Question for MSA mechanics

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 7 Feb 2006 4:33 pm

Yes; but if the lower section is moving at all; before the raise section hits anything; the scrapping out some wood is Not the prob.
Something is letting that lower section move.
There may be a worn spot where the lower arm pushes against the top piece and if that happens; then the lower section will move when the raise section continues....>but I don't know that MSA finger that well as I haven't had one out before. But something is binding or something is worn or a pivot got tight or something; for that lower section to move when raising.
Ricky

Bo Borland · Post by **Bo Borland** » 26 Feb 2006 8:07 am

Well, here's the latest, I got some parts from Wayne @ Linkon and replaced a few worn parts. In 30 years I have never tinkered with the mechanics, content to learn what was there on the guitar, and just doing the routine maintenance.
I put 2 extra bell cranks in the LKL cross rod. My plan was to raise #1 F# to G#, raise #2 Eb to E, and raise #7 F# to G#. I added new rods and pivot bushings and set it right up. I am also planning to change a redundant pedal #4 or 5 to the PF pedal change...maybe splitting it as Tommy White does.. if this all works out correctly.
The lkl pull is now very stiff ..but it does work.
The question is.. should I start experimenting with lighter or heavier gauge strings to lighten the pull.
Is this how make the end result work properly?

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 26 Feb 2006 8:29 am

Bo, I think most guitars will have a stiff feel pulling 3 strings... Most guys that use that change just use the 1st and second string pull.. If you add the Franklin pull you will be lowering the G# to F#... I think the low F# up a full tone will become redundant...

personally, I feel that low F#-G# change is not that important to sacrifice the knee lever action.. I'd pull it off and add the Franklin pull on another pedal or lever... bob

John Fabian · Post by **John Fabian** » 26 Feb 2006 9:50 am

At a certain point, the use of improper gauges will cause the changer to operate improperly. The lower finger will pull away during the raise.
http://www.steelguitarinfo.com/strings/stringgauges.html

Chris Grotewohl · Post by **Chris Grotewohl** » 26 Feb 2006 9:51 am

I have the same setup as you except I use RKR. It is stiff also. I just installed Tom Bradshaws little double to triple raise device on the 1rst string. It is still a stiffer pull but reaction time is quicker now. CG

Bo Borland · Post by **Bo Borland** » 27 Feb 2006 12:09 am

Thanks for the replies.
Bob, I think you are right about the low F#, removing it did make the pull lighter. What gauges are you using on the F# & Eb to pull to G# & E ?
John Fabian, the MSA came with these gauges; .013 F#, & .017 Eb, according to the chart to pull the F# to G# it should be an .011 or .012 & the Eb up to E should be a .015
While making these mods I watched closely to see if the raise finger was making contact with the body.. The lower finger starts to move before it contacts the body and because of this the F# to G# does not pull into pitch. We already tried the shorter spring with no sucess so I guess the question is, is changing the gauge the way to make this pull work? [This message was edited by Bo Borland on 27 February 2006 at 12:13 AM.][This message was edited by Bo Borland on 27 February 2006 at 12:17 AM.][This message was edited by Bo Borland on 28 February 2006 at 01:19 AM.]

Bo Borland · Post by **Bo Borland** » 28 Feb 2006 1:31 am

Thanks Big John for the email.. after I try a different gauge string I will let you know how it works.

Bo Borland · Post by **Bo Borland** » 1 Mar 2006 10:29 am

Well, changing the .013 to an .011 did not make it work either..maybe a thorough cleaning is the next place to go.. then start over.