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Topic: Excel's New Tuner/Changer Combination |
Roy Ayres
From:
Riverview, Florida, USA, R.I.P.
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Posted 15 Sep 2009 6:56 am |
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Here is a picture of Mitsuo Fugii's latest innovation to Excel steel guitars. Fascinating. (Why didn't I think of that?)
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Pioneers of Western Swing HOF, Seattle 2005
Western Swing Music HOF, Sacramento 2006
International Steel Guitar HOF, St.Louis 2007
Visit my Web Site at RoysFootprints.com
Browse my Photo Album and be sure to sign my Guest Book. |
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Bill Stafford
From:
Gulfport,Ms. USA
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Posted 15 Sep 2009 7:50 am Fine tuning
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This is "FINE TUNING TO THE ULTIMATE"
Bill Stafford |
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C Dixon
From:
Duluth, GA USA
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Posted 19 Sep 2009 12:15 pm
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Here are two more from the ISGC:
Mitsuo played this one in Stlouis. I took this in the Hawaiian room. See below:
This is how it works:
c.
_________________
A broken heart + † = a new heart. |
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Bill Stafford
From:
Gulfport,Ms. USA
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Posted 19 Sep 2009 1:24 pm New EXCEL
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And I might add that the new Mitsuo pickups are as clean, bright and hot as ANY I have ever heard on any steel guitar. Mitrsuo's new CD "Moonlight Breeze" illustrates this to the ultimate. Not a better pickup on the market folks.
Bill Stafford |
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Rick Collins
From:
Claremont , CA USA
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Posted 19 Sep 2009 3:52 pm
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| Can the pedal changes be tuned with one's finger tips only (no wrench)? |
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C Dixon
From:
Duluth, GA USA
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Posted 19 Sep 2009 6:24 pm
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| Quote: |
| Can the pedal changes be tuned with one's finger tips only (no wrench)? |
No, the pedal and knee lever changes must be done with the wrench.
However, BOTH of those changes AND the open strings CAN be tuned with the wrench.
Look at the 2nd photo above. You will see on the top rear of the guitar what looks like a knob. Actually, it is the tuning wrench that fits into the nylon tuners OR the knurled open string tuners.
c.
_________________
A broken heart + † = a new heart. |
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Mike Perlowin
From:
Los Angeles CA
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Posted 19 Sep 2009 9:22 pm
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Can this system be places at the left side of the guitar, to allow the strings to make contact with the body at the pickup side in a way they do on a Telecaster, or a Sierra non pedal steel?
And if so, can the changer be made smaller so the strings are closer together down the neck?
It would seem that such a system would inherently sound better.
_________________
Please visit my web site and Soundcloud page and listen to the music posted there.
http://www.mikeperlowin.com http://soundcloud.com/mike-perlowin |
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richard burton
From:
Britain
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Posted 20 Sep 2009 12:19 am
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| There's more information HERE |
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Johan Jansen
From:
Europe
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Posted 20 Sep 2009 1:03 am
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2 questions:
Is it light enough to fly as handluggage (do i come through the customs with this musical weapon too?) 
What will it cost?
I'm interested!
Johan |
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C Dixon
From:
Duluth, GA USA
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Posted 20 Sep 2009 7:25 am
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| Quote: |
| Can this system be places at the left side of the guitar, to allow the strings to make contact with the body at the pickup side in a way they do on a Telecaster, or a Sierra non pedal steel? |
I am sure it could. But considering the way most PSG players position theirselves behind the guitar, it would be awkward to see the nylon tuners and as such, it may be difficult to insert the tuning wrench IMO
| Quote: |
| And if so, can the changer be made smaller so the strings are closer together down the neck? |
I seriously doubt it for practical reasons. IE: Since the raise finger fits within the lower finger, AND the raise finger has the open string tuners as an intregal part, you are reaching a point now that is about as compact as it can be and still work efficiently. But of course that is purely an opinion.
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2 questions:
Is it light enough to fly as handluggage (do i come through the customs with this musical weapon too?)
What will it cost? |
1. The entire guitar, with all else being equal, is lighter than most other PSG's. In some cases, considerably lighter.
2. I do not know the cost. Scotty would be the one to ask to find out for sure. Since he is the distributor for Excel steel guitars.
c.
_________________
A broken heart + † = a new heart. |
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Brad Malone
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 20 Sep 2009 9:11 am Pickups
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| Bill S. Are the Mitsuo pickups single coil or humbuckers? BTW, the EXCEL seems to be way out front in the innovation department...what's the price range they in? |
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Bill Stafford
From:
Gulfport,Ms. USA
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Posted 20 Sep 2009 11:27 am Brad
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Brad, check with Scotty on the details about the pickups. I just loved what I heard in comparison to the pickup on my five year old EXCEL. And, yes, Mitsuo is ahead of the game in a lot of ways here.
