Fix It

[Jim Palenscar]

I commonly see posts where folks are experiencing problems with their guitars and, after messing with these things for 50 years and working on them full time for the past 25 I've seen most of the problems before (not that I necessarily remember them mind you). To that end I've added a page to my website (https://steelguitars.me) called "Fix It" summarizing the common problems and how to remedy them. I am happy to include your discoveries as well in order to help us all out as we're truly all in this together. I also use Facetime/Skype to help remotely as frequently the problems are obvious and easily taken care of once you know what to look for.

[Ricky Davis]

Great Stuff Jim....You'da MAN!!
Ricky

[Craig A Davidson]

Great idea Jim.

[Roger Rettig]

Thanks, Jim - very well thought out and most useful.

[Carl Williams]

Much appreciated Jim…Carl

[Marshall Woodall]

In a nutshell! Thanks Jim.

[dlayne]

Jim I can understand exactly what I want and now thanks to you
and your sharing of your knowledge I appreciate the Fix It!!!
Thanks a Bunch

[Brooks Montgomery]

Awesome idea. Thanks Jim!

[Fred Martin]

Thanks ! And the price is exceptional.

[Ron Funk]

Fantastic Jim !!

Let's hope the Moderator of this Section of the Forum makes this a 'Sticky' at the Top of the 'Pedal Steel' category.

Kind regards -

Ron Funk

[Ross Shafer]

Jim Rules!

[John Sims]

THANK YOU Jim!

[Junior Knight]

Ah...you are the official HERO to all us steelpickers.

[Dale Rottacker]

Thank you Jim ... Informative, and in an understandable way.

[Roger Rettig]

'Fix it'..... came to my rescue this morning!

My newly-acquired JCH D10 is unquestionably the best-sounding steel I have ever played. However, it's been giving me fits while switching the E9th from Emmons to Day.

At first, I couldn't get the hang of those rod-and-collar KL sliders. That was overcome and, momentarily, all was fine.

Then I discovered that the 4th wouldn't lower to D# - not quite, anyway.

After much toying with rods, BCs and set-screws, I reread Jim P's article. 'Travel....'

I gave the KL a fraction more and, Hey Presto, there it was: E to D-sharp and back on the 4th and 8th.

The only disquieting thing is that it was working just fine as it was for the last owner, Junior Mercer, so why not for me? Okay, I know I'm going from raising the Es to F to lowering them, but still.



Anyway, thanks, Jim for ending two hours of frustration.

[John Hyland]

I gave the KL a fraction more and, Hey Presto, there it was: E to D-sharp and back on the 4th and 8th.

The only disquieting thing is that it was working just fine as it was for the last owner, Junior Mercer, so why not for me? Okay, I know I'm going from raising the Es to F to lowering them, but still.
Anyway, thanks, Jim for ending two hours of frustration.

Roger. The other parameter of tuning the movements is tension. Lowering gives you less tension hence requires different amount of travel than raising (more tension). Also raise and pull rod holes at the finger are not synonymous.

[Roger Rettig]

Thanks, John.

There are basic 'truths' regarding all guitars regardless of maker (excepting PPs, of course).

Just when I think I'm grasping the basics, something pops up to remind me of how little I know.

I loved watching Junior fine-tune my Emmons. While it's on the bench, nothing is too much trouble as he painstakingly adjusts pulls with a refinement I have yet to even dream of.

This JCH sounds so good that the Emmons is sidelined just now; I'm sure I'll return to it. 24 years of it being my go-to guitar will ensure that.

[Frank Freniere]

Cali Pali: Mr. Fixit indeed!