How to string an Oahu Tonemaster?

[John Polstra]

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

[Jerry Wagner]

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.

[John Polstra]

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

John