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Lower spring return what gauge???

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 1:23 am
by Pat Comeau
Hi guy's, i can't remember if it's 21 or 42 music wire gauge for the changer return spring...anyone??? :? :)

Re: Lower spring return what gauge???

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 4:09 am
by Scott Howard
The springs I used to buy were .041 . I have been buying springs from Rains guitar . A set of 10 go for 15.00 and I was spending close to that for the spring and wing nut I had been using. These also look better than what I had been making.

Re: Lower spring return what gauge???

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 10:52 am
by Bent
Pat, Scott is correct, it is 41 AWG .
Are you making them yourself? If so, and you discover a way to make the loop nice and neat, let me know please. As you have probably read, I have a jig for making the taper in the other end.

Re: Lower spring return what gauge???

Posted: Tue Mar 30, 2010 8:34 pm
by Pat Comeau
Thanks guy's ...that's what i thought 41 or 42 gauge, yes Bent ...i want to try to make them myself if i can :oops: , can you send me or post a picture of the jig you made for the tapered end?. :)

Re: Lower spring return what gauge???

Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2010 1:59 am
by Pat Comeau
Bent!...where did you get your music wire?, and what is the product number?.

thanks. :)

Re: Lower spring return what gauge???

Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2010 5:32 am
by Bent
Pat, please beware that we gave you some misleading info earlier. We quoted you the wire size in inches, when in fact you have to order it in "music wire gauge"
The closest I got to a factory spring was 17 MWG, which is .039 inches and that seems to be bang on.

I got it from Spaenaur, Kitchener ON. toll free 800-265-8772
When you call them, they will gladly send you a catalogue 3 inches thick, but they want you to set up an account. Easy, use your VISA or the billing method.
250 feet of the carbon steel wire 697-021 will cost you around $25
250 feet of the 302 stainless 697-817 will cost you over $100

I believe stainless is used in the ones you buy, no wonder they are 1.50 a piece. I found the price just too prohibitive and stuck with the carbon.
Tell them Bent sent you...maybe I'll get a discount on my next order :-)

I will take some pics of the jig today and post them here