Tuning issues

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

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Daniel Stinnett
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Joined: 17 Dec 2020 6:57 pm
Location: Arizona, USA

Tuning issues

Post by Daniel Stinnett »

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Image Hi All, Have a Franklin D10 which Mr Franklin built for me over 20 years ago. It has been a great guitar, but I am having tuning issues which have made the guitar unplayable.

The problem has been the 5th and 6th strings, but primarily the 6th. I have checked the nut, detuned the rods all the way and I still have problems. I think the problem is B pedal does not want to come back up all the way. On A and C pedal there is a spring, but not the B pedal. I don't think there has every been one on there. Is there any way to adjust this?

I will try to post some pictures.

Thanks for any help.
Danny
Tucker Jackson
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Post by Tucker Jackson »

Can we assume that there never was a spring on the B-pedals's crossbar? So the problem is elsehwere?

Something is sticking or binding, you just have to find it, testing one thing at a time.

Divide and conquer, starting with the changer: what happens if you take a screwdriver or pen or something and push on the 6th string lower-finger near the nylon nut? Does it return to pitch as expected? If so, the problem is likely binding somewhere in the pull train rather than the changer. Maybe the B-pedal's crossbar is not turning freely -- or one of the two pull rods on the B-pedal is rubbing against a bellcrank or something. Take a close look at the undercarriage while you push the pedal by hand; you might spot (or hear) the problem.
Last edited by Tucker Jackson on 17 Dec 2020 8:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Jeremy Moyers
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Post by Jeremy Moyers »

My Franklin doesn’t have a spring on the second pedal either, if that helps.
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richard burton
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Post by richard burton »

Disconnect the pedal rods, and check that the pedals move easily on the pedal bar.
Niklas Widen
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Post by Niklas Widen »

I had the same problem with the C pedal on an 80's Franklin a couple of years ago. On my guitar, the C pedal's cross rod didn't move freely so loosened it, cleaned some old oil and dirt off, re-lubed and re-attached it, which solved the problem for me.
Daniel Stinnett
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Joined: 17 Dec 2020 6:57 pm
Location: Arizona, USA

Post by Daniel Stinnett »

Jeremy Moyers wrote:My Franklin doesn’t have a spring on the second pedal either, if that helps.
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Cool!! Thanks for the pic
Daniel Stinnett
Posts: 13
Joined: 17 Dec 2020 6:57 pm
Location: Arizona, USA

Post by Daniel Stinnett »

Thanks guys. It is the crossbar on the B pedal. Looks like task for tomorrow is to clean and lube it. Appreciate y'alls help.
Jeremy Moyers
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Post by Jeremy Moyers »

Awesome!

How about a few pics of the top side of the guitar? I love Franklin guitars!
Daniel Stinnett
Posts: 13
Joined: 17 Dec 2020 6:57 pm
Location: Arizona, USA

Post by Daniel Stinnett »

Jeremy Moyers wrote:Awesome!

How about a few pics of the top side of the guitar? I love Franklin guitars!
Happy to oblige:

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Jeremy Moyers
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Post by Jeremy Moyers »

Wow! That’s beautiful!! Do you know what color that’s is? Such a cool guitar!
Jim Palenscar
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Post by Jim Palenscar »

It appears that the 1st string on the C6th neck is overtuned.
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