|
Author
|
Topic: Emmons Short Head
|
tenstrings
Member From: Marion,In
|
posted 13 January 2004 06:03 PM
profile
I would like to know what is meant by Emmons short head compared to a standard emmons.Also what is the functional difference. Norm Kidwell |
Tom Olson
Member From: Spokane, WA
|
posted 13 January 2004 06:09 PM
profile
I'm going to take a guess here and say that the long head places the tuners farther away from the nut which results in a decreased angle that the strings are bend over the nut. My guess is that this decreases the likelihood of "hysteresis" (I think that's the correct term) which is when a raised string does not return to it's pre-raised pitch. (just guessing)  |
Lem Smith
Member From: Fulton, MS. U.S.A.
|
posted 13 January 2004 07:03 PM
profile
What is meant by the term short keyhead refers to the first Legrande's produced by Emmons. The later models, such as the Lashley Legrande, Legrande II, III', etc... have a longer keyhead on them. I'm certainly not enough of a steel tech to be able to tell you what that does to the overall sound. I'm currently playing on one of the original Emmons Legrande's with the short keyhead, and I think it sounds as good as any I've heard, and is a really smooth playing guitar as well.Lem |
Donny Hinson
Member From: Balto., Md. U.S.A.
|
posted 13 January 2004 08:29 PM
profile
The short keyhead allows the steel to be physically smaller. The longer keyhead requires a slightly larger (longer) cabinet, but (supposedly) offers a little better sustaining qualities. I'm convinced that only the top players could tell the difference. |
Jack Strayhorn
Member From: Winston-Salem, NC
|
posted 19 January 2004 07:17 PM
profile
The short keyhead on the early LeGrande's was a three piece head and was machined rather that cast. It was somewhat easier to produce. Many thought it had some effect on tone. However in my experiences there was little to no tone difference. The major tone effect was in the changer mount with the slotted dividers between each finger. |
Jack Strayhorn
Member From: Winston-Salem, NC
|
posted 19 January 2004 07:19 PM
profile
P.S. the short head also effected pedal travel. the shorter string length needed less travel. |
Jack Strayhorn
Member From: Winston-Salem, NC
|
posted 20 January 2004 08:50 PM
profile
I was thinking earlier today about my remarks on this subject. The short keyhead was actually an extruded part and not machined from stock. Sorry for the bad information. |
BobbeSeymour
Member From: Hendersonville TN USA
|
posted 21 January 2004 01:37 PM
profile
Exactly! Very true on all respects in my opinion also Jack. I actually like these "little" guitars quite well, they can actually be had for a little less money than most Emmons guitars also. A great value in a used guitar. bobbeseymour |
Tom Olson
Member From: Spokane, WA
|
posted 21 January 2004 07:20 PM
profile
Jack (or anyone else) -- I was curious, when you speak of the changer with the "slotted dividers" between each finger are you speaking of the so-called "MCI" type changer that has a support between each finger? If so, I was wondering in what way the tone is different with this type of changer. Thanks. |
Jack Strayhorn
Member From: Winston-Salem, NC
|
posted 23 January 2004 09:42 PM
profile
The changer design had more midrange and a little less clarity and belltone. To my ear it still had the Emmons sound. Many session players also liked the recordability that more mids produce. Mids help the guitar go to tape and also help on a bandstand at high volume. The dividers make it some harder to put strings on. This design did not help with the changer axle flex as thought that it would. |
The Steel Guitar Forum
