Any videos on changing strings on any keyless pedal steel?

Johnny Baker · From: Southport, Fla

Hi, I have the Universal 12 S-12 from Sierra and I was looking at the video they had for string changes and it's pretty bad. Very hard to see, no sound, and just not very adequate. Anybody know where to find a video of changing strings, it would be much appreciated. I am more of a video style guy than looking at booked material and reading it. It's easier for me to see it being done than just to read about it. Thanks.
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I am currently running a Simmons SD10, Peavey Nashville 400 that's packing a 15" BW, Peavey Delta Fex effects processor, and a Match Box. Best rig I've ever run and the sound is truly incredible.

Pete Burak · From: Portland, OR USA

Here is a close-up of the first few strings on my Sierra Keyless S12U.
Does yours look like this?
They had a few different designs over the years.

Sorry I don't have a video handy, but, here's how I do it. Once you get used to this procedure you can do it really quickly. It takes like a minute or two for each string.

Taking the old string off:
Sit at your Steel.
Have your Allen wrench and string-pulling-tool handy.
Note: I use an allen-wrench that will stay in the allen-screw the whole time during the string change.
Pluck the string you are about to replace and release all the tension using the Tuning Key.
Use your allen-wrench to unlock the old string (only takes about a half turn or so), and look at how the string is wrapped a half-turn around the allen-screw. That is how the new string will be installed.
Pull on the string to remove the string from the allen screw.
Remove the ball-end of the old string from the changer-finger slot (look at how it fits in the slot, and install the new one the same way).

Putting the new string on:
1. Hook the ball-end in the slot in the changer finger.
2. Now wrap the other end a half-turn around the allen screw, and tighten the allen-screw just tight enough to hold the string loosely in place (the ball end should not pop out).
Note: Now the string is loosely attached, and your hands are free.
Safety Note: The end of the string is sharp, so don't poke yourself!
3. Put an inch or two of the new string through the hole in your pulling tool, bend it over and wrap it around itself a few times so there is about 4-inches of string between the allen-screw and the pulling-tool in your right hand.
Note: You only need to pull the new string to a pitch that is about the same as the next lower string (you can pluck the next lower string for a reference pitch).
4. Loosen the Allen-screw just a bit with your left hand, and then pull the the string tight with your right hand while you also tighten the allen screw with your left hand (tightening the screw as you pull the string helps bring it up to pitch).
Make sure the allen-screw is snug, but don't overtighten it or you will strip the threads.

Now the string is on, and you can tune it the rest of the way up to pitch with the Keyless Tuner.
I like to stretch it a few times by lifting it upwards in the middle, then re-tune.
Not that the string is installed, you can wiggle the remaining end so it breaks off right at the allen head (like in the picture). You might have to use a string-cutter for the really thick gages, but you can wiggle them off too, it just takes longer.

Ian Rae · From: Redditch, England

My Williams keyless requires a similar procedure.
My string-pulling tool is a pair of round-nosed pliers, which are useful things to own anyway.
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Make sleeping dogs tell the truth!
Homebuilt keyless U12 7x5, Excel keyless U12 8x8, Williams keyless U12 7x8, Telonics rack and 15" cabs

Johnny Baker · From: Southport, Fla

Mine is a grey mica instead of blue. I also made a puller out of an old rake handle. It's a bit thicker and bigger but I guess it gets the job done. Unless you know where to find and purchase pullers.
_________________
I am currently running a Simmons SD10, Peavey Nashville 400 that's packing a 15" BW, Peavey Delta Fex effects processor, and a Match Box. Best rig I've ever run and the sound is truly incredible.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

long as the rake handle works I guess you're good. You can make a good string puller with a pc. of 3/8 or 1/2 in. dowel rod or aluminum stock about 3-4 inches long and drill a hole in the middle for the string.

Norbert Dengler · From: germany

https://youtu.be/aSt-A6KpxLQ

on a Schild Steel

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