SHOJI: New Steel Guitar Brand from Japan

[Jerry Overstreet]

We've kind of gone off the rail here considering the topic was about the new Shoji guitar, but since it's how it is, some comments concerning the split screw function.

This changer end split screw function is the best thing and the most misunderstood thing ever on a pedal steel guitar.

If you think of the split screw as just a final lower stop, it might help take the mystery out of the equation. That's all it does.

The player uses the normal lower nylon tuner, together with a raise pedal, to tune the intermediate note.

i.e. 6th string pedal raise and 6th string lower lever, A to G and when that's released the unpedaled and lever lowered G# to F# note will be flat. So...the split screw at the end of the neck can be used to tune that lowered note back to a true F#.

I don't find it difficult at all to use. MOF, it's easier than having to tune 2 separate rods for the same function.

That same split screw at the end of the neck can also be used as a final lower stop for any lowered string provided that the changer has been adjusted to accomplish the change.

This split change does not involve using the keyhead tuner for the original open G# note. As long as it's in proper tune to begin with, there is no need to bother it.

[Steve Lipsey]

Apologies to Toshi if this off-topic post is in poor taste...I'm thinking that anything that pops the Shoji thread to the top is good for him!
OK, so the split screw and the split rod have EXACTLY the same function, to correct the F# on the G#->F# change after tuning the G#->A and G#->G.
Only difference being additional tool required on the screw, but perhaps it is a more stable change and needs fewer adjustments (?).

[Toshiyuki Shoji]

Sorry for the late reply. I had to go to the hospital today.
After waiting all day, they ended up scheduling the detailed examination for next month.
They’re going to run electricity through my face to test nerve conduction.

I believe Jerry explained it very well.

When you press the pedals or knee levers, the cross shaft inevitably flexes to some degree. As Steve mentioned, when you increase the number of pull rods, it is quite possible that they interfere with each other to some extent.

Dear Steve,

Could you kindly confirm if this is the copedent you intended, with regard to the pedal and knee lever combination for your desired split?

Here is the step-by-step procedure for tuning the split on the 6th string:

Tune the open string to G# at the keyhead.

Press the pedal and tune to A using the nylon tuner.

Press both the pedal and the knee lever simultaneously, and tune to G using the nylon tuner connected to the knee lever.

Press only the knee lever and tune to F# using the split tuning adjustment screw.

Can you see that, when only the knee lever is engaged, the finger on the 6th string is contacting the tip of the split tuning adjustment screw?
Without this screw, the F# note would be flat. This screw serves the essential function of setting a hard stop for the downward pitch change.

In the case of SHOJI guitars, as well as Excel's Superb, Exstar, and Robostar models, the position of the split tuning adjustment screw is different from other manufacturers, but the function and method of adjustment are exactly the same.

I understand that the location of the screw may be less convenient than on other brands. For this reason, a ball-end hex wrench is included—please use this tool when making adjustments.

Just in case, I have set up the guitar according to your requested copedent and recorded a video for your reference.
I hope you find it helpful.

https://youtu.be/Vy-43hn-OEk

Toshiyuki

[Steve Lipsey]

Toshiyuki-
Thank you for your reply. I understand the added complexity for every additional rod. The copedent you picture is correct for that change, and I will send you the complete copedent whenever your recovery gets to that point - and I hope your upcoming test shows a good result!

Since I don't add any other rods - e.g., no compensators - I do like having the touch-up rod for the F# on the G#->F#, on my Williams it just runs from the top of the bell crank to the top hole of the changer (guitar upside down) and doesn't interfere with anything....

I haven't heard yet from anyone if the split screw somehow requires less touch-up than the additional rod...that would make a difference. But If I get the rod, I can always add a screw and try them both!

[Toshiyuki Shoji]

Which one is easier to use really depends on personal preference. When I ship the guitar, I will install both the standard split tuning screw and an additional pull rod. That way, you can try both methods yourself and adjust the setup to see which one works better for you.

[Toshiyuki Shoji]

Notice of Business Resumption

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has been waiting for orders to resume and to those who have shown concern for my health.
Although I have not fully recovered from Guillain-Barré Syndrome, I have regained enough strength to work on a limited basis.

For now, I will begin accepting orders for the S10 model only.
Please understand that I will be working carefully while monitoring my physical condition to avoid injury, so it may take some time to complete each instrument.

For specifications and pricing, please refer to the Products page. The website will continue to be updated and expanded over time.

https://www.shoji-workshop.com/en/psg-en/

Once I have completed a few S10 models, I plan to begin accepting orders for the S12 and D10 models as well.

Thank you.
Toshiyuki Shoji

[Steve Lipsey]

Wonderful news! I see an S10 in my future....

[Toshiyuki Shoji]

I am currently building a guitar for my first customer, Steve Lipsey.
I'll post a few photos of the guitar I'm currently building.
Thank you!

[Kyle Van Koevering]

Excited to see the progress pictures!

[Steve Lipsey]

...and I am VERY excited to be anticipating my new Shoji! It is basically derived from Excel, where he spend 13 years, and which I've always considered getting (but didn't, for a number of reasons), but has a number of newly developed features that make it an obvious choice, measured against ANY other pedal steel....the first truly new design in a very long time...very well thought out and executed. Scroll through this entire thread to see some photos of a few of the new design ideas...

For me, it is especially good - I have Long Covid and am much weaker than ever before, and the carbon fiber makes this guitar much easier to carry...and Toshiyuki has made videos of carbon fiber vs. metal legs, etc. and the two aren't much different for stability...looks like a real win. Plus, of course, and obviously most important, it looks really good!

I also have to point out that as I've been corresponding extensively with Toshiyuki about this project, he has been incredibly quick to respond, highly articulate, very conscientious, and very willing to accommodate my particular needs, in every way. I've always played Wiliams guitars, and Bill Rudolph has been very helpful, but Toshiyuki has lifted "customer oriented" to an entirely new level.

For anyone out there, I'd suggest getting on his list before the wait time stretches out to years...this guitar will be a big win. Yes, he's made me into a huge fan, and I haven't even gotten my guitar yet!

[Toshiyuki Shoji]

Thank you very much, Steve.

I understand that purchasing a guitar, especially one that is not inexpensive and is being shipped from a distant country, can make anyone feel a bit nervous. If I were the buyer, I would feel the same way.

If anyone is interested in SHOJI guitars, please feel free to send me a message. I will do my best to answer all questions sincerely and thoroughly.

[Toshiyuki Shoji]

During the prototyping phase, I also experimented with a gear mechanism to reverse the pull direction of the LKR and RKR levers. However, gears require a certain amount of play to operate smoothly, and assembling them correctly is quite complicated. Moreover, it would be difficult to make adjustments or repairs if any issues arise. For these reasons, I decided not to adopt this method.

I simply wanted to share the idea so that others might find it interesting or inspiring.

[Jeremy JT Young]

Toshiyuki San,
I am so glad your health is back and to see you have results Ed operations on your Shoji pedal steel guitars. They are beautiful guitars and I know they will be very successful.
Much Respect my friend.
JT

[Toshiyuki Shoji]

Thank you JT!!