Replacement string in a pinch for Goodrich 120

Ben Waligoske · Post by **Ben Waligoske** » 23 Jan 2016 11:54 am

Hey y'all,

Out in the road and having some issues with my old 120. The action is rough and sticks in a couple places and looking at the string, it either seems to be worn and/or catching on itself causing the roughness...

I've heard of folks using fly fishing line as a replacement on ShoBud vp's - anyone ever tried it on a Goodrich? I'd order a direct replacement but I'm in the middle of Montana on a tour and need a working VP for the next 2 weeks. I'm going to pick up an Ernie Ball just to have something that works, and I have a backup ShoBud VP being delivered to my home in Denver this week, but it'd be great to get the 120 back online as that's what I'm most used too...

Any advice, or any steelers in MT, WA, or OR that might have a proper steel VP to sell?

Thanks all, cheers![/code]

Bruce Derr · Post by **Bruce Derr** » 23 Jan 2016 12:28 pm

Make sure the brass collar isn't rubbing on the pot bushing. I remember that causing some uneven binding on my old 120. The fix is to loosen the collar screw and slide the collar slightly away from the bushing.

There are lots of threads (no pun intended) about types of strings to use. Window blind cord, strong fishing line (not monofilament) and mason line come to mind. I used to throw a small dispenser of waxed dental tape (wider than regular floss) in my steel case for emergencies but never did try it.

Good luck!

Ben Waligoske · Post by **Ben Waligoske** » 23 Jan 2016 12:35 pm

Great, I'll try all that! Secured an EB VPjr for a backup as well... I've been trying to search the archives top but can only stare at my little phone in the back of a bouncy van for so long...

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 23 Jan 2016 12:37 pm

Shoestrings, the skinny braided round ones used on dress shoes, work well on pedals that use a short string. For pedals that use a long string (like the Fenders), the flat ones will work, too.

Mike Wheeler · Post by **Mike Wheeler** » 23 Jan 2016 1:19 pm

I always use the fly fishing line. I has a rubber-like coating that grips the pot shaft and won't slip....like some of the other string types mentioned...and it's very, very, durable. It lasts for years.

It's very easy to find. There are lots of stores that sell fishing supplies.

Dustin Kleingartner · Post by **Dustin Kleingartner** » 23 Jan 2016 1:24 pm

Mason's twine (Bricklayer Twine), available at Home Depot.

I remember seeing Doug Earnest saying that was a good choice, and he makes volume pedals

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... highlight=

Craig Baker · Post by **Craig Baker** » 23 Jan 2016 2:59 pm

Seems like the mason's line would be a good choice and available almost anywhere. You might rub a little bees wax on it or coat it with a thin layer of rubber cement.

Craig

Ben Waligoske · Post by **Ben Waligoske** » 23 Jan 2016 3:58 pm

Hey all,

Thanks so much to everyone one of you who contributed. Used a little bit of info from everyone's suggestions and did a little surgery on the Goodrich, and we're back in business it seems.

It appears as though the pedal/pot took a hit at some point and the pot + casing were slightly dinged, and grinding on itself as a result. The string needed re-winding as well, but I was able to get away with the existing piece simply re-wrapped properly...

Just soundchecked and all seemed to be functioning normally. The taper is just a little different than it was before - it reaches the "off" position a little faster - but no big deal and that of course is adjustable if I find it too strange in the long term.

Many, many thanks to all. I'll be keeping the VPjr. handy just in case, but obviously prefer the feel and 500k pot in the Goodrich, so will keep rolling with that for now...

Cheers!

Steve Smith · Post by **Steve Smith** » 2 Feb 2016 11:17 am

I have been using flyfishing line for 40 years and have
never broke it.....

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 2 Feb 2016 2:59 pm

shoe lace

George Kimery · Post by **George Kimery** » 2 Feb 2016 3:27 pm

The main thing is you need a string that will not stretch out over time. Lot's of good suggestions here. I had thought of Mason's line on my own several years ago but I have never tried it. I ordered one of Tom Bradshaw's pots and asked for a string, which he threw in free. So Bradshaw is a good source when you have the time. The strings can mail in a regular envelope and weigh nothing. Next day mail would get one to you if mailed to your next gig destination ahead of time. This would be an awfully expensive string, but if your present string breaks, it would be worth it.

Willie Sims · Post by **Willie Sims** » 3 Feb 2016 8:36 am

I'HAVE BEEN USING NILON STRING FOR YEARS.IT IS CHEAP KEEP A ROLL IN YOUR SEAT. WILLIE SIMS.

Mark Draycott · Post by **Mark Draycott** » 3 Feb 2016 9:20 am

I used the string from the old blinds I took down. Good size and strength.

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » 3 Feb 2016 10:09 am

I would 2nd Fly fishing line.
I have used it for the past 30 years with success.
Lefty

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