The British Steelies Society

The pull crank that attaches to my A pedal rod broke on a gig the other night. The welding gave way where it attaches to the cross shaft. Mid 70's Sho Bud. I've never had anything re-welded before (or first time welded for that matter!). Is this even advisable or should I be trying to source a replacement (or upgraded) part? On the one hand I'd like to keep the guitar as original as possible but it seems like a weak point in the design. Any advice much appreciated.

Borrowed pic from the internet shows the welded pull on the left:



PS fair price paid if you have one of these lying in your spares box!

All the best
Jonathan

Much appreciated John. I'm not at my guitar but those cranks look too short, I think they would miss the stop. I'll look into getting it welded (or brazed??) locally, although I don't really know what I'm talking about. Maybe a place that repairs brass instruments would be geared up for a small job - but then again I think brass is soldered. Obviously it needs be a very robust join.

Any ideas?

All the best,
Jonathan

John, that’s a fairly simple weld or braze for anyone with the kit.
Possibly even your local garage.
Dave.

Thanks chaps, good to know it’s a straightforward fix. I’ve contacted a local furniture maker who does welding, will report back if I get any joy.

Quick update, the furniture maker turned out to be a very helpful and enthusiastic local craftsman who has done various instrument repairs in the past and was familiar with pedal steel (up to the point of having had a go on one once). He picked up the cross shaft from my workplace, was very open to exacting instructions and turned around the welding in a day. Although it wasn't exactly cheap I'd recommend his work. Happy to pass his details on to anyone needing minor repairs of this nature in the London area.

Jonathan