push pull issue--loose tuning pegs?

[Luke Schneider]

'67 D10 cuttail. got the guitar last summer.

the G# (3) and B (5) go flat almost immediately after depressing the pedals a few times. when i check the tuning with pedals down (A and C#, respectively) they are close to perfectly in tune. I've changed the strings, didn't make a difference.

I've seen someone mention here that it could be loose tuning pegs? makes sense. is there a quick fix for this? Could there be another cause?

I am not going to pretend to understand even basic push/pull jargon and names of parts. I'm not a mechanic. Unfortunately I have a session tommorrow and all of a sudden this B string is just going flat like crazy. The G# tends to go flat a bit more slowly and gradually, i've been living with that for a little while.

I really appreciate any advice that can be offered, but please know that super-technical descriptions will probably go over my head. thanks

[Paul Sutherland]

I think the problem could be the tuning screws at the changer end need some Loc-Tite added to the threads. When the treatment on the threads of the raise tuning screws gets worn down, the pedal or lever change typically goes flat in the no pedal position. At least that's been my experience. It's easy to put a small amount of Loc-Tite on the threads of the raise tuning screws in question. Loc-Tite is sold at hardware and automotive stores. There are lots of different types of Loc-tite. I used the blue stuff and it worked well.

Additionally, you may or may not have small springs between the heads of the tuning screws and the raise fingers. These springs seem to exert a bit of pressure that helps stabilize the tuning in the no pedal position. If you don't have them, I would add them. I used standard Emmons pedal springs that I cut to size, but I imagine any appropriate sized springs would work. I would add these springs if your don't already have them. Putting these springs on does not affect pedal or lever pressure. It only helps keep the tuning screw from turning when you don't want it to turn, and working its way loose, which is why the pedal keeps going flat.

These two simple steps just might solve your problem.

[richard burton]

Paul is probably on the money, but it could also be that the large spings that hold the lower in place (hard up against the body) are not adjusted tight enough.

If you don't lower your 3rd or 5th strings, tighten the tuning screws that govern the lower.

These are the top row of screws in the endplate.

Tighten them right in (gently!!) until they won't go any more, then back them off ever so slightly to make sure that the changer fingers are still free.

[chris ivey]

you're doing the right thing by asking questions. if you are to the point of doing sessions with your steel, you definitely need to learn enough about it's mechanics to keep it functioning properly.

[Luke Schneider]

thanks for the help, guys. tried the loctite and it worked pretty well! my guitar doesn't have the springs paul is talking about. i'll look into getting some.

[Ernie Renn]

Just be careful which Loc-Tite you use. There's a couple different ones and they hold at different levels. You need one that keeps it snug not makes it unturnable. The green and the red variety need heat to be removed. Stick with the blue, which is removable with standard hand tools. Also use it sparingly.

Another thing to try: make sure the nut rollers are free and turning. Be advised that they are graduated, so if they are removed, they need to be put back in the same order and position. Loosen the string a litle bit and lift the string out of the roller and give it a spin. If it doesn't move easily, put the string back into it and put a small amount of oil between the rollers, being careful not to get any oil on the string or in the roller where the string lays. (BTW: I still use 3-in-1 oil.) Pull the string up and give it a roll to distribute the oil evenly. Retune the string.

I hope you can figure out what's causing the problem!

[Greg Wisecup]

Get it to Bobbe's for a look. Vic will take care of it.