Duesenberg Multibender Problem

[Will Jaffe]

First off the Duesy Pamona is the best sounding/playing lapsteel in my experience. I love this instrument. It sounds beautiful.

I've tuned my Pamona in G tuning (GBDGBD) using the same gauges as the Pamona string set. Levers are set for lowering 2nd string (high B) down a full step, and other lever is set for raising my 4th string (low D) up a full step.

I have a problem with lowering my 2nd string (high B) down a full step and staying in tune. It seems that the bender moves around sideways on the metal shaft. It needs to stay put more to the direction of the 1st string (high D).

Example, I tune my B string, then push the lever down and release back up, the B is now very sharp. The lever moved sideways on the shaft by itself away from the 1st string (high D). If I push the lever sideways on it's shaft towards the 1st string (high D) it will hold tune for a little until the lever arm again slides sideways away from the 1st string (high D).

One thought I had was to make some shims for the shaft, to keep the lever in place. This might cause the lever to be harder to push down on.

I am hoping for a more elegant solution. Perhaps someone else had this issue and resolved it. Any help would be much appreciated.

[Peter den Hartogh]

Leave it where it wants to be and allow it to stay there. Then retune.

[Alan Brookes]

I have four levers on mine so there isn't room for that problem, but what I have found is that you cannot use a lever to flatten the lower strings because the springs aren't strong enough to bring the string back up to pitch.

[Will Jaffe]

Thanks guys.
The lever does not settle in one spot, it moves sides ways.
It is not a lower string it is the high 2nd string. Spring returns it fine. It's the sideways motion that takes it out of tune.

[David Stilley]

First off I don't own or use a multi-bender but, If you need to shim it or decide to try that as you were thinking you should think about using Delrin washers instead of metal. They are kind of self lubricating and really tough. Not expensive and easily available.

[Tom Pettingill]

What gauge string do you have on there? I wonder if a little more tension would hold it in place better.
Also look / check to make sure that you have the return spring in the right spot and strait.

[Will Jaffe]

Thanks for the suggestions.

The delrin is a good idea if it comes down to spacers.

The return spring would be difficult to have anywhere but the right spot. It wedges between two screw heads.

It's my 2nd string, high B, #18. A higher gauge would most likely help but the most I'd put on the 2nd string would be one gauge larger, a #19. I will give it a try, thanks ...

Still waiting to hear from Duesenberg ... surely I'm not the only one dropping a whole step on a 2nd string?

[Will Jaffe]

Trying a 19 2nd string did not create enough tension to hold the lever from sliding.

To test my theory I made a small plastic spacer to wedge between my two levers. It helps to keep the 2nd string lever from sliding. It works but is not pretty.

Martin from Duesenberg is sending me parts ...

[Timothy Foster]

Is Martin sending some sort of fabricated spacer? I have a Fairytale, which allegedly has a redesigned multibender setup -- not sure wherein lies the difference. With the stock 2nd/3rd string configuration it's been pretty rock solid, but I suppose I have the higher tensioned 3rd string butting up against the 2nd to keep it in place -- at least in one direction.

Curious to hear how it pans out for you, as I've considered changing my lever setup to span across different strings as well. Good luck!