Parts Names

Alfred Navarro · From: San Bernardino, California

If you can put names of parts correlating to the numbers on this diagram, you would help this humble newbie get educated in my 1988 Emmons Lashley Gegrande.

Ian Worley · From: Sacramento, CA

That image is a Zum hybrid changer. Here is the patent for the Lashley LeGrande changer, the descriptions are in the accompanying text.

https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/13/97/91/ff0e1c5417a30b/US4175467.pdf

The patent describes what the various parts do, but not necessarily what they are commonly called. The common names for the three primary parts found in most modern all-pull changer designs are part #20, the "finger", and parts 30 & 31 together, the "scissor". These would be parts 24, 34 & 36 in the Zum image you posted. Some folks refer to all three of these parts in combination as the finger, along with any connecting bits, rivets, etc.

If you're new to psg, you might find a bit of searching around on google patents enlightening. Most patents reference earlier patents or "prior art", lots of interesting info that you can bore your friends with.

Douglas Schuch · From: Valencia, Philippines

Alfred,

You asked this question on FB, in one of the steel forums. You got some answers from Jack Strayhorn. Since you own a LeGrande, THAT was the person you should have asked any further questions of - he worked for Emmons, and many people, when selling an Emmons, will note that he assembled it as he was considered the pro at assembling and setting up at the Emmons shop.

I would also direct you to the website steelguitar.com as there is lots of info there to help you learn about the mechanics of pedal steel.

As noted, there is no clear terminology on some of this. Most people call the parts that actuate the changer "changer fingers", and would differentiate between the ones that raise and the ones that lower. The website linked above also calls the actual rotating part the "control finger". If I ever knew that one, I had forgotten it. You need to know and have a basic understanding of those three items, and how they work, but it is a little difficult to know exactly how yours are designed as you can't really see them without disassembly - but that is not important - just the basic ideas.

Also, the springs - there can be one or two springs on each string's changer - the lower return springs are essential - otherwise, the string tension would want to rotate the finger to the lowered position. These are often adjustable - they need to be powerful enough to always return the finger back to it's stop, and hold it there while playing, but able to be overcome by the lever or pedal that needs to lower it.

There are also often, but not always, raise-helper springs. They do what the name implies - help raise the string, so less pressure is required. But, they have to be weak enough that the finger does not move move unless activated by a pedal or lever to raise it.

Beyond those items, You are not likely to have to deal with any of the other changer parts unless you are totally disassembling the changer to clean and/or repair it.

Some things you can see if you compare the images posted with the link that Ian provided - the Zumsteel has a slot for the string ball end. The LeGrande shows a pin. The Zum is triple raise, triple lower. The LeGrande (at least, this version) is Triple-raise, but double lower. So were Zumsteels before about 1985 or so.

Both show lower return springs, but neither show raise helper springs.

I hope that helps. Check out that website - it will explain in animations what would take thousands of words to explain.
_________________
Bringing steel guitar to the bukid of Negros Oriental!

Alfred Navarro · From: San Bernardino, California

Awesome info, guys. Thanks.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

http://steelguitar.com/mapIntro.html

Hi Alfred, here's another source for some parts i.d. that you might find helpful. Review the site for more steel guitar information in general.

Good luck, happy pickin', and welcome!

Alfred Navarro · From: San Bernardino, California

Helpfull link, Jerry. Thanks.

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