The British Steelies Society

Hi,

Apologies if this has been covered before..

How do you go about timing the 2nd string lower so it's at D when the 9th lower pull is first hit, and then at C# when the 9th lowers to C#?

Thank you!

Hi Henry

I don't actually have this change ( being Uni & not having splits ).

Mikey Adams has a YouTube video on tuning the splits which incudes the D's towards the later part of the vid.



Looks like it could work on your Williams

Hi Henry

Slacken off hex nuts and split screws.
Tune up to open string notes.
Set 2nd string lower C# with split screw.
Tune D with hex nut.
Now, hold 2 at D and tighten the hex nut on 9 until it is just about to engage, Then lower 2 to C# and adjust 9 with the split screw...

wow, thank you for this info! I am trying with a GFI and I'm not sure if it has split adjusters.
It was the split bit I was missing!..

No split tuning on the GFI unfortunatley .

All is not lost however, it's just a bit of a tricky balancing act if you want to do it without additional hardware.

I've just carried out this change on mine & had to change the bell crank hole on the 10 string in my case in order to increase the feel when the 2nd got to D & then mess with the amount of travel to bring things back in line.

It will be easier on a standard ten string 'cos you lower the 9th & it should be possible to improve the "feel stop" by increasing the lower spring tension ( I don't have that luxury, since I'm actually raising to D on the lower 10th String)

Either way it's still a PITA untill you put in the seat time and get used to the feel (it's so so easy to over lower in the heat of the moment)

Hope this helps

Thanks Pete, I knew it was gonna be tricky.. will let you know how i get on.. !

If there are no split screws, another way to get an accurate semi-tone drop on the 2nd string is to install an extra rod and nylon tuner, going from a bellcrank on the knee lever that lowers the 2nd and 9th strings, to a raise hole on the 2nd string finger.

Tune the 2nd string to its open pitch (at the keyhead).

Activate the knee lever, and adjust the 9th string nylon tuner to just start lowering the 9th string as soon as the 2nd string has dropped a semitone.

Carry on moving the knee lever, and when the 9th string has dropped a semitone, set the knee lever stop in that position.

The 2nd string will probably have dropped too much, so bring it back up to the correct (dropped) pitch using the nylon tuner on the new rod.

Thanks Richard

Richard's idea works. He suggested it to me some time ago and it solves the problem.
Give that man a pat on the back.....