Bill Stafford |
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Brad Malone
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 20 Sep 2009 4:43 pm Guitar of choice
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| Hey Bill S., all I know is that when the Excel is the guitar of choice for Bill Stafford and Carl Dixon, they must be doing something right. |
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C Dixon
From:
Duluth, GA USA
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Posted 28 Sep 2009 6:08 pm Moonlight Breeze and Steel Guitars
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This is the latest CD by Mitsuo Fujii.
This CD was recorded using the new integrated tuner/changer shown in the beginning of this thread. And on the CD cover as shown.
May Jesus bless all who try to make things better,
carl
_________________
A broken heart + † = a new heart. |
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Mike Vallandigham
From:
Martinez, CA
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Posted 29 Sep 2009 2:48 pm
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So amazing, and a thing of beauty.
Carl, in regards to the other post about this guitar, I think the 12 screws on the key-side of the guitar are adjusters for the helper springs.
When are you gonna show us your new piece??
I'm dying to see it. |
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C Dixon
From:
Duluth, GA USA
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Posted 29 Sep 2009 6:13 pm
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| Quote: |
| Carl, in regards to the other post about this guitar, I think the 12 screws on the key-side of the guitar are adjusters for the helper springs. |
For those of you who have not a clue what Mike is talking about, look at the following photo of the Key head (nut end) of the guitar.
The 12 phillips head screws at the nut end, is still a mystery to me. But what Mike says makes a lot of sense.
In fact, after looking at the following photo, they could also be "Return Spring Adjusters". Hmmmmmmm.
Well sure, something has GOT to pull the "Lowers" back up to pitch at the nut end, when the basic tuning is changed and then returned to basic.
I am now certain that is what they are.
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When are you gonna show us your new piece??
I'm dying to see it. |
I hope to get some pictures on the forum of it soon. I do not own a digital camera, so I have to borrow my daughter's camera, and she needs it now.
One of these days. Thanks for asking dear friend,
c.
_________________
A broken heart + † = a new heart. |
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Mike Vallandigham
From:
Martinez, CA
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Posted 30 Sep 2009 7:00 am
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HA! Carl puts is so much more correctly:
Return Spring adjusters, that's what they are.
I called them helper spring something-or-others.
These new designs really spin my head, thanks for keeping us posted on these things Carl. |
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C Dixon
From:
Duluth, GA USA
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Posted 30 Sep 2009 10:28 am
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TY mike! 
Compare the photos in my last post with the following:
This is, of course, the changer end on subject guitar. Note the bottom row of "return spring" adjusters and the top row of "helper spring" adjuster. 12 each.
So it now appears this guitar has 36 adjustable springs; where two sets of them are to "PULL" flatted strings (via the changer or basic tuning offset(s)) back up to pitch. after lowering them; and 1 set, used to make "raises" easier.
But what is even more important: Notice how easy it would be to do this. This is a two edged sword, however, for while it is indeed easier, it carries with it a negative.
And that is the propensity to adjust them, trying to solve problems.
So a word of caution to all PSG players: ONLY adjust these (goes for ALL PSG's) after you have eliminated all other causes of problems, BEFORE you mess with 'em! AND....find out first, what is the "right" way to adjust them.
This may NOT be easy. Because there are a number of answers you will get if you ask, "how should I adjust the 'return adjusters'?" and also, if your PSG has "raise helper" springs, "how do I adjust these?".
Let me share with you why this is important. I once had a problem with one of the lower fingers NOT returning hard aganist the end plate (as they do on most PSG's).
I was convinced it was a weak spring, or it needed adjustment. I fiddled with it for a long time, only to realize it was NEITHER!
The cause was insufficient travel on the D# to C# (2nd string) knee lever. So when properly adjusted for pitch change, the return finger could NOT be pulled back hard, if'n ya a put mack truck spring on it!
I am going to research and study these adjustable springs, and I may create a thread one of these days..............
If'n da creek don' rise and the Lord willin'
Praise His holy name.
c.
_________________
A broken heart + † = a new heart. |
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Brad Malone
From:
Pennsylvania, USA
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Posted 30 Sep 2009 5:27 pm Excellence of design
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| Carl, there should be an award for "Excellence of Pedal Steel Guitar design". The Excel seems to be way out front..IMHO |
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