Sho-Bud B Pedal Problem

Mike Friedman · Post by **Mike Friedman** » 26 Jan 2016 2:13 pm

I am having a problem with the B pedal on my Sho-Bud Pro-1 not returning the 3rd string to pitch. I have tried tightening the springs by turning the screws on the end plate. When that didnâ€™t work, I tried loosening them. I have also tried strategically oiling various parts to see if that helped, all to no avail. So I am hoping that someone here might have some suggestions on how to fix this problem. I donâ€™t have to tell anyone here how awful it is to not have a pull return to pitch, so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

-Mike

Edward Rhea · Post by **Edward Rhea** » 26 Jan 2016 4:41 pm

Pm'd you Mike.

Mike Friedman · Post by **Mike Friedman** » 27 Jan 2016 6:38 am

Thanks Eddie! I replied.

Anyone else? It's more of a mechanical problem where the actual pedal isn't popping back up all the way. All suggestions are welcome. Thanks again!

Philip Mitrakos · Post by **Philip Mitrakos** » 27 Jan 2016 9:50 am

If the pull rod aint a straight pull the threads on the pull rod end will catch on the pull finger hole..if the pull rod to the bell crank is off at an angle move the bell crank over a bit to get a straight pull....
If that aint the problem then your pull finger is gummed up with chit'

Mike Friedman · Post by **Mike Friedman** » 27 Jan 2016 10:13 am

Thanks Philip! I'll investigate those issues.

Jason Putnam · Post by **Jason Putnam** » 27 Jan 2016 10:59 am

Not sure on that model as it looks to be newer than mine. But mine has helper springs on the pedal cross shafts. If yours does, check it. If it's broken that would be the problem.

Jason Putnam · Post by **Jason Putnam** » 27 Jan 2016 11:01 am

Not sure on that model as it looks to be newer than mine. But mine has helper springs on the pedal cross shafts. If yours does, check it. If it's broken that would be the problem.

Mike Friedman · Post by **Mike Friedman** » 27 Jan 2016 11:43 am

I do have those. I will inspect them again and make sure they are functioning properly. If they need to be replaced, do you know who sells them? Or the main springs? I thought about replacing them too to see if that would help. Thanks!

Wayne Quinn · Post by **Wayne Quinn** » 27 Jan 2016 12:58 pm

Mike. did you try backing your nylon nut back until it just clears the changer. then retune that string at the peg head. then fine tune on the nylon nut. on the raise. hope this may help as that string may be over tuned and not returning back to proper pitch.

Mike Friedman · Post by **Mike Friedman** » 27 Jan 2016 1:39 pm

Thanks Wayne! I will give that a shot too. Sounds like it could be an issue, since that string gets fine tuned a lot and may be "past the point" of return.

I hope to have some time this weekend to try out all of these ideas. Thanks again all!

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 28 Jan 2016 6:03 am

which pull system ? show some pictures of the "other" side and the changer end so we can see which changer and pull system we are talking about.

Did this just happen, like overnight ? When was it NOT a problem ?

What happened in between ? String change, adjustments etc...

FIRST: Whenever a string does not return to pitch, always go back to ground zero. With the B Pedal, back off both strings , 3 and 6 with the nylon nuts at the changer. Tune the string open. Then add string 6 raise , check it for the return then add string 3, check it for the return. If 3 doesn't return, back off 6 to make sure it is not interfering.

If you have the ability to turn the Steel over with the strings "OFF" the ground , do the above and watch the changer finger. If it is getting hung up, you should be able to see it and FEEL it.

Pro I's came in 3 flavors, racks, two hole pullers and 5 hole pullers on hex shafts. Which one is yours ?

Also just an awareness thing, string 3 should be an 11 gauge or close and the 6 string should be a 20 or so.

Mike Friedman · Post by **Mike Friedman** » 28 Jan 2016 6:58 am

Thanks Tony. First here are pictures of a changer similar to mine. I'm not sure what this one is called, but this is what I have. (not my actual steel. found these photos here of Nick Reed's steel. Thanks Nick.)

This did not happen overnight. I've noticed it sort of "slipping" for a while. But it's just gotten to the point where that change is basically unusable and I don't seem to be able to diagnose the problem and fix it by myself. So that's why I'm asking.

