The Steel Guitar Forum

I have a '74(?) Sho-Bud S12 Pro 1 (6160). I need to adjust the pedal height of my three pedals (I want A to be a little higher or B to be a little lower). I am told that the disconnect that's screwed onto the end of the pedal rod should turn on the threads to make that happen.

Is that true? Mine seem fixed. There are screw turns but the disconnect doesn't turn. I've tried WD-40 and hold the rod with pliers and trying to turn the disconnect with another pair of pliers. All I'm getting is scratches all over the place.

What am I missing?

Well, I just saw a video on adjusting the pedal height and I think my disconnects are just frozen in place. Like they have lock-tite on them or something. Rusted, I supposed. I'm beginning to wonder why I bought a 43 year-old guitar. (sounds great but I just want to play the damn thing)

The pedal rod connector may be bottomed out on the rod so that no further adjustment is possible. There are normally more threads cut onto a pedal rod than are usable. It may be necessary to remove the connector and shorten the rod by cutting back two or three threads. Be certain that the locking nut is threaded onto the rod before cutting so that the threads can be "chased' and any burrs removed, otherwise it may be difficult to reinstall the pedal connector.

I don't know how much experience and familiarity you have, so some of these questions may be obvious, but they may be something you didn't know or have overlooked.
1) you DO know that the hexagonal bit on top of the fitting is a lock nut?
2) put the hook end of the pedal rod in a vise, and move the locknut away from the fitting. This may require a crapton of effort, and might also require heat, if you have a torch.
3) with the pedal rod still in the vise, slide the collar up, and put either vise-grips or a pipe wrench on the fitting. This may also require mighty effort or heat.

These threads may not have moved in decades, so persuasion may be difficult.

If they have been Loctited, heat will help. A good hot lighter flame is all you need.

Otherwise, you may be able to get it to turn. Douse it with PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench, let it soak, and repeat several times.

You don't want to hold the rod with pliers, a vise is a much better option. Use a couple of hardwood blocks to pad the jaws, and clamp the rod firmly in the vise, and make sure the knuckle is as close to the jaws as practical.

If the rod is bottomed in the knuckle, it may be jammed. You should remove the knuckle on the rod you need to shorten and make sure that's not the case.

Something to keep in mind, those rods are fairly fragile. If you put too much muscle on the job you could very easily break the rod. Go easy, and use some kind of penetrant.

@Lane - I have no experience and no familiarity.

I also have no vise. I do have neighbors, though!

Thanks for the advice!

@Lane - I have no experience and no familiarity.

I also have no vise. I do have neighbors, though!

Thanks for the advice!

If it were me, I'd just buy new pedal rods with new connectors already in place. Things simply wear out after many years sometimes. I'd also get new connector screws that are screwed into the floor pedal. I've had some of those actually break off. Another tip here: Clean the changer fingers unless they've already been serviced. I use lighter fluid on older guitars. Just cover the wood and do it outside. Everybody has there own favorite oil for lubing. I use different oils on different parts.

I want to buy new rods and connectors. I just can't find them. I see rods on PSG Parts but I don't see the connectors on his site. Any help here would be appreciated. Thanks!

Shoot Michael an email.
The fittings are also used as carburetor linkages: take a pedal rod to a full-service Napa store....

This what you're looking for? http://psgparts.com/Ball-Joint-Quick-Connect-BJ.htm

I think I have some used ones, read really used if you can't find anything.

Is this what I need for my pedal rod to connect to my pedal? Probably a dumb question but remember...I'm new to this thang.

http://www.psgparts.com/Ball-Joint-Quick-Connect-BJ.htm

Thanks.

How do I know if I need 90 degree or 180 degree ball joints. I'm assuming 90 but you know what they say about "assume!"

90 for sho-bud. Rt. angle. The 180's are for pedals that connect to the rods on top v. the side.

Thank you, Jerry! That makes complete sense. I didn't even think of rods connecting to the top of pedals!

Now I just need to measure my rod length.

If I want my A pedal to sit slightly higher than my B pedal, should I order the length accordingly? Right now, all three of my rods seem to be the same length.

Thanks again!

Your pedal rods should all be the same length. There should be an adequate amount of adjustment for pedal stagger.

If the ones you have are comfortable for you, measure them, with the estimated amount of thread inside the connector, and order the same length.

They can be ordered in shorter and longer lengths from Michael, I think. If you have any questions or confusion, you can inquire about those things with Michael. He is a member of the forum, and I'm sure you can contact him via his website.

I buy them from Tewco, Inc. in Franklin WI. Their number is (414)423-8080.
PRR

I think you're well down the road toward a solution, but to be safe, don't pay any attention to any advice from Billy Carr (4/25):

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=316333

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=316520