GFI Ultra (d.i.y. mod) One year report card (A+)

Dale Hansen · Post by **Dale Hansen** » 15 Jun 2008 2:03 pm

Once again, if any of you fellas have a GFI, you really need to do this mod. It's very easy to do, there's nothing to take apart, and re-assemble. If that ain't quite good enough, I just made it easier for you. You can get the parts from me for $2.00
(20 pcs) per neck. (I found a good bulk source)
Page 1 of this thread explains it all.
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... highlight=
The process will only take roughly 30 minutes to do the whole thing.

The primary reason that I am back up on the soapbox again today, is because of a phone call that I received last week from a player up in Minnesota.
He bought a used GFI recently, (2005 model)
When it arrived, it was sloppy, clanky, and practically worn out underneath. After replacing some of the brass fittings, he went ahead and put the "mod" (nylon washers) on it, of which he reported a huge improvement, and restored playability of the guitar.

It's been a little over a year now, that I brought my own Ultra home.
Today, I flipped it upside down for its one year intensive physical exam. She passed.
I've had this "mod" on my Ultra since she was a baby, and can honestly report that I didn't find any wear at all. And, I do play it quite a lot. (15 to 20+ hours a week)
About all that was needed, was a little re-tightening of the 60-80 screws holding all of the brackets, knees, body to frame, necks, and whatever else.
Mercy me , what a difference that alone made. I didn't realize how dead that it had gone over the past year.
After todays tune-up, I can thumb rake a chord, go build a sandwich, and it'll still be vibrating when I get back.
(I did also NASCAR the knees a little more today, but I'll bring those tricks up later, over on the other thread.)

If you have one of these great little guitars yourself, you really do owe it to yourself to do this simple operation. Besides improving the playability, and positive feel of the guitar, it will also help to preserve its future resale value.

Like I mentioned above, I have the parts coming this week. I'll even "pie" cut them for you if you would like. It doesn't get any easier (or cheaper) than that.

You'll need about 20 per neck, and you can just simply send me a S.A.S.E., along with $2.00 (per neck)
To:
Dale Hansen
Bessdang Gizmos (optional)
2661 Long Hollow Pike
Hendersonville, TN 37075-8721
(615) 618 0776

If you know somebody who has a GFI, send em' on over here.

(6/17 edit)
I had a call this evening from someone that didn't know what S.A.S.E meant. I guess I must have read more comic book ads than the rest of you. Sorry.
It's Self Addressed Stamped Envelope,.... for those of you in Rio Linda.
(I've always wanted to say that)

Richard Damron · Post by **Richard Damron** » 15 Jun 2008 5:21 pm

Now Dale - ya dun dunnit! Ya mention NASCAR'n the knees - with a vague reference to some other thread which turns out to be nonexistant!

Do I have to run over to your house and start twistin' your arm? Gotta somehow keep you young whippersnappers on the ball. Might just do that anyhoo. My playing is improving in small leaps and bounds and I'm with an unbelievable teacher. Gonna keep that one a secret for awhile since I'm his only student and I'm loving the exclusivity. Will talk to you about it sometime this week. In person.

Now stop the teasing and let everyone know the magic that you've layed upon the knees.

Respectfully

Your friend and neighbor

Richard.

Danny Bates · Post by **Danny Bates** » 15 Jun 2008 5:46 pm

I officially name this mod from this day forward as ...

"THE DALE HANSEN GFI MOD"

The sword crosses the shoulders of "Sir Hansen"

Dale is an amazing guy folks. Without charge, he breaks someone's bronco before breakfast each morning. He then plays his steel guitar and shoots wild turkeys with his gun all day. Then he catches and frys his legal limit of fish (and deep frys the turkeys) for all of the neighbors. At night he cuts washers for the GFI owners on the forum for $2 a neck. All of these things for free! What a great guy. I think somebody ought to give him a $5 tip.

Dale Hansen · Post by **Dale Hansen** » 15 Jun 2008 8:30 pm

Oh Danneeeee boy... (as sung by Kermit the frog)

You got it all wrong. Well, most of it anyway.
I'm too fat to ride bronc's anymore. One of my colts reminded me of that again last month.
My fishing habit,... thanks to a wonderful eleven step program, is now a fairly disciplined addiction, and limited to "catch and relase" only. That's mainly because I hate to clean fish, and can easily satisfy my infrequent cravings for it at "Captain D's".

And, I only shoot turkeys during paintball season.

Besides, you forgot to mention my "same day" (or it's free) pizza delivery, and my unbelievable rumor verification services.

