Steel Guitar Builder

I have decided to make a more traditional 'all pull' changer to replace the one on my original first build and would be grateful for any suggestions and/or comments.

I'm sure Burt could add some pearls of wisdom I could glean!

Best Regards Ron Mc

Hi Ron, The graph looks good. I liked the changer you put in your second build, which looked like it would have done the job. Did it give you some problems? Not trying to be nosey, just hoping it was going to be a strong changer system. Rick

Hello Rick,

The changer in my second build works fine but the first changer was built on the 'Gluck' design which, although it works, requires a heavy pressure on the foot pedals.

Best Regards Ron Mc

My preference is for longer-than-usual lower return springs, they make full-tone lowers a lot easier.

Thanks for your input Richard,
you reckon another 15mm length will make a difference, that would make a distance of 70mm from the endplate to the spring attachment point.

I'm grateful for all input and suggestions it gives me something to do in the workshop, if you think of anything else please come forward.

Best Regards

Ron Mc

Ron,
If you draw your changer in the raised and lowered positions (at least 7 degrees of rotation each way, see THIS POST) you will see how much movement there is of the lowering segment.
Read my reasons for using a longer spring HERE

Thanks for your help Richard,

I am going to fit an attachment to the base of the 'lower finger' to allow me to fit a longer spring without making a complete new finger if it's required.

What do you think?

Ron Mc

Ron,
If you do decide to make new fingers, then it might be a good idea to make provision for helper springs, even if ultimately you find that you don't need them.

Option 2 is the way that I do helper springs.

Sorry Ron,
I omitted to answer your question about the rivetted on plate.

Yes, definitely a good idea.

If you can use bolts instead of rivets all the better, as a plate that is too short can be removed easily and replaced with a longer plate.

I bolted on extension pieces to the changer fingers on my ZB, they're not very tidy, but they do the job

Golly! these are long springs Richard, I think perhaps this thread could be valuable information for new builders.

I will put up drawings of the dimensioned parts on this finger if there is any interest in me doing so.

There often seems queries regarding where to start and builders can modify them to their own requirements.

Best Regards

Ron Mc