Removing changer from MSA Classic?

Andrew Frost · From: Toronto, Ontario

A friend of mine has a mid 70s Classic D10.
I've been going over it and fine tuning some things.
The E neck changer is pretty clean, and the pedals move easily and smoothly.

The back neck has pretty standard C6 set up, but the pedals are really stiff.
I took the back apron off and checked the motion of the cross rods and there is no sticking or problematic resistance there. There's a lot of darkening on the surface of that C6 changer that is probably rust and residue from arm sweat and shirt sleeve fibres. I believe the changer on that neck needs cleaning and oiling.

I am not clear on the procedure for removing a changer from these guitars and would appreciate any guidance.

That said, perhaps there is a simpler way to get that changer moving more smoothly... Maybe a healthy amount of triflow applied externally?

Thanks in advance.
Andy

Bobby D. Jones · From: West Virginia, USA

Here is what may be the problem. The lube used when the changer was assembled, May have been White lithium grease. When I removed the changer from early 1970's MSA Classic. There was black goo, and a tan colored dried material hard as paint. I put it in a Ultra Sonic Cleaner, And would not budge, I had to scrape the brown junk off and use 0000 steel wool to get to bare clean metal.

You may want to order a set of plastic spacers that goes between the changer fingers, They may have broke and came out, Or they may break from old age, When cleaning them.

The Pull rods are easy to position. Mark each pull rod with a fine magic marker, Where the pull rod exits the brass connector in the Bell Crank. Mark on each rod, With number of hole it is in the changer bars. (I used masking tape and piece on card stock.) Then Loosen the set screw in the brass ferrule on the bell crank, Remove the nylon tuning nut and aluminum sleeves, Long and short sleeve. Just slide the pull rod till it clears the changer. Move all pull rods out of changer fingers.

Make tags 1-10 and mark all Lower return springs so they go back on same string. (They have been lengthened or shortened to function on each string.)
Remove Lower Return springs and add numbered tag, To each spring.

Remove the 4 screws and remove the stop Bar/Plate. Check the Stop bar/plate for grooves, Remove groves with file, Or reverse bar on reassemble.

I suggest you cut a stout string to go through the changer fingers a spacers and allow room to work on each finger and raise and lower bars, PLACE SOMETHING, I used a key ring. So the fingers go back to the same string.

Remove the 2 screws from the changer shaft support from top of guitar.
From the under side of the guitar, Remove the 4 screws that holds the end caps on the changer shaft. Remove the changer shaft, With raise/lower levers, and fingers, And plastic spacers in order.

Check rivets on changer bars. Clean polish, Lube. Check changer shaft, Polish, May need a 1/2 turn on reassemble.

Good Luck on this project.
If you have any questions, Feel free to contact me.

Bobby D. Jones · From: West Virginia, USA

Be careful, When selecting a cleaning fluid used on the changer fingers and all polished aluminum. If the cleaner has Caustic components in the cleaner, It will badly etch polished aluminum parts.

Many cleaning fluids are a fire hazard, Or have a bad smell, Should be used outdoors for safety.

Andrew Frost · From: Toronto, Ontario

Thanks Bobby-
What do you recommend as a good cleaning agent?
Detailed description above is very helpful.

Quentin Hickey · From: Nova Scotia, Canada

Lighter fluid or npatha gas works good for cleaning with a stiff bristle tooth brush

Bobby D. Jones · From: West Virginia, USA

I use spray can Starting Fluid for small quick cleaning jobs.

I used spray can Starting Fluid for cleaning firearms, As a police armor. For quick cleaning and inspection of weapons.

Spray parts, Use a bristle brush to clean dirty areas, Spray rinse with Starting Fluid. Dries very quickly.
USE OUTDOORS, VAPORS DANGEROUS.

Here at home, I have an Ultra Sonic Cleaner, Dawn Dish Washing Liquid, Heats to 180 degrees, And vibrates.

Andrew Frost · From: Toronto, Ontario

Duly noted..
Thanks all.
AF

Henry Matthews · From: Texarkana, Ark USA

Just soak 24 hours in Berryman carb cleaner and you done.
_________________
Henry Matthews

D-10 Magnum, 8 &5, dark rose color
D-10 1974 Emmons cut tail, fat back,rosewood, 8&5
Nashville 112 amp, Fishman Loudbox Performer amp, Hilton pedal, Goodrich pedal,BJS bar, Kyser picks, Live steel Strings. No effects, doodads or stomp boxes.

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