Stringtone Automatic Changer

Ron Funk · From: Ballwin, Missouri

To bring back child-hood memories, I recently purchased a near-mint Tonemaster English Electronics 6-string lap steel with Stringtone Automatic Changer. I need a 'refresher course' in tuning guitar.

Instruction sheet for changer says to:

"A) First place lever in C6 tuning position and tune guitar to C6th with the tuning keys.

My question = What should each of the 6 strings be tuned to ? and 440 for each ?

"B) Next place the lever in E7 tuning position and by using scredriver adjust the screws in front of changer until the guitar is tuned to E7th."

My question = What should each of the 6 strings be tuned to ? and 440 for each?

"C) Place the lever in C7 position which automatically gives "C#Mi 7th tuning. Recheck Steps A,B, and C before playing C7"

Question = what does this step mean ??

All responses are appreciated.

Steve Hamill · From: California, USA

I have an Oahu Tonemaster with one of those removed in the case when I got it.
I'm glad you posted this as I didn't have a clue where to start with it.

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

i don't even know what it is, but i want one!

Eddie Cunningham · From: Massachusetts, USA

Those are mechanical changers that give you three chords or tunings on the one neck . I have a "Multi-Harp Triplex" made in Chicago in the late 40s which is similar in operation. They really work O.K. once you get them in tune. I have one on my Rickenbacher DW-16 on one neck and that gives me 4 tunings on the D-8 steel, C-6th on the inside neck and A-6th , E-6th(C# min) and E-9th and also a E-aug. chord using the changer device on the outside neck !! You have to fool with them a bit to set them up but well worth the effort !! Good luck !! Eddie "C" ( the old non-pedal geezer )

Ron Funk · From: Ballwin, Missouri

Still looking for answers to questions (a), (b) and (c).

Thanks !

Dom Franco · From: Beaverton, OR, 97007

Show us some pictures and I know we could help more...
Dom Sad

Fred · From: Amesbury, MA

C6
E
C
A
G
E
C

E7
E
B
G#
E
D
B

The C7 position is really C#min.
E
C#
G#
E
?
?

I'm not sure about the two lowest notes in C#m. They probably stay the same as E7.

Tune C6 first. Switch to E7 and tune with screws. Go back to C6 check and adjust tuning. Back to E7 check and adjust. Repeat until all is well. Then on to C#m.

Good luck

Fred

Eddie Cunningham · From: Massachusetts, USA

All that type of string changer that I have seen or read about from the 40s and early 50s usually have an A major basic tuning then go to C# min and than to E maj. Maybe yours is different !??! You can play with it and set it up to whatever tunings the screws will allow you to tune to . Have fun !!! Eddie "C"

Michael Lee Allen · From: Portage Park / Irving Park, Chicago, Illinois

DELETED
_________________
"Wisdom does not always come with age. Many times age arrives alone."

Michael Lee Allen · From: Portage Park / Irving Park, Chicago, Illinois

DELETED
_________________
"Wisdom does not always come with age. Many times age arrives alone."

Ron Funk · From: Ballwin, Missouri

Mike Allen's reply shows my Stringtone Tuning Changer.

I didn't realize it was a "DeArmond Product."

So combined with the original DeArmond volume pedal that I got with the lap steel, I'm now 'Good to Go.'

Thanks much for the replies.

Dan Sawyer · From: Studio City, California, USA

You might want to search for my review of these in the archives. I tell how to set them up to actually work.

Ron Funk · From: Ballwin, Missouri

Dan - thanks for your response. What 'subject' do you suggest I search for on the archives ?

Dan Sawyer · From: Studio City, California, USA

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