Carter mechanism question

[davegallagher]

I've just read David H's 'which section?' thread and I still don't know 'which section' to post this.

I recently bought a Carter SD10 and it has a strange (to me anyway) setup on the B pedal. The crossbar pulls up string 3 as normal, but instead of the string puller being connected to the rod that pulls up string 6, it has a link to another crossbar with a string puller which pulls up string 6. It may be clearer in the photo.

Is this some beneficial device fitted on modern steels? I have only ever owned old ones. Or is it because the previous owner didn't have a rod long enough and needed a quick (and quite efficient) fix before a gig? My first thought was to get a longer rod and set it up as normal, with both pullers on the same crossbar, but I'd be interested to know if it has a purpose. Can anyone tell me please?

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[bob adams]

It’s a compensator for cabinet drop Dave.

[Zebedee]

It's not a compensator, Bob

It's a gearing-down of the linkage, to allow a more equal movement of the bellcranks for strings 3 and 6, which gives a better pedal 'feel'.

This is because the Carter uses a plain sixth string, which doesn't need much travel to raise it a semitone.

I put a wound sixth on my Carter, and bypassed the gearing-down linkage.

[bob adams]

Similar principle, different application, the joys of a glance and quick reply! ..... Cheers Richard.

[davegallagher]

Thanks Bob and Richard. Nice. Is it only beneficial on that 3rd string or do Mullens and the like use them on the A or C pedal I wonder????...or people who raise their 1st string a whole tone? ...thanks again...Dave