Concerning the mod, I think I'd rather call it the Infamous Dynamic Illicit Oddball Tactic.
If I ever add to it, I'll call it the Complete Infamous Dynamic Illicit Oddball Tactics mod.

One more thing.
The sword crosses the shoulders of "Sir Hansen"

If by chance that ever does happen, and you are in attendance.... Please show a little respect, and remove your hat as my head rolls past your feet.

Danny Bates · Post by **Danny Bates** » 15 Jun 2008 9:13 pm

Dale,
I made up a first class line of BS to make you look like a newly crowned Prince and hopefully get you some tips.

Then in your reply, you go telling everybody the truth and completely ruined it.

Didn't you learn anything from the Monica Lewinski / Bill Clinton affair?

You only admit things AFTER you get caught.

Do you even know what the definition of IS is?

Your Buddy,
Danny

Dale Hansen · Post by **Dale Hansen** » 17 Jun 2008 7:47 pm

Richard,
I've got the info on the knees, and some other tricks that you asked about
over here > http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... t=#1188373

Danny,
As to your question of my capacity to be able to wait until I'm busted red handed before admitting to anything...... There's something you need to know about me.
Two shots of "Yukon Jack", and I'm ready to plead guilty, and take the whole rap for Crockett's defeat at the Alamo.

Richard Damron · Post by **Richard Damron** » 18 Jun 2008 12:38 pm

Dale -

Yer a mess - and you know that I mean that in the most complimentary way.

Talk at ya soon,

Richard

Dale Hansen · Post by **Dale Hansen** » 20 Jun 2008 7:30 pm

Update on the "Mod" kits.
I received the parts today,(6/20) and they are indeed the right ones for the job.
The first batch of orders is going out in the mail tomorrow.
Just a quick reminder. If you fellas want me to pre- cut them for you, please say so in a note, along with the number of (10 string) necks you're working.
If you have a U-12, you might want 2 sets of 20.

Once again, please include a self addressed stamped envelope, with $2.00 per neck.
You'll spend over $3.00 for 20 at Lowe's, not to mention spent gas, and time. Quite often, they won't have enough in stock for you either....

= more trips.

Dale Hansen
Bessdang Gizmos (optional)
2661 Long Hollow Pike
Hendersonville, TN 37075-8721

Dale Gray · Post by **Dale Gray** » 28 Jun 2008 8:00 am

Sir Dale:
When you work on the underside of your guitar do you put it in the case, lay it on the carpet, or support it any way, or just lay it flat? Dale. (No title)

Dale Hansen · Post by **Dale Hansen** » 28 Jun 2008 9:51 am

Lord Gray,

Whenever I tinker with the undersides, I usually suspend the guitar, supported between my Elite pak-a-seat, and a NV-112 with a seat cushion placed on the top.

I used to just flip it upside down onto a rug, but its more comfortable (for me) to work on when it's elevated.

If you're concerned about damaging your guitar, you can just use a doubled up bath towel underneath it on any floor surface. You also can tuck the towel into the void areas on both ends to cradle the guitar for better support too.

Thanks for jumping in Here.

DH

(One little public record sidebar)

For the last few days, I haven't had a computer.
It's been in a local repair shop, where they've been busy undoing all the dumb things I've done to it over the last couple of years.
When I got it back, all of my "Gizmo" email from the beginning to present, was gone. I can't get it back.
(The account is back up though, and I can get new ones.)

If anyone has sent me an email anytime between 6/23, and 6/27, please re-send it.
I've always been pretty good about getting a quick reply sent out, so please don't think I've blown you off.
I don't blow anyone off.....I'm an equal opportunity annoyer.

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 28 Jun 2008 11:20 am

dale,
i've been looking to find a Short And Stout Elephant to send you, but all we have is horses here in rio linda...and some high quality country pickers.
thanks for keeping our legacy alive!

Dale Hansen · Post by **Dale Hansen** » 28 Jun 2008 1:12 pm

Chris Ivey,

Howdy again pard.
It's been awhile since we've dipped water out of the same hole. I'm uncharacteristically dull of wit today.
I had to read your post a quite few times to discern whether or not I had gotten you irritated with me.
I nearly replied prematurely, to ask you not to send an elephant of any shape or size. You see, my wife is allergic to em'. In fact, I spray elephant repellant four times a year to keep them away.
(And, to my credit, I've yet to see a single one.)
Then I finally saw it. You never capitalize anything.
In fact I even gave you a little ribbing about it awhile back,
over here> http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... t=#1168838

By the way, thanks for your Short And Sweet Endorsement.

