The Steel Guitar Forum

Thanks

Johnny, just noticed you put nuts on the pull rods at the bellcrank. Any reason why you didn't just use the clips?

Larry I used 3/32s brass pull Rods an used 440 threads on each end one for nylon tuning nut, the other end I threaded an bent to go through hole in Bell crank an used nylock nuts an a 1/4 Ratchet wrench too snug the pull rod in Bell crank.
Really no reason for this I just like it better than dealing with the tiny carter pins an drilling tiny holes in 3/32s pullrods for Carter pins.

Hey Johnie,

I'll likely be picking up an old BMI soon and am planning a restoration project (my friend's father-in-law passed and it's been unplayed and in it's case since the late 70's). I'm thinking it might be fitting to put Zane Beck's Uni tuning on it, what copedent did you put on yours?

Johnny that's what I thought. Those tiny pins are hard to see and easy to drop. I considered using linkage clips like we did on automotive carburetors. Not sure they are even available anymor. Great idea. II'm sure you threaded before bending. I'm fixing a couple BMI S10s I own. I may borrow your method. Great work Johnny.

Looks great Johnny. I hope to own a zane beck designed guitar one day. He was a bright individual by all accounts I've read. Great player too.

Dennis Zane Becks tuning was on a 12 string.
4 pedals an five knees.
My son Zane King plays a exstended 12 string Zane Beck Tuning.
5 knees one wrist leaver an seven pedals.
The original ZB tuning 4 an 5 is killer.
There several Pro players in Arkansas that still play the original ZB tuning.
Dan Rollins an Garland Harris come to mind but there’s a few more out there.
It’s a really cool tuning. An yes Zane Beck was a great steel player an even better person.

Thanks Larry yes thread befor bending.
I’m by no means the first one to use this method.
Dan an Don at BMI are working on some very good improvements for there custom BMI steels. Of course they have stood the test of time already.

Johnny, it looks like you put different cross shafts and bell cranks on this BMI. Looks like a better plan giving the pull rods some space. I have a problem with my C pedal pull dragging on the rod next to it causing tuning issues. I noticed some BMIs have the rods shaped to give clearance.

I just picked up this mid 70s S10 last week. Serial# is 240. It cleaned up real well.