The British Steelies Society

Hope the forum has some input on this one. I’ve just set up my new MSA but I’m having some issues with the split adjustment screws, particularly on the low E. They are just a bit on the loose side and apt to wander slightly. It only takes a tiny turn to change the pitch. At the SSGW meeting last night I was sharing the issue with Bob and Willy and we came up with a few ideas. I’ve already tried thick waterproof grease and plumbers mate stuff plus had a go at Bob’s wrapping some very thin wire round it idea. His preferred suggestion was to wrap the threads in a thin silk thread but I cant seem to lay my hands on my Kimono repair kit!
I think what we all agreed was it would be nice to have some sort of non setting compound that slows the screw down but doesn’t set solid requiring refitting to retune. Non of the Loctite’s seem to fit the bill and Bob has about 6 different flavours!
Anyone got any ideas?
Cheers
Calum

What you want is Vibra-Tite VC-3
It's a non locking thread filler that's used in the aircraft industry.
Buy it in sachets as the bottles are expensive and go off in time.
You'll have to search the Internet but some bicycle shops sell it.

Good hunting.

Thanks Tony, that looks just the job! Hard to find indeed but got some from the piste office.com. Seems it’s used in snowboarding!
Cheers
Calum

Calum, I have some of that in my works van, send me your address and I'll post some up to you. Donny

I was clearly speaking to the wrong experts the other night! Thanks Donny that would be very much appreciated and if I end up with too much I"ll give some to Bob and Willy. Emailed you the address.
Cheers
Calum

Calum, now you mention it, the pisteoffice.com is where I got my last lot from. I had a bottle from work but as I said it does go off.
Anyone doing any work on steels, it's worth keeping a note of this address. It comes in sachets and is only £1.50 a go.
We had to use it to strict NATO/ MIL spec. at work which was to degrease the thread, put the stuff on and leave for 24 hours to dry before assembly. You can find that you may have to do again as some tight threads can strip it off . It's just a plasticised goo.
Well worth everyone getting some to keep in their toolbox.

Interesting...

But I need a bit of reassurance. If I take a 'split' screw out from the changer will everything fall apart? Will I be able to get it back in if I leave it 24 hours before replacing
I am a novice steeler and a complete no-no with tools. I get a nosebleed if I see a pair of pliers!

I had the same worry Nick and just decided it would be fine so I took one out and it was. That’s for an MSA but reckon most will be similar. Haven’t got my gunge yet but it is so totally needed!

Calum, can I suggest you contact Mitchell Smithey on the MSA website, there is an email contact there, he is the guy who assembles and fine tunes all the guitars for MSA at the factory and in fact probably did yours. Mitchell is one of the best builders out there , as well as being one of the best players I have heard. I had John contact him regards the guitars set up sometime ago, before he sold it to you.

Hi Malcolm
I spoke to Mitchell by email when I got the guitar and he was very encouraging. He actually mentioned you and how much they all enjoy your visits. The set up now is entirely different from when John played it and it would be interesting to get Mitchell’s feedback one day on how I’ve put it together. The grub screw issue is well sorted now but I have other tweaks on the go that may require some input. I also like to share what’s happening with the forum in case it’s of use to anyone else. Coming soon - a post about compensator rods........
Cheers