How often should one lubricate the changer
on the steel and how often should one apply a small amount of lithium to the curved part of the rod ends?
maintenance question
Moderator: Dave Mudgett
-
Larry Bell
- Posts: 5550
- Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
- Location: Englewood, Florida
- State/Province: Florida
- Country: United States
The smartass answer is 'when it needs it'
In reality, I believe that steel players, in general, OVERLUBRICATE their guitars. Any part where metal is rubbing on metal should have some lubrication. Often high quality grease works better than oil, but that really depends on the application AND the guitar itself.
Most new guitars have oilite or other lubrication-free bushings, e.g., for cross shafts, and don't require any lubrication as long as the bushing is intact.
Lube the roller nut shaft whenever you change strings. Wipe all excess off before reassembling.
You'll just have to look carefully at how pull rods are attached to bellcranks, how the changer and pull train moves, and how pedal and lever linkages operate. That will determine how to best lubricate those points. Most manufacturers have recommendations. Follow them and you should be fine.
I tend to lubricate my push-pull a bit more often than my newer guitars but try not to take it to extremes. A LITTLE LUBRICATION GOES A LONG WAY. Looking it over every 6 months or so and lubricating where needed is a good idea.
NEVER USE WD40
For more info, see http://www.steelguitarinfo.com/lubrication/lubehowto.html http://www.steelguitarinfo.com/lubrication/lubematerials.html
------------------
<small>Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
My CD's: 'I've Got Friends in COLD Places' - 'Pedal Steel Guitar'
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S/D-12 6x6, 1984 Sho-Bud S/D-12 7x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps
In reality, I believe that steel players, in general, OVERLUBRICATE their guitars. Any part where metal is rubbing on metal should have some lubrication. Often high quality grease works better than oil, but that really depends on the application AND the guitar itself.
Most new guitars have oilite or other lubrication-free bushings, e.g., for cross shafts, and don't require any lubrication as long as the bushing is intact.
Lube the roller nut shaft whenever you change strings. Wipe all excess off before reassembling.
You'll just have to look carefully at how pull rods are attached to bellcranks, how the changer and pull train moves, and how pedal and lever linkages operate. That will determine how to best lubricate those points. Most manufacturers have recommendations. Follow them and you should be fine.
I tend to lubricate my push-pull a bit more often than my newer guitars but try not to take it to extremes. A LITTLE LUBRICATION GOES A LONG WAY. Looking it over every 6 months or so and lubricating where needed is a good idea.
NEVER USE WD40
For more info, see http://www.steelguitarinfo.com/lubrication/lubehowto.html http://www.steelguitarinfo.com/lubrication/lubematerials.html
------------------
<small>Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
My CD's: 'I've Got Friends in COLD Places' - 'Pedal Steel Guitar'
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S/D-12 6x6, 1984 Sho-Bud S/D-12 7x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps