I made a boo boo

Donald Boyajian · Post by **Donald Boyajian** » 12 Nov 2013 6:18 pm

So, I went nearly two years without ever changing strings, except as they broke (so, really, only 1-4).

I changed all the strings tonight, and my LKL lever that lowers 6 a full tone does not seem to be working. Once I had changed the strings, the B pedal didn't seem to work, but I tuned it up, and it seems ok. However, the LKL lower could not be tuned up. Something seems to be wrong with it. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Don

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 12 Nov 2013 6:23 pm

Most common causes of the 6th string whole tone lower not working after changing strings is caused by using a different gauge than what was on there before, or using a wound string when there was a plain on there before.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 12 Nov 2013 6:24 pm

Do you now have a wound 6th, but plain before?
Usually the first suspect.

Donald Boyajian · Post by **Donald Boyajian** » 12 Nov 2013 6:29 pm

Hmmm. It is a wound...can't remember what was on the old one. I bet that's it. Do I just have to change to an unwound?

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 12 Nov 2013 6:36 pm

That's the first step. If it wasn't the same gauge as before, you may have to adjust the tuning or even the knee lever travel. That is probably what happened to your 5th string (different Gauge).

Donald Boyajian · Post by **Donald Boyajian** » 12 Nov 2013 6:55 pm

Thanks so much!

Tom Gorr · Post by **Tom Gorr** » 12 Nov 2013 7:15 pm

Might be able to change the rod length from the crank side to get it to pull the changer the correct amount...

Larry Bressington · Post by **Larry Bressington** » 12 Nov 2013 8:04 pm

If it's not a wound string thing check for Mangled string in changer? Rods catching/ finger pullers catching? Nylons too tight ?
Just running my mouth as usual

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 12 Nov 2013 9:41 pm

Before I'd go changing rods around, try changing to a plain string. That is most likely the problem. If you want to stay with the wound string, you will have to change things around. The wound string will take a longer travel than the plain string to get down to the F#. Some guitars have trouble with that change using a wound string.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 13 Nov 2013 3:48 am

Do you now have a wound 6th, but plain before?
Usually the first suspect.

Jim Palenscar · Post by **Jim Palenscar** » 13 Nov 2013 8:07 am

If you have adjusted the 6th string raise on the B pedal to work now w a wound string, loosen the adjustment prior to putting a plain string on it or you are likely to snap it when you depress the B pedal.

Donald Boyajian · Post by **Donald Boyajian** » 13 Nov 2013 8:58 am

Thanks for all the help - I gotta pick up an unwound 6th string today.

On a positive note, the new strings are making my guitar sound incredible! I was long overdue.

Michael Hummel · Post by **Michael Hummel** » 13 Nov 2013 10:39 am

I say Chappy!

Nylons too tight ?

Please send us a picture of your tight nylons!

Mike

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 13 Nov 2013 12:21 pm

Michael, this is a family forum.

Jim P. makes a good point about loosening the nylon net for the 6th string raise. When you change to a plain string, a .020 or a .022 is what you want to put on. These are the most common gauges that players use.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 13 Nov 2013 12:32 pm

Or you can change the rodding to make a wound 6th go. My Zum and my MSA both did it. Took along throw, but it made it.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 13 Nov 2013 12:35 pm

Or you can change the rodding to make a wound 6th go. My Zum and my MSA both did it. Took along throw, but it made it.

Donald Boyajian · Post by **Donald Boyajian** » 13 Nov 2013 1:35 pm

On another note- I think this might be a good opportunity to switch RKL from lowering 6 to raising 7 instead (along with raising 1 and 2, which is already does). Thoughts?

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 13 Nov 2013 1:47 pm

Then you lose the G split.

Donald Boyajian · Post by **Donald Boyajian** » 13 Nov 2013 2:15 pm

eh...I don't think I even had that before..or at least didn't know how to tune it...I usually half levered it. I need to get more mechanical and learn this instrument... I wouldn't mind half levering a 7 raise for a minor sound in the open position.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 13 Nov 2013 3:04 pm

I think GFI would need a raise rod on the 6th string lower (the lowering nut tunes the G split, the raise rod tunes the F#).
The G tone comes in more handy as the 7 of a G7 than the 3 of an Em.

Donald Boyajian · Post by **Donald Boyajian** » 13 Nov 2013 3:27 pm

oh wow. never even knew that position. brilliant

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 13 Nov 2013 3:43 pm

I meant A7, from A+B+Lower

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 14 Nov 2013 2:59 am

Donald Boyajian wrote:On another note- I think this might be a good opportunity to switch RKL from lowering 6 to raising 7 instead (along with raising 1 and 2, which is already does). Thoughts?

I would certainly keep the 6th G#-F# on there Don...
I couldn't play without that change... after the 3 "normal" pedals and 3 knees that are standard,
E-F/E-Eb/Eb-D-C# , thats my most used change.... bob

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 14 Nov 2013 10:04 am

I'm with Bob, but the 6th lower is my 3rd most used lever. Couldn't (well wouldn't want to) live without it. I even use it much more than the 2nd string lower lever.

Ron Pruter · Post by **Ron Pruter** » 15 Nov 2013 12:55 pm

Larry B,
My nylons were too tight once, My feet swelled up and I couldn't play at all. RP