Well, I can say I've never done any business with Mickey, but I can tell you exactly why he does what he does Read Below:
I would certainly hope that anyone ending up with a used steel, thinks enough of it, to remove the Changer Assemblies, (or have a competent tech do the work) to clean the old dried lube off, and not just simply lube it and start playing it.
Any pedal steel that's sat idle over a long period of time (without being played) should have the Changers removed, and the old lube (that turns to crust) cleaned off. If not, the fingers, and axles will be destroyed in very short order.
I've found there are people who aren't aware that oil, grease etc, (after use) dries out and forms a hard crust after sitting idle over long periods of time. When speaking of Long periods of time, I'm referring to even two or three years, of sitting idle. It then becomes very, very abrasive, and acts much like sandpaper would, if placed between the fingers and axle shafts.
When a pedal steel is being played and every few months, gets a drop of light oil, between the fingers, it keeps the old oil from hardening and flushes it out. Whereas, once sat idle and allowed to harden, I haven't found any other way of "really" getting all of the old crusted oil, completely out, short of pulling the Changer Assemblies...........
Maybe that will help in determining exactly why he does what he does. I'd say, it's because he DOES care.
Keep up the good work Michey, and if I ever need a plane ride, I'll give ya a yell..........
