Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker on August 19, 2010 at 1:50am

INSTALLING ZITHER PINS

The Zither pins I sell have a very finely threaded portion on the lower half, and are just over 3/16" in diameter. To install them, carefully mark out your pin locations on your headstock/instrument soundboard, and then drill the holes. Clean out any burrs, sawdust and whatnot from the hole, then lightly tap a pin into the hole at an exact 90-degree angle until the threads catch. At that point, use your wrench to screw the zither pin in until about 5/16" of threads remain exposed. It should then be ready for stringing up. Some experimentation and trial-and-error may be necessary to get this just right.

Permalink Reply by Naz Nomad on August 19, 2010 at 5:46am

Just a note: I've used the same micro-threaded zither pins (alas, before Ben stocked them) and they're a great product for the times when headstock real-estate is lacking.

I've got 4 in a travel fiddle, they stay in tune real well. I'd say that the harder your timber, the better your result.

Also, practise installing them on a scrap piece of wood first. That way, you'll ensure you got the hole-size perfect before you drill your headstock.

Enough chit-chat ... GO BUY SOME. :-))

Permalink Reply by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker on September 8, 2010 at 9:53am

Hey folks - I have been working on posting some informative how-to articles on CBG building, with a focus on using some of the parts I sell. You can check them out at: http://www.cbgitty.com/content/section/10/43/. I will be adding more in the days to come as well!

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on May 10, 2011 at 4:47pm

Ben,

 

what kind of soldering iron do you recommend for working on the small board of the amp kit?  watts? pencil tip?

 

thanks,

the best,

 

Wichita Sam

Permalink Reply by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker on May 11, 2011 at 1:52am

Sam, I use a basic 25-watt pencil-tip small electric soldering iron from Lowes. I am not sure what the wattage is, but for this sort of fine work I know that you want as fine a point as possible, and not too much power because you don't want to cook anything and want to heat the board as little as possible. Here is the link: http://www.lowes.com/pd_123251-273-SP23LHPK_4294822048_4294937087_?...

 

Lowes item # is 123251 

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on May 11, 2011 at 3:45am

Ben,

 

You're the best.  as far as technique is concerned, I sometime see the soldering iron "wiped" on some kind of pad when the tip loads up with solder.  I've done a lot of guitar electronics, but never used this technique.  I've guessing this might be important on fine work.  What material should I use for a wiping pad? 

 

thanks,

the best,

 

Wichta Sam

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on May 11, 2011 at 3:49am

Bear,

 

thanks for the information.  How expensive in that rig?  Is it suitable for someone wiring up a couple guitars a week and maybe an amp or two a week in the future?

 

thanks,

the best,

 

Wichita Sam

Ellwood T. Bear said:

Sam,

I use a Weller variable temp. soldering iron/station. The one I have, i've used it for about 20 years repairing Life Support Medical Devices. I have had to replace the tips as needed.

Permalink Reply by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker on May 11, 2011 at 3:49am

I know they make pads specifically for this, but I think one of those copper pot scrubber/brillo pads will work too. Ted Crocker would know more about it, he's the soldering guru.

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on May 11, 2011 at 3:52am

Thanks for the idea.... I'll check with Ted.  Have a great and prosperous day!!!! - WS

 

Permalink Reply by Wichita Sam on May 11, 2011 at 5:47am

Bear,

 

Thanks for the link.... do you think a "pro" model is worth twice as much as the "hobbist" model.?  Either way, I like the variable temp feature.

 

the best,

 

Wichita Sam

Ellwood T. Bear said:

Here is a better link: http://www.all-spec.com/

Ellwood T. Bear said:

Mine is an older unit BACK in the Day it was around $300.00.  But today less than $100.00 will last a Lifetime and I just turned 71 .... What can I say..... and here is a link, http://www.all-spec.com/products/Weller/Soldering_and_Rework|Soldering.Rework_Equipment|SOL-10/WES51.html    the model number is WES51 in case the link does not work

Wichita Sam said:

Bear,

 

thanks for the information.  How expensive in that rig?  Is it suitable for someone wiring up a couple guitars a week and maybe an amp or two a week in the future?

 

thanks,

the best,

 

Wichita Sam

Ellwood T. Bear said:

Sam,

I use a Weller variable temp. soldering iron/station. The one I have, i've used it for about 20 years repairing Life Support Medical Devices. I have had to replace the tips as needed.

Permalink Reply by Ben "C. B. Gitty" Baker on May 11, 2011 at 2:33pm

Ellwood - thanks for that recommendation, I intend to pick one of the pro models up for my own soldering needs.

Permalink Reply by Sonny Wentling on May 30, 2011 at 6:23am

Hey sam. The thing u see people wiping soldering irons on is just a wet sponge. It keeps the tip clean by wiping off the carbon buildup. A copper chore boy is also useful for cleaning the tip. U can use it when the iron is hot or cold.

, Wichita Sam said:

Bear,

 

thanks for the information.  How expensive in that rig?  Is it suitable for someone wiring up a couple guitars a week and maybe an amp or two a week in the future?

 

thanks,

the best,

 

Wichita Sam

Ellwood T. Bear said:

Sam,

I use a Weller variable temp. soldering iron/station. The one I have, i've used it for about 20 years repairing Life Support Medical Devices. I have had to replace the tips as needed.

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