tuning knee levers

Lyndel Anderson · From: Bloomington, Indiana, USA

I am able to tune up but don't know how to lower the Es to E flat on my LKL. Don't know much about changers. I have a Ritt. Nashville LTD. Went out of tune when I changed pick up & strings. Got it all back except for Es to E flat. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Steve Norman · From: Seattle Washington, USA

what happens when you engage the lkl?
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Lyndel Anderson · From: Bloomington, Indiana, USA

the low E stays the same, upper E raises about 1/2 step

Steve Norman · From: Seattle Washington, USA

So the finger is not moving when you engage? is everything linked up? You may have to loosen the nylon nut on the changer end quit a bit, but something should be moving if the knee lever can move. You should check along the linkage and see where the stoppage is. Make sure the rod, spring, etc is attached etc. If everything is attached, you probably have the nylon nut on the end tightened all the way down. With the knee lever engaged,,loosen that nut and see if you get any movement.

Did the lkl work before the strings where changed?
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GFI D10, Fender Steel King, Hilton Vpedal,BoBro, National D dobro, Marrs RGS

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

Since the "upper" E raises 1/2 tone, I suspect the LKL is actually setup to raise both E's 1/2 tone (a very common change on that knee lever). Either your LKR or RKL is usually set up to lower the E's 1/2 tone.

What kind of strings did you put on that caused it to change that much?

Larry Bell · From: Englewood, Florida

I think Jack may have the answer.

If your FIRST floor pedal raises B to C# on 5 and 10, you have the Emmons pedal order --- A B C

If not P1 probably raises 5 B to C# and 4 E to F# -- that's the Day pedal order --- C B A

Most players agree that the best place to raise E to F on the Emmons setup is LKL. The motion involved in engaging LKL -- knee moves to left -- works great with pressing the A pedal. LKL usually raises E to F on 4 and 8.

Press the lever. Do you see TWO nylon tuning nuts moving at the endplate? The one for string 8 may not be screwed in far enough to start to pull.

What does LKR do? That's where most players put E to D#. What happens at the right endplate when you push LKR? Turn it upside down and look at what moves.

It is also possible that E's are lowered on RKL or RKR (it's on RKL on all my guitars). You are going to have to figure out exactly what's where on your knee levers -- one way or the other. Look at the pull train between the pedal or lever and the changer. See what's gotta move to pull. WHEREVER your E to D# lever is, you need to be sure the lever is pulling the right strings the right interval AT THE CHANGER. You should see the nylon nuts move in and out as you engage and let off the levers.

Hope this helps some.
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Lyndel Anderson · From: Bloomington, Indiana, USA

Steve, Jack & Larry, Just read your posts. Thanks! I'll try what you suggested tonight and let you know the outcome. Steve, everything on the guitar was right on before I changed the pickup & strings. Jack, I didn't change the brand of strings, still SIT Emmons. I may have moved or disconnected something without realizing when I routed the pickup wire through to it's connection. I'll also check that.

Thanks again! Lyndel

Steve Norman · From: Seattle Washington, USA

Lynn what is your knee lever, pedal count? Ive never heard of an lkl that raises the string AND lowers. Mine raises 1/2 and thats all. Do you have a lkr? thats the common 4 string drop.
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GFI D10, Fender Steel King, Hilton Vpedal,BoBro, National D dobro, Marrs RGS

Lyndel Anderson · From: Bloomington, Indiana, USA

Steve, Larry & Jack, You are right. My LKL raises the E to F, 4th & 8th strings. My LKR lowers the E to E flat. My question originally should have been, how do you physically lower the LKR (not LKL) tuning at the changer. Steve, my guitar is a 3 & 5. With all your & the others help, I was able to figure it out. It is now playing like it should. I changed from a George L PF1 to a Lawrence 705 (new version) and so far I am liking it.

Thanks again for all the help & info, Lyndel

Steve Norman · From: Seattle Washington, USA

Nice work!, I am considering a pickup change from a George L II to a Bill Lawrence,,what difference do you end up hearing? i am looking for a warmer thicker tone.
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GFI D10, Fender Steel King, Hilton Vpedal,BoBro, National D dobro, Marrs RGS

Lyndel Anderson · From: Bloomington, Indiana, USA

Steve, That is what I was looking for. There was a change, not sure how to describe it. Nice and clear, maybe a little warmer. I mostly play through a Session 500 without any effects. Have changed settings. I reduced the bass and boosted the mids and highs. I guess that could be considered warmer than before. Some time in the future, I'll try a single coil, hear that might be closer to what I want? Right now I am pretty ok with the sound.

Lyndel Anderson · From: Bloomington, Indiana, USA

ok to close

Jimmie Misenheimer · From: Bloomington, Indiana - U. S. A.

Lyn, I lost your cell phone number after you gave it to me. It seems that you've got everything working the way it should. If you need me, you have my number... Jimmie

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