The Steel Guitar Forum

I got to spend some time tinkering with my new/old ZB this weekend.

I actually sussed out some of the mechanical intricasies and got the E9th resonably playable: adjusting pedal rod lengths; got my C pedal pulling to the correct pitches; figuring out the extra tuning stop for my F lever; got my semi annual string shipment from b0b and strung it up with fresh strings, both necks; even though the C6th pedals are virtually useless right now I can still comp open chords and play non pedal style on it.

It has responded to the TLC and sounds even better with fresh strings....

I think I'm in love again...

I have noticed that if I use my E raise to F lever then let it off it will not return to pitch... yet if after this happens I use my E lowers lever and let it off I get back to my true open E, very much in tune...

I'm thinking some kind of return spring tension is the issue....?

Dave,
Does it return sharp, and does the same thing happen when you use the 'C' pedal?

sorry I wasn't clear Richard- it's the low E that returns sharp... C pedal returns fine on upper E as does the F lever.

Lack of proper lubrication over a long perod of time also seems to be among this poor gal's maladies...

but dang it sounds good!!

Dave, slack the string off a little and turn the nut roller a half-turn...then retune and see if the problem's any better. A nut roller that's not moving freely will cause that problem. Sometimes, lubrication will correct it, other times, the shaft and roller will have to be removed, polished, and then re-lubed.