The Steel Guitar Forum

Anyone know if there is someone within close proximity to South Alabama who works on Push Pulls? Mainly just need minor adjustments. I realize "close proximity" is a relative term. Just wanted to see if there was anyone close by that works on them?

Thanks
Craig

Craig Buck Ried in Hartsville Tn
Is a very good PP Tech

Craig Bailey wrote:Anyone know if there is someone within close proximity to South Alabama who works on Push Pulls? Mainly just need minor adjustments. I realize "close proximity" is a relative term. Just wanted to see if there was anyone close by that works on them?
Thanks
Craig

Hi Craig,
I'd highly recommend Clem Schmitz's bargain-priced booklet "Methodology And Practice In Pedal Steel Guitar" to any Emmons push-pull owner. Clem used to own a steel guitar store and repair shop in Minneapolis, then one in Nashville, where he worked on Emmons push-pulls owned by players such as Mike Johnson.

The 24-page booklet shows how to make simple adjustments to an Emmons push-pull or even take the entire guitar apart and put it back together. In his booklet, Clem explains step by step (with photos) exactly how to disassemble, re-assemble, and adjust push-pull guitars with several clever little tricks that would take a very long time to figure out.

He usually sells the booklet on eBay listed as "Pedal Steel Guitar Methodology P/P Guide Booklet" for $15.
He also sells a combo package of the book and 2 DVDs as " Pedal Steel Guitar METHODOLOGY P/P Book & DVD's Package" for $20.
I'd recommend the $20 "combo package"--if it is still available.

Emmons push-pull guitars are very reliable and stable and I almost never need Clem's booklet, but it’s great to have for the rare time every 10 years or so when some little Allen screw loosens up somewhere, or a string pitch change isn’t happening the way it should—and you have to leave for a gig in the next 30 minutes.

Clem is a very helpful guy; I've heard that if you are really stuck, he will guide you through the fix via Skype for a very nominal fee.

I believe you can contact Clem Schmitz at: freedomsauce(at)comcast(dot)net

- Dave

Another vote for Clem's book (and DVD) - I found it fun and rewarding to gain some basic setup skills on my Emmons

Another vote from me for Clem's book.
It's a must if you want to fiddle with a PP.

Another one for Clem's booklet. But not just that. Clem is THE go-to guy if you need your pp properly adjusted or fixed. Anyone can make things shine, but to actually get your pp as good as it gets - he's THE man.

clem fixed my blackwreck, i mean blackrock and it was divine when he was done.

Boy, I could use that book and CD. I've had an Emmons since 1970 and I only do extremely easy adjustments. I've had Jimmie Crawford (who built it), Mike Cass, Doug Stock, Tom Vollmer and Billy Knowles work on it. It has 9 & 7 and it just scares me.

Is Clem still in Nashville?

Minnesota

Do you all recommend shipping the steel to get it adjusted? I am very hesitant to ship a steel these days. Any thougths?

Craig

Far easier than sending the steel off would be to post some pictures on the forum, detailing the minor adjustments that you want to make, and then actually doing the work yourself when you have gleaned sufficient knowledge from forum members.

Craig Bailey wrote:Do you all recommend shipping the steel to get it adjusted? I am very hesitant to ship a steel these days. Any thougths?

Craig

No, unless you’re having other issues/work to be done I would avoid shipping for “routine” or normal maintenance.

Shipping could possibly move you from the "Routine Maintenance" category to the "Major Repairs" category.

Craig Bailey wrote:Do you all recommend shipping the steel to get it adjusted? I am very hesitant to ship a steel these days. Any thougths?
Craig

Craig,

If you get Clem's book and DVD, you should have no trouble making basic adjustments yourself.

Regardless of what you may have heard, adjusting push-pull Emmons PSGs are conceptually much simpler than adjusting all-pulls--the push-rods lower the strings, and the pull-rods raise them. Pretty straightforward.

In my experience, Emmons p/p's are very stable--adjust them once, and they are fine for years. In fact, I bought Clem's book many years ago because it had been so many years since I had had to adjust anything on my guitar, I was worried that I would have forgotten how to do it!

BTW, Clem is a very helpful fellow. I have heard from a couple of the SGF members that he helped them solve a tricky problem with their guitars via Skype.

- Dave