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Post new topic Tuning Key Options for SKH Emmons Please
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Author Topic:  Tuning Key Options for SKH Emmons Please
Marty Broussard


From:
Broussard, Louisiana, USA
Post  Posted 11 Apr 2017 7:18 pm    
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I just purchased a bare Emmons SHort Key Head.

Could I please get some suggestions for some tuners that will work on the SKH's? I had one years ago and the original tuners were a little tough to turn --for me anyway. Are there alternatives out there that have an easier ratio?
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"Technique is really the elimination of the unnecessary..it is a constant effort to avoid any personal impediment or obstacle to achieve the smooth flow of energy and intent" Yehudi Menuhin
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Henry Matthews


From:
Texarkana, Ark USA
Post  Posted 12 Apr 2017 6:06 am    
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Marty, my SKH has stiff tuners also and have heard that is because of a grease they used during that era that dries out and gets hard making the tuners stiff.
Even though mine is stiff it is tunable but my solution is I just keep my tuning wrench (or whatever you call it) handy and tune with it.
I'm sure there are some other type tuning keys that would work but never researched it to see.
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Henry Matthews

D-10 Magnum, 8 &5, dark rose color
D-10 1974 Emmons cut tail, fat back,rosewood, 8&5
Nashville 112 amp, Fishman Loudbox Performer amp, Hilton pedal, Goodrich pedal,BJS bar, Kyser picks, Live steel Strings. No effects, doodads or stomp boxes.
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Marty Broussard


From:
Broussard, Louisiana, USA
Post  Posted 12 Apr 2017 7:06 am    
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Henry, that's what I did back in the day. I figure it won't hurt to research my options since I'm starting from scratch.
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RETIRED

"Technique is really the elimination of the unnecessary..it is a constant effort to avoid any personal impediment or obstacle to achieve the smooth flow of energy and intent" Yehudi Menuhin
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David Nugent

 

From:
Gum Spring, Va.
Post  Posted 13 Apr 2017 10:26 am    
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Marty..I have two SKH's and they both were equipped with Sperzels. I contacted the factory and while they no longer regularly manufacture pedal steel guitar tuners, they will make up a set on order. I ordered a set for the E9 neck on my D-10 and they are nearly identical in appearance to the originals on the rear neck...FYI: If this is to be a player and originality is not an issue, you might try the Sperzel locking tuners. I installed a set on my SD-10 (which is my go to gig guitar) and have been really pleased with them. String changes have become much simpler and they seem to hold tune better. Two important items however; 1) they must be ordered with the longer threaded barrels, the shorter units used on standard guitar keys will not work; 2) the locking pins will either have to be removed (they are pressed in, not part of the housing like Grovers) or the key head drilled. I chose to remove the pins and the tuners remain positioned just fine, I simply check them each time I change strings.
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Erv Niehaus


From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
Post  Posted 13 Apr 2017 10:53 am    
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If the tuners are stiff but work ok, I would try loosening them up with this product.
You can get it at a sporting goods store.

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Marty Broussard


From:
Broussard, Louisiana, USA
Post  Posted 16 Apr 2017 10:05 am    
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David, thanks for the info! I don't have any tuners yet and haven't received any other suggestions so I may go for the Locking Sperzels and removing the pins as you suggested. I'm not concerned with originality because this is an experimental guitar--I just want functionality. In fact, I just realized that since the roller nut is not an Emmons I'll have to pay close attention to any potential alignment issues. ....Another adventure may be in my future.....and with my limited patience.....Sad
_________________
RETIRED

"Technique is really the elimination of the unnecessary..it is a constant effort to avoid any personal impediment or obstacle to achieve the smooth flow of energy and intent" Yehudi Menuhin
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