Zum String Gauge and Pedal Timing Question

[Kenny Davis]

Thinking about changing strings on a Zum for the first time. I'm sure some of the gauges are different from what I use on my other guitars. First of all, I don't lower the 6th string and the Zum has what appears to be a .20 plain there. I'm happy with the gauges I use and want to use them on this guitar. My question is does anyone use heavier gauges on their Zum, and if so, will I need to adjust the timing at the changer and bell cranks on some? Is there a rodding chart? I have a copy of a Zum manual but it doesn't show a chart. It's a 1980 model.

String Gauges:
.013
.015
.012
.015
.018
.022W
.026W
.030W
.034W
.038W

Any help would be appreciated.

[Bobby D. Jones]

Changing the 6th string from .020 plain to a .022 wound would cause a problem.
A .022 wound string only has about a .011 core in it. Which travel is controlled by. It would take a longer pull travel to raise a 6th wound string, From G# to A on the B pedal raise.

Its 1 of those physics rules we have to consider. A small string/core diameter string must travel farther to reach same note.

The pull rod will need to be moved in Bell crank, Or pull bar hole, (Farther from its pivot point)For more travel to tune a 6th wound string proper. SAME BELL CRANK/PULL BAR HOLE AS 3RD STRING IS GOOD STARTING POINT.

Easiest and Quickest, Just replace with a .020 plain string.
Good Luck, If you chose to setup guitar for wound 6th. Happy Steelin.

[Dave Grafe]

Here's what I've got...

[Kenny Davis]

Thanks guys, I appreciate your replies. I was hoping to get a look at an actual rodding chart to use as a baseline. I have always used a .022W. Back in 2020 at the Dallas Steel Show I was validated by my all-time Sho~Bud hero Lloyd Green when he told the crowd from the stage how much he dislikes an unwound string on the 6th.

You are correct Bobby, I needed to change the locations on 3 & 6. I have two other triple/double changer guitars and I compared them to the Zum. I realize the differences in the changers, but I needed something to compare to. I was able to visit with Ken Collins by phone earlier today and he gave me his input. After about ten minutes I was in business!

Thanks again!

[Dave Grafe]

Here's Bruce's 8+5 rodding chart

[Kenny Davis]