Questions about BMI SD-12...

[Tim Russell]

I have a chance to purchase a SD-12 BMI. Are they a pull release system?

How many raises/lowers are possible with this guitar?

Are they easy to change the copedent on?

Any other info. is helpful! Thanks!

[Dennis Montgomery]

Last year I bought a used '75 BMI SD12 that had been sitting in it's case since 1980. When I bought it only the 8 inside strings were on it which I thought was a bit strange. I originally planned to restore and keep it as a second 12 string. I disassembled, deep cleaned & rebuilt it but could never get it to work smoothly. I believe the problem was I just couldn't get the tuning rods to go through the changer at the proper angle without sticking...it seemed very touchy about that and much different than other pedal steels I've worked on. If I had to guess, maybe the original player also had that problem and was only playing it as an 8 string steel. I sold it to someone on the forum as a console steel. He rebuilt some of the parts in the changer and other metal pieces and was able to get it up and running. I know he sold it soon after rebuilding it.

If you're not good with metal work and experienced in rebuilding pedal steels (or have someone you plan to send it to for setup that is) I'd be wary of buying this. At the least you should check it out in person first to make sure it's already in playable condition. If that's not possible, be aware you could be taking on more than you planned as a project before it becomes stable and playable

[Larry Dering]

Dennis, I have 2 different S10 BMIs and I agree with the setup. Was the little bullet nosed spacers there to keep the rods centered? I had some rubbing problems on the c pedal rods and with some tweaking and slightly bending the same I have mine working smoothly. Some have also gone to smaller 1/8 inch rods. Just a thought. The underbody clearance is minimal and makes it harder to gain the necessary space.

[Ian Rae]

What do they sound like? Is it worth the effort?

[Erv Niehaus]

I would think they'd sound good.
Aren't they kind of a spin off from the ZB?
Erv

[Dennis Montgomery]

Dennis, I have 2 different S10 BMIs and I agree with the setup. Was the little bullet nosed spacers there to keep the rods centered? I had some rubbing problems on the c pedal rods and with some tweaking and slightly bending the same I have mine working smoothly. Some have also gone to smaller 1/8 inch rods. Just a thought. The underbody clearance is minimal and makes it harder to gain the necessary space.

Hi Larry,

yes the bullet spacers were there, but it appeared to me the tolerance through the changer was so tight that unless the rods entering them were perfectly aligned, it would cause binding. Also, I could be wrong but because many of the rods were already bent to enter at that perfect angle, I had the feeling that experimenting with different copedents or changing positions on the bellcrank would not be a simple thing as they would alter that perfect angle and cause binding in the changer. Anyway, I couldn't eliminate the problem and realized the repair work was over my head so sold it to someone on the forum who was comfortable with taking on the rebuild.

If he sees this thread, maybe he could give more details on how he approached repairing the problem

[Larry Dering]

Dennis, interesting problem and I hope the buyer gives us an answer. I know on mine the finger opening was not flat but tapered, possibly from those bullet spacers. I doubt they are like that when new. There is no room to make them larger. Mine seems to work well so I don't know the answer.

[Dennis Montgomery]

Mine seems to work well...

That's all that matters!

The BMI SD12 would have been fun to play with and I'd planned to put Zane Beck's universal tuning on it but it just didn't work out. That's ok, I have my Mullen SD12 and Fender 400 setup just the way I want and that's enough to keep me busy for the next 30 years - if I make it that long

[Larry Dering]

Dennis, I have a Mullen D10 8x4 bought new in 94. A fine guitar. I really don't know why I had to sample a few others. The S10s was for local gigs and I wanted light and easy. Now I have a couple more. It's a great hobby.

[Dennis Montgomery]

Dennis, I have a Mullen D10 8x4 bought new in 94. A fine guitar. I really don't know why I had to sample a few others.

Ya, I had my Mullen 1.5 years before I got the BMI. I had no intention to ever buy another pedal steel after the Mullen and didn't go seeking another one out. I had a friend who's father had passed a few years ago and his wife was now ready to let go of his instruments. I gave her advice on how to sell the BMI SD12 on her own, but a few months later she asked if I'd buy it. For the price I got I couldn't refuse and figured it would be as easy to restore as my Fender 400 and as easy to change copedents on as my Mullen...Not!

[Lyle Dent]

Tim, don't give up on this, you will love Zane's tuning. Talk to Don Friche at BMI he will walk you through this and no one knows more about this guitar. I don't have mine in front of me but the changers have gone from 2/2 early to 3/3 or more on a keyless.

[Lee Baucum]

Tim - Any chance you could get some photos of the guitar to post on here? BMI has made some changes to their guitars over the years. Mine has a triple raise/double lower all pull changer. Keyed. Very easy to work on and make changes to.

Once you have more info, I second the motion to give Don a call. He is very helpful.

[Tim Russell]

I missed the boat on this one. It was sold almost immediately before I got in contact with the person. I appreciate all the replies though, this is good information.