new Emmons tuners!

[John Groover McDuffie]

the Gotoh vintage-Kluson-style reproduction tuners on my push-pull have been driving me crazy for a few years. There was enough slack in about half of them that if I overshot the pitch (always tuning up from below) I would have to turn the key backwards at least half a turn before the string would start to slacken. I didn't want to drill out the key head to put in modern tuners such as Spertzel, which I like on my Carter. So I was putting up with it.

Also the half-tone tuners under the guitar were very hard to find and to turn, especially the one that was crafted by drilling out a hex head bolt. Between the two problems tuning was a nightmare, especially on sessions where the clock is running and one wants to present a professional standard.

I recently saw a post from the Emmons Company about new Klusons they had specially made to retrofit the vintage guitars. They are modern sealed tuners but they don't have a threaded bushing around the shaft so they can fit the keyhead without and drilling; even the mounting screws line up. THEY AREN'T CHEAP but it was money well spent.

I also inquired about ordering a couple new half-tone tuners, and it turns out they have redesigned the collar so it's bigger and much easier to to feel under the guitar and I can turn it with a fingertip. So I ordered 3 of those to replace the ones I had installed.

Between the greatly improved tuning machines and the new half-tone tuners I think my tuning time is 5-10 minutes shorter. I now love love love the guitar. New strings didn't hurt either 8~)

I heartily recommend these upgrades to anyone struggling with these shortcomings on a push-pull.

[Charlie Powell]

Absolutely agree. I made both upgrades to my 78 a couple of months ago after a trip to see them is Sevierville. Good folks.