E lower issues on Sho~Bud

[Luke Player]

Hi all,

I’ve read through a few threads on here but am hoping for some Sho~Bud specific advice.

I’ve updated the copedent on my ‘73 Pro II from factory to work as E and F levers (only got 2 knee levers to work with, trying to source 2 more)
Only issue is, everything works fine until I try to tune the 4th string, it seems it can’t lower to D# no matter how I approach it- I’ve tried starting over multiple times, backing everything off, adjusting spring tension, bottoming out the stop, using different lengths of rods, just can’t get it there!

Does anyone have any wisdom here? Would a thicker gauge string help? Could it be the tension required for both the C pedal raise and F lever on the same string aren’t allowing enough slack?

A little more info may help- it’s a barrel behind 2 hole puller, my E lever is on my LKL.
Thanks everyone!

[Ricky Davis]

Well I've got 5 possibilities...but I'll start with these.:
*If the raise section is being pulled at all in Open position(over tuned);then the E to Eb won't lower well at all.
*If the lower section moved when you engage Raising the 4th string; then that will cause a lowering problem.
*If the Raise Spring(little flimsy spring attached to raise section and bracket up against the wood underneath. Just unhook it from Bracket and lower will work better.
Start with that.
Ricky

[Luke Player]

Thanks for the help Ricky!

Seemed to work with a combo of unhooked raise return spring, starting from scratch by setting everything to zero and resetting the barrels with a bit more give + lessening the travel on the C pedal with the stop. Overall it got more slack going in the system, worked like a charm!

[Ricky Davis]

Awesome Luke; Good work bro.
Ricky

[Bob Carlucci]

I have never seen a problem with any Bud lowering 1/2 tone on any string.. That includes rack and barrel, two hole puller, and later Super pro pull systems.. I have had some issues lowering a full tone but usually resolved them one way or another,,, Sho Bud systems were good of course, but the pull systems of todays guitars are a lot more flexible than what we had back in the 70's...

[Jim Palenscar]

Actually I've seen 2 cases where the 4th string would no longer lower a half step due to a worn out finger where the lower scissor hits it.

[Ricky Davis]

I have never seen a problem with any Bud lowering 1/2 tone on any string.. That includes rack and barrel, two hole puller, and later Super pro pull systems.

Well when you've seen; and worked on, way over 100 Sho~bud's, all models like me and Jim Palenscar have; We have seen 5 or more problems that occurred from many different reasons and therefore; you will see any and all possibilities of any string; any movement..etc....falter one way or another.
Ricky

[Bob Carlucci]

no argument.. I have not worked on near as many sho bud guitars as you guys have.Never said it couldn't happen. Any steel guitar of any brand that can't lower 1/2 tone would have to have some serious wear thats not commonly seen by most of us ,,, I have seen Buds not lower a string a full tone, even on a changer and undercarriage in mint condition.. Actually had to pull the changer fingers and have machine work done to gain more movement.

[Ricky Davis]

Yeah Bob, totally agree.
Ricky