12str Zum problem

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 12 Jan 2004 6:15 am

I have a friends Zum 12str. He has the E's lower on RKL along with the 6th pedal that raises the E's. When I engage the 6th pedal
it will not return to E without a little help
from my foot under the pedal. I'm wondering
since most E lowers on the RKR is that the
problem or is there a fix for this as is.
Thanks for any help.

Bengt Erlandsen · Post by **Bengt Erlandsen** » 12 Jan 2004 7:40 am

If what you are saying is that the E is still # after releasing both the pedal and knee-lever and then the pedal needs to be lifted a little bit to get the E back in tune?
It might be that one of the bushings on the cross-shaft for the P6 has moved inwards to the center of the cross-shaft so the shaft wont rotate as easily as it should. Look underneat and try to move the cross-shaft w your fingers to see if it moves freely. I had the same problem on my A pedal but after checking and moving the bushing problem was gone.

Bengt
ZumSteel S12

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 12 Jan 2004 9:25 am

Thank you Bengt. I will give it a try.The E
is flat when it returns.I can see the pull
rod for the Knee moving inside the bellcrank when the 6th pedal is depressed.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Chuck McGill on 12 January 2004 at 09:29 AM.]</p></FONT>

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 12 Jan 2004 9:39 am

Did you try tightening the lower return spring on that string?

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 12 Jan 2004 11:59 am

Earnest thanks for the reply. Yes I did. I'm
wondering if any 12 str has an E lower on the
RKL?

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 12 Jan 2004 12:07 pm

When it fails to return to pitch, put your right hand under the changer and push on the lower bar until it returns to its stop and the string is back at the correct pitch. How hard did you have to push? Is it harder than the spring can pull?

Jon Light (deceased) · Post by **Jon Light (deceased)** » 12 Jan 2004 12:41 pm

I can't help but I'll answer that last question--I lower my E's on RKL on my U-12. And I know that others do too. So there is nothing unusual about that.

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 12 Jan 2004 5:00 pm

Earnest I will try the changer tomorrow and
Jon thanks for answering my question.

John Hawkins · Post by **John Hawkins** » 12 Jan 2004 8:08 pm

Chuck,

Rather than "guess" what the problem is , I would suggest you call Bruce Zumsteg . He is usually always available to answer questions about his guitars and is just a plain good guy to know and talk to . He will probably give a quick solution to the guitar's problem in short order right over the phone .

He does not have a web site but his phone number is A/C 816-380-4568.

If you talk to him , tell him I send my regards . He builds a fine axe ! I've played one since 1980 . On my second one at present.

My best to you and to my old home town of Jackson , TN .

John

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 13 Jan 2004 5:54 am

Thanks John. Your probably right.

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 19 Jan 2004 9:39 am

Got the problem fixed. Found a pull rod not
routed properly through the crank. A little
drag on the rod was all it was. Thanks for the help guys.

Chuck McGill · Post by **Chuck McGill** » 26 Jan 2004 9:38 am

You may close this one. The Zum is on it's
way to London.