Tuning the 4th string pedal and knee levers

[Judith Vivian]

I'm new to pedal steel so please bear with me. My question is how to I get the three functions for the 4th string all in tune. I can't seem to get all three in tune at at the same time.. If my C pedal is right my f knee lever won't go sharp enough for the 1/2 step and if my F lever is right my C pedal comes up just shy of that whole tone to drive me nuts. I was a professional guitarist for over 4 decades so my hearing pitch was pretty well defined. As I said I'm new to this and live in an area where I only know one other person playing pedal steel and he's a novice like me. I have a great Mullen 4/5 and so I know whatever is happening is my fault. I could cerainly use the help figuring this out.
The problem started with me overtuning that string and fixing that but I can't quite figure the trick out. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Duffy

[Dave Grafe]

Hard to identify the problem without seeing the guitar, but it sounds like an over-tuning issue where one or more nylon tuning nuts are keeping the mechanism from returning to the stop when all pedals and levers are released. Back all the nuts off until there is slack on the rods and re-tune them one at a time making sure that the string returns fully to rest with no tension on the rods. There is a sticky note here about over-tuning that may help.

[Bobby D. Jones]

Did the guitar tune up proper before?
Then this problem start.
Have you changed strings?
And this problem began.
If the problem began after changing strings, Check diameter of 4th string, Most E9th sets have a .014 4th string.
If the string is smaller than .014, It must pull further to reach E-F# note, Or E-F note. And cause this problem.

Did you do anything to the Lower Return Spring. (The Screw on 4th string right below the nylon tuning screws, On the end plate.)??

From the problem you are describing, Sounds like the Lower return spring may be a little loose and allowing the lower lever to pull off the stop, During the raises.
Look under the guitar, Watch the lower lever on string 4, (With the return spring attached), If it is moving off the stop plate, Tighten the phillips screw under string 4, A 1/2 turn, Then check raises again, Tighten screw 1/2 turn at a time and check. Till lower lever does not pull off stop. (Keep count of turns.)(Do not tighten screw more than. The lower lever stops moving off the stop plate. If tightened to much, Will not allow string to lower E-D#.
Good Luck finding the problem and cure. Happy Steelin.
If your guitar is a Mullen Pre Royal Precision, I have a guitar sitting here to figure on.

[Judith Vivian]

Guys thanks for all the insight. I'll give your helpful tips a try.