The Steel Guitar Forum

Here’s a question from a beginner at this instrument but absolutely love it and the learning process. I have a GFI Emmons set up that I started with and another old Sho-Bud with a slight different knee lever actions. Can it be changed to the GFI E9 copedent?
Are all Emmons set ups identical, or are there actually slight differences in the copedent between different guitars? I can’t imagine trying to learn two different set ups.

Thanks to the Forum and all you steelers that dedicate their talent and craft to this beautiful instrumental.

what type of shobud do you have?? yes it can. if it's
all pull guitar. let us know what type of shobud it is

p,w

Thanks Paul for the reply
It’s an LDG, I think that’s all pull? I contact Billy Knowles he said it can be changed.
I guess my question is are some Emmons set up a little different and still considered Emmons?

The most common denominator for an "Emmons" setup is more the function of the pedals, especially as regards the E9 neck, in that the first pedal (A) raises strings 5&10, the second (B) raises 3&6, and third (C) raises 3&4. The converse of this is called the "Day" setup, where the function of the pedals remains the same, but they are reversed in order... IE - "Emmons" is ABC, whereas "Day" is CBA (from left to right, addressing the guitar).

From there, you'll see some variation on knee lever function, but Buddy's standard was to raise his E's (4 and 8 ) on the LKL lever, and lower E's on LKR.

I'd recommend studying some copedents of great players here: https://b0b.com/wp/copedents/

And yes, you should have no problem setting up an LDG any way you like. It's not difficult work, but as a beginner it may be smart to let Billy Knowles handle it.

Finally, I'm not sure what model that GFI is, but when that LDG is setup properly, I wouldn't be surprised if it beats it out for sweet vintage tone and playability.

Thanks Ben
for the reply and awesome explanation. That clears up a lot of questions in my mind.
I’ll be getting it to Mr. Knowles’s as soon as possible!
MMc