Question on how to measure rollers for string gauges

[Steven Black]

Hello I have one question, how do I go about measuring the rollers to see what strings fit them?

[John McClung]

I think gauged rollers are a pretty precise art. I have them on my Mullen D12, from 2 different guys, neither got it completely right. I believe Jim Palenscar is currently offering that service, I would trust him to nail it. Google steel guitars of north county.

[Steven Black]

Thanks John, the rollers i have are larger in diameter, but they are gauged,the guitar has 2 changers on both ends, similar to BMI, I will do my best to match them.

[Steven Black]

I think I need a micrometer to measure the depth of each roller more accurately.

[Mike Auman]

I think I need a micrometer to measure the depth of each roller more accurately.

Or you could try different gauges of strings in each roller, checking which one fits without binding and without side-to-side movement. That would get you close.

[Ross Shafer]

example here uses .017" and .054" strings. Measure with Vernier/dial/digital calipers or micrometer. Dial thickness gauges can work too.

NOTEs:
1- the rollers I make, place the top of the string surface .006" above the top of the roller surface. This is arbitrary and not a standard of any kind.

2- this assumes the same tool was used to cut the string grooves.

[Steven Black]

Thanks Mike and Ross, Ross I am trying to size up the American steel guitars rollers on the changers one for E9th and one for C6th that is what I am doing, I have only one .013 roller so I am not sure that it is a true .013 that is why I need a Micrometer it can measure it.
And I don't know why I have one.

[Ross Shafer]

The measurement scheme in my post is comparative so you have to measure multiple roller/string combos to determine which rollers offer the same string height.

If I understand your comment you are trying to measure the depth of the groove....forget about it, without a really good metrology toolbox and the knowledge to use it, it's an exercise in frustration at best.

Also, keep in mind that gauged rollers only offer a slight advantage over non-gauged rollers....that advantage being a bit less bar pressure for buzz free playing on multiple strings at the same time at the lowest fret or two. A good player will hardly notice in most cases.

[Steven Black]

I see what you are saying, I will just match them.

[Jim Palenscar]

Other than string #'s 1 and 2 the ramp of the std E9th set have a fairly uniform slope and require very little bar pressure to keep them from buzzing. The uni and C6th is different as the larger bass strings raise the back end of the bar requiring substantial pressure closer to the nut to avoid string buzzing.

[Paul Mageau]

Can anyone tell me where to buy string rollers, gauge specific or not ? I have searched high and low and nothing comes up except reusing the ball ends of guitar strings...NOT

Thanks
Paul

[Jim Palenscar]

I make custom gauged rollers in aluminum- $10/ea roller- need width, diameter,axle size, and string gauges. I have most of the common brand sizes. I'm currently backed up about 2 months but happy to do it as time permits.

[Paul Mageau]

Jim, Is that for a set or just one roller ?

[Wayne Brown]

Paul what guitar is this for
thanks
wayne

[Paul Mageau]

No specific guitar, I am looking for parts to build lap steels and pedal steels

[Wayne Brown]

We have a lot of rollers on our website under the Sho-bud new and used section
https://www.outwestcountry.ca/shop/shobud/17

thanks
wayne