Adding pulls to RKR (2nd string lower lever)

Gerald Shaw · From: Florida, USA

I don't think I've ever seen anyone add any changes to the lever that lowers the 2nd and 9th strings. Is this because it will mess up the tuning of the half stop on the 2nd string? I'd like to put a half tone raise on the 7th string on that lever. Is there a reason I shoudln't do it? Would I need to keep the 9th string lower ( I never use it) or just move it to the 7th string and make it a raise.

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Many people have other changes on that lever.

You can get rid of the 9th string change and move it to the 7th string if you want. But, is that 9th string change what is being used to get the half stop on string 2? If so, you will have to play with the 7th string change to get it timed to start pulling the string when the 2nd string gets to D. Sometimes harder than it sounds.
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Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Hey Gerald, I have that same pull on an '81 Zum and a 90's pre Royal Mullen. It works great for me there.

[Edit:] Oops, just re-read your post. You stated half tone, I'm doing a whole tone, like for pedaled Maj7, with no problem at all. I'm sure a half tone will hardly be noticeable on your built-in half stop.

Gerald Shaw · From: Florida, USA

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Well, I have erred again. I've got to start reading more thoroughly.

If you are considering replacing the 9th string half step with the 7th string pull, I don't have any answers for you. I was reading just adding a 7th string pull to the 2 and 9 already there. Embarassed

Please ignore my irrelevant entries. I apologize for the confusion and refer you back to Richard's excellent advice.

Dave Mudgett · From: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee

I would not get rid of the D=>C# change on string 9. I think most players who really use the 9th string a lot find it important, and as you point out, it helps set the half-stop for the D#=>D=>C change on string 2. I guess you could add the 7th string half-tone raise, but the question is what are you going to do with it?

On the other hand, you might want to try Bobbe Seymour's Z-lever, which must be on a knee opposite the E=>Eb lever, and acts in the following fashion:

String 2: D#=>D half step lower
String 7: F#=>G# whole step raise
String 9: D=>C# half step lower

There are some nice, lush chord voicings available with these changes when placed opposite the E=>Eb lever, and Bobbe goes through some of these in his Z-lever videos. Probably not for everyone or every application, but good for some things. In fact, it's pretty easy to just put the 7th string change on there, and then if you want it, tune it up, and otherwise, slack it off. I have a guitar where the Z-lever 7th-string change can be either toggled on and off like that, and also the string 2 half-stop can be toggled on and off similarly.

PS - here's a 10-year old thread on the Z-lever, with lots of repartee from Bobbe. This is from around the time he put out that first Z-lever video.

http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum5/HTML/003964.html

Larry Bressington · From: Nebraska

You could use an adjustable barrel type half stop for string 2 to free up that lever for string 7....Having all 3 on that lever and having an accurate 'half feel' off the 9th will be tough and your pull might be tighter
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Freddie Wooton · From: London, ky

Gerald, I just added the 7 string pull and it works fine on my LeGrande II. I did remove the half stop before so that I could use the 9 string as my half stop. Just arrange the pull in the proper hole in the changer and bell crank so it will pull an exact half tone and not mess with your 2nd and 9th strings. Mine works fine and I really like it. I got my parts from Jerry Roller,I'm also adding the 7th string lower on my A pedal cross bar so the 7th will tune with A&B pedals down.This way your 6th minors will be in tune without having to slant the bar. It's really easy to do.

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

I have three changes on the E9th neck and one on the C6th neck on the RKR, on my Franklin.

Lower 2nd string full tone with half tone lower feel stop. Raise 7th string a half tone. Lower 9th string a half tone. Lower 2nd string on C6th neck half tone.

Greg Cutshaw · From: Corry, PA, USA

I also lower the 10th string a whole tone using that knee lever. It makes a great drone!

My Copendant

Some sounds with the 9th and 10th string lowers

I've also got a ton of separate tabs with sound files showing the many chords that lowering the 9th string a half tone provides.

Greg

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