Rack & barrel, start of pulls

[eskimo]

Hi!

I've got a question about Sho-bud's rack & barrel system.
Since there's only two rack positions for the rod – one for raises and one for lowers – there's no way to time the pull starts and stops of differently gauged strings. Is this compensated for elsewhere or is it simply off? If so, where and how? Picking the right string gauges?

[bob adams]

The last part of this thread may answer your question.


http://steelguitarforum.com/Forum5/HTML/005203.html

[eskimo]

Thanks!

That very thread was what steered me towards the gauges. But I don't see how that works since I assume (perhaps wrongly) that each changer has the same leverage, hence different gauged strings should not start/stop simultaneously.

[bob adams]

The Barrel spring is designed to make the necessary adjustment between the string tensions one classic being the difference between strings 3 & 6 Sho Bud and Emmons push pull are the same principal one common rod per string capable of use on 'any' lever or pedal.

[eskimo]

I see. So you adjust the 'give' by having a slightly shorter/weaker spring?
A crude solution, but I like it. Set and forget, and then very picky about the gauges. Oh, and don't mix up those barrels when doing maintenance...