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Topic: How do I find a broken string end in my changer? |
Michael Haselman
From:
St. Paul
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Posted 6 Aug 2013 3:34 pm |
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Well, this is an ongoing problem with my 10th string, E9 on my Mullen RP D10. I can't get it to lower more than a half step before the adjuster just raises the string pitch. I've tried everything from advice from many sources, including adjust pedal travel, return spring, bellcrank position, you name it. I've looked before for a ball end but didn't find it. I can't imagine it's anything else. No big deal, since I use it for Franklin pedal lower which I can use 5 and 6, but it sure would be nice. I know I should take it to someone but I'm playing out every week.
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Mullen RP D10, Peavey NV112, Hilton volume. Hound Dog reso. Piles of other stuff. |
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Brint Hannay
From:
Maryland, USA
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Posted 6 Aug 2013 3:48 pm
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| I use a good strong flashlight. Look from all available angles. I don't think there's anyplace in a changer for a ball end to be completely hidden. |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 6 Aug 2013 4:25 pm
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If you have adjustable lower-return springs, it could be that that particular spring is too tight. Try backing it off until the lowering finger starts to pull away from the stop, then re-tighten it one turn. Also, keep in mind that a string that is too light can cause the same problem. Make sure your 10th string is at least .036 - .038 guage.
(Yes, I know you said you checked the springs, but most people just tighten them up when they have a problem, and that can make their problem worse.) |
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Willis Vanderberg
From:
Petoskey Mi
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Posted 7 Aug 2013 6:57 am
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| I keep a small penlight in my seat for this purpose. Sometimes the ball end can be very hard to see . I also have a surgeons clamp or whatever it is called to remove the ball end. I used the same tool to remove a fish hook the is deeply embedded. |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 7 Aug 2013 7:30 am
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Hemostat. Useful tools
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2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects |
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Tony Glassman
From:
The Great Northwest
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Posted 7 Aug 2013 7:33 am
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| .....also raise-helper springs (if present) are too tight causing the changer finger to be preferentially raised at the end of its excursion. |
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John De Maille
From:
On a Mountain in Upstate Halcottsville, N.Y.
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Posted 7 Aug 2013 7:34 am
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| I shouldn't admit to this, but, after playing my steel for 20 yrs, constantly at gigs, I decided to give it a cleaning. Not a thorough breakdown, just a good cleaning and lube. I had found about 28 ball ends in the changer area. I used a strong flashlight and a pair of long tweezers. Man, I was really amazed because I thought I had gotten all that had broken. They were really hidden in the little dark areas of the changer pocket. They were all 3rd, 4th, and 5th string ball ends. I was lucky none had jammed up the changer. The steel was my RusLer S-11. It has the pins for the string attachment. I'm playing a U-12 ZumSteel now, which has the slotted changer. I wedged a piece of foam between the changer and the frame, which, catches the broken ball ends if they break. Luckily, this steel doesn't break that many strings. The foam is a good idea, that, I stole from John Hughey. It does a great job of keeping those pesky ends from falling into the mechanism. |
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Roger Shackelton
From:
MINNESOTA (deceased)
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Posted 8 Aug 2013 9:18 pm
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The WILLIAMS PSG Doesn't Have This Type Of Problem. 
Roger |
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Jeff Metz Jr.
From:
York, Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 8 Aug 2013 10:37 pm
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I tie a small length of thread to the ball ends of all my strings and let them dangle at the rear of the guitar for this exact reason. My s12 Sierra just eats the ball ends everytime a string breaks. An ounce of prevention worth a......frustrated steel player!
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Mullen G2 SD10 , Lil Izzy Buffer, Goodrich 120 volume pedal, Boss DD-7, Peterson Strobo flip, Peavey Nashville 112 |
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Bill Ford
From:
Graniteville SC Aiken
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Posted 10 Aug 2013 11:41 am
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Use a piece of soft sponge behind the fingers...Works for me...BF
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Bill Ford S12 CLR, S12 Lamar keyless, Misc amps&toys Sharp Covers
Steeling for Jesus now!!! |
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John De Maille
From:
On a Mountain in Upstate Halcottsville, N.Y.
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Posted 10 Aug 2013 2:17 pm
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| Bill Ford wrote: |
Use a piece of soft sponge behind the fingers...Works for me...BF
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Yes, that's my method, also. Works great! |
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Ron Scott
From:
Michigan
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Posted 10 Aug 2013 6:10 pm
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I've used sponge on mine for years and I thinks I got the idea from Joanie Cox after seeing her with them.Might have to use a small magnet to locate the string ball. I have before.RS
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Franklin D10 Stereo - 8 and 6 - Black Box-Zum Encore 4 and 5 Nashville 400,Session 400, DD3 for delay ,also Benado Effects pedal.
Steeling with Franklin's..and Zum Encore |
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Hans Holzherr
From:
Münchenbuchsee, Switzerland
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Posted 12 Aug 2013 9:34 am
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Excuse me...... WHERE do your ball ends go?
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Johan Jansen
From:
Europe
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Posted 13 Aug 2013 8:37 am
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Mine fall out......
JJ |
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CrowBear Schmitt
From:
Ariege, - PairO'knees, - France
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Posted 14 Aug 2013 1:34 am
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whan all fails, i turn the sucker upside down & shake it baby shake it !
repeat as needed....  |
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