Sho Bud Pedal Height

Marc Weller · Post by **Marc Weller** » 18 Jan 2007 11:35 pm

Still trying to make the transition from my modern steel to my Pro II Custom. Everybody likes the sound of the Sho Bud better, I'm still trying to get used to the pedal feel. Kind of like getting out of a BMW, and driving a '67 Galaxie on the freeway. Just curious, where do you Sho Bud players set your pedal height. Let's just use the B pedal as a reference. How far is your B pedal from the floor when in the up position.

thanks in advance,

MW

Tony Russell · Post by **Tony Russell** » 19 Jan 2007 5:21 am

This is down to personal feel Marc, and also depends on what set-up you play as the heights and travels will need to be different for ABC or CBA. Only as a starting point and since you asked - I play "Emmons" (ABC) and I measured from the floor to the highest point of the pedal (the top of the "arch" of the tread). Pedal A - 50mm height with 6mm travel, B - 43mm + 9mm travel, C - 43mm + 11mm travel. Of course, the travel will be dependent on which holes you hook up the rod on the bell-cranks and changer, the faster the change, the harder the push & vice versa.
I guess the relative heights and travels are going to be more use to you than the actual starting height figures above unless you have the same size bootheels as me, so these figures might not be so useful, but I had fun doing it and it made me check over my old guitar!
Regards, Tony.

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 19 Jan 2007 6:27 am

My main concern is usually their height in relation to one another. I need my A pedal slightly higher than the B pedal, so I can smoothly execute the A+F change, the major 7th AB position (disengaging the B pedal), etc. There's nothing worse than accidentally having that B pedal slightly engaged.

I like the BC pedals to be fairly even, with a slight raise on the C pedal. As far as height in relation to the floor, you find this may change from floor to floor, especially if carpet is involved. I usually just adjust the pedal rods until the pedals feel right to me. I play in biker boots, so my pedals are positioned a little high. I like hovering over them. I do not like pushing my pedals and having them lower almost to the floor. They feel mushy to me down that far.

Marc Weller · Post by **Marc Weller** » 19 Jan 2007 6:55 am

Chris,

"Mushy" is just what I'm talking about. Since the Bud has a softer pedal feel anyway, I think I'll need to raise my pedals a bit compared to where I have them on my modern instrument. Thanks for the responses.

MW

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 19 Jan 2007 7:18 am

Marc, with a higher pedal position I'm pushing down, as opposed to "out". I find with low pedals I tend to push out, which just feels weird in general and also can cause detuning if your pushing out too hard against the pedal board. Just my observations.

Marc, is this the Sho~Bud you got from Alberta? If so, did you get all the issues resolved? It looked like a killer guitar when I saw it in the ads.

Marc Weller · Post by **Marc Weller** » 19 Jan 2007 12:30 pm

Hi Chris,

Yes, it's the guitar from Alberta. It's a really beautiful guitar and it sounds great. I've got 98% of the problems resolved and, as soon as I can get down to Oceanside, I'll get Jim Palenscar to fix the E lower (it still doesn't quite make it to Eb by about 20 cts). I've used it on my last 3 gigs and I get nothing but favorable comments from my band mates. It requires a bit more tweaking than my modern guitar but you can't beat the tone. Thanks for your response.

MW

Tony Russell · Post by **Tony Russell** » 19 Jan 2007 2:34 pm

Back off the lever stop a tad, generally it's against the kneelever bell-crank, that should get you lowering some more - or fix the pull-rod to a hole further from the axle? Regards, Tony.

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 19 Jan 2007 2:54 pm

Yes, Jim will get you fixed up. It's really strange that the E's won't lower all the way. Good luck in getting it resolved! I had looked seriously at that guitar when it was for sale in Canada, before Ebay. I envy you..........it's a nice hunk of wood for sure. I still have pics of it saved on my computer.

Marc Weller · Post by **Marc Weller** » 19 Jan 2007 9:32 pm

The person who installed the E-Eb lever did not use Sho Bud parts. He fabricated the shaft and tab assembly and I suspect there is not enough travel inherent in the part. The pull rod is already in the maximum travel positions. Jim will straighten it out, even if he has to replace those parts. No biggie, just alot of wasted cash with the first guy. I did speak to John Coop (great guy) about updating the whole chassis but wife vetoed the deal. And truthfully, the guitar is pretty good as it sits. Just a wee bit more work and it will be a dream axe.

Gary Preston · Post by **Gary Preston** » 20 Jan 2007 9:13 am

Hi Doc Weller . I have two Sho~Buds ,one a L.D.G. and the other a Pro-ll Custom that i bought new in 1977 and is still going strong . What i did was get some of the old (big) floor pedals and install them and that makes the travel real short . I would say the travel may be around a half inch or less by doing this . I have never liked any small pedal on any guitar . I like all my pedals lined up even across the bar . I have never liked to see any pedal that stands higher than the rest ,in my openion it makes the guitar look bad . Remember we are giving openions here ! I suggest that you try to find some of the big pedals and give them a try . Best regards , Gary .

Roger Shackelton · Post by **Roger Shackelton** » 21 Jan 2007 11:59 am

Gary, I think you would like the pedal setup on a Blanton psg, since all the pedals are level in the up or down position.

What you wouldn't like is the weight of the guitar (heavy) or the unique/odd tuning mechanism under the guitar.