Stiff knee levers,,,,What is the fix?

[Billy Henderson]

I have two stiff knee levers, LKR and RKL. They are not too bad but I like them looser. Any ideas?

[Donny Hinson]

If it's not a binding or lubrication problem, you can only (easily) do two things. Raise the guitar slightly (closer to the end of the lever gives you more mechanical advantage), or you can move the pull rods closer to the cross rod. Keep in mind that any reduction in effort will give you an increase in movement (a longer "throw"). You might also add sponge pads or a large paddle to the levers to make them easier on the legs (knees?), but I'm just not a fan of big paddles. Most levers are narrow, with sharp edges, and that's just a problem of poor design by the builder. A minmum 1/8" radius should be standard on all lever edges. (I sometimes get the feeling that a lot of builders never looked at a steering wheel. )

Another solution to reduce real effort is adding helper springs, but this is beyond the average steeler's ability to do it properly (having an easily adjustable setup).

[A. J. Schobert]

I would start oiling the heck out of the changer and start working back.