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Topic: Are Changer Shaft Supports Necessary? |
Allan Jirik
From:
Wichita Falls TX
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Posted 26 Aug 2012 5:05 pm |
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I'm finally putting my S-12 changer back together. I read posts that said the two supports (between 4-5 and 8-9 fingers I think) are not necessary because the shaft can't bend anyway. Yes or no? I noticed that the finger action between the two supports are mushy.
Also, what's the best polish for a Mica finish? I've tried lots of products and have not been totally satisfied with any of them.
Thank you for your help. |
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Larry Bressington
From:
Nebraska
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Posted 26 Aug 2012 6:49 pm
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MSA?
_________________
A.K.A Chappy. |
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William Lake
From:
Ontario, Canada
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Posted 26 Aug 2012 7:06 pm
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If it is like my Carter, no they are not neccessary. The all-pull means they will not bend.
However, they stop the shaft from flopping around and making rattles under there.
_________________
Bill |
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richard burton
From:
Britain
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Posted 26 Aug 2012 9:23 pm
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What diameter is the shaft?
Anything smaller than 1/2" diameter will need supports, especially on a 12 string |
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Allan Jirik
From:
Wichita Falls TX
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Posted 27 Aug 2012 5:14 am Msa
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| Sorry, I should have indicated that it is an MSA guitar. The shaft diameter is 1/2". I have nothing against using the supports, the reason I'm asking is because I noticed the fingers between the supports swing less freely than the outboard fingers. Or maybe I just have everything screwed down too tight. Thank you for your insight, this is my first time cleaning and putting a changer back together. |
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William Lake
From:
Ontario, Canada
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Posted 27 Aug 2012 5:27 am
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Sorry, I mistook your post. I thought you were talking about the pull shafts going from the pedal to the changer. 
_________________
Bill
Last edited by William Lake on 27 Aug 2012 5:48 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Larry Bressington
From:
Nebraska
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Posted 27 Aug 2012 5:44 am
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Were there any washer's in between each finger or at each end of the shaft...I think i used a couple of copper washer's when i put mine back together, i did reuse the shaft support if we are talking about the same things [where it has a screw holding it down, down in the pick-up cavity?] Mine was a bit iffy, but it's been a long time since i did mine. I'd probably re-use them, but i can't say for sure if it would be ok without it. I would imagine it would be ok, it's pretty tough to bend a 1/2 inch rod, but i'm not an engineer, so no bridge building for me! 
_________________
A.K.A Chappy. |
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Allan Jirik
From:
Wichita Falls TX
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Posted 27 Aug 2012 7:32 am
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| Yes, I got replacement washers from Tom Bradshaw. I'm going to try again, but this time I won't tighten the supports down as much (you're correct, they screw into the pickup cavity). |
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Mike Wheeler
From:
Delaware, Ohio, USA
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Posted 27 Aug 2012 10:21 am
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Allan, I would tighten down those supports. The binding you are seeing can be eased by using 1 or 2 thinner washers. Aside from that, when you tighten the screws, make sure the supports are exactly 90 degrees to the shaft. If one support is turned, even slightly, you will have some binding.
I did a rebuild once, and had the same issue you describe. I solved it with a couple (very slightly) thinner washers, and careful support alignment.
Just remember that the changer assembly should have very little play, but must move freely at the same time...as I'm sure you know.
Good luck.
_________________
Best regards,
Mike |
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Allan Jirik
From:
Wichita Falls TX
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Posted 28 Aug 2012 10:08 am
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| Thanks Mike. I haven't been able to find any washers thinner than what I've got. When the supports aren't screwed in everything is fine. Now I'm wondering if I switched the position of the supports when I put them back in. Heck, there's only two so I'll reverse 'em and see what happens. |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 29 Aug 2012 1:56 pm Re: Msa
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| Allan Jirik wrote: |
| Sorry, I should have indicated that it is an MSA guitar. The shaft diameter is 1/2". I have nothing against using the supports, the reason I'm asking is because I noticed the fingers between the supports swing less freely than the outboard fingers. Or maybe I just have everything screwed down too tight. Thank you for your insight, this is my first time cleaning and putting a changer back together. |
If the fingers between the supports aren't completely free, then you have something out of kilter (overtightened or cocked) or you just need to make those particular spacers or washers between those fingers a little thinner. Along with helping to reduce flex, the extra supports may enhance vibrational transfer to the body. I don't believe the idea that they are detrimental has ever been proven, so I'd just install them correctly and leave them there.  |
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John Billings
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 31 Aug 2012 7:52 am
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" I haven't been able to find any washers thinner than what I've got."
Try McMaster Carr for "shim washers." Kind of expensive. You'll need to use a micrometer to determine the thickness of the ones you have. |
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John Billings
From:
Ohio, USA
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Posted 31 Aug 2012 9:10 am
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Go to McMaster Carr, and type either "shim washers" or "round shims" in the search window.
http://www.mcmaster.com/ |
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