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Topic: string pitch changer 'gizmo' |
mickd
From:
london,england
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Posted 29 May 2006 11:39 am |
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I'm sure I've seen a post about this before, but I couldn't find it in a search so here goes.
I play a U12, and until recently have always lowered string 2 a tone on the same lever that drops the E's, so that I get a top 'D' (actually C#, of course) when I am in C6th mode.
That makes the change quite stiff, however, so I've been wondering if its possible to fit a 'gizmo' to just change the tuning of string 2 - not to be activated by a lever or pedal but some sort of switch at the keyhead maybe.
I think something of this sort has been used on lapsteels to flip between 2 set tunings (but I only need it on one string).
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John Daugherty
From:
Rolla, Missouri, USA
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Posted 30 May 2006 6:54 am
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Mick, since I rarely use that 2nd string change, I backed the tuning nut off so it did not engage the changer finger.
I,too, felt that my lever was too stiff. Omitting the 2nd string from that lever, made it much easier to push.
By just backing the nut off, you can easily tune it in if you so desire.
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www.home.earthlink.net/~johnd37
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Bobby Lee
From:
Cloverdale, California, USA
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Posted 30 May 2006 6:56 am
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That's called a "lock lever". You add a crossbar, pullers and rods just like for a regular pedal or knee lever, but there's a lever that "locks" the pull into place for a whole song.
Or you could put it on a pedal and use a brick. 
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 Bobby Lee (a.k.a. b0b) - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs, Open Hearts
Williams D-12 E9, C6add9, Sierra Olympic S-12 (F Diatonic)
Sierra Laptop S-8 (E6add9), Fender Stringmaster D-8 (E13, C6 or A6) My Blog |
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Pete Burak
From:
Portland, OR USA
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Posted 30 May 2006 9:37 am
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On my Sierra Session S12U I have two lever locks. One that locks the E>Eb lever (RKR), and one that is not connected to a lever or pedal that lowers D# to C#.
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Jon Light (deceased)
From:
Saugerties, NY
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Posted 30 May 2006 11:33 am
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Slim-to-no-chance it would fit on a keyhead but this is the first thing that I thought of when I read your post:
hipshot extender key |
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mickd
From:
london,england
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Posted 30 May 2006 12:03 pm
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Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.
I do currently have the change backed off at the tuner end, but I like the feel of the lever much better as it is now.
I should have mentioned that my Sierra is keyless, so the hipshot has even less chance of fitting.
I do have a brick, but I don't have a spare pedal
So that leaves the lever lock - sounds just the job. I haven't got a spare change I could use, but I could always get the spares from Tom. Does the 'lock' part look just like the E-lower B6th lock that comes with the Session 12 ? |
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Steven Black
From:
Gahanna, Ohio, USA
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Posted 31 May 2006 1:07 pm
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| Mick, I do not believe the hipshot has enough room on the keyheads to work on a steel, if you go to Excel's website you will see a changelock that Fuzzi incorporates on his guitars, or look at a Sierra steel guitar there's is really unique. |
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Ernie Pollock
From:
Mt Savage, Md USA
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Posted 3 Jun 2006 4:39 am
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yeah, that lock is the way to go. Pulling that 2nd down with the lever makes it a little stiff on some changers, but mine is not too tough, & with the lock, I can have the 'D' lever on the Left Right lever instead of the other leg, which I have always like the best.
pic 1
pic 2
pic 3
hope the pictures work, but who knows??
Ernie  http://www.hereintown.net/~shobud75/stock.htm
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mickd
From:
london,england
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Posted 3 Jun 2006 9:13 am
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| Ernie - pics 1 & 3 come through ok. That lock of yours sure looks different to the Sierra one, but I suppose it does the same job. |
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