Pulling strings w/servos - check it out

Steel guitar amplifiers, effects, etc.

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Eric Moon
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Joined: 30 Sep 2015 7:37 am
Location: Colorado, USA
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Post by Eric Moon »

Here's a quick mockup of the kind of thing I'm thinking of...
Image

changer fingers shown in full raise position...
Last edited by Eric Moon on 15 Dec 2021 11:31 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Eric Moon
Posts: 37
Joined: 30 Sep 2015 7:37 am
Location: Colorado, USA
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Post by Eric Moon »

thanks, already great insights here. Thanks for the links. Good point about the G# string also.

I'm expecting to need a pretty strong spring to counter balance the string tension, as well as a way to adjust the spring...

pretty clear there will be a lot to experiment with. I haven't been able to find a more powerful servo yet, that can move that fast, but I'll keep looking. And maybe some clues in those links.

Thanks all!!
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Ian Worley
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Post by Ian Worley »

Eric Moon wrote:...I'm expecting to need a pretty strong spring to counter balance the string tension, as well as a way to adjust the spring...
One big challenge to consider here is that the tension the springs are counteracting will vary as string pitch changes. On the smaller diameter strings that variability is more significant. Springs are also susceptible to changes in their mechanical properties with use and changes in temperature. I am skeptical that you'd be able to achieve a reliably stable and consistent neutral "open" position on a solid finger changer design with just springs and a lightweight servo.
All lies and jest, still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest - Paul Simon
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