Installing Knee Levers on an Emmons Student Model S10 3x2

Graham Adeson · Post by **Graham Adeson** » 27 Nov 2019 1:59 pm

Have the opportunity to purchase a used 3x2 Emmons student model. Photo here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/phm2rqit6xl6v ... 9.JPG?dl=0

However, was concerned I'll likely want to add 2 knee levers. Don't have photos of the undercarriage, but can probably ask if helpful. Wanted to gauge how expensive/challenging it would be to add two more?

Thanks

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 27 Nov 2019 2:32 pm

I would contact Michael Yahl via his page here:
https://www.psgparts.com/contactus.sc
I'd tell him I wanted to buy everything necessary for two knee levers for a push/pull. He will need to know which levers, a question that will be easily answered with undercarriage photos.
There, you will have your answer about cost.

Challenging? Pretty challenging. I would not recommend it to someone unfamiliar with steel guitars. Someone with familiarity? The push/pull has different challenges involving amount of slack, springs and collars and stuff that an all pull guitar doesn't mess with. I'd probably scout out the Bay area to see if there is someone who can help you.

Jack Hanson · Post by **Jack Hanson** » 27 Nov 2019 3:01 pm

What Jon said. A ballpark estimate would be about $150.00 per lever. Go for it! GS-10s are underrated tone monsters.

Paul Tobey · Post by **Paul Tobey** » 27 Nov 2019 4:27 pm

Graham, I got a great deal on a student GS-10 it was 3 pedals and one lever. I own a Mullen 3x4 so I knew I would need to add 3 levers. As stated by the previous posters I spent between $125-150 per lever(did two then the last one recently). I bought the parts from Micheal Yahl and Clem Schmitz. If you buy the guitar you may want to buy Clem's book on push pull setup. I recommend the book and DVD set, available on eBay.
Along with The book and DVD I studied lots of Gs-10 under carriage pictures on the forum watched some you tube videos and when I was comfortable did the work myself. As Jon said it is challenging and if there's help or advice in your area you might consider it.
It came out great and the guitar has the tone I was always looking for.

Graham Adeson · Post by **Graham Adeson** » 27 Nov 2019 8:06 pm

Huge thanks for the advice here. If I was between this Emmons and a GFI student model 3x3 (also used, about $200 cheaper), what would you recommend?

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 27 Nov 2019 9:48 pm

The GFI student would be easier to work on.. The emmons in your picture is a better looking guitar, would sound a lot better to most discerning ears, and is a more valuable , and more desirable steel guitar by a long shot.
Thats easily the prettiest Emmons student model I have ever seen.

How many levers on the GFI?..
I might consider it over the emmons if it has 4, and I didn't have to work on it or buy levers.
Otherwise that little emmons will hold its value, and when you want to trade up, there will be NO shortage of guys wanting to take it off your hands and willing to pay really good money for it.. Its a gorgeous and in my opinion rare guitar.. I have NEVER seen an emmons student in that color scheme .. Almost all of them were "rosewood mica".. . bob

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 27 Nov 2019 10:02 pm

Jim is a good guy.. Why not talk to him seeing what kind of deal he can swing for you if he puts the 2 levers on for you.
The GFI is a nice little guitar, but boy that little Emmons is a looker, and I am sure it sounds great.. The emmons student guitars are notorious for sounding as good as their "big brothers"... bob

Graham Adeson · Post by **Graham Adeson** » 27 Nov 2019 10:03 pm

Hey bob - thanks for the thoughts. To answer your questions, the GFI has 3 levers and the Emmons is mica. Definitely glad to hear it will keep value if worst case the push/pull is a little too much of an undertaking.

Jon Light · Post by **Jon Light** » 28 Nov 2019 3:16 am

Ah -- so these are North County inventory. Can't say enough about how good it is to deal with Jim and yes, the possibility of Jim doing the work adds cost but also value to the GS. I agree with everything Bob said. I have nothing bad to say about the GFI but I'd rather have the Emmons in a heartbeat. I get that a hundred bucks here & there is very real and I feel for you, trying to find a way...... Tough decision.

Johnie King · Post by **Johnie King** » 28 Nov 2019 6:42 am

double post

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 28 Nov 2019 8:09 am

Johnie King wrote:Hereâ€™s one I just added a second Knee lever too a some adjustable legs detachable shelf, aluminum pedal bar an aluminum corners an trim.
These little GS Emmons sounds an play just as good as the pro push pull.

These steel are a excellent way too get started in the push pull world.

Did you also add the machined aluminum pickup surround?.. Also looks to me like the fretboard is elevated off the body with polished aluminum stock.. Very nice work!,,, bob

Johnie King · Post by **Johnie King** » 29 Nov 2019 10:26 am

Yes on aluminum surround plus the aluminum continues on to the key head.

An I added the wood under the fret board. Thanks for noticing.

Bob Carlucci · Post by **Bob Carlucci** » 29 Nov 2019 11:00 am

yeah thats great work.. You turned that into a pro model steel.. I would play that guitar with pride anywhere. bob

Johnie King · Post by **Johnie King** » 1 Dec 2019 4:57 am

Thanks You Bob, this little Emmons GS is all I need she sounds an plays as good as Emmons pro models.

Patrick Huey · Post by **Patrick Huey** » 9 Dec 2019 8:04 am

Graham Adeson wrote:Huge thanks for the advice here. If I was between this Emmons and a GFI student model 3x3 (also used, about $200 cheaper), what would you recommend?

I would personally chose the push/pull just for the tone, however I would highly recommend having the additional knees installed by someone extremely knowledgeable regarding push/pulls. If you donâ€™t know EXACTLY what youâ€™re doing working on one it can turn into a nightmare and will never play correctly or stay in tune, however a push/pull thatâ€™s set up well by someone who knows how will stay in tune practically forever and play great.
The GFI SMâ€™s are good steels, I started on one. They are pull/release and have good tone, however,, uhmmm, they ainâ€™t a push/pull

Justin Griffith · Post by **Justin Griffith** » 13 Dec 2019 5:45 am

The Emmons hands down.