I need a good Push Pull mechanic

Jon Baumgartner · From: Iowa, USA

Hi friends. My first push-pull came from Bobbe Seymour and it was set up perfectly and all I ever had to do was tune it and play it. My second Push Pull came from somewhere else but it was extremely well set up and once again all I ever had to do was tune it and play it. Last year I bought a push pull for a good price that was set up Jimmy Day and I have attempted to convert it back to Emmons Nashville. Marginally successful but it's not perfect and I have a session coming up. I don't want to try to record with a guitar that is not flawless. I am in East Central Iowa. Does anybody know a really good Push Pull mechanic in the midwest that knows what he's doing? I live on Social Security so I can't go nuts. Having said that, I would be willing to drive several hours and pay professional rates to get the right work done. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Dave Magram · From: San Jose, California, USA

Hi Jon,

Since you haven't received any recommendations for a push-pull mechanic near you, here's a suggestion...

I'd highly recommend Clem Schmitz's bargain-priced booklet "Methodology And Practice In Pedal Steel Guitar" to any Emmons push-pull owner. Clem used to own a steel guitar store and repair shop in Minneapolis, then one in Nashville, where he worked on Emmons push-pulls owned by players such as Mike Johnson.

The 24-page booklet shows how to make simple adjustments to an Emmons push-pull or even take the entire guitar apart and put it back together.

In his booklet, Clem explains step by step (with photos) exactly how to disassemble, re-assemble, and adjust push-pull guitars with several clever little tricks that would take a very long time to figure out--including a simple solution to setting the correct amount of slack on the 4th string in 5 seconds or less! (Just that tip alone is worth the bargain price of Clem's booklet & DVD!)

He sells the booklet and a DVD combo package on eBay listed as "Pedal Steel Guitar METHODOLOGY P/P Book & 2008 2 DVD's Package" for just $20!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/274497649883?hash=item3fe955bcdb:g:BvkAAMXQMmJROe-R
Highly recommended!

If Clem's material is no longer on eBay, try contacting him at freedomsauce(at)comcast(dot)net (replace the "at" with "@", and "dot" with ".")

Emmons push-pull guitars are very reliable and stable and I almost never need Clem's booklet, but it's great to have for the rare time every 10 years or so when some little Allen screw loosens up somewhere, or a string pitch change isn't happening the way it should and you have to leave for a gig in the next 30 minutes.

Clem is a very helpful guy; I've heard that if you are really stuck, he will guide you through the fix via Skype for a very nominal fee.

p.s. I've heard that Clem has moved back to Minneapolis; you might try to contact him through the SGF and get some tips.

- Dave

Jon Baumgartner · From: Iowa, USA

Hi Dave, and thank you for the tip about the instruction booklet. Actually, I have been buying small parts from Clem for the last few years so I think I'm going to go ahead and contact him to see if it's still available. I appreciate your help very much! Jon

Mark Shuda · From: Wisconsin, USA

Jon,
Jerry Erickson in nearby Illinois is a fine tunesmith on Emmons push/pulls. He is a forum member and I can give you his contact info if you send me a pm.
Best,
Mark
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Mark Twang

Jon Baumgartner · From: Iowa, USA

Hi Mark, thanks for the response. I do already have that name and phone number and if it comes down to it I will contact him. I have been advised that Clem Schmidts sells a very good booklet and DVD set on how to properly set up an Emmons Push Pull, so I purchased that this morning. If I'm still tearing my hair out I will give your friend a call. Many thanks.
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Emmons D10 P/P, Session 500, B-Bender Tele.

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