The Steel Guitar Forum

First off, I've tried searching the archives and haven't been able to find a post that addresses this issue...
I play a Derby SD-10 and recently changed strings...this time, however, the gauges must have been a little different--the 10th string B to C# raise on pedal A isn't right...it ends up way flat. SO I've been trying to 'tune the change' with the pegs on the right end of the instrument. (Don't know what they're called.) But in order to get the change to a C# I really have to crank it and crank it. As a matter of fact I didn't get it there 'cause I got a little worried about all the crankin' and thought I ought to get some advice here before I broke something. (Love my steel...) Plus when I crank it and bring it up, then get off the pedal, the open B is now sharp. I know there's something I'm missing here...does it have something to do with the little hex nuts above the white pegs?
Sorry about my bad terminology...just the first time I've had this problem.
(Ignorance AIN'T bliss!!)
grae

Sounds like you've got the wrong guage string on there! (It's probably too light.) Since the strings were the only thing that was changed, there's a 99% probability that's where your problem lies.

I am with Donny here, find out what gauges were on it when it was built.. then stick to that..

Also, it could be a bad string. Whenever, I re-string and it is requiring a lot of adjustment, I take it off and try another string. Nine times out of ten, it will then tune up fine for me. Hope this is helpful. Boo

If the B is coming back sharp, you may have the nylon tuner screwed in too far. If so, you will notice that the string pitch changes when you move the nylon tuner, even without the pedal engaged. Unscrew it while picking the open B string until it flattens to where it no longer moves. Now you should be able to fine tune that change.

<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Chris LeDrew on 27 February 2006 at 05:05 PM.]</p></FONT>

I think Chris is onto it. I backed it way off 'til the B flatted and stopped, then tuned the B back, then tuned the change up. I still can't get it quite there; when the B is good, the C# is a little less than ten cents flat. I'll keep messin' with it!
Thanks all,
grae

Graeme,

If that's the only problem string, you may just want to adjust the pedal stop. It's underneath the guitar, right where the pedal rod meets the undercarraige. Give the pedal a slight bit more swing, and you'd be able to get it.

You can use the different guage string by moving your pull rod on the bell crank to where it pulls the string further. You should then be able to tune the pull up to
pitch and the string should return properly when the pedal is released.

Good luck,

Ol' Fred