Loaded U-12 Push/Pull 8+5 - Question for you techs.

SveinungL · From: Gjøvik - Norway - Europe - Earth

Hi. I have finally put together my U-12 Emmons P/P.

It plays pretty nicely and setup is as follows:
ABC pedals standard, 4th pedal is the Franklin pedal. 5678 pedals are standard C6(B6) pedals.

The levers are: LL raise Es to F, LR lower Bs to Bb and raising F# 1st to G. The up lever lifts F# 1st to G# and D# 2nd to E, pluss 9string B up to a D.
RL lower s G# 6th to G and D# 2nd to D. RR lowers the Es to Eb pluss D# 2nd to C#.

The string gauges are a bit thinner than usual. 3rd is 0.10, 5th is 0.16, 6th is W0.20 and so on.

There are lots of half tone tuners, idler bellcranks etc to get all of this going. I also use the return spring hole on string 1 for the G# raise, but I'm pretty happy with it with one exception. (And finally the question:)
The Franklin change (pedal 4) is a bit too stiff for my liking. To make all three strings 5,6 and 9 (this is a U-12) bottom out at the same time I had to put in some shocksprings, but is there another trick to get this pedal easier and less mushy? I realize I could back off just a little on the lower return springs but I must be sure that they return to their pitch.
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Thanks Sveinung Lilleheier
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My web page

Mike Cass · Posted 9 Apr 2013 4:56 am

In the last 2 weeks I have finished two U-12 p/p guitars for clients, both on S 12 bodies(no pad). If yours is on the same type single neck body then you're using the shorter C6 neck changer. That changer has a different leverage than the front neck or E9 changer, and it will work inheriently shorter and give you a stiffer feel. To remedy any changes that feel stiff to you(regardless of which changer your guitar has), simply lengthen the pedal or knee lever travel by adding a bit more shock spring and opening up the stop. This should ease up on the stiffness you feel. On the p/p, if you use the Universal copedent you may occassionaly have to sacrifice desired short travel for better feel in this manner. Im not talking inches here though, maybe 1/4" or less....a little is alot here. Also, idlers will stiffen up the feel, and Ive never found it necessary to use them on a U-12 copedent on the p/p guitar. You might want to rethink the use of them.
Good luck.

MC

SveinungL · From: Gjøvik - Norway - Europe - Earth

Thanks a lot MC! I use mostly parts I bought from you about 10 years ago I think...

Yes it's a S-12 on the narrow body. The black one from this post: http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=205280
I wasn't aware that the 12 string changer used the C6 finger-length. Or I have never thought about it.

I put in the idlers on strings 4 and 6. They don't feel very stiff, but againg I use lighter strings than normal.
I will try to put on longer shocksprings on the Franklin change.

Another Q:
The idler shaft is the same as the shaft for RL lever. I use the hole ment for pedal 9 (which I don't have) I see most people put the RL lever shaft on a bracket instead of using the premade hole. Why is this? (see the picture)

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_________________
Thanks Sveinung Lilleheier
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My web page

Mike Cass · Posted 9 Apr 2013 9:53 am

usually its bracketed to get it a little closer to the changer and thus easier to reach with the right leg, but on an S-12 it may be ok to do as you did.
good luck!

mc

SveinungL · From: Gjøvik - Norway - Europe - Earth

Thanks again!

I must also add that since this is a U-12 with a longer keyhead and maybe a longer body(?) than a 10 string guitar, I put in pedal A in Bs place and so on. I also moved the left levers accordingly closer to the changer. That way I don't need to reach so far for my F-lever.
This, along with lots of other stuff, was a tip from Clem Schmitz book and video which I highly recommend to anyone dealing with P/Ps. It shows up on ebay from time to time and is called: Pedal Steel Guitar METHODOLOGY P/P Book & DVD's Package. Worth every penny! Winking

If anyones interested in seeing/hearing this guitar I might put up a video one of these days.
_________________
Thanks Sveinung Lilleheier
----------------
My web page

Mike Cass · Posted 9 Apr 2013 9:25 pm

yeah, moving the A pedal one hole is a good idea on S-12 guitars.
I agree with you too in that Clem's book is pretty helpful, especially if youre tying into a p/p for the first time. Learning the nomenclature, language and theory behind these guitars is a must, and his book does a splendid job in that area as well as practical application.
Glad to hear that it still shows up on the 'net.

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