RKR stayin in tune problem

Bob Sloan · Post by **Bob Sloan** » 18 Nov 2009 9:09 am

Help please,
I have a d-10 Sho Bud 8 and 6, super pro.
The problem im having is my 4th string. My RKR Does
not return to tuning after. It returns some but not
all the way. Ive replaced fingers 3 5 6 and 10. The
forth finger pulls but then clicks and slips back
some, could the changer be bad? if so is there
another changer i could use. Thank you so much
Bob Sloan. PS Changers were rebuilt a few months ago.

Geoff Marshall · Post by **Geoff Marshall** » 18 Nov 2009 4:05 pm

Hi Bob - You say you have replaced certain changer fingers before but have not said why and why you changed some and not all. Pot metal parts on Super Pro Sho - Buds are reknowned for failure. Knee lever brackets break and changers sieze up becaused of scissor finger damamge to the chrome plated 'monkey metal' top part, the bit the string is attached to.
This may or may be not the problem. There are many experts that may jump in here and add futher suggestions. There are specialsits who deal with this problem and vintage steels upgrades in general.
Anyway hope there is a simpl solution for you. Happy motoring.

G.

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 18 Nov 2009 6:14 pm

First thing, if your changer was rebuilt a couple months ago, it should not be giving you problems. Take it back to who did the rebuild so they can correct it.

What to look for: Return springs on all the fingers?

Is a finger hanging up on a finger next to it?

Is there excessive wear in the RKR linkage? Make sure everything runs perfect smooth, and that you have the right gauge string on #4.

Has the changer been properly and completely cleaned of grease and old stiff grease in the changer AND the fingers??

What the 4th string is probably doing, sounds like there is a groove worn deep into the finger. Bend the tab that causes that groove, bend it slightly so the tab is on fresh metal, and you will be ok for awhile. It's pot metal, so "awhile" is not as long as we would like, as if it were quality aluminum.

If it's not a groove worn into the finger, the next suspect would be wear and tear around the rivets of that finger. Swap the 4th finger with one that has minimal traffic. There could be a few other issues that could cause grief, too. But this might get you started.

Bob Sloan · Post by **Bob Sloan** » 19 Nov 2009 6:06 pm

To Geoff and James,
First of all, Thank you for the information and sugg
estions, I am looking at everything i can.
You guys brought up some things i never thought of.
Just those fingers 3,5,6,10. not the 4th were
rebuilt. Not having done anything like this before.
I can see now i should have changed them all. cost
was also a factor. Thanks again guys for your help.
PS No repair shops here or dealers.
bob.

James Morehead · Post by **James Morehead** » 19 Nov 2009 7:22 pm

Yeah, you probably are pretty challenged to get some help out where you are at. So this forum is awesome--again, thanx b0b!!
I'd just swap that finger with a low traffic one and see how you do. Email me anytime.

Larry Bressington · Post by **Larry Bressington** » 19 Nov 2009 8:19 pm

Rod have enough slack???

Paul Redmond · Post by **Paul Redmond** » 25 Nov 2009 2:55 am

What Larry said. Sounds like the changer is "in a bind"...that is not enough travel and the pullrod is preventing the changer from returning all the way. Increase the travel a bit with the stop screw, then re-tune the pull at the endplate. My guess is that that will solve the problem.
PRR

Bob Sloan · Post by **Bob Sloan** » 29 Nov 2009 7:51 pm

Hey Guys,
Just wanted to let you know you nailed it!
you got 5 stars in my book. Changer was in a bind
followed yor advice, sucess!
God Bless, To all,

and the steel forum.
Bob Sloan.

The Steel Guitar Forum