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Author Topic:  Magnatone MOTS
Bob Snelgrove


From:
san jose, ca
Post  Posted 29 Sep 2010 6:50 am    
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I've really been enjoying my Maggy lately.

Looks just like Geralds:

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=122651&highlight=magnatone.

I love how much sustain it has just playing acoustically. I am running Emaj string gauges tuned to C6 which I highly recommend trying Smile

So, are these poor man's Rickys or just student model junk?

I like the tone a lot more than my 57 Stringmaster!

What pickup is buried under the MOTS?

What model and any history.

Brad, I did use the search function Smile

thx

bob
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Twayn Williams

 

From:
Portland, OR
Post  Posted 29 Sep 2010 8:19 am     Re: Magnatone MOTS
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Bob Snelgrove wrote:
I like the tone a lot more than my 57 Stringmaster!


You just send that nasty ol' Stringmaster to me Mr. Green
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Bob Snelgrove


From:
san jose, ca
Post  Posted 29 Sep 2010 12:08 pm     Re: Magnatone MOTS
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Twayn Williams wrote:
Bob Snelgrove wrote:
I like the tone a lot more than my 57 Stringmaster!


You just send that nasty ol' Stringmaster to me Mr. Green


Aww, Twayn

You wouldn't want it. It's old and ugly like me, LOL


bob
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Brad Bechtel


From:
San Francisco, CA
Post  Posted 30 Sep 2010 6:26 am    
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My first lap steel was a Magnatone Varsity. I still have it, but don't play it much. The student models like yours and mine were cheap but sound good if the pickup is working. If not, you have to go through major surgery to repair them, since the pickup is hidden under a layer of MOTS (Mother of Toilet Seat).
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Bob Snelgrove


From:
san jose, ca
Post  Posted 30 Sep 2010 3:24 pm    
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Brad Bechtel wrote:
My first lap steel was a Magnatone Varsity. I still have it, but don't play it much. The student models like yours and mine were cheap but sound good if the pickup is working. If not, you have to go through major surgery to repair them, since the pickup is hidden under a layer of MOTS (Mother of Toilet Seat).


Is that what mine is Brad? A Varsity model?


thx

bob
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Brad Bechtel


From:
San Francisco, CA
Post  Posted 1 Oct 2010 8:34 am    
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I don't believe that particular model had a name, but I'm not familiar enough with the Magnatone line to be able to say for sure. (Michael Lee Allen, that's your cue.)
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Michael Robertson


From:
Ventura, California. USA
Post  Posted 1 Oct 2010 8:52 am     Need tuners
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Anyone know where I can get some tuners?

Thanks
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Brad Bechtel


From:
San Francisco, CA
Post  Posted 1 Oct 2010 8:57 am    
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Those are standard Kluson tuners, although the eight string version on a strip may be harder to find. Replacment buttons are available through Stewart-Macdonald and other guitar parts stores. You probably won't find replacement tuner buttons that match the ones on that guitar, but any plastics store should be able to fabricate replacements.
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Michael Robertson


From:
Ventura, California. USA
Post  Posted 1 Oct 2010 9:47 am     On a strip
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Thanks Brad, I hope to find them on a strip…..Somewhere.
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Bob Snelgrove


From:
san jose, ca
Post  Posted 1 Oct 2010 1:37 pm     Re: Need tuners
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Michael Robertson wrote:
Anyone know where I can get some tuners?

Thanks


I didn't know they made an 8 string. Can I see a full pic?

thx

bob
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Michael Robertson


From:
Ventura, California. USA
Post  Posted 1 Oct 2010 2:05 pm     Head stock
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I would have to break it out and take pictures but here is a front shot of same head stock.
Does this help?

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Bob Snelgrove


From:
san jose, ca
Post  Posted 1 Oct 2010 2:35 pm     Re: Head stock
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Michael Robertson wrote:
I would have to break it out and take pictures but here is a front shot of same head stock.
Does this help?



Is your pickup exposed or hidden?
My 6 string has a square aluminum nut, not rounded with screws like yours.


bob
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Michael Robertson


From:
Ventura, California. USA
Post  Posted 1 Oct 2010 4:14 pm     Break it out
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You’re gona make me break it out aren’t ya!
Well here you go.
I have a six string that needs tuners on a strip as well.
I inherited the eight string from my wife’s Grandfather who played it in Hawaii for decades.
The six string was given to me just recently.









I hope you know where I can get tuners for these.
On a strip.....
Michael
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Bob Snelgrove


From:
san jose, ca
Post  Posted 1 Oct 2010 8:44 pm    
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Thanks for the pics. The 6 string strip tuners should be no problem. Keep looking for the 8's.

What has better tone, the 6 or the 8?

