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Topic: Emmons PP 9th Pedal Lower (4th string C6) Tuning Question |
Ben Waligoske
From:
Denver, CO
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Posted 23 May 2019 8:22 pm |
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Howdy folks...
I've got a beautiful 1970 Fatback PP that plays wonderfully... but it's a 9x5 and the 9th pedal is currently changing the 4th string on the C6 neck, to what I believe should be a half step lower (A to Ab)... nice old Buddy change, as I'm told...
My issue is that the change isn't hitting a proper half step lower, it's noticeably sharp... It's the only lower on that string and I've exhausted the basic PP tuning procedure (tune the the open string at keyhead, then tune the lowered note w/ pedal engaged at the keyhead, then the open pitch again with the top row of changer screws) but the lower screw itself (top row) doesn't seem to be affecting the changer until it's way too tight, and then the lower itself doesn't happen anymore... I'm not a pro at PP's, so hopefully that makes sense... I can keep it at status quo ok, very playable guitar - but can't seem to sort out the 9th pedal change.
This is the only change on the guitar that has this issue. Seems like it needs more throw somewhere... but I'm unsure of how to get that.... tried the pedal stop screw but that didn't work...
Ideas? |
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Ian Worley
From:
Sacramento, CA
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Posted 23 May 2019 9:26 pm
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Assuming nothing is binding or otherwise hanging up, the usual culprit for what you're describing is just not enough slack on the raise side, meaning, a collar on one of the raises is hitting a raise swivel and stopping before the lower has traveled far enough to reached the desired note. The lowering finger is nothing more than a moveable stop. When pushed, it simply allows the raise finger to relax under string tension, lowering the note until it hits the stop screw.
Assuming there is enough pedal travel, what happens is the pedal will push the lowering finger until it hits the stop, but the if the raise finger doesn't follow the entire distance because a raise collar is hitting a swivel and stopping it, the lowering finger is then just moving by itself. You could back the lowering screw out until it falls on the floor and it still won't have any effect until you introduce more slack thus allowing the necessary (reverse) range of movement for the raise finger.
This diagram shows the concept. Picture if there was a collar on the raise rod at the bottom of the picture that stopped the raise finger's motion before the lowering finger had reached the stop screw. The lowering finger would continue on by itself. This is likely your problem. I hope this helps.
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Jerry Erickson
From:
Atlanta,IL 61723
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Posted 27 May 2019 10:15 pm
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Loosen the allen screws for the raise collar(s) for string 4. Assuming pedal 4 raises A's to B and pedal 7 raises string 3&4(C&A).Now tune your lower on P9, it should be able to make the lower. If it doesn't, you either need to increase the pedal travel or move the set collar closer to the bell crank. When you have the lower in tune, reset your raise for that string.
Ian has explained it well. |
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