The British Steelies Society

Hi guys, it’s only me apologies for all the questions, I’m just really trying to learn how to maintain my guitars, and not just play them.

So, my C pedal is a little too stiff. When pressing down B + C, I really have to make a special effort to get the C down to its stop.

Would I be right in thinking there is a simple-ish way to make the throw a little easier? I doubt that it is a lubrication problem, but more likely something to do with travel?

Thanks,

Brad

Here's a couple of things to look for. Before messing with the pull rod make sure that the height, under your foot, of the two pedals from the floor is comfortable for getting either AND both pedals down without twisting the ankle too awkwardly (the same applies to the A + B pedals). This may not seem to have any bearing on the question, but if they're not right it can seem like a stiff pedal issue. It's usually a matter of adjusting the pedal-rod length by loosening the locknut and turning the connector. Trial and error 'till it's right. Usually the A is higher than B and C slightly higher than B - the difference depends on your ankle dexterity and how far your 'sitting centre' is from the pedals. It's worth getting this right anyway: it applies to ABC and CBA.
That done, the pull-rod rule is - 1. at bell crank; further from the guitar underside the harder the push and vice versa. 2. at changer; the further from the changer axle the easier the push, remembering there are different holes for raise and lower of course

I've always eliminated the extra pressure required for the C pedal by using helper springs, rather than increasing pedal travel.
I don't like having long pedal travel, as it has a knock-on effect on knee lever positioning.

However, to add helper springs where the original design had made no provision for them required a bit of tinkering under the hood, but I always got there in the end.

Brad has told us that he's a bit nervous to meddle with the gubbins, so I think increased pedal travel is the easiest way to go.

Some steels make it easy, by having two positions on the pedal to hook the pedal rod to, on other steels there's usually enough bellcrank hole options to achieve the extra travel.

Tony, Richard,

Thank you - as always - for your advice. I’ll try out the pedal rod length tonight and then work my way through the solutions!

Now it’s been mentioned, I think my sitting position (in conjunction with the resting position of the LKR lever) might be part of my problem. I sit off-centre, with my navel around the 14th fret perhaps. This could be creating a difficult angle for B+C, which, together with the natural resistance of the C pedal, is creating my plight.

I’ll do some more investigation tonight and get back to you!

Thanks again guys,

Brad

Hi guys,

Just to update, I’ve messed around with pedal height and pedal stops. I noticed that all the pedals had a very short/ stiff throw so I’ve moved the stops to suit my comfort more. This has made B+C a bit easier.

I’ve also tried to move away from playing in just socks! I know this sounds crazy but I’ve always found ‘just socks’ far more comfortable but I’ve tried some thin sole trainers tonight and, obviously, they make the travel feel far less stiff.

Hang tight... next topic will be some slight copedent changes to my C6 neck. Thankfully it’s nothing drastic, just things like increasing a half tone raise to a full tone raise on the same string etc. I should really get you two guys on some kind of retainer - or at least buy you a beer.

Thanks guys,

Brad