Push/Pull - Several Changes On One String

Gary Shepherd · Post by **Gary Shepherd** » 3 Dec 2007 7:06 pm

My recent posts about wanting to build a steel and looking into several different changer designs has me wondering this.

On a push pull system, how do you do more than one change on a finger? For example, the E string raises to F AND raises to F#. How do you do that with a one-piece finger?

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 3 Dec 2007 7:12 pm

Gary my dear ol;d friend, let me count the ways, there are many. First one needs total understanding of the system. I have 5 changes on one string on the P-P that I have been playing for 35 years, but HOW you ask, depends on what changes you are doing for one thing. You give no clues in your question,,,,,,,,,,,,

Bobbe

Gary Shepherd · Post by **Gary Shepherd** » 3 Dec 2007 7:24 pm

Let's start with the example I gave. The E string would need to change to D#, F, and F#.

richard burton · Post by **richard burton** » 3 Dec 2007 10:23 pm

One pull rod, going through two (or more) bellcranks.
One bellcrank has a fine tuner on it.

Gary Shepherd · Post by **Gary Shepherd** » 4 Dec 2007 6:04 am

Thanks for the response. I still can't see how it works though.

Mike Vallandigham · Post by **Mike Vallandigham** » 4 Dec 2007 9:26 am

first you have to set up the lower to D#. then, to do the 2 raises, you set up the longest pull, E to F#, leaving enough slack for the lower to actuate properly. then use a fine tuner (thumbscrew) against the bellcrank that pulls up to the F note.

So, the F# would stop against the body, and the thumbscrew would determine how far that bellcrank would pull to get the F note(less that the other bellcrank pulls for the F#)

may be a bit confusing typed, but I think that's how they do it.

Skip Edwards · Post by **Skip Edwards** » 4 Dec 2007 10:31 am

On the 4th string (E), you tune the raise to F# at the keyhead, the raise to F with the thumbscrew at the bellcrank, the lower to Eb at the changer with the upper row of hex screws, and the open E at the lower row of hex screws.

Gary Shepherd · Post by **Gary Shepherd** » 6 Dec 2007 9:11 pm

Got any more pictures? I work better visually.

Bruce Hamilton · Post by **Bruce Hamilton** » 6 Dec 2007 11:48 pm

With a push pull there is only one rod for each string.The rod goes through each pedal bellcrank and
each pedal activates by itself without affecting the other pedals that raise the same string providing the guitar is set up properly. So the change that has to go the farthest is tuned at the end plate and any changes that are shorter are tuned with the fine tuning bellcrank below the guitar.Therefore the changes are infinite/unlimited depending on the gauge of the string.

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 10 Dec 2007 10:02 am

Well put Bruce!

Tony Glassman · Post by **Tony Glassman** » 10 Dec 2007 10:28 am

The Emmons push/pull changer is truly elegant in it's simplicity.

Although it's not quite as easy to change around as many modern guitars, once you take the time to understand the system it's very logical and is almost limitless with respect to adding changes.

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 10 Dec 2007 2:43 pm

Yea Tony! Yep, well put also!

Lynn Stafford · Post by **Lynn Stafford** » 10 Dec 2007 7:09 pm

I Second that Bobbe!! Very well put Tony. I feel the same way about our vintage Emmons guitars. I love to play and work on them too. Tony has had his since it was new in 1978, when both he and our friend, Mark Simpson ordered theirs new. Watching Tony play his black Emmons guitar in 1982 inspired me to play the pedal steel. If it were not for him, I would not even be writing this!! Thanks, Tony!!

Tony Glassman · Post by **Tony Glassman** » 10 Dec 2007 11:21 pm

Thank you, Lynn......but I heard you play last month. You nailed all four of my licks + many more of your own!

Gary Shepherd · Post by **Gary Shepherd** » 11 Dec 2007 9:31 pm

Sounds like, with a little work, I could create a push-pull changer that could drop the high G# to F#. Yes? No?

Bobbe Seymour · Post by **Bobbe Seymour** » 12 Dec 2007 4:19 pm

Double YES!

Gary Shepherd · Post by **Gary Shepherd** » 12 Dec 2007 4:25 pm

If you go to a different set of string gauges, does it affect the tuning of the pulls on a push-pull guitar?

Lynn Stafford · Post by **Lynn Stafford** » 12 Dec 2007 4:58 pm

Gary,

Yes, you'll have to tweak everything; the raises (at the key head) opens and lowers (at the end plate). You'd have to do the same thing when you change gauges with an all-pull guitar but as you know, that is all done at the end plate.

Best regards,

Lynn

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Push/Pull - Several Changes On One String

Push/Pull - Several Changes On One String

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