Poll: 'The Switch'

[Andrew Frost]

This device would be very handy for reducing tension on levers & pedals that do double duty on two necks...
I'm very much interested in this.
Any further info about its development and availability?

[Dale Rottacker]

This device would be very handy for reducing tension on levers & pedals that do double duty on two necks...
I'm very much interested in this.
Any further info about its development and availability?

Interesting thought... that hadn't crossed my mind. would there really be that much magnetic pull to notice, or soften double duty feel?

[Hans Holzherr]

This device would be very handy for reducing tension on levers & pedals that do double duty on two necks...
I'm very much interested in this.
Any further info about its development and availability?

The switch in its last form would not be able to switch between necks, that is, activate all changes on a lever on neck 1 while deactivating all changes on the same lever on neck 2, and vice versa. The reason is that most double neck guitars have a support in the middle of every cross rod that would get in the way of the control bar of the device. Sure, the bar could have a new element that goes around the support... It's an idea that never occurred to me before.

BUT, I have discontinued this project due to lack of interest and the complexity of the concept—mostly, cross-brand compatibility issues. This does not mean that the technical problems are unsolvable, but the motivation to pursue the idea stands or falls with the level of interest in such a device. For instance, the switch in its present form works only with a certain type of pull rod. So, either, pull rods of customized lengths would have to be supplied with every order, OR a universal bell crank would have to be created, which would be quite a challenge. Also, the present switch only works on 3/8 square rods. Just to give you an idea of the issues...

[Brad Bechtel]

I think it's good that you're polling your potential market (people who play pedal steel and might consider such a switch). I would also agree that this sounds like something that most users wouldn't need. I barely play a single neck pedal steel, so I haven't added to the poll results.

Good luck with your experiments! You're part of a long line of people with mechanical abilities and interest in steel guitars, going back to Paul Bigsby, Buddy Emmons, and many earlier players.

[Andrew Frost]

Just to give you an idea of the issues...

I see what you're up against. I feel that a device to quickly de-activate even just one pull would be of great benefit.
I've heard of 'clutch' style mechanisms that achieve this, and I also recall a European steel player experimenting with a 'ball point pen style' spring click on/off switch which would be incredibly handy. I've made inquiries about these things but info seems scarce...

Thanks for the response.