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Topic: Need Springs for a self build |
Jason Lynch
From:
Essex, United Kingdom
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Posted 2 Oct 2009 6:02 pm |
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Hi all, and greetings from the UK! I'm building a single neck ten string, and need tension springs for the changer. I have an MSA style changer, and could use adjustable spring mounts also, if anyone has 'em! shipping to the UK, obviously. no silly money please, but if anyone can help, let me know
Ta very much
Jason  |
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Tom Bradshaw
From:
Walnut Creek, California, USA
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Posted 4 Oct 2009 8:34 am Hold-back springs for changer
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Much to my amazement, I have found screen-door springs (a foot-long or longer) in local hardware stores that can be cut to the proper lengths for using as hold-back springs on changers. These springs are cadmium plated (just as are the springs manufacturers use), but may be just a tad bigger in diameter, which is not a problem, since they work great and still fit fine.
It is a matter of learning how to bend the winding loops on each end of the cut springs to make a hook to attach to the changer and to the spring's mounting point (usually on the endplate). This task can be practiced on one end of the long spring until you get it right.
As strange as it may seem at first, the beauty of buying this long spring requires you to cut it to the proper length, ending up getting a good feel and function on each string where pedal action is involved. If you cut it too short, the lowering action on a string will be too great (because of the excessive strength of the short spring). If you cut it too long, it will not allow the changer lever to return to its permanent stop. What usually happens is you first cut the spring too long, then have to keep cutting (and bending) loops off of one end of it until you end up with just the right amount of tension on the spring (which is how it should be). Thus, your error becomes your "friend" by ending up with a perfect-tension spring on each of the changer levers!
I think you can accomplish what you want. Just find that screen door spring! ...Tom |
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Jason Lynch
From:
Essex, United Kingdom
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Posted 4 Oct 2009 8:49 am Wow!
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I would NEVER have given that a thought. Fantastic. I'll have a scout around and see if i can get them here, as we don't use screen doors in the uk. (they get wet in the constant drizzle)
thanks Tom
Jason |
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Tom Bradshaw
From:
Walnut Creek, California, USA
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Posted 4 Oct 2009 9:41 am The Spring!
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| I checked my parts bin and found one of these springs. The dimensions is: 5/16" in diameter, 16 1/8" long, with an added dimension of .047" which is the diameter of the wire used to make the spring. The spring is made by the "Century Spring Corp., Los Angeles, CA 90015". Their product number is "CS-3". The bar code on it is "3859430003". Perhaps this Company has a web site. I've tried to find one of these strings again at the hardware store where I bought the one I have, but it wasn't there. I'm sure, however, that I could order them. Maybe you can too. Best of luck. ...Tom |
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Andy Hinton
From:
Louisiana, USA * R.I.P.
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Posted 4 Oct 2009 12:20 pm springs for homebuilt
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| Jason; you can order a full set of adjustable springs from Emmons Steel Guitars. The price is not much. probably can be mailed for les than $2.00 US. Their contact info is in 'Links' on this Forum. As Tom said, Good luck. Andy H. |
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Earnest Bovine
From:
Los Angeles CA USA
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Posted 4 Oct 2009 1:03 pm Re: The Spring!
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| Tom Bradshaw wrote: |
| The spring is made by the "Century Spring Corp., Los Angeles, CA 90015". Their product number is "CS-3". The bar code on it is "3859430003". Perhaps this Company has a web site. |
Yes, they have a web site, and a catalog that they might send you free. Glancing at their catalog, I estimate that there are about 250,000 springs to choose from. You can choose initial tension, rate (additional force per length) etc etc. I found just what I needed there. |
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Scott Howard
From:
Georgetown, TN, USA
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Posted 5 Oct 2009 3:56 am
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I have been buying 9/32 and .041 springs at the local Ace hardware for sometime now. They are # 65 in the spring bin and it will make 4 springs . I also use a 6-32 wing nut and trim one ear down and remove the other ear . Turn it around bacwards and you have a hook for the spring to make it adjustable. The screw goes right down the insid of the spring. Seems to work great and not very expensive.
I have been making these brackets out of angle for my MSA's .
I am not sure of what hardware store are available where you are but these are basic items and probably available online as well.
_________________
"The Oddball" A MSA Keyless with pedals to the right. |
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Jason Lynch
From:
Essex, United Kingdom
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Posted 5 Oct 2009 11:04 am
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Great advice, thanks man! I'll have a look, but springs seem pretty rare around here! can't think why? thanks again.
Jason |
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Charlie Shifflett
From:
Colorado City, Texas, USA
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Posted 9 Oct 2009 6:42 am springs
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Jason Charlie here
do you have a higginbotham bartlet store they have
a big box of sprinds of every kind I bought a
bunch there, thought I would help.
Regards Charlie
_________________
Charlie 1969 Emmons p/p 8/5 old pevey ltd400
Thanks |
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Jason Lynch
From:
Essex, United Kingdom
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Posted 9 Oct 2009 10:39 am
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Thanks for your help, Charlie, but I don't think we have that store in England. I've just ordered a meter long- (3'3" to you guys) spring 7mm (9/32) wide, might do the trick with enough adjusting, and I should get all ten from just one spring. Neat huh? fingers crossed. Thanks everyone for the kind advice.
Jason |
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