MSA D10 Changer Removal/Cleaning

[Roger Andrusky]

I have an MSA D10 which has been with me since new in 1976. The A&B pedals especially have become pretty stiff. I have seen folks play their steels with only their socks on their feet, but there is no way anyone could do that with mine! I read on the Forum a great detailed description on how to remove and clean the changer, but even though I am pretty mechanically inclined, it sounds pretty intimidating!
The instructions I read also indicated that there are plastic washers between the fingers that may need replaced. Are such parts still available from MSA? I tried to get some parts to change a rod-pull, but they were not available.
The instructions also used part names for the parts being talked about, but without some kind of picture or something I am not sure how I would know what is being referred to. Is there a write up with pictures somewhere by any chance?
I think sending her to someone to be worked on is really out of the question, and I don't know of anyone between Erie and Pittsburgh PA where I live who could do this for me. I am very willing to tackle this myself, but not without really understanding what I am doing.
Any input would be very greatly appreciated!

[Earnest Bovine]

It is unlikely that cleaning the changer will make the pedals easier to operate.
If your changer needs cleaning you would probably have other problems such as the string returning very slowly to pitch when you release the pedal.

You can easily check to see if the changer is gummed up without disassembling it. Just remove the string, and disconnect the lower-return spring. Now it should move freely.

[Bobby D. Jones]

Hi Roger, Google "PSG Parts": Have those sets of 11 plastic washers for a 10 MSA, 4 sets in stock. $5.50 a set.

I have removed MSA Classic Changers.
If you want to talk about this project, Send me a private message with phone number and time to call.

[Roger Andrusky]

So sorry for not responding sooner! I did not get any message that either of you had responded in my email even though I thought i had checked the box. I checked my SPAM folder as well.
I can say that after removing a string and the return spring it does move freely, but the A&B pedals are definitely harder to press that they ever were as well as when compared to the other pedals. I don't like the thought of taking it apart, but I am tired of rocking on an off the pedals only to hear the poor intonation because I didn't press it hard enough! Also, there is no issue with the string returning to pitch when the pedals and knees are released.
So, if I do need to take the changer apart, I need to either make or buy a "bed" to set the guitar in so I can work on it. Any thoughts on that one!? Thanks again for responding!

[Keith Murrow]

Roger, here is the link to old-syle MSA parts available on Michael Yahl's psg parts web site:

https://www.psgparts.com/shop/category/all-msa-old-16

There are probably the same type of parts available from other suppliers. I have had excellent service from Michael and the parts I purchased were of excellent quality, fit, and finish. Michael sells the changer axle washers you mentioned in sets for ten- and twelve-string changers.

I have taken apart older MSA changers multiple times over the years, and yes, it is a lot of work, but not horrible. When doing the initial disassembly, I just set the body upside down on my workbench on some foam rubber to cushion it. If you decide to do it eventually, I suggest taking meticulous notes on your guitar's complete setup BEFORE beginning the disassembly of ANYTHING. Make notes and take a lot of photos as you disassemble the changer so that you will feel comfortable that you are getting everything put back together the way it is supposed to go. It would not be fun to have parts left over!

Some people swear by ultrasonic cleaners to clean-up dirty metal parts. I have never had one so always just soaked mine in solvent for a couple days and then washed and scrubbed them with an old toothbrush and alcohol. Wipe everything down with clean, soft cloth rags.

For now, you might consider pouring lighter fluid through the top of the changer to see if it clears out any dirty or oily residue. (*NOTE - my MSA is mica so the finish is not harmed by solvents. If yours is lacquer, you might not want to do this) Others on the Forum have suggested this and so I gave it a try. I put a piece of cardboard on the garage floor, sat my 1974 MSA Classic on it, and ran nearly a whole can of the fluid through the changer while activating all pedals and knee levers throughout the process. Make sure you have adequate ventilation and no open flames if doing this! I let things dry out a few days and then re-oiled all of the moving parts. I was surprised but pleased, all of the fluid that dripped out the bottom was relatively clean, so I guess my changer hadn't built-up too much dirty residue. I decided to do this as part of a "periodic maintenance" routine every couple of years, and so far, I have experienced no negative side-effects. I don't have any empirical evidence to support it, but the pedals and levers aiways seem to have a smoother feel after I have done this. Of course, the new oil would do that, but it just feels good to remove any extra gunk first.

[Roger Andrusky]

Thank you, Keith! I will see what I can do with it, and I will check out the parts link.
I thought I might try a softer spring, but I don't know if a spring with a smaller spring constant would be better or not and since I don't know what the spring constants are on the guitar anyway, I guess it doesn't much matter. Maybe I'll just experiment a bit. Again, thank you!
(I'm still not getting any notifications that you replied...)