The Steel Guitar Forum

My 20+yr old MCI has loose holes where the pedal rods connect to the guitar. It is just the 1 &2 pedals as they get the most use. It can be quite annoying if you brush the rod with the toe of your boot while playing, the rod comes off and you have to scrAmble to reconnect it. Does anyone know how to solve this problem? Thanks, John Simmons

I think you're talking about the pedal rod connectors, called ball joint connectors, at the bottom of the rod? There are several sources for new connectors. George L's website comes to mind. Others can give you other sources.

One other thing...if you look closely, are you sure the connector is worn, or has the ball joint, that you put the connector on, worn out? If you put the connector onto one of the other, lesser used, pedal's ball joint does it come loose just as easy? If so, you need the ball joint also.

Thanks for the reply, Mike! No it's at the top where the hook on the pedal rod attaches to a flat piece of metal that has a hole in it for the pedal rod to attach. The holes are worn eliptical. I guess from all the pulling over the years.

A quick fix would be to put a small O-ring on the flat piece to keep the rod from coming out.

If you know someone who welds, they could fill in the worn area very easily (mig welding).

Thanks, the o-ring is a good idea, I think that would work!