Emmons changer problem

memphislim · From: Austin, Texas

My fifth string is constantly going flat in the pedals up position only. Does anyone want to sell a finger or changer so I can fix this? Or know how to stop it? It looks like the finger wiggles around compared to the other ones.

Slim

Ron ! · Posted 12 Dec 2008 10:25 pm

Slim.....what kind of washers are on that changer?You might have a problem there.
I would try that before I would buy a complete new changer and blow a lot of money that can be saved.
Maybe a little sanding(very fine grit) and polishing might do the trick as well.
For that sanding and polishing you don't have to take the changer out.

Ron

memphislim · From: Austin, Texas

I should have said its a 74', push pull, double neck, E9th neck.

richard burton · From: Britain

Check that the bottom tuning screw is not loose.

Maybe the spring that holds the lower segment tight to the body need tightening.

Tony Glassman · From: The Great Northwest

memphislim · From: Austin, Texas

I did all those thanks guys. Here is what I found. The adjustment screw is loose compared to the others so I put some loctite on it and it seems to hold tune now. But.... there's a big gap between the 5th and 6th fingers. What happens is the two halves of the 5th are separating which causes the adjustment screw to move off center and can actully slip off the finger into the gap that is created when the fingers spread. Is this something that can be shimmed or would something else be in order? There's no other gaps between the positions.

Mike Cass · Posted 16 Dec 2008 5:45 am

......that sounds like a spacer issue.
Over time and use, the spacer or finger may wear to the point that you'll get some sideways slop and slippage like you describe, especially between constant moving fingers such as 5&6. Since you're in O.C. Id let Jim Palenscar take a look at it.
The changer will need to be removed,dissassembled, cleaned and re-spacered and Im sure Jim can fix that up for you. Good luck!

Mike Cass · Posted 16 Dec 2008 6:03 am

Having said that, there is a possible quick-fix if you want to try it.....
You'll need a power drill and a 1/16" metal drill bit.

1. Remove the open tuning screw(s)in question.

2. Drill a small dimple in the back face of the raise finger(not all the way through though)where the open tuning screw hits(you'll see the round mark left from the screw thread).

3. Sharpen the open tuning screw on a grinder to a medium point before screwing it back into the lower finger, install and tune it up.

What that does is to give the screw somewhere to seat to prevent the slippage of the raise finger into that open space. The better the fit of the 2 surfaces the less likely it is to slip off.
This procedure may buy you the relief you need without damaging your guitar. If not, call JP.

MC

memphislim · From: Austin, Texas

Thanks for the help on this guys. It does seem like it might be a spacer issue. I stuck a screw driver down between each set of finger and was able to slide them all closer together. Now there's a larger space on the string one end of the axle. Is it possible that I can just put a shim or spacer in down on that end to keep it tighter? If so, can I do that with out removing the whole changer? Its a 74 cut tail I believe.

Jim Palenscar · From: Oceanside, Calif, USA

There are times that this can be fixed without removing the changer (I just finished doing it on a bolt-on and it worked well) but at least one of the pillow/pillar blocks need to be removed in order to add a spacer and sometimes that can be difficult without heating it first. In a cut-tail the neck will have to be removed as well. If you follow what Mike said to do- be sure to create the point on the adjustment screw on a lathe or drill press to get it in the center as well as constructing a guide to center the drill in the end plate to insure proper location of the dimple on the finger in question. Also it will be necessary to try to keep the finger from wobbling while drilling. Another and very different method of helping the situation that is not quite as complicated is to make sure that the adjustment screw is flat at the contact point with the changer finger. There are times that the screw has developed a burr and it pulls the finger to the side when being turned. Thanks for the referral Mike.

memphislim · From: Austin, Texas

I'm going to shim this one myself but not sure where to get the parts. Where could I get some spacers, or shims that I could use to correct the problem?

Thanks in advance,

Slim

Doug Palmer · From: Greensboro, North Carolina, USA

Memphis, sounds like a spacer problem. If so, the correct way to repair it is to remove the changer.Put a small spacer on both the front and rear of the axle. Don't forget to square the changer when putting it back together before reinstalling it. If it is too tight, you'll have to remove one of the spacers and file it down a tad. I have some small spacers if you need them.

I always tune my open screws with the finger off of it. It keeps from digging a hole in the finger.

Doug Palmer
_________________
Emmons D-10, ST-10,LD-10 III, NV-112,Fender Deluxe Reverb. Authorized wholesale dealer musicorp.com!

memphislim · From: Austin, Texas

Thanks Doug, I sure could use some spacers. Do they come in different thicknesses?

Slim

Doug Palmer · From: Greensboro, North Carolina, USA

The regular spacers were around .003" I think. These were made smaller around .001" just for problems like this. I still have your address, so I'll just mail you a few of them and see if it's a fixer. I have some fingers also if you need one. Every push pull guy should have a spare just incase you pop a pin off.

Doug
_________________
Emmons D-10, ST-10,LD-10 III, NV-112,Fender Deluxe Reverb. Authorized wholesale dealer musicorp.com!

memphislim · From: Austin, Texas

A spare finger is a great idea. Thank so much Doug!
This forum is the best!

Slim

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