Pro III Finger Repair

Tim Kowalski · From: Illinois, USA

I am relatively new to pedal steel, but already own 2 PSG's. Yes, I have been bitten severely by the bug. That said, my Bud has a problem with the 10 string on the C6 neck. It will not hold the ball. I called Marrs and was told to drill into the finger to open it up a little. I discovered that someone has already beat me to it and believe that I will need to replace the finger. Marrs has them, but I need a brief "talk through" on what needs to come apart to do this. Actually, I would rather know what NOT to take apart. I consider myself to be very mechanical and will not need much detail, but would appreciate the input of those with experience. I am told that this is a common problem, so I hope that someone will share their knowledge on the subject.
If it makes a difference it is a double raise/lower.

Thanks in advance.

Ricky Davis · From: Bertram, Texas USA

Hey Tim.
To replace that finger; I would loosen all strings on the C6 neck; and take the 10th string off. Take off all springs underneath on that 10th finger. Take a small phillips screw driver and place at that end of the axle; and use a small hammer and hit the axle to move from that finger; till the finger falls out underneath.
Then to put new finger in....do the same proceedure in reverse....but to get the axle back in from that side where the raise neck of the E9 will be in the way to hammer. get some vice grips and clamp on to the very end of the axle exposed; then slightly tap the vice grips to move axle in....to the new finger.
Now if your new finger has the slot to put the ball end in.....what I do instead of trying to spread or drill out freaking pot metal; that WILL break everytime you try...ah..ha.....> Just take your string at the over wrapped part next to the ball...and take the same vice grips....and smash/squeeze a flat spot in it....and then you will be able to fit that ball end and over wrap in that slot.
Have fun.
ricky
_________________
Ricky Davis
Email Ricky: sshawaiian2362@gmail.com

Tim Kowalski · From: Illinois, USA

Thanks, Ricky.

That sounds much easier than how I had planned to do it. I will take it apart this weekend and go from there.

I really appreciate the help!

Tim
_________________
Bad wine is better than no wine.

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

Years back on my D10 Pro III, I swapped a bad finger with one that was not being used for a pull. I also had a broken string ball pin ( as above ) on one of the fingers, , I drilled out the hole, left the drill bit in the hole, cut it off and it became the new string ball pin.

tp

Steven Black · From: Gahanna, Ohio, USA

That is why I went with John Coop's super finger changers, higher quality, and smoother feel on the pedals, John really knows his Sho-Bud's.

Tim Kowalski · From: Illinois, USA

Ricky,

Thanks so much for the advice. The finger came out easily. I will find another one and be back in business. I think that Marrs has them.
_________________
Bad wine is better than no wine.

Brint Hannay · From: Maryland, USA

Besides Ricky's "smash a flat spot" idea, you could try what I do for the 9th & 10th C6th strings on a slotted Sho-Bud changer:

I take needle-nose pliers and grab the wrap right next to the ball end and bend the string to a right angle (more or less), such that the round side, not the flat side, of the ball end will be against the finger, then hook it under there and tighten 'er up.

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