Can someone make a keyhead for an 8 string Emmons PP?

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

Moderator: Dave Mudgett

Post Reply
Marc Stone
Posts: 555
Joined: 25 Apr 2006 12:01 am
Location: Louisiana, USA

Can someone make a keyhead for an 8 string Emmons PP?

Post by Marc Stone »

I have an old Emmons 8 string w a solid keyhead that has no rollers, only slots cut through the keyhead as a nut. The person I spoke to at Emmons co recommended keeping as is bc they said better tone transfer bc more surface area contact between string and instrument, but the open strings sound choked and the guitar is having reeturn issues. The strings are moving freely through the slots, but I still think rollers would help.

Thx!
User avatar
J D Sauser
Moderator
Posts: 3172
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Wellington, Florida
Contact:

Re: Can someone make a keyhead for an 8 string Emmons PP?

Post by J D Sauser »

Marc Stone wrote: 9 Jun 2025 5:23 am I have an old Emmons 8 string w a solid keyhead that has no rollers, only slots cut through the keyhead as a nut. The person I spoke to at Emmons co recommended keeping as is bc they said better tone transfer bc more surface area contact between string and instrument, but the open strings sound choked and the guitar is having reeturn issues. The strings are moving freely through the slots, but I still think rollers would help.

Thx!
IF the body's width allows, why not use a 10 string original key head and use each side's 4 furthest most back pegs and thus leave more space for the hand to come over the roller bridge without hitting keys?

Keep in mind, in MY opinion, part of the Emmons and other older design PSGs' tone comes in part from the use of CAST parts in the top hardware. So, you might not want to use a CNC machined keyhead made from "billet" (extrusion) aluminum.

... J-D.
__________________________________________________________

Was it JFK who said: Ask Not What TAB Can Do For You - Rather Ask Yourself "What Would B.B. King Do?"

A Little Mental Health Warning:

Tablature KILLS SKILLS.
The uses of Tablature is addictive and has been linked to reduced musical fertility.
Those who produce Tablature did never use it.

I say it humorously, but I mean it.
User avatar
Richard Sinkler
Posts: 17674
Joined: 15 Aug 1998 12:01 am
Location: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Re: Can someone make a keyhead for an 8 string Emmons PP?

Post by Richard Sinkler »

Talk to Barry Coker here on the forum.
Carter D10 8p/7k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup, Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112, Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open G slide
and regular G tuning guitar) .
Playing for 55 years and still counting.
Marc Stone
Posts: 555
Joined: 25 Apr 2006 12:01 am
Location: Louisiana, USA

Re: Can someone make a keyhead for an 8 string Emmons PP?

Post by Marc Stone »

Thanks
Bobby D. Jones
Posts: 2985
Joined: 17 May 2010 9:27 am
Location: West Virginia, USA

Re: Can someone make a keyhead for an 8 string Emmons PP?

Post by Bobby D. Jones »

A picture would help forum members understand your problem.

1. How tall is the steel piece that has the slots in it?
2. How wide is the slot that holds the steel piece.?
If the slot is tall enough and wide enough, A roller system could be used.

I figured out a roller system. That if there is a groove to hold 5/16"-3/8" rod it can be fitted, Without changing anything about the original parts. and cure your problem.
Thought I would need to put a roller on a modern guitar with a piece of round rod for a nut. Designed the roller nut, Did not need it.
Post Reply