Sho~Bud 6139 4th string return issues

[Marc Jenkins]

I took my steel very apart in August/September (cleaned and lubricated), and until today, tuning stability has been great. Not sure what's up now, but now the 4th string won't come back to pitch after lowering, even with the lower return spring cranked all the way. A little knock on the E raise lever brings it the rest of the way.

E lowers on rack and barrel, E raises are on barrel behind 2-hole puller, if that matters. Raise helper spring is disengaged.

Any suggestions would be great, thanks! Have a session on Friday and I'm a bit worried.

[Ricky Davis]

Marc; is the 8th string lowering and coming back fine??
Marc; it sounds like the Lowering section of the finger is hanging up trying to return all the way. I have several possibilities of what it is; as I have delt with at least that many.
So you are saying when you hit the raise a little...then it does return....so that is a PIVOT hang up going on. Ok so to figure WHAT KIND of pivot prob...ha...lets see; lets try a few things before dropping just that finger out.
On the lower and raise sections; there are slots at the end of those sections that go into the bracket...Try sticking a flat head screwdriver in there and wedge that slot a little more open(you won't break anything. Then try the lower and see if that lets it come back better.
Next; take the lowering barrel off rod. Now is the rod super easy to move back and forth?? now just with a phillips screw driver...just push that lowering finger in and release...and does it go and come back with ease??
If NO on those things....I'm almost thinking you put that bracket back in wrongly..or not the right height...so a little binding. Both lowering and raise sections should be easily gliding in and out, no binding.
Also when you are pushing the finger lowering in...is that part of the finger at all touching the lower spring???
And is the rack free moving...and lower rack not frozen up...if so; flat head close those gaps a little on the sides of that lower rack that fits on those dimples on side.
Ok try that stuff...and lets hear from ya.
Ricky

[Marc Jenkins]

You’re the best Ricky! Will investigate in the morning and report back.

Thanks so much!

[Marc Jenkins]

Ricky, the screwdriver opening up the finger did the trick! Thanks again!!

[richard burton]

There's a very wise saying:

If it ain't broke, don't fix it

[Ricky Davis]

Awesome, glad I could help with words...ha
Ricky

[Marc Jenkins]

Awesome, glad I could help with words...ha
Ricky

So helpful, you’re a gem Ricky!

[Marc Jenkins]

So after a few hours of success, same problem came up. On a hunch, I pulled the first four fingers, and swapped 1 and 4. All good now, playing much smoother too. Looks like the hole in the finger that was on the 4th string was binding on the pull rod.

[Ricky Davis]

Awesome; Good work Marc....
Ricky

[William Holloman]

Marc: One thing I found on my '81 Bud, is the rivet that holds the the lower and raise pieces together (pivot point) over time, wears. When you disassemble to lubricate, it's easy to rotate that worn area in the rivet to a different place, making it bind up. You have no choice but to work that rivet back into it's familiar area, and the fingers will be free again...or replace the rivet. Hope this helps.

[Marc Jenkins]

Marc: One thing I found on my '81 Bud, is the rivet that holds the the lower and raise pieces together (pivot point) over time, wears. When you disassemble to lubricate, it's easy to rotate that worn area in the rivet to a different place, making it bind up. You have no choice but to work that rivet back into it's familiar area, and the fingers will be free again...or replace the rivet. Hope this helps.

Seems I’m sorted now William, but I appreciate that - will make sure to watch for that next time I disassemble!

Thanks!