| Author |
Topic: Help w/LeGrande endplate |
Marty Broussard
From:
Broussard, Louisiana, USA
|
Posted 28 Jun 2004 6:59 pm |
|
Hi folks, I'm coming to the forum hoping to get some help with a problem I just discovered with my LeGrande. It's a 1984 model and I'm in the process of "cleaning her up" for regular usage. I discovered that the "stop edge" for the fingers that is part of the endplate casting is "notched/worn" in some places. Some of the grooves are approx. 1/8" deep on the E9th neck. The C6th neck is barely worn on any given finger position. I was going to have one of our highly qualified/certified welder/machinist weld a bead and machine to the proper dimensional tolerances, but when I contacted Ron Jr. today he suggested that an easier fix might be to contact Mr. Mickey Whaley in Wartburg, TN. because he had modified his LeGrande without alot of work. I haven't been able to contact Mr. Whaley so I'm asking for input from those of you who can help. If welding a bead is the fastest way--can anyone tell me what hardness the aluminum casting is? My buddy in our shop is ready and willing, but he asked me to try to verify the hardness for him so he can do the best work possible. I appreciate any help. If this is something that is better handled over the phone please call my pager at 337-493-9362 and when prompted to type your phone number please type your number and punch in *811 after your number. That'll tell me that it's priority, but not a family emergency. Thanks folks--I'm eager to get "my baby" back on stage for the weekend. Marty Broussard
------------------
Marty Broussard,
Emmons Legrande, Stereo Steel amp, Dobro
|
|
|
 |
C Dixon
From:
Duluth, GA USA
|
Posted 28 Jun 2004 7:11 pm
|
|
Martin,
| Quote: |
| "I discovered that the "stop edge" for the fingers that is part of the endplate casting is "notched/worn" in some places." |
I am pondering this. Since this is an '84 model LeGrande, I am assuming it is what we call the short rather than the regular bodied LeGrande. In other words, the original LeGrandes were a shorter guitar and had short keyheads as well; and a different changer.
IE, on the standard LeGrandes (since the short models) all the finger stops, (raise and lower) hit on a steel plate that I cannot see ever being mashed in by anywhere near an 1/8". this plate was NOT part of the end casting, but it was bolted to it.
Further, 4 allen screws and it is out of their in a flash. Which could be replaced easily since it is a stock item at the factory.
Assuming that I am correct concerning your LeGrande, I have not a clue what stops the changer fingers on those models. There were not many of them made. Hopefully someone on this forum can help you. If not, I would suggest your having a machine shop make you an identical part.
I am surprised Emmons' did not offer to supply you with one. In fact I am dissapointed they didn't.
I only wish I could help you, but I have never seen the underside of that model LeGrande.
May Jesus bless you in your quest,
carl |
|
|
|
Marty Broussard
From:
Broussard, Louisiana, USA
|
Posted 29 Jun 2004 5:00 pm
|
|
Hey Carl, I was contacted today by a very helpful and reputable person who suggested that I fabricate a steel plate and screw it onto the aluminum edge, thus not having to weld and machine. This sounds very similar to what Ron Jr. described as the fix Mr.Whaley had to offer. I'm assuming that the replacement part(s) you referred to that are available from Emmons would not work as a viable retrofit. Yes, mine is a short keyhead and although I'm not an accomplished steel-guitar tech, removing the changer wasn't quite that easy. Of course, I've never taken one apart before either, and the previous statement isn't meant to be a negative one. I love my guitar...it's one of (2) guitars I've owned since I was 11 years old that I wished I'd never sold. I've been lucky enough to get this one back. I'll probably never get the other one back. Fortunately, of the two, this one is the better one, IMHO. I've rarely ever played this one and not had steelers along with other musicians comment on the tone quality of this one. If I can learn to play like a real player I'll do the guitar justice. Take care, Marty Broussard 
------------------
Marty Broussard,
Emmons Legrande, Stereo Steel amp, Dobro
|
|
|
|