It does sounds like I need to start by resetting the pulls on both 3 & 6. Maybe 6 is over tuned and that causes the pedal to not return to the full up position? It was also suggested to me that something may be binding underneath, so I will flip it over and look for what both you and he suggested and see what I can find.

I'm good on the string gauge. I know this sounds like a "newbie" question, but I've been playing for 18 years. I've just never had a mechanical issue I couldn't suss out myself. So I REALLY appreciate all of the advice and feedback I have received. I'll keep you all updated on what I find out.

Thanks again!

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 28 Jan 2016 10:19 am

Nice Mike, if your guitar is like that one,(Nicks) it is a two hole puller system, changer should be 2 up 1 down. Very nice Steel great tone.

Yes for certain release the pulls on 6 and 3...tune the open, then just go ahead and tune the 3rd string raise, see what happens. Seeing this has happened over time, if releasing 3 and 6 doesn't offer a cure, it may be a rivet on the 3rd string pull finger, worst case...also a fairly easy fix.

regardless, these are easy to fix and get to good order. regarding string gauges, you would be surprised to learn how many issues are indeed wrong gauges.

Lane Gray · Post by **Lane Gray** » 28 Jan 2016 11:53 am

Might have a worn nylon nut.

Mike Friedman · Post by **Mike Friedman** » 28 Jan 2016 12:01 pm

Thanks Lane. I'll check that as well.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 29 Jan 2016 7:51 am

Lane Gray wrote:Might have a worn nylon nut.

YES !!! change the 50 cent part as well , swap it with another if you don't have a spare. I overlooked this !

Good call Lane...

Larry Bressington · Post by **Larry Bressington** » 29 Jan 2016 8:35 am

Check there is some free play in the rod when the pedal is not depressed.

Mike Friedman · Post by **Mike Friedman** » 29 Jan 2016 8:53 am

Lance & Tony, if I do need to replace the nylon nut, who has them? I have ordered parts from James Moorehead in the past. Would he have them if needed?

Larry, doesn't seem to have any free play when its not depressed. When its up, both strings are in tune, and both strings start pulling as soon as I step on it. When its down both pulls are in tune. It just won't pop all the way up when I take my foot off. It stops about half way and the 6th string goes back to the proper pitch but the 3rd string stays sharp until I push the pedal back up with my foot from underneath.

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 29 Jan 2016 9:05 am

Take the pull rods out of the changer and bellcrank... Using a screwdriver, push the changer fingers exactly the same distance as the rods would have pulled them.. You can do it just by listening to the pitch... This way you can see if the problem is in the changer, or in the linkage all the way down down to the pedals... If you don't want to use a screwdriver, simply take the rods out of the bellcrank, and pull on them by hand up to pitch and see if everything is smooth with good return.. If not its in the changer, changer holes,nylons, springs at the changer end, etc.. If its smooth with good return, the problem is in the pedals, pedal rods , cross shafts etc.. also.. CHECK THE ROLLERS AT THE NUT!!!!! bob

Mike Friedman · Post by **Mike Friedman** » 29 Jan 2016 9:07 am

Thanks Bob! Will do.

As I mentioned before, I'll be using these wonderful suggestion for troubleshooting this weekend and will keep you all updated.

Much appreciated!!!

Larry Bressington · Post by **Larry Bressington** » 29 Jan 2016 9:11 am

Free play needs to be 1/32 at least mike, other wise it won't return correctly....Back off the nylon a turn (or 2)and adjust the pedal travel screw (anti-clockwise) at the pedal stop at the front apron to allow for more pedal travel

Stuart Legg · Post by **Stuart Legg** » 30 Jan 2016 2:35 pm

I think Larry is right it's almost always that problem if it returns sharp.

Craig A Davidson · Post by **Craig A Davidson** » 31 Jan 2016 7:09 am

One other thing and it is very remote. Change your third string. Even though the package reads right sometimes the strings don't get milled right and the gauge is slightly off. I have had this happen and drove my self crazy trying to fix things.

Steve Smith · Post by **Steve Smith** » 3 Feb 2016 10:09 pm

Hi Mike
If you are raising and lowering the 6th string and
it is not coming back to pitch it could be the raising
helper springs if they are attached to the 3rd and 6th strings.Just remove them. Should cure the problem.....