Removing grooves from changer fingers

[Nick Bidmade]

I was reading an item yesterday on the US Forum about removing grooves on the changer finger caused by the string pressing/moving over the finger over time and causing wear. I don't think I have a problem, but one of the contributors suggested a light rub over with wet and dry paper every secons string change!
Is this something that should be done routinely, or only if a problem occurs? What do UK steelies use to resolve this? I'm interested in getting a UK perspective on this as some of the things suggested on the US Forum to cure this may not be availabl in the UK, or may have different terminologies.
Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful.

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

Hi Nick
My experience and thoughts
It is fairly obvious thet there will be a groove cut in the changer fingers over time.
When changing strings I have found that the new string (after slight tensioning) can be pushed to the centre of the changer finger where it wil sit comfortably in a "groove" If this does not adversly affect the tone of the string then there is no need to work on the groove.I have never done anything to a changer finger.
If there is a very sharp edge on the finger groove, it may be necessary to give it a light rub with very fine sand paper but be careful to follow the contour of the finger to avoid leaving flat surfaces.
I would not deem it a maintenance routine, it is more important to clean and lightly oil the guitar every so often.A very small drop of light oil on the changer finger face before installing a string is a good idea and will reduce friction.
Hope this helps.

[Paul Brennan]

You'll get a horrible rasping sound from the string if there are rough spots or burrs on the changer finger interfering with the vibration. This happened to me after about three years with my first steel and being blissfully unaware of this issue. I thought my steel was done for. It was actually Jeff Newman who instantly diagnosed the problem and showed me how to deal with it. At that time the burrs were quite severe and we attacked them with a metal nail file. Ever since, at every string change, I've given the fingers a gentle smoothing with some sandpaper. As Billy says, be careful not create flat spots or your changer finger really will be done for.

[James Crowbear]

every time i change strings i check to see if there is a groove or not
when there is, i take a fine Dremel emery rubber wheel to rub out the groove
i do NOT use the Dremel for this : my fingers do fine
no need to overdo it either - as soon as i feel the top of the finger is smooth : i STOP
i agree w: the above that by leaving the groove or the burr will only contribute to string breakage
which ever technique one uses, either the groove returns or deepens -
i prefer to grind it slighly each time i change strings
i'm sure certain fingers have hardened steel that resists burrs or grooves from the pressure
this is not the case of my Zum
i imagine w: time as the top of the fingers wear down or out from this slight grinding, they will probably require replacing ?
as for now, i'm ok

[Nick Bidmade]

Many thanks for the advice. Crowbear - what is Dremel? Is it available in the UK?

[Donny Johnston]

Nick, a Dremel is a small hand held power tool which, with various attachments can be used for different uses, small wire brush for removing rust, small cutting discs, grout removing tool, polishing discs. I got mine in B&Q.

[James Crowbear]

Donny's got it Nick
a Dremel is a small hand drill for finer precision applications
do NOT use that drill for removing the burrs or grooves - by hand will suffice
you'll find those fine rubbery emery wheels w: the accessories that go w: it
the ones that are like coins rather than cones or cylinders

[Will C]

Strange, I never seem to get this problem with my changer fingers. Maybe I'm not playing often enough!

[Donny Johnston]

I got my first steel guitar for my 21st birthday 44 yrs ago ( work it out for yourself ) and played the same guitar for most of that time, 20yrs professionally, I have never had to use sandpaper on the changer fingers, in fact this is the first time I've heard about it.