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Topic: 2nd string lower problem. |
Jason Lynch
From:
Essex, United Kingdom
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Posted 31 Mar 2014 3:04 am |
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I have a BMI SD10 that I bought from Lee Jackson in 2011.
So, having taken a look underneath her a few weeks ago, I was greeted by a collection of dirt and gunk in the changer, so decided to strip her down and clean the changer up. I wanted to change my copedent slight so Thought I'd kill two birds with one stone, etc!
Anyhow, with a minimum of hiccups she's back together and tuned and playing fine EXCEPT: I'm having trouble tuning the lower for my second string which has a half stop at D, using the pull rod for string nine.
I've just finished trying to tune this in again, and managed to get it close enough for my ears, only to find that the 2nd string now won't return to pitch.
Took another look underneath and found the spring wasn't pulling it back to the stop bar, so I fitted a stronger spring.
Now, when I engage it, it lowers to D, then lowers a tad and starts raising back towards C#. Now I'm really puzzled.
Does anyone know why this is happening? If you push on the lowering arm with a screwdriver, the string lowers a tone and more, so whats causing this issue?
Thanks guys and gals.
Jason |
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Bob Carlucci
From:
Candor, New York, USA
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Posted 31 Mar 2014 5:44 am
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On some older steels, that full tone pull is not easy with an .015.. I have resolved that problem several times over the years by using an 016.. might be worth a try.. bob
_________________
I'm over the hill and hittin'rocks on the way down!
no gear list for me.. you don't have the time...... |
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Jason Lynch
From:
Essex, United Kingdom
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Posted 31 Mar 2014 5:46 am Re: 2nd string lower problem.
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| Jason Lynch wrote: |
managed to get it close enough for my ears, only to find that the 2nd string now won't return to pitch.
Took another look underneath and found the spring wasn't pulling it back to the stop bar, so I fitted a stronger spring.
Jason |
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Shorty Rogers
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Posted 31 Mar 2014 6:45 am
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| Not sure what year your BMI is, but both Dan Tyack and I experienced this problem on early BMIs. The problem seemed to be that the 2nd string changer would actually twist sideways when it was pulled far enough to get the whole step lower. I think that was probably cured in later versions of the changer. I could actually see it twist when viewed from the top of the guitar. It is possible that a pair of larger spacer washers between the 2nd string changer and the comb would take care of that, I never did try that. |
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Jason Lynch
From:
Essex, United Kingdom
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Posted 31 Mar 2014 6:47 am
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| thanks Shorty. I've had a look, and I can't honestly see any twisting. This is really annoying me now! |
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richard burton
From:
Britain
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Posted 31 Mar 2014 10:08 am
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| Scroll to the bottom of THIS THREAD to see my reply to a similar problem |
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Jason Lynch
From:
Essex, United Kingdom
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Posted 31 Mar 2014 11:24 am
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Richard, I owe you a pint. Or two!
Thanks. Time to change the spring again. |
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Shorty Rogers
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Posted 31 Mar 2014 12:48 pm
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Jason, you may be able to bend the rod up exactly where it comes through the changer. This would cause the tuner to start at a slight angle but would keep the contact point from changing as the rod is pulled. I'm sure some folks would be bothered by how that looks, but it should take care of that issue.
Originally, I said that would make the rod flush after the pull, but that was in error. My apologies. Bending the rod down would make it flush. Another option might be to put a point on the tuning nut, thus keeping the contact point constantly at the hole. |
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Jason Lynch
From:
Essex, United Kingdom
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Posted 1 Apr 2014 8:46 am
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well, Richard. You've solved one problem, and given me back my original one! 
I changed the spring with the one on string 7, which only ever raises, not lowers so It doesn't matter how tough that spring is as it never moves.
Now, however, The lower arm won't return to the stop again! I've taken a couple of links out of the spring and it doesn't help.
I was wondering- I recently stripped her down for a clean up and changed the washer at that location. could it need sanding down a couple of thou? I sanded it when it was fitted but it may need more. Would that cause this problem?
When i next get a chance I'll take the changer out in situ and check the washers. I should just have clearance to do it. |
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Lane Gray
From:
Topeka, KS
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Posted 1 Apr 2014 1:04 pm
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There are four common causes for your symptoms:
Bad spring tension;
Dry/unlubed pivot
Some foreign something in there getting in the way, and;
A pull not straight on.
_________________
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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Jason Lynch
From:
Essex, United Kingdom
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Posted 1 Apr 2014 10:12 pm
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| Thanks lane. I did straighten up the pull thinking it may be binding and lubed it as well. I think I'll try adjusting the washer and see if that helps. |
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Jason Lynch
From:
Essex, United Kingdom
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Posted 3 Apr 2014 1:01 pm
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Solved.
Dropped the changer out and found a broken washer on finger two.
I replaced a broken one a few weeks back during a strip down and clean.. This time I decided to leave it off. Seems ok now. I don't think one missing washer is the end of the world for the time being. |
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Joe Naylor
From:
Avondale, Arizona, USA
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Posted 3 Apr 2014 8:30 pm my observation
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I saw that on a BMI and it was pulling side ways and you have to look at each pull individually and slowly move the pedal / levers one at a time 4 or 5 times and watch closely.
Joe Naylor
www.steelseat.com
_________________
Joe Naylor, Avondale, AZ (Phoenix) Announcer/Emcee owner www.steelseat.com *** OFFERING SEATS AND Effects cases with or without legs and other stuff ****** -Desert Rose Guitar S-10, Life Member of the Arizona Carport Pickers Assoc., Southwest Steel Guitar Assoc., Texas Steel Guitar Assoc., GA Steel Guitar Assoc., KS Steel Guitar Assoc. (Asleep at the Steel) tag line willed to me by a close late friend RIP |
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