The Steel Guitar Forum Store 

Post new topic How to string an Oahu Tonemaster?
Reply to topic
Author Topic:  How to string an Oahu Tonemaster?
John Polstra


From:
Lopez Island, WA, USA
Post  Posted 12 Feb 2019 4:01 pm    
Reply with quote

I have an early 1950s Oahu Tonemaster that I bought some time ago but haven't used much. Can someone tell me the correct way to attach the ball ends of the strings to the bridge? I have seen photos of it done like this:



But it's not clear to me that the ball won't slip out of the slot when it's done that way. Another possibility would be like this:



I've done it that way in the past, but again, I worry about the ball slipping out. Also, it seems like the edges of the slot could cut into the string where it wraps around the ball.

Finally, it might work to insert the ball sideways into the body of the instrument and then rotate it 90 degrees, like this:



Somehow, though, it doesn't seem right to have the ball pressing against the plate behind the bridge like that.

What's the best way to do it -- #1, #2, or #3?

Thanks,
John
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website

Jerry Wagner


From:
California, USA
Post  Posted 13 Feb 2019 9:08 am    
Reply with quote

Hi John,
#3 looks right. After cutting it to the proper length, I usually attach the other end of each string to its tuning post first. Then I position the ball end like #3 and use a chopstick to jam the ball end into the cavity as I wind on the tuner. Try it.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail

John Polstra


From:
Lopez Island, WA, USA
Post  Posted 13 Feb 2019 9:18 am    
Reply with quote

Thanks, Jerry! That's exactly what I needed to know.

John
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website


All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Jump to:  

Our Online Catalog
Strings, CDs, instruction,
steel guitars & accessories

www.SteelGuitarShopper.com

Please review our Forum Rules and Policies

Steel Guitar Forum LLC
PO Box 237
Mount Horeb, WI 53572 USA


Click Here to Send a Donation

Email admin@steelguitarforum.com for technical support.


BIAB Styles
Ray Price Shuffles for
Band-in-a-Box

by Jim Baron
HTTP