Keyless? No such thing

Steve Spitz · From: New Orleans, LA, USA

I`ve never seen a steel without some way to tune to pitch. ALL steels have tuning keys. Some steels have unconventional keyheads. But keyless? Shouldn`t the debate be keyhead vs. keyheadless ? Even the "Keyless" has a keyhead of some sort.

Carlos Polidura · From: Puerto Rico

hi steve,
you may have a point there, but this is one way to decribe keyless...as without conventional tuning keys.
carlos

ed packard · From: Show Low AZ

Not sure that a screw and lever is a key...some folk prefer gearless.

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

Technically "keyless" may not be an appropriate definition but that is what is commonly used for those without the standard tuning key systems.

Sort of like the term "cabinet drop" that is used for any type of detuning that takes place when a pedal or knee lever is operated.

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

maybe the correct term is

COMPACT

like Compact Car..it's smaller...

I have been thinking this exact saem thing..
Instead of a bunch flashy clean glissening thumby sorta things to turn, you gotta carry a wrench..

don't leave THAT at home...

[This message was edited by Tony Prior on 14 May 2006 at 05:07 AM.]

Curt Langston · Posted 14 May 2006 4:10 am

quote:
you may have a point there, but this is one way to decribe keyless...as without conventional tuning keys.

And without the extra long head, that is notorious for breaking strings and causing some strings to return sharp from a pull. But, other than that they are the same.

NOT!

Rick Nicklas · From: Verona, Mo. (deceased)

You say "Tomato" ... We say "Keyless"...

You are right though.... I think it's just an excepted phrase for steelers to communicate with our secret lingo (puzzling all the other instrumentalists).

------------------
Rick
Kline U-12, Nashville 112 and 1000, Hilton Volume Pedal

Curt Langston · Posted 14 May 2006 4:32 am

quote:
Instead of a bunch flashy clean glissening thumby sorta things to turn, you gotta carry a wrench..

don't leave THAT at home...

Yeah, just like you wouldn't leave your volume pedal at home.

Or your amp.

Or your end tuning wrench.

OR your shoes!....

And the list goes on.

If you choose to play pedal steel you will have to deal will carrying "stuff" with you.

Hence the pac-a-seat.

Choosing not to play keyless simply because you have to carry a tuning wrench, is unrealistic.

BTW, most of the top brands have tuning knobs.

Sierra, Excel and GFI.

Indeed.

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

Curt Langston · Posted 14 May 2006 4:57 am

Charlie, you could do it, but you would have to do some modifying to your GFI.

Gene may sell you the unit alone. Just ask him.

[This message was edited by Curt Langston on 14 May 2006 at 06:00 AM.]

[This message was edited by Curt Langston on 14 May 2006 at 06:01 AM.]

Charlie McDonald · From: out of the blue

Thank you, Curt.

So, can't you tune those knobs with your fingers?

Curt Langston · Posted 14 May 2006 7:01 am

Yes, you can tune with your fingers. The only time you need a "wrench" is when you change a string.(which is seldom)

In which case you will need an allen wrench. Or,as in the above example, a screwdriver.

So, as you can see, it is not a hassle to have an allen wrench or screwdriver with you, when you are out playing. It is just like any other piece of equipment that you take with you.

I have had a keyless GFI, and I must say, that the keyless tuner that Gene makes is one of the best. IMHO, of course.

[This message was edited by Curt Langston on 14 May 2006 at 09:25 AM.]

Sonny Jenkins · From: Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx

,,,are we running out of controveries????,,,let me help,,,is it tomato,,,or,,tomato,,,????,,I mean,,,let's get technical,,,,maybe find some hairs to split,,?????
If you don't like keyless,,,don't play keyless,,,if you like keyless,,play keyless,,
If you sound good ,,it's not because you play or don't play keyless or keyed,,,it's because you're a good player,,,duh???

[This message was edited by Sonny Jenkins on 14 May 2006 at 08:26 AM.]

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

I am thinking some may be getting way too serious here on this thread..

Mike Ester · From: New Braunfels, Texas, USA

Sonny Jenkins · From: Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx

Hey Mike,,,yeh,,,it's called personal preference,,LOL. I guess you're liking that new Carter,,,and universal,,??? I did a few gigs with Tom Teboe and he had GOOD things to say about you and that Carter. (I like Tom's repetoire of old songs,,guess cause I'm old,,LOL) I'm in Florida working now and just got back from visiting with Lamar Colvin. Man he builds a beautiful little guitar and he has a new changer design thats VERY similar to and works like an Anapeg,,I really like it,,,may sell one of my Klines soon,,LOL,,

[This message was edited by Sonny Jenkins on 14 May 2006 at 11:31 AM.]

Robert Porri · From: Windsor, Connecticut, USA

On guitar they call it a "Locking" system. I'm not certain how others work as I'm only familiar with my GFI. But, isn't some sort of locking of the string involved with all the PSG systems also. I'm kind of guessing about that, but I'd be interested to hear otherwise.

If it is the case, isn't that what a "Keyless" system on PSG really means.... a "Locking" system?

Bob P.

Sonny Jenkins · From: Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx

No Robert,,,actually refers to a means of tuning that does not involve a conventional tuning "key",,,each string is fixed to small block immediately after crossing the bridge,,,and then the block is moved to pull the string up to pitch,,,a very positive means of tuning,,very minimal slack.

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