The Steel Guitar Forum

My GFI ultra S-10 has recently developed 4th string tuning instability that is getting worse. I have been playing for only a year and my knowledge of the instrument is pretty basic. The main issue as far as I can tell is that after actuating the E lever
(E Lower) the string returns about 15 cents flat. I am also constantly having to tune
the lower as it is frequently sharp. This eventually results in twisting the nylon tuner all the way in. Then I have to loosen the string at the main tuner, twist the nylon tuner all the way out and start all over again.
So far i have:
1. changed the string
2. checked for old broken ball ends in
the changer
3. checked the nut and it appears to rotate
freely.
My understanding is that the GFI does not need lubrication of the changer. Could this
be a return spring problem or a problem with the finger getting stuck?
I love the guitar, it sounds great, rarely breaks strings and until now has been
completely trouble free.
Any help from you knowledgeable gentlemen would be greatly appreciated.

Could be a return spring problem, i would tighten the spring a little at a time 1/4 turn or so, if that's not it, you can always put it back, i had the same problem on my 6 string lower,,i tighten mine as much as i could,,still does it every now and then, sometimes you might have to shorten the spring,,or tighten it and live with it, also you might change the location of the pull rod connecting to the bellcrank, i had a gfi, great reliable guitar,,i,m by no means an exrert,,good luck.

Try Willie's suggestion. Also, do this generic procedure [works for most all pull changers]....reach under the changer and feel the lower finger move when you actuate the lever. Keep your finger on the changer finger while you engage and release the lower lever.
When the note returns flat, try and pull the changer finger back towards the right end plate. If it returns to proper pitch doing this, then you need to tighten the return spring like Willie says. If it doesn't have a screw adjustment for the return spring, then you need to cut off a coil or 2.

If this is not your problem, binding is one of the possibilities. Charlie of Derby Steel says changers needs to be lightly lubricated every 6 mos. or so. I don't know whether this in necessary with GFI's or not. Good luck! <font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Jerry Overstreet on 14 April 2006 at 10:23 PM.]</p></FONT>

but..before you go crazy...

back off the E raise pull on the 4th string completely..also back off the C pedal raise of the 4th string..

make your 4th string lower adjustments..see what happens..

lets make sure one of the other pulls is not interfering with the 4th string lower...

we got 3 things goin' on here with the same string..lets isolate the issue ..before you proceed with the chain saw...

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TPrior
TPrior Steel Guitar Homesite
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I used to play a different brand of guitar than I play now, and the buider said the changer did not require lubrication. However,the music store where I bought it said it did. After having the same problem you're desribing, a little oil on the changer did the trick. I've now noticed that the buider of that guitar now suggest lubricating the changer. <font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Ronald Sikes on 15 April 2006 at 08:59 AM.]</p></FONT>

And don't forget the old "string ball fell in the changer" problem. This is more common than you think, and causes the problem you described.

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www.home.earthlink.net/~johnd37

Gentlemen
Thankyou for your help and suggestions. The problem was solved by a 3\4 turn of the return spring adjustment screw. Pretty darn simple. Tuning is now rock stable.

"but..before you go crazy..."

Tony,
how did you know i have a
1. ready
2. fire
3. aim
approach to mechanical issues?