Adding KLs to Sierra

[Tony Russell Davis]

Here's a look at my latest project, adding a second central KL to the Sierra D-11. All done with a hacksaw, files, a drill and taps & dies in a cupboard "workshop".

Note the wing-nut arrowed. The Sierra vertical kl is detachable and is secured by that wing-nut. But I had an idea that the same cross-rod could be used for another central-right lever and in the next picture the thing is fitted with the vertical in place and it works (actually I hardly ever fit the vertical on the guitar; don't play E9th much).
The latest lever is the central-left. Sierra reverse the action of a lever using a short rod from the lever to the cross-rod and attaching it to the opposite side of the pivot (there's one on the left of the picture). I used the more usual method like this -

So here's the "after" photo.

[ZakTF]

Nice work!

[Tony Russell Davis]

Here's a close up of the "double lever" assembly, I didn't think it was clear before. Pic 1 with just the added C6th lever, and pic 2 with the E9th vertical as well.

Here's the reversing mechanism.

And again, but showing where the hidden parts are.

I reckon it could work, with modifications, to many guitars, not just Sierras.

[ZakTF]

I may be wrong, but the reversing mechanism looks quite similar to whats used on one of my Mullen's levers. Sierras look like sturdy guitars!

[Tony Russell Davis]

Yes my adaptation is the type used on ShoBud. Mullen and many more, a straightforward lever against lever. By the way, note the Sierra has the screw thread at the bell-crank end, not at the changer. The pull rod has a brass hex fixed (jammed on - almost welded) on to the rod at the changer and the whole rod turns as you tune the pull! Different, and so all rods must be straight.