How to set up a sho bud

[Jay Fagerlie]

Hi All, I have tried my best search terms and still I get 900+ pages-
All I want to know is the basics of how these 6139 (1973) Sho Bud changer/barrels work- single raise, single lower
My steel has an issue trying to get the E to drop to D# (This is Coy Cranks old C6 I bought here on the forum years ago) on this C6th tuning and turning the allen screw does nothing to change the pitch, either way, up or down.
I also want to change a weird change on string 2 I don't understand to something I'll use.
Other than that, this thing plays great, stays in tune, and sounds amazing.
Does anybody know of any kind of video/white paper, etc. that gives a quick description of the idea behind the changer and some tips on changing the copedant?

It looks pretty simple, but I don't want to change anything until I have at least a basic understanding of the way it is supposed to work
I have only worked on my Fender pedal steel so 'real' changers are not part of my wheelhouse (yet)

Thanks for any help Jay

[Ian Worley]

The barrels have a spring between the two threaded sections that protrudes out of the hole on the end. That little protruding spring nub is meant to catch on the edge of the rack (or on the bell crank swivel if two-hole pullers) when a pedal or lever is engaged, such that it holds the barrel in place when you turn the pull rod via the the hex cap screw head in the end plate window, thus allowing the barrel to shorten or lengthen and adjust the pitch of the pull. It sometimes happens that the little spring nub gets sheared off over time and no longer does its job, so when you turn the allen screw the barrel just spins and no adjustment happens. It can also happen that the barrel is screwed in too far and doesn't have enough range to make the necessary adjustment, or screwed too far out and is no longer threaded into the fixed side of the barrel. You should be able to flip the guitar over and observe whether: a) the spring nub is intact; b) the barrel is threaded too far in; or c) threaded too far out. If it's any of these things, and assuming nothing is missing or broken beyond repair it's usually just a matter of loosening the set screw on the barrel and repositioning it on the pull rod to give you the proper range of adjustment for the desired pull.
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[Travis Bubenik]

Add author Ricky Davis to your search and you'll get a wealth of information on this. Still lots to sort through but helps narrow it down:

search.php?keywords=rack+and+barrel&ter ... mit=Search

search.php?keywords=sho+bud+6139&terms= ... mit=Search

[Jay Fagerlie]

Thanks
I have reset the barrel to two turns in and I was able to get it to tune properly, now my problem is the barrel is slipping!
I get one or two pedal presses, then it's back to being out of tune.
I've tried to tighten that little allen as much as I can, but it's 50+ years old now and the allen key just slips in there if you try to put any English on it
Where is a good place to get these allen screws?
Is there something better?
What size is it?

Thanks all!

[Travis Bubenik]

I’ve had that same exact problem - I would honestly recommend just buying a new barrel (or a handful) from Michael Yahl - for the money it’ll be an easier quick fix and might even work better than the original barrel:

https://www.psgparts.com/shop/01-095-b ... category=2

But yea you can just get a new set screw from a hardware store, and try out different varieties (pointed tip round tip etc.)

[Andrew Roblin]

The barrel will slip if there is any lubricant on it.

[Jay Fagerlie]

I did get a couple of rods and barrels from Michael, I have installed them and my Sho Bud is getting to where I need it-
I did have to go find a better allen wrench, so I can get the barrel set screws tight enough now that they do not slip.
I have a couple more things to change- consolidating the pulls on P8/P9 to one pedal (P9)and then adding A to Ab on P8
Thanks for all the help!
After owning this beauty for a decade I'm finally starting to bond with it.
It's this guitar, I bought it from a forum member-
viewtopic.php?t=193727

[Bob Carlucci]

Might want to clean every trace of oil from the threads on those problem barrels, and possible even find a way to roughen them up a tiny bit to where they still turn with no problems but don't turn too easily.. I would start by cleaning them very well, NO oil!.. Then I might stretch the spring on them just a tad.. They are there to provide length adjustment, NOT to turn in any way while in use ..

[Jay Fagerlie]

Thanks Bob. (it's been a while since we've talked, like a decade!)
In the final analysis, my main issue was the allen wrench I was using- it was from a harbor freight set that is ...well, you know....
I found my screwdriver handle allen key and everything is great now, it's getting into tune, sounding great, and has me stoked to play
Thanks for the tip- I will for sure make sure there is not oil anywhere near the barrels.
I did get it all together yesterday, got it all tuned up, I've gathered my learning materials and am finally ready to dive into this C6th in earnest.