2nd String Half Step Lower too mushy

[Jeff Rady]

Hi All,

I've got an excel exstar from 2024. I'm trying to get a stronger stop on my 2nd string. It currently lowers a half step and then a whole step. How do I make the half step more firm? E9 tuning. I would love any input you might have. Thanks, JR

[mtulbert]

You will need to stiffen the 9th string drop to make this happen. Depending on where you have the pull rods in your Excel you can change the position of the rod close to the changer and that will stiffen the pull.

According to Mickey Adams the way to get a good feel stop is to do what was suggested above.

Tune your 2nd string flatter that C# with the hex nut at the tuning end. Adjust the 2nd string to D by tuning the amount of pull on the 9th string to get the 2nd from D# to D and finally use the split screw on your excel to tune the full 2nd string drop to C#. This works well on my guitars.

I know Excels are different but I think you can achieve this without too much trouble. Their guitars are mechanically very sound.

Hope this helps

Mark T.

[Stew Crookes]

Hi All,

I've got an excel exstar from 2024. I'm trying to get a stronger stop on my 2nd string. It currently lowers a half step and then a whole step. How do I make the half step more firm? E9 tuning. I would love any input you might have. Thanks, JR

I would check with Toshi about which hole positions to use (pullers and changer) - he will know how to configure it properly for sure.

The feel stop on my Excel Robostar was set up perfectly from new and I find the feel stop to be really positive and accurate - moreso than on most other guitars I've tried.

[Toshiyuki Shoji]

The more detailed information you can provide, the more accurate advice I can give.
On your Exstar model, is the half-stop installed on the RKR knee lever?
And is it set up in the common E9 configuration, where the 2nd string lowers to D/C# and the 9th string lowers to C#?

Since Mitsuo tends to be unpredictable and builds each guitar quite differently, I would greatly appreciate it if you could share some photos of the knee lever and bell crank where the half-stop is installed on your guitar.I’d be glad if I could be of help to you.

[Jeff Rady]

Thanks guys. Toshi, yes to both questions. I’ll have some pictures posted ASAP

[Jeff Rady]

Hi Toshi,

Here are those pics, let me know if those are suitable. Thanks! JR

[Toshiyuki Shoji]

Thank you very much for the photos.
I see that your guitar is an S-12. Is the tuning extended E9 rather than universal?

If the intonation of the D note on the 2nd string at the half-stop is not an issue, and you simply wish to make the half-stop feel firmer, then please do not change the rodding. Instead, tighten the screw to increase the tension of the 9th string return spring.
You may even try tightening it close to its limit as an experiment.

Looking at your photos, I noticed that the 12th string changer is lowered and not returning properly. Please try tightening the screw to increase the tension of the return spring.

[Jeff Rady]

Thanks Toshi,

That helps, I'll try that. Thank you very much!

JR