A shout out for Emmons and Billy Knowles

Jerry Williford · From: Fayetteville, NC USA

I picked up my new Emmons SD-10 from Billy about three weeks ago and it couldn't sound any better to me I don't think. I wanted to try the 108-N humbucker and I really like the fat tone it delivers. I was afraid it might be muddy on the bottom end strings but they cut through very clean and crisp like on a single coil. For me, I felt the derby black was the way to go and I love it.
Billy, I want to thank you for building me a great guitar and taking time to set it up while I was at your shop. Those of you who have met Billy and know him will agree he is as fine of a person and guitar technician as you will find. His shop and equipment is first rate and he makes sure your guitar is the way you want it before it leaves. If you have any guitar issues or just wanting to make improvements to your instrument don't hesitate to give him a call.
I promised Billy I would post some shots and the only pictures I have are a couple that a friend sent me while he was at the theater during one of our weekend shows. I'll try to get some more when I can get a chance. Jerry

Gary Preston · From: Columbus, Ohio, USA

Jerry did Billy get all the parts from Emmons to build your guitar or what ? This is interesting to say the least ! How long did it take you to get your guitar after you put your order in ? Buy the way the guitar looks great . I have one almost like it and i will add a pic for you . G.P. P.S. my floor pedals are custom made by Lashley !

Jerry Williford · From: Fayetteville, NC USA

Hi Gary, yes, it was assembled and built new at the Emmons factory with their parts. It is my understanding that most or all of the parts are being machined and buffed now at the factory location. I think Ron did all of the cabinet and assembly process at the plant and Billy finalized the changes I wanted with the rod and pedal setup in his shop. I confirmed the order with a deposit to Billy the first week of January this year and I picked it up during the last week of March. Your guitar really looks great. They are identical with exception to the pedals and pickup. I plan to also add the logo back plate, that really adds to appearance. I've always liked the Emmons black mica finish. The colored lighting was not right to get good shots of mine.

Gary Preston · From: Columbus, Ohio, USA

Jerry is it my understanding that you got a new Emmons steel guitar in less than 3 months ??? Shocked

It appears that you bought your new guitar through Billy is that right ?

Hook Moore · From: South Charleston,West Virginia

Congrats, you can't beat Billy !
Hook
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Jerry Williford · From: Fayetteville, NC USA

Gary, yes that is correct. He is an Emmons dealer and I think he usually trys to get one every 3 to 4 months to sell. Jerry

Thanks Hook, yes Billy is a fine person to know.

Morton Kellas · From: Chazy, NY, USA 1

How do I contact Billy? Thanks

Jerome Hawkes · From: Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA

Billy has a livelong customer with me - really cant express how great he treats folks. i was looking for an Emmons D-10 and asked him about it on a Friday night and he called me Monday with exactly what i was looking for. i would have taken it "as-is" but thats not his style - he completely rebuilt the guitar down to new rubber tips on the legs.
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'65 Sho-Bud D-10 Permanent • '54 Fender Dual-8 • Clinesmith T-8 • '38 Ric Bakelite • '92 Emmons D-10 Legrande II

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

Billy Knowles does outstanding work.

Jerry Williford · From: Fayetteville, NC USA

Hi Morton, you can reach Billy at 910-296-7428. Jerry

Herb Steiner · From: Spicewood TX 78669

Brother Knowles is a stand-up guy who I trust and whose friendship I value.
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My rig: Infinity and Telonics.

Son, we live in a world with walls, and those walls have to be guarded by men with steel guitars. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg?

Duane Dunard · From: Troy, MO. U.S.A.

If there were more people just like Billy Knowles, this world would be a much better place. D.D.

David Dunn · From: Hideaway , Tx USA

" Billy for President"

Billy keeps in touch, both by phone and email, lets you know where your guitar stands in production every week or 10 days.

I believe Billy has 2 or 3 guitars in production at all times. I contacted Bill at Thanksgiving last year, he had one coming out in January. I added 2 knees and changed some other pulls to make it 8X7. I had a new 2010 Emmons guitar loaded up in about 8 weeks.....OUTSTANDING SERVICE.

Dave

Ricky Hagan · From: Elm City N.C. U.S.A.

Billy is the greatest.He just rebuilt a Emmons D10 P/P for me.You wouldn't believe what this guitar sounds like or plays like.Don't let anyone tell you a P/P can't play as good as all pull guitars.I have a Legrange also.They haven't had Billy to set it up for them.Billy has a 70's S10 P/P of mine right now. I can't wait to get it back and play it.If you want the best in service and repair or a new one call Billy,you wont regret it

Bill Erchul · From: Raleigh, NC, USA

Billy is a true gem in the world of pedal steel. Over time I have come to appreciate his friendship as much as his skills in building, restoring, adjusting, and maintaining fine steel guitars. Billy's work is exceptional.

Bill

Walter Bowden · From: Wilmington, North Carolina, USA

I'm taking my 79 S10 up to Billy this coming Friday for it's annual checkup. I bought it used and thought it played good until Billy tuned the changer and did a great setup. What a difference and he explains things so well to help you "learn" how a p/p works.
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Emmons S10, p/p, Nashville 112, Zion 50 tele style guitar, Gibson LP Classic w/Vox AC30, Fender Deluxe De Ville and a Rawdon-Hall classical

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Jerome Hawkes · From: Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA

He probably has standing orders for x number of guitars a year, so the guitar he gets a customer in 8 weeks has probably been on "order" for over a year - Billy doing the final setup and any custom copedants. This isn't unusual, I was on a classical guitar luthiers list for 5 years and kept seeing this one dealer getting new ones at the rate of 3-4 a year - but I found out he had been getting 3-4 a year for 20 years - always having a standing order for that many.
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'65 Sho-Bud D-10 Permanent • '54 Fender Dual-8 • Clinesmith T-8 • '38 Ric Bakelite • '92 Emmons D-10 Legrande II

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Makes sense. I was hoping I wouldn't hear that they give priority to dealers. If I ever wanted to get an Emmons, I would surely use a dealer like Billy and NEVER deal directly with Emmons.
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Carter D10 8p/8k, Dekley S10 3p/4k C6 setup,Regal RD40 Dobro, Recording King Professional Dobro, NV400, NV112,Ibanez Gio guitar, Epiphone SG Special (open D slide guitar) . Playing for 54 years and still counting.

Jimmie Brown · From: Fayetteville, NC, USA

Hi Jerry, congrats on your new guitar.You are right about Billy.He is one fine gentleman.Someone recently had told me you were getting a new one so how many does that make about 12.I beleive i was with you when got that first one from Leonard.France said to tell you hello.Hope everything is going well at the show.Take care my friend

Jimmie Brown

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