Abstract: A multi-tone sounder system including the sounder and a method of controlling the sounder in which at least a pair of chime bars (3, 5), bells or gongs are spaced apart and arranged to be struck by a solenoid operated striker (26) positioned between the chime bars; the solenoid (24) is powered by a controller (FIG. 2) in one of several ways so that in one way by sudden application of power to the solenoid the striker strikes one bar but then the power is reduced gradually preventing the striker by means of a spring (28) hitting the other bar; in a second way by gradual application of power to the solenoid and sudden reduction the other bar only is struck; in a third way by sudden application and a sudden reduction of power to the solenoid both bars may be struck; by using a predetermined combination of strikes a particular push button in a house can easily be identified.