ALL PULL TUNING THEORY??

[Amos Sheehan]

A humble offering on fine tuning all-pull guitars.

When programming the longest (highest tension) pulls and their respective splits,
It becomes necessary to increase the tension on the relevant return spring to achieve the best pedal/lever resistance/tuning/half stop feel etc..

Once the changer is returning from its most extreme demands accurately- I have found an unexpectedly broad range of slack can be achieved (without losing the ‘split value’ by backing off the return springs by degrees as subtle as 1/8th of a reduction in tension!!

This then led me to question- how do we tune the harmonics of open strings? (as we would on say, a fender 6 string electric guitar)… answer?? THE RETURN SPRINGS!!!!!

I have some ideas around this concept but will refrain from extrapolating until, if ever,
any forum members decide to chime in.

BACKGROUND.
I play an ALL PULL EXstar Superb 2(KEYLESS D10 premium model by Fuzzy/Excel 2023)

The guitar in question was ‘Chalker style’ (necks opposite) with Emmons as standard
excepting E9’s LKV being programmed to lower 6/5 both by whole tones,. Like a Franklin change omitting the lower on 10.

Long story short, I have completely rebuilt the guitar(Swapped necks to conventional positions[including string rollers/keyheads etc..]
This would have been impossible without the help and constant guidance of Toshiyuki Shoji so a shout out to SHOJI steel guitars!

Thanks to all the moderators and members for keeping the forum alive, you are doing a great service! Long live b0b !!

[Bobby D. Jones]

Working on the mechanics of a machine (Steel Guitar) takes some thought and study for a person. Even with a good mechanical mind.
When it comes to adjusting and tensioning, Lower Return and Pull Assist springs for best action. Is a whole different undertaking.

The Lower return spring and Raise assist springs adjustment and tension, For smooth precise playing. Is where you earn your GooRoo Degree or Wizard Wand. When it comes to setting up an all pull steel guitar.

On some C6th tunings, The 10th C string with a raise on it, And the 8th pedal lower C to A. Is the return spring that is the final test.

[Donny Hinson]

This then led me to question- how do we tune the harmonics of open strings? (as we would on say, a fender 6 string electric guitar)… answer?? THE RETURN SPRINGS!!!!!

I have some ideas around this concept but will refrain from extrapolating until, if ever,
any forum members decide to chime in.

I may not be sure exactly of what you're saying?

If the lowering finger is solidly against its stop, the spring tension affects nothing as far as the tuning of the open string or the harmonic. (This presupposes that the string isn't over-tuned.)The only thing that affects the harmonic (note) of the open string, other than the tuning of the string itself, is the scale length. Regular guitars usually have some method to intonate the individual strings, but that's because the strings must be pressed down to the fret, and this action tightens the strings. That amount of tightening is different for all the strings because they're of different gauges, and not all at the same height above the fretboard. But on most all pedal steels, the bridge has no adjustments for the string length, and the first (12th fret) harmonic will always be in the center of the string, and it will always be an exact octave above the open string. (That is, unless there is some irregularity in the string itself.)