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Topic: any SKH tuning keys updates? |
Pat Moore
From:
Virginia USA
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Posted 13 Dec 2019 6:54 am |
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Hi everyone,
My SKH Emmons tuning keys are getting to the point where I'm starting to consider replacing or whatever needs to be done. I have read most all of the posts on here about the issue, and was just wondering if there's anything new on replacing them without having to rebuild the Brooklyn bridge to get 'er done.
Any new info will be greatly appreciated.
Thx in advance,
Pat |
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 13 Dec 2019 7:15 am
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What keys are on the guitar ? start there. I suspect Sperzels.
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website |
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Pat Moore
From:
Virginia USA
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Posted 13 Dec 2019 7:19 am
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| Yeah, sorry, shoulda put that! Yeah, original Sperzels |
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Erv Niehaus
From:
Litchfield, MN, USA
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Posted 13 Dec 2019 8:21 am
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| You should be able to find replacements that will fit at: www.stewmac.com |
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Tony Prior
From:
Charlotte NC
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Posted 13 Dec 2019 3:52 pm
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Very difficult to find direct replacements for theses Sperzels. The Button tops are available but not the machines.
Many owners here have contacted Sperzel directly with varied results. They do not offer, well at least up to last year, direct replacements for the machines Emmons used during that period in the 80's .
The shaft ID size is different than both Grover and Kluson Plus the set screw locations are different. So a brand change may be difficult.
The primary issue, confirmed by Sperzel, was the grease hardened which caused the machines to be very difficult to turn. Add that the machines do not come totally apart for cleaning.
I had this issue on a very nice 83 Push Pull, I ended up removing all the tuners , soaking them in a solvent to soften the grease then working the old grease out. Surprisingly, a bunch of tuners did come totally apart which made cleaning a breeze. These tuners are also found on many late model Sho Buds from the same period.
Maybe someone will chime in with a direct replacement which is available, that would be good !
Here's a pretty good conversation
https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=318231&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=sperzel&start=25
_________________
Emmons L-II , Fender Telecasters, B-Benders , Eastman Mandolin ,
Pro Tools 12 on WIN 7 !
jobless- but not homeless- now retired 9 years
CURRENT MUSIC TRACKS AT > https://tprior2241.wixsite.com/website
Last edited by Tony Prior on 14 Dec 2019 10:38 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Pat Moore
From:
Virginia USA
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Posted 14 Dec 2019 9:01 am
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| Thx Tony! |
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Ron Pruter
From:
Arizona, USA
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Posted 14 Dec 2019 7:43 pm
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You can get them apart. I did it quite easily. I remember old man Sperzel telling me the housing on both lefties and righties was th a same. You just pop the disc out and put the spindle in from the other direction. Anyway, I took mine all apart, totally cleaned and regreased them. The improvement was only about 20%.??? Ron
_________________
Emmons SKH Le Grande, '73 Fender P/J bass, Tick tack bass, Regal high strung, USA Nashville 112. |
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Johnie King
From:
Tennessee, USA
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Posted 15 Dec 2019 5:08 am
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| Pat I suggest you contact Jerry Roller here on the forum he had the same problem on his short key head if anyone can figure out a fix it would be Jerry Roller. |
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Pat Moore
From:
Virginia USA
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Posted 15 Dec 2019 8:20 pm
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Thx Johnie! I'll give him a shout. 
BTW, The pedals are like new! Thx! |
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Bobby D. Jones
From:
West Virginia, USA
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Posted 15 Dec 2019 9:55 pm Any SKH tuning key updates
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Check close and measure carefully on replacing any tuning keys on guitars from yesterday. It seems that to meet world wide trade standards for tuner keys, The standard size is 10mm (13/32")for shaft that goes through the key head.
StewMac's website lists 10mm as shaft diameter on the new Sperzel tuners. You may have to drill the key head holes larger. If they have changed the lock pin spacing that would require more precise work.
Many of the old tuners used a Yankee bore size of 3/8" for the tuner shaft hole.
A few years ago I changes a set of Grover tuners on an old MSA S10,(1974 vintage). I ended up having to remove the Key Heads and drill all 10 holes to 13/32". Then I had to put each hardened self tapping lock screw in a lathe, And grind the heads down to clear the new gear housing with a Dremel Tool and grinding stone. What appeared to be a 1 hour job turned into a big job using a drill press, lathe and Dremel tool.
Just a warning from someone who found out the hard way. |
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Pat Moore
From:
Virginia USA
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Posted 16 Dec 2019 5:24 am
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Thx Bobby!
Man, I dont need to deal with all that! I'll just keep turnin the tough ones first!  |
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