'' Emmons Steel Company ''

DG Whitley · Post by **DG Whitley** » 5 Feb 2017 6:34 pm

This horse has been beaten to death as far as I am concerned. As far as the Emmons company, my opinion is stick a fork in them, they are done.

That being said, I would have loved to have owned one before I pass from this world, but that is no longer an option. I have tried contacting Mike Cass but never heard from him, email probably went to the junk file an he never saw it.

I envy those of you who have them, my best wishes.

Andy DePaule · Post by **Andy DePaule** » 5 Feb 2017 6:47 pm

It's a very sad ending for a once great company with a very popular guitar.
I think what Tony said about the problems Sierra had, needing to rely on making aircraft parts to survive tells a lot about the business.
As he said it works best as a cottage industry and there are several very good small companies building very fine guitars.
Also sad that Promat is also possible never to produce guitars again because that was the only real fine quality alternative to new Emmons PP guitar.

David Cubbedge · Post by **David Cubbedge** » 7 Feb 2017 9:34 am

DG Whitley, you can still own an Emmons, just buy a restored one from one of the many who do that here. I know you contacted Mike Cass, but Lynn Stafford and others could help you out if needed. I bought a used/restored one from Mike Wilson who lives within 2 hours of home and I'm extremely satisfied. OK, it's not like buying a new Chevy, but it's the next best thing in my opinion.

Clyde Mattocks · Post by **Clyde Mattocks** » 7 Feb 2017 1:30 pm

Some of these guys restoring old guitars are more meticulous than the factory was. I wouldn't hesitate buying one. I saw a Sho Bud that a friend had restored and it never was as good or looked as good as it does now.

Jeff Garden · Post by **Jeff Garden** » 7 Feb 2017 2:20 pm

I agree with Clyde...take a look at what comes out of Lynn Stafford or Tommy Cass' shop. Here's one of Tommy's masterpieces, 1975 never looked or sounded so good...

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 7 Feb 2017 2:24 pm

Wow, Jeff - is that yours??? (Or did you just save the photo? I've done that myself once or twice.)

Jeff Garden · Post by **Jeff Garden** » 7 Feb 2017 2:27 pm

Yes, and it's not allowed out of the house, Roger - Chris Ivey used to refer to it as "The Street Rod"

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 8 Feb 2017 3:13 pm

Now, THAT'S a guitar.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 8 Feb 2017 3:17 pm

Jeff, that's stunning. Can I see the top, please?

steve takacs · Post by **steve takacs** » 8 Feb 2017 3:25 pm

Jeff, ain't it amazing what a little Photoshop will do. ðŸ˜Ž Lynn and Tommy are miracle workers.
I think another reason it stays in your house is that most humans could not lift it Stevet

Jeff Garden · Post by **Jeff Garden** » 8 Feb 2017 3:30 pm

It does weigh a ton, Steve!

steve takacs · Post by **steve takacs** » 8 Feb 2017 3:52 pm

Simply stunning, Jeff. You deserve it. Stevet

Jeff Garden · Post by **Jeff Garden** » 8 Feb 2017 4:00 pm

Thanks, guys

I didn't mean to hijack this thread but just wanted to show folks that might be absolutely set on having a brand new Emmons pedal steel that there are some stunning "refurbs" out there that will last a lifetime. And kudos to perfectionists like Lynn Stafford and Tommy Cass who put so much care and effort into restorations.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 8 Feb 2017 4:44 pm

Thanks, Jeff - that's arguably the most beautiful steel guitar I've ever seen. AND it's not short of knee-levers like so many p/ps are.

Henry Matthews · Post by **Henry Matthews** » 9 Feb 2017 8:23 pm

They can put stripes, chrome bars, two tone fronts or any thing they want but no guitar is as beautiful as a black Emmons push pull. JMHO

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 10 Feb 2017 8:49 am

Amen!

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 10 Feb 2017 9:31 am

Roger Rettig wrote:Thanks, Jeff - that's arguably the most beautiful steel guitar I've ever seen. AND it's not short of knee-levers like so many p/ps are.

Do I see enough room for 4 more knee levers?.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 10 Feb 2017 10:01 am

I'm sure you're right, Richard. I see some space under there.

I very occasionally feel a slight weakness when I see a really nice birds-eye cabinet but all that is forgotten when I gaze upon Jeff's guitar.

Jeff Garden · Post by **Jeff Garden** » 10 Feb 2017 10:34 am

Richard and Roger: I think if it had any more hardware under the hood I'd have to reinforce the floor in my music room

Frank Freniere · Post by **Frank Freniere** » 10 Feb 2017 11:31 am

Very sweet guitar, Jeff!
And I really like the LENGTH of the knee levers, too.

Jeff Garden · Post by **Jeff Garden** » 10 Feb 2017 11:46 am

Thank you, Frank. I know what you mean about the knee lever length. I'm 6' tall and on some steels I've played it can be a reach just to catch the last 1/2" or so of a KL.

Tommy Cass · Post by **Tommy Cass** » 12 Feb 2017 4:28 am

Steve,
I took those photos with an Olympus 1.5 MP Stylus Camera.
NO photo shop on those pics.

Jeff,
Thanks for the post and kind words.

The Steel Guitar Forum

'' Emmons Steel Company ''

A sad ending