Keyless/Gearless

Jim Dunaway · Post by **Jim Dunaway** » 30 Aug 2005 3:46 am

Can someone describe how these systems operate? photos would be much appreciated.

Jimmyd

Jim Bob Sedgwick · Post by **Jim Bob Sedgwick** » 30 Aug 2005 4:17 am

Go to the Williams guitar site under links, manufacturers. I believe there is a picture and also on the GFI site. They are relatively simple to understand. Hope this helps

Ernie Pollock · Post by **Ernie Pollock** » 30 Aug 2005 4:48 am

They are very simple, & make a very good guitar, no excess string for the pedals to pull over a roller. I don't think you even need a roller on keyless designs. Heres the keyless I am playing now
<a href="http://www.hereintown.net/~shobud75/ads ... g:>picture here</a>

Ernie Pollock

http://www.hereintown.net/~shobud75/stock.htm

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Ernie Pollock · Post by **Ernie Pollock** » 30 Aug 2005 4:55 am

Sorry that picture didn't happen, don't know why: heres the unit
pic 1
pic 2
pic 3

one of these is bound to work!!

Ernie

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Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 30 Aug 2005 6:33 am

http://b0b.com/infoedu/gearless.html

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 30 Aug 2005 7:55 am

The main difference is the "unused" length of string. Keyless designs still must have some method of tuning the open strings, so although they lack keys, they have some other (similar) mechanism for tuning the strings. Comparitively few professional players use the "keyless" designs. Their main comment is that keyless designs don't have the "sympathetic keyhead vibration", and therefore the "sustain", that most keyed guitars have. However, keyless designs allow longer string lengths which may compensate for this, somewhat. The only other downside of most keyless designs is that a tool (allen-wrench, or screw/nut driver) is required to change a string.

Dave Zirbel · Post by **Dave Zirbel** » 30 Aug 2005 9:37 am

More info here: http://www.gfimusicalproducts.com/Pages/Keyless%20Tuning%20System.htm

DZ

Roger Crawford · Post by **Roger Crawford** » 30 Aug 2005 11:04 am

You would need a tool (string winder) to change a string on a keyed guitar. It's just a different tool. Even trade?

Webb Kline · Post by **Webb Kline** » 30 Aug 2005 12:43 pm

The GFI needs a phillips head screwdriver, but that's all. It is about 3 times faster to change strings on than anything I've ever had--maybe even more.

It also has incredible sustain--as good as my ZB.

steve takacs · Post by **steve takacs** » 31 Aug 2005 4:05 am

Jim, f you are looking at buying a keyless, be sure to give Bill Rudolphs's Williams steel a test drive. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at its sound, mechanics & its beauty. steve t

steve takacs · Post by **steve takacs** » 31 Aug 2005 4:08 am

Jim, if you are looking at buying a keyless, be sure to give Bill Rudolphs's Williams steel a test drive. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at its sound, mechanics & its beauty. steve t

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 31 Aug 2005 4:30 am

You would need a tool (string winder) to change a string on a keyed guitar. It's just a different tool. Even trade?

Nope. On a keyed guitar, I can change a string without a winder (though I usually wouldn't). You see, we older players changed many a string before string winders were even invented!

Jim Dunaway · Post by **Jim Dunaway** » 31 Aug 2005 5:40 am

Many thanks gents, as usual the forumites come through again!

George Redmon · Post by **George Redmon** » 5 Sep 2005 8:10 pm

contrary to some post on this subject, some very famous steel guitar players have, and still do play keyless steel guitars. Jeff Newman was one of them. Those that play keyless including myself, love them. Those that don't most of the time, have never played a new keyless steel guitar. There are many many advantages to the keyless concept. Those that claim a keyless has stiff pedal action, unfortunately, has not played the "NEW" keyless guitars, including mine. I can adjust my steel for any type of pedal action i require. ALL steels need a wrench to tune the pedals and knee levers..so this is NOT an issue, never has been ..on GFI you don't even need that. I will be posting a few tips and advantages to the Keyless Concept on my friend Bob Carlucci's post when i have time. check it out. i will also have a list of all the great players who have, and do play keyless. The list is getting longer everyday. BMI is also about to reissue a keyless i understand. Buddy Emmons likes them as well.

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 6 Sep 2005 2:59 am

I can see the argument for increased sustain (energy lost in the non-singing portion of the string).

Carlos Polidura · Post by **Carlos Polidura** » 6 Sep 2005 3:40 am

gents,
i too... play a keyless guitar and i'm very satified with it.............
small...light...compact and a longer scale wich means "more sustain"........
thanks,
carlos

Justin Griffith · Post by **Justin Griffith** » 6 Sep 2005 5:57 am

ALL steels need a wrench to tune the pedals and knee levers..so this is NOT an issue, never has been

Blanton guitars need nothing to tune pedals/knees.

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Justin Griffith
D-10 Blanton 8X4, Gooodrich L-120, Matchbox, Small cab. Session 500, Evans FET 500LV And new Walker seat