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Topic: 1982 ZumSteel changer info |
Ollin Landers
From:
Willow Springs, NC
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Posted 3 Apr 2013 10:31 am |
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I have a question about my 1982 U-12. On the lower side of the changer there is an aluminum block with screws. I am not sure if they are screws for split tuning.
I seem to remember having heard that Bruce was experimenting at the time (1982) with some type of compensators but I could be very wrong. Does anyone have any idea if this is correct.
I can't find anyway of making these screws work for split tuning.
All help appreciated.
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Danny Letz
From:
Old Glory,Texas, USA 79540
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Posted 3 Apr 2013 10:57 am
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| I'm pretty sure those were return compensaters. The 84 I reassembled for a friend of mine had those. In the same bore the allen screw is threaded into, there is a tiny compression spring that contacts the fingers. Back the screw out so that the spring doesn't contact the finger. Now on a string that both raises and lowers, if the string does not return properly to neutral after the raise, try turning the screw in a little at a time until the string does return to neutral properly. The guitar I worked on returned pretty good without the compensaters, so I think we just left them backed off. I don't know how successfully these worked, but I'm pretty sure that's what they are. Split tuning screws would be up above the nylon tuning nuts on the changer. The 84 I reassembled for my friend turned out to be a really good sounding and playing guitar. If it doesn't have split tuning screws, you can still probably do split tuning with the second pull rod method. |
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Ollin Landers
From:
Willow Springs, NC
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Posted 3 Apr 2013 11:26 am
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That's what I seem to remember as well. I just wanted to make sure before I just started tinkering.
All mine are backed off and I have not had any issues with returning to pitch.
It is one sweet sounding and playing U-12 even though it's not been well taken care of.
With Bruce no longer making U-12's I think I'll hold on to this one and try to get it back in good cosmetic shape again. |
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Danny Letz
From:
Old Glory,Texas, USA 79540
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Posted 3 Apr 2013 1:14 pm
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| You sound like a Zumaholic like me! |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 3 Apr 2013 6:06 pm
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ollin,
those screws 'balance' the changer fingers that have raises 'and' lowers on the same string. if you watch your tuner reading while lowering and then raising the string, a slight adjustment of these screws will help the changer center itself in the open string position. experiment lightly. this was just another cool zum concept to aid in fine tuning.
my 82 has the split tuning screws. if yours has the same type of end block up top behind where the strings attach, it would be easy to tap the necessary holes. also a great added feature that i would recommend. this era of zum sounds really good.
if you go to the 'zums only' thread one of the first pictures is of my blue 82 changer end. |
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Pete Burak
From:
Portland, OR USA
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Posted 4 Apr 2013 7:16 am
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Please clarify...
Do you adjust them after lowering and releasing?
Or, after raising and releasing?
Is this meant to dial out the hysteresis effect?
My '84 S12U Zum has 4 of these screws.
Thx,
Pete B. |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 4 Apr 2013 9:24 am
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pete,
either way. lower and release and check the open position reading...raise and release and check the reading. experiment a few times with slight turns of the screw until you find it returning pretty consistently both ways to where you want it. of course newer strings and lubed roller nuts will help get a good reading. pretty much trial and error. once ive gotten them as close as i can to a consistent point i leave them alone. probably haven't touched mine for 10 or 20 years. |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 4 Apr 2013 9:27 am
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| and yes, i guess this would be sort of a hysterisis corrector. |
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chris ivey
From:
california (deceased)
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Posted 8 Apr 2013 4:26 pm
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