The Steel Guitar Forum

Anyone know the year of manufacture of a Emmons D10 SKH with serial number 258?

I have no way of knowing for sure. But my bet is the end plate was stamped in 84.

bb.

Hi Lyle,

I contacted Emmons, via email, to date my SKH.. Rebecca Lashley kindly informed me that my SKH 77L was Mfg. May 1983. This might help you interpolate yours. You might try Emmons as they keep their records quite well. TX

Rgds,

Ron

Thanks all. Is there any other place other than the endplate that would have some kind of number to identify it?

Lyle,

The endplate stamp is the only place I know of. If you haven't done so, turn the guitar over, looking down inside, upper right hand corner, it should be stamped 258L. The "L" stands for Legrande...Hope this helps......Happy New Year! TX

Rgds,

Ron

The SKS in question only has the serial 258 no letter L. It does have have the Legrande decal on the front.

Lyle,

Perhaps a more knowledgeable person like Forumite Jack Strayhorn can chime in? A few pictures of the Steel might be useful too. Could it be a Long Key Head Legrand and not an SKH? Bottom line, I would contact Emmons for solid information in re: Dating this particular guitar. TX

Rgds,

Ron

Well, I've never claimed to be a knowledgeable person. But if it is indeed serial # 258. No funny business included. Then it should be a Short keyed guitar and pre-dates Jack Strayhorn's affiliation with Emmons.

Keep in mind, It was fairly common for guitars with less popular colors to sit for several years before being completed. Even if this was the case. It should still be a SKH as stated by the owner.

Because, the Lashley Legrandes have a longer body. However, There are few custom ordered long body short key heads out there. Even LII's and L III's. But all have or should have a serial # much higher than 258.

FWIW, If memory serves me right. The Lashley Legrandes ( The Long Body still used today) were introduced mid 1986.

I contacted Emmons, via email, to date my SKH.. Rebecca Lashley kindly informed me that my SKH 77L was Mfg. May 1983.

Not saying Rebecca is wrong. But I find it interesting that Buddy Emmons was already touring the U.S. if not the world with a LeGrande in 1980. And they had only sold 77 units by 1983. Unless, yours was one of those that sat on the shelve for several years before it was completed. Just thinking out loud.

b.

Hi B.

Additionally, Rebecca informed me that 77L was built for a Doctor in Amarillo, Texas and that is where it was shipped to. From that info, I can deduce 77L was not shelved or sitting extra inventory. Moreover, Mr. Emmons was playing two proto-types (A Black & Wood grain) LeGrande SKH models on or about 1980/81. I do believe they were still producing Push Pulls on a limited basis and started working on the LeGrande LKH models about that time. Emmons guitar Co. seemed to be quite busy, eh?

At any rate, I still trust Rebecca's information as more than mere speculation of business matters occurring Oh sooooo long ago!! But who knows, eh?

Happy New Year!!!!! TX

Rgds,

Ron

what's it really matter anyway? it's not an antique...or old collectible instrument. it's for playing. should be great for that!

emmons co. where are they located now?

I bought my first pedal steel from Ron one weekend in June 1980 (Mike Auldridge picked up his push-pull and I bought a used Marlen), Ron was talking about the upcoming LeGrande, but it wasn't yet in production, it was in prototype/patent pending stages. Although Buddy was playing one, the only guitars on the shop benches were push-pull, and Ron didn't even have one on hand for Mike to try.

Ok I have ser#228,I guess it is a "long body" as it has about 1"of body outside the key head..was gonna dismantle and clean now I'm not sure I want to after looking a the post about the cross shafts,I'll take advise as never done LeGrande..CM

Lyle,
I have #232L, ordered in December,1983,took delivery in April, 1984. The guitar has gone through several improvements since that tims such as 14 hole belcranks, 5 additional knee levers, almost all pickups(have settled on Alumatones). It is still a great sounding, and playing guitar. Since we don't live very far apart, would like to get togather sometime.
Best regards, Jay Thompson

Ok I have ser#228,I guess it is a "long body"

Charlie, judging from your pictures it appears to be short as it should be.

b

Charlie,

I see it the same way Bobby does. Sure looks like an SKH to me on your For Sale post.

I'm curious, please look at the serial number, it should read 228L. No big deal, I agree with Chris on that score. TX

Rgds,

Ron

Mine must be a real antique. The serial number is 006L. But it is a fantastic steel guitar. Great sound, stays in tune perfectly, no string breakage.

Cool. John, does your's have the PP type pedals or the LeGrande type?

A member here has Buddy's Rosie. Is it you? It has, or did have the PP style pedals.

Bobby mine has the LeGrande type pedals.

Close this b0b,please I'll send finders fee when trade done...thanks for the "FORUM"..CM

Wrong thread Mr. Charley.
b

Bobby you are right,rite church wrong pew...sorry. CM

Talked to a friend in Nashville area who knows Emmons Steels and gave him the measurements of the key head and the body of the guitar and described the changer. He told me it was definately a SKH Legrande probably early 80's He could not explain the missing L on the serial number though.

Lyle, Just give Emmons a call or email. Bobbie has most of the information on the computer and can look it up for you, I just had her and Ron help me with a couple of guitars. Ron was great and spent a lot of time with me on one of the guitars and Bobbie looked up the information as to when they were built etc. By the way according to the records my Skh serial number 356L is a st10L with Schaller keys,3/4, derby black and was shipped 8/17/87. It's also a short body.

I am in the process of giving the SKH a thorough cleaning. I believe the body under the Grovers has never been cleaned. I took the Grovers off and polished them with Mothers along with the brackets. There was an 1/8 inch of dust under the strings. I am making a diagram of all the pull rods and pulling them out so I can lift the changer out. It is soaked in oxidized oil. Looks like varnish. I just tonight pulled the spring bracket and I am soaking it in Blue Dawn and hot water. It looks like it is doing the job. I think I will use Dawn for all cleaning. It may take a little longer but I won't be smelling noxious fumes in the house with other cleaners. I am taking pictures for all the world to see later.

Lyle,

Fare thee well and a great project to start off 2015!!! Looking forward to seeing Pics of your SKH.... TX

Rgds,

Ron