Trouble tuning pedals - throws open tuning out

[petefrombookham]

Hi there, I wanted to pick your collective brains here, if that's okay? I am still very new to the instrument and learning as I go.

I have a Sho Bud 6139 and I'm having trouble tuning the third pedal. It raises the B to C# fine, but the E is always flat. When I use the hex key to tune it and then take my foot off the pedal, the E string is sharp. Sometimes I fiddle with the rod stops (is that what they're called?) but that doesn't seem to work. Currently I'm just spinning the hex key and the tuning doesn't change at all when the pedal is pressed. I can see the rod rotate when I look underneath the guitar.

Please help! I feel bad bothering the seller all the time, although he's been very gracious with his time and expertise thusfar.

Thanks y'all

[jonshack]

Hi Pete, if the whole rod is rotating is sounds like it's come loose in the little brass barrel nut that holds the other end of it to a bell crank - that attaches to the cross shaft of pedal C (see leftmost of the three cross shafts in this pic). There is a tiny black hex screw in the brass barrel that needs tightening up with an allen key (use imperial allen keys). With the guitar upside down, first of all back off the nylon tuner so it looks roughly as far along the thread as the other tuners. Loosen the tiny hex screw enough so the rod moves freely (sounds like it already does). Without the pedal engaged, slide the whole rod forward so the nylon tuner meets the changer (where it goes through the hole). Then pull it back out 1 to 2 mm (you need a tiny bit of slack in the system). Then tighten up that hex screw so the rod is held properly inside the brass barrel. Then try tuning again (you may need to turn the guitar over or prop the ends up with books). You never want the nylon tuner so far in that it's already engaging the changer finger without the pedal being pressed - hence the slack.



Shout if that doesn't make sense or doesn't help at all.

Jonathan

[JohnDavisStringsHere]

Pete, if St Neots is not too far for you bring it up here and I will help you.

[petefrombookham]

Hi Pete, if the whole rod is rotating is sounds like it's come loose in the little brass barrel nut that holds the other end of it to a bell crank - that attaches to the cross shaft of pedal C (see leftmost of the three cross shafts in this pic). There is a tiny black hex screw in the brass barrel that needs tightening up with an allen key (use imperial allen keys). With the guitar upside down, first of all back off the nylon tuner so it looks roughly as far along the thread as the other tuners. Loosen the tiny hex screw enough so the rod moves freely (sounds like it already does). Without the pedal engaged, slide the whole rod forward so the nylon tuner meets the changer (where it goes through the hole). Then pull it back out 1 to 2 mm (you need a tiny bit of slack in the system). Then tighten up that hex screw so the rod is held properly inside the brass barrel. Then try tuning again (you may need to turn the guitar over or prop the ends up with books). You never want the nylon tuner so far in that it's already engaging the changer finger without the pedal being pressed - hence the slack.



Shout if that doesn't make sense or doesn't help at all.

Jonathan

Hey Jon, thanks for this. I'd had a fiddle with that but to no avail. Turns out I'd routed the rod incorrectly when I'd removed it previously! It's all back together and working okay now. I must stop tinkering with the thing!

[jonshack]

Ah that will do it! Glad you got it sorted. It’s good to get to know the mechanics a bit but take lots of reference photos as you go and find out what various parts are called so you can get help. The Winston/Keith book is a great place to start for terminology.

[mick hearn]

Some great replies from jonshack but all is sorted. Pete has the rack and barrel system but a quick message to me and all sorted. He is a quick learner.