posted 13 Jul 2024 7:15 am tuning
|
|
Are they only hard to turn while tightening? Or also hard while backing off? If the former, maybe it's over-tuned. See "over-tuning" post at the top of the Pedal Steel page.
_________________
"To live outside the law you must be honest." (Bob Dylan) |
|
|
|
Larry Dering
From:
Missouri, USA
|
Posted 15 Jul 2024 8:16 am
|
|
| You shouldn't have to retune the nylon nuts that often if the steel is in the same room from day to day. I have several different make steels and if I use a microfiber cloth and rub along the strings several times before playing they seldom need tuning. But Bob is correct that some nylon nuts ate stiff. Most are not threaded letting the rod cut threads. This makes a hard job turning the wrench and cutting threads. Read the advise on over tuning. |
|
|
|
Brett Day
From:
Pickens, SC
|
Posted 15 Jul 2024 11:21 am
|
|
| I'm sure David and Harry Jackson can help you. They can make adjustments to your Jackson Blackjack and tell you what the issue might be and fix it. I know David and Harry very well because I play a Blackjack Custom. |
|
|
|
Marty Nemanick
From:
Madera, California, USA
|
Posted 15 Jul 2024 2:05 pm
|
|
| Bruce Zumsteg used white lithium grease on the threads, the nylon tuners on my Zum adjust very easily. |
|
|
|
Bobby D. Jones
From:
West Virginia, USA
|
Posted 16 Jul 2024 9:45 pm
|
|
| Remove the nut completely and check the end the rod, If there is any damage to the threads on the end of the rod, Can cause problems screwing the nylon nut on or adjusting the tuning nut. A little bees wax is a good lube for nylon to metal threads. |
|
|
|
John Larson
From:
Pennsyltucky, USA
|
Posted 17 Jul 2024 5:47 am
|
|
| Larry Dering wrote: |
| You shouldn't have to retune the nylon nuts that often if the steel is in the same room from day to day. I have several different make steels and if I use a microfiber cloth and rub along the strings several times before playing they seldom need tuning. But Bob is correct that some nylon nuts ate stiff. Most are not threaded letting the rod cut threads. This makes a hard job turning the wrench and cutting threads. Read the advise on over tuning. |
Agreed, my Jackson I only have to tune the changes as strings stretch it's incredibly stable. Unfortunately the AC control for my apartment is on the wall that has the washer/dryer closet on the other side so when I do wash it cools the place down drastically and my music room is the master bedroom with the duct coming off the HVAC unit so sometimes the temp swings and then I have to change the tuning then.
_________________
Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous; praise is meet for the upright. Give praise to the Lord with the harp, chant unto Him with the ten-stringed psaltery. Sing unto Him a new song, chant well unto Him with jubilation. For the word of the Lord is true, and all His works are in faithfulness. The Lord loveth mercy and judgement; the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.
- Psalm 33:1-5 |
|
|
|