BTW, my 6 has a slightly different shape (more square) at the base and larger white knurled knobs.


bob
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Kekoa Blanchet


From:
Kaua'i
Post  Posted 2 Oct 2010 12:02 am    
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Can't help with the 4-on-a-strip machines, but the 3s are here:
http://elderly.com/accessories/items/WD90NPP.htm
They dropped right into my Magnatone.
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Michael Robertson


From:
Ventura, California. USA
Post  Posted 2 Oct 2010 5:57 am    
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[quote=
What has better tone, the 6 or the 8?
bob[/quote]

Bob, I don’t know yet, I’m just getting started with them and bringing them up to playability.
I’ll let you know

Thanks to all for the help.
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Tom Pettingill


From:
California, USA (deceased)
Post  Posted 2 Oct 2010 6:01 am     Re: Need tuners
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Michael Robertson wrote:
Anyone know where I can get some tuners?

Besides the missing buttons, anything functionally wrong with the tuners? Drop in 4 on a strip is going to be a tall order, even used. I'm not saying there is not a set out there somewhere, but while your waiting I'd agree with Brad and suggest either get some generic replacement buttons or have a shop make a couple matching clear replacements.
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Michael Robertson


From:
Ventura, California. USA
Post  Posted 2 Oct 2010 7:25 am     Tunings?
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Thanks Tom, I don’t think there is anything wrong with the tuners other than the buttons.
I understand what you are saying about using four individual tuners and I may have to resort to that, but being it is somewhat of an “heirloom” four on a strip would be great.
By the way are there any suggestions on tunings?
I play pedal E9 pedal and would like to find a tuning that I might be able to make use of, quickly.
I am very grateful for all the advice from all.
The hunt continues.
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Kekoa Blanchet


From:
Kaua'i
Post  Posted 2 Oct 2010 3:47 pm    
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Michael, I think what Tom was talking about is to slide new buttons on to the old strips, rather than replacing them with individual tuners:
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Tuner_parts/Vintage-style_Replacement_Tuner_Knobs.html?actn=100101&xst=3&xsr=861

You'd have to find someone to fabricate those great clear ones you have, though. Won't find those at Stewart MacDonald!

Mandolin tuners come 4 on a strip, although I haven't seen the Kluston style tuners for mandolins. Here's a different style:
http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Mandolin_tuners/Golden_Age_Restoration_Tuners_for_A-style_Mandolin.html

Here's an idea. Not really what you want to do with a vintage instrument, but food for thought. (Scroll to the bottom of the page):
http://www.lutherie.net/tuner.maintenance.html
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Michael Robertson


From:
Ventura, California. USA
Post  Posted 2 Oct 2010 4:36 pm     Kekoa thanks
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Kekoa thank you I will check them out.
Again I am most grateful for all the advice.
Michael
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Jason Hull

 

Post  Posted 4 Oct 2010 2:00 am    
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Those buttons can be easily replaced. Keep your original tuners!

http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Tuner_parts/Vintage-style_Replacement_Tuner_Knobs.html
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Bob Snelgrove


From:
san jose, ca
Post  Posted 4 Oct 2010 5:46 am     Pickups
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Does anyone know if the pickup in the 8 string is the same type as the hidden one in the 6 string?

Do these 6 & 8 string versions have similiar tone?

bob
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Michael Robertson


From:
Ventura, California. USA
Post  Posted 4 Oct 2010 5:56 am     Re: Pickups
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Bob Snelgrove wrote:
Does anyone know if the pickup in the 8 string is the same type as the hidden one in the 6 string?

Do these 6 & 8 string versions have similiar tone?

bob

Bob, I can’t even see the pickup on the six string.
The pickup is somewhere within the body.
If I ever get these two up and working I’ll have an answer for you.
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Bob Snelgrove


From:
san jose, ca
Post  Posted 4 Oct 2010 6:02 am     Re: Pickups
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Michael Robertson wrote:
Bob Snelgrove wrote:
Does anyone know if the pickup in the 8 string is the same type as the hidden one in the 6 string?

Do these 6 & 8 string versions have similiar tone?

bob

Bob, I can’t even see the pickup on the six string.
The pickup is somewhere within the body.
If I ever get these two up and working I’ll have an answer for you.


I know, Michael. I was hoping some of the veterans here were more familiar with these than you and I!

bob
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Tom Pettingill


From:
California, USA (deceased)
Post  Posted 4 Oct 2010 7:53 am     Re: Pickups
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Bob Snelgrove wrote:
Does anyone know if the pickup in the 8 string is the same type as the hidden one in the 6 string?

Do these 6 & 8 string versions have similiar tone?

bob

Here is a good discussion covering the hidden Magnatone 6 string pickups. Its a very different design than the 8.
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?p=988241&sid=1a3b202c40d8347f309183331cd7ce7b
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