Sonny Priddy · Post by **Sonny Priddy** » 28 Jun 2008 1:34 pm

I Put The Mod No My SD10 Gfi It Works Great. SONNY.

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 29 Jun 2008 10:26 am

dale...you're very astute, witty, seemingly intelligent and totally non-irritating.
i enjoy your posts!

Dale Hansen · Post by **Dale Hansen** » 5 Jul 2008 3:07 pm

Thanks Sonny, glad it worked out well for you.
And Chris, I like to try to have a little fun in here, thanks for being a good sport.

I've been getting some inquiries about whether I'm gonna be putting together any "kits" for this Vertical lever drop.
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... t=#1190740

Nope, I really wasn't planning on it, but if somebody out there doesn't have any way to get the block cut to size, drilled, or access to the right replacement hardware, drop me a line, I'll do what I can to help.

A funny little thing about that 1/2" VL lower kit.
I never intended to leave it on mine permanently.
It all started with a fella from Alabama asking about a way to modify it, or to make it more easily accessible. After devising a method, I decided to do it on mine first, and get the details all worked out before advising him, or anybody else on how to do it to theirs.
After installing it, and fooling around with it a bit, I found that I really liked the closer fit myself,... so it's staying.

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 5 Jul 2008 4:59 pm

Dale, this is an excellent example of the Steel Guitar Forum's information value. Oustanding work by you. A+. Thanks for sharing.

Dale Hansen · Post by **Dale Hansen** » 8 Jul 2008 4:09 pm

Kevin,
Thanks a bunch. That's really nice.

I gotta say, that this Forum, and members, have also been a huge blessing to me. There's always good solid info on technical issues, products, news.....almost anything you can think of. I never have to look long, or far to find whatever I need to know.

I'm glad that I can do a little bit to give back, and I really enjoy getting to know the all of the good folks in here too.

I've reconsidered my position on the VL lowering kits.
Last Saturday, I opened up an envelope from a player out in Arkansas requesting a nylon washer "mod" kit.
In his note, he also asked me to let him know if I ever had any kits available for the VL.

(meaning this, over here>) http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... t=#1190740

I went ahead and put one together for him, and sent it along with the nylon washer kit.
I really wasn't planning to put any kits together. But,.. I don't feel right about offering one, and excluding other folks, so I went ahead and cut a few blocks, drilled them, and collected the right hardware. There's also a step by step help sheet to go with it.

So, If you need a kit to lower the (GFI only) VL by 1/2", we'll just do it the same ol' way.
Send a self addressed stamped envelope to:

Dale Hansen
Bessdang Gizmos (optional)
2661 Long Hollow Pike
Hendersonville, TN 37075-8721

*The postage is a little higher with these, so you'll need about 4 stamps ($1.50+) on your return envelope.

I don't have these kits priced out. It's really not a gimmick to sell, it's more of a public service as far as I'm concerned.
The plywood doesn't cost me anything. The screws, and washers do. If you decide to include a little campaign contribution, I won't object.

Thanks, DH

Ken Mizell · Post by **Ken Mizell** » 10 May 2021 4:03 am

TTT. More great info from the past.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 10 May 2021 4:45 am

Some good ideas.

However, I tried the washer on my GFI Ultra (a 2000 year model), on one pull, and didn't notice any difference or less "noise". I guess depends on the particular guitar.

This is an old thread, last post was 2008. Is Dale still around?

Ken Mizell · Post by **Ken Mizell** » 10 May 2021 5:25 am

Not sure about Dale.

Size of washers - 1/4" hole X 1/2" dia. X 1/32" thick.

Dan Galysh · Post by **Dan Galysh** » 10 May 2021 7:23 am

Just talked to Dale yesterday, Jack. He's doing well.

Jack Stoner · Post by **Jack Stoner** » 10 May 2021 7:50 am

Dan, thanks for the update. I was wondering since this is an old thread.

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 10 May 2021 9:37 am

I'm glad to hear that Dale is doing okay.

I'm still using a couple of his "gizmos".

Ken Mizell · Post by **Ken Mizell** » 10 May 2021 9:49 am

I'm glad to see Dale is OK. This is really good information, even though 13 years old. Lots of folks have bought GFI's since Dale originally posted this, so it might be helpful. I just bought a GFI. I saw this many years ago and happened to remember it. It took a lot of work to find it. I may try this "fix" myself, depending on how mine feels and how the undercarriage sounds.

The Steel Guitar Forum

GFI Ultra (d.i.y. mod) One year report card (A+)

GFI Ultra (d.i.y. mod) One year report card (A+)

Work on underside?

GFI

VL Lower kits now available.