Abstract: A stringed instrument having a body and a neck with a fingerboard extending from the body. The body has a bridge for supporting first end portions of a plurality of strings arranged in a series of decreasing thickness, and a nut at an end of the fingerboard is placed so as to provide support for a second end portion of the plurality of strings. The fingerboard has a pluarlity of frets located between the bridge and the nut, where the first fret is defined as the fret closest to the nut. The distance between the nut and the first fret for each of the plurality of strings is inversely proportional to the thickness of the corresponding string so that a thin, high pitched string has a greater distance between the nut and the first fret than does a thicker, lower pitched string.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar is provided. The stringed instrument includes a body, a neck mounted to the body and a headstock releasably mounted to the neck. The headstock may be replaced with an alternate headstock.

Abstract: A manual string locking assembly for clamping the strings of a musical instrument, such as a guitar, adjacent to the fretboard nut of the instrument is disclosed. The string locking assembly is mounted on the headstock of the guitar between the fretboard nut and tuning pegs. The assembly includes a clamping block, having front and rear pillars for easy self-alignment of the strings, mounted directly to the headstock of the guitar to support an adjustable finger operated clamping device which can accommodate strings of varying diameters. A single spring loaded revolvable key operates three machine threaded cam-action flat head cap screws. The three screws are disposed either in an unlocked position to allow free tuning of the strings of the guitar or in a secured locked position to provide a grip between the clamping block and three threaded base-plate tabs to prevent slippage of the strings while the instrument is being played. The key supplies a hex-head insert for adjustment of the locking screws.

Abstract: A fully adjustable acoustic guitar bridge is claimed that allows the strings (e.g. nylon or steel) of an acoustic guitar to be separately and continuously intonated, accurately and easily, whenever necessary. The bridge system employs a minimum of alterations to the traditional non-adjustable acoustic guitar bridge to retain the acoustic qualities of the instrument. In one embodiment, recessed rear-loaded cap screws utilize the forward and downward pull of the strings to stabilize the adjustable saddles; in another, recessed, front-loaded cap screws utilize a c-clip to stabilize the saddles. A threaded saddle capture on each saddle provides stability, continuous threading capability, and the freedom to use acoustically resonant materials (e.g. bone, phenolic, composites, etc.) for saddles. In one embodiment, the string's downward pressure transmits string vibration to the soundboard; in another, a set-screw assists this transference of sound.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of tuning a string instrument such as an electric guitar which is commonly provided with a solid body structure and a fretboard, wherein the tuning apparatus includes an adjustable bridge provided with a plurality of adjustable saddle bridge members secured to the body of the guitar, and a nut having a plurality of adjustable nut saddle members mounted at the distal end of the fretboard adjacent the tension mechanism to which the strings are attached. The adjustment of the bridge saddle members establishes a true intonation of each string with respect to the twelfth fret and all of the intervals between the twelfth fret and the bridge. The nut saddle members are adjusted to establish a true intonation of each string with respect to the first fret and the intervening intervals between the first fret and the twelfth fret.

Abstract: A musical instrument, such as a guitar, having strings across a bridge, a finger board and a nut wherein the bridge, finger board, and nut have a concave curvature. Preferably, the concave curvature is a hyperbolic curve. The resulting string arrangement is designed to minimize wrist and finger strain associated with playing the instrument.

Abstract: A string support assembly for a musical instrument includes a base member and a pair of string support members which cooperate to support a string. The string support members have cylindrical shank sections which are received in openings in a base member. Head sections are connected to the shank sections. The head sections have arcuate side surfaces which engage the string. In one embodiment of the invention, the arcuate side surfaces on the head sections are conical. In another embodiment of the invention, the arcuate side surfaces on the head sections are hemispherical. The base member may be machined from a block of metal or formed from sheet metal.

Abstract: A nut assembly for use with a stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The nut assembly includes a string holder for retaining one end of an associated string. The nut assembly also includes a nut having one or more critical contact surfaces for supporting associated strings when placed in assembled position on the stringed instrument. The nut is arranged to substantially abut the string holder when mounted in assembled position on the stringed instrument. The nut may be releasably secured to the string holder.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The stringed instrument includes a body, a fretboard mounted on the body, a nut assembly mounted on the body on one side of the fretboard wherein the nut assembly comprises a plurality of individually pivotable string holders in combination with a fixed nut which has a plurality of corresponding nut critical contact surfaces. The stringed instrument also comprises a bridge including bridge critical contact surfaces mounted on the body at an opposing side of the fretboard. The bridge critical contact surfaces are arranged at a selectively adjustable distance from corresponding nut critical contact surfaces. A plurality of strings are arranged across the corresponding bridge and nut critical contact surfaces. The bridge includes a tuning mechanism for obtaining at least harmonic tuning upon adjusting the distance between the bridge and nut critical contact surfaces.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The stringed instrument comprises an automatic biasing mechanism for automatically urging associated anchor members affixed to corresponding ends of a string into a secured position so that the associated string will not come loose during playing of the stringed instrument. The anchor elements may comprise bullet-shaped elements. The automatic biasing mechanism is adapted to urge the bullet-shaped elements forward substantially along the longitudinal axis of the associated strings.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument of the guitar type has a plurality of strings which extend from tuning devices on a head portion, along a neck portion, to a body portion of the instrument. A string support includes a base which extends beneath the strings. A plurality of spheres have lower segments which are disposed in apertures in the base. The base is positioned in a groove with centers of curvature of the spheres in a plane which contains a flat front side surface of the groove. Positioning members engage the bottom of the groove to locate the base relative to the groove. The base can be resiliently deflected to have a curvature which is the same as the curvature of an upper side surface of the neck portion of the guitar. To facilitate deflection of the base, slots are formed part way through the base. To enable the position of the base to be adjusted relative to the groove when the base is in the groove, the positioning members are accessible from an upper side of the base.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of tuning a string instruments such as electric guitars which is commonly provided with a solid body structure and a fretboard, wherein the tuning apparatus includes an adjustable bridge in which there is provided a plurality of adjustable saddle bridge members secured to the body of the guitar, and a nut having a plurality of adjustable nut saddle members mounted at the distal end of the fretboard adjacent the tension mechanism to which the strings are attached. The adjustment of the bridge saddle members establishes a true intonation of each string with respect to the twelfth fret and all of the intervals between the twelfth fret and the bridge. The nut saddle members are adjusted to establish a true intonation of each string with respect to the first fret and the intervening intervals between the first fret and the twelfth fret.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument of the guitar type has a plurality of strings which extend from tuning devices on a head portion, along a neck portion, to a body portion of the instrument. A plurality of string supports are mounted adjacent to a connection between the head and neck portions. Each of the string supports includes a pair of spheres which are held in engagement with each other. One of the strings presses against each pair of the spheres to position the string relative to the head and neck portions of the instrument. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of string support assemblies are mounted on a metal base disposed on the musical instrument. In another embodiment of the invention, the string support assemblies are mounted in spaced apart openings formed in the material of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument of the guitar type has a plurality of strings which extend from tuning devices on a head portion, along a neck portion, to a body portion of the instrument. A plurality of string support assemblies are mounted in the material of the musical instrument adjacent to a connection between the head and neck portions of the instrument. Each of the string support assemblies includes a pair of spheres which are held in engagement with each other. One of the strings presses against a pair of spheres to position the string relative to the head and neck portions of the instrument. In one embodiment of the invention, the spheres have different diameters. In this embodiment of the invention, the string bends around the larger one of the two spheres. The spheres, whether of the same diameter or of different diameters, are disposed in a recess which extends part way through the string support. An end of the recess is blocked by material which is received in the recess.

Abstract: A nut (30) and/or saddle (20) supports the strings (14) of a stringed musical instrument (10) allowing essentially fully unrestricted movement of the strings, both forward and background within the nut or saddle in order to maintain the proper pitch tuning of each string. Each string is retained at a fixed position at the nut or saddle, but allowed to move freely from these fixed positions when the strings are in motion such as when being tuned. A pair of freely-rotatably ball bearings (34a and 34b) are positioned in a countersunk pocket aperture 33 in the nut housing (32) and/or saddle housing (60) and in the case of the former, are positioned immediately juxtaposed to a pressure pad (41) for dampening each string from vibration between the nut assembly and the instrument tuner mechanism. A retainer (42) retains each pair of balls (34a and 34b) in the pocket aperture (33).

Abstract: The invention is an electric guitar that has seven strings and a scale length of 25.5 inches. The highest string is a "top A" string that provides the guitarist access to higher notes than is available on a conventional guitar. This seven string guitar is constructed on a solid body and has a neck with twenty-four frets. The neck has "pronounced tapering" such that the proportionate relationship of the neck at the 24th fret and at the nut is greater in the present relationship than in the Fender Stratocaster guitar. The solid body has cut-aways on each side of the neck to permit fingering access to all the frets. The guitar has staggered headmachines so that the headmachine upon which the "top A" string is wound has a shorter post than those headmachines upon which the lower strings are wound. The guitar also has a vibrato bridge unit that is firmly connected to the solid body by two connecting screws and less than firmly attached to the solid body by two stabilizing screws.

Abstract: A clamp is provided at the nut of a guitar for clamping the strings to prevent them from sliding across the nut. The clamp was a boss portion in which a bore is formed. A set screw is provided in one end as a plug. A screw with a handle is threaded into the other end of the bore and six cylindrical spacers are disposed between the plug and the screw with the handle. Slots are cut in the boss which expose the ends of the spacers so that the strings of the guitar can be slid between the ends of the spacers. Tightening the screw with the handle clamps the strings between the spacers. The clamp has a step, formed on one side of it, on which a nut is mounted. The nut is divided into three sections whose heights and orientations are adjustable to suit the camber of the fret board of the guitar and the height of the frets, so as to eliminate the need for shimming or filing the nut.

Abstract: A tuner apparatus and methods for use thereof for harmonically tuning a variety of stringed instruments. More particularly, an apparatus and methods which provide a guitar or other chordophone with an alternative or supplemental nut secured to the headstock of the instrument, without requiring permanent modification or defacement of the instrument's structure. The supplemental nut is positioned to raise a particular string from a preexisting nut, thereby extending the effective scale length of the string. Alternative use of the supplemental nut and the preexisting nut allows the musician to selectively increase and decrease the effective scale length of the string to obtain a variation of sound. Thus, this invention enables the generation of deeper or lower notes on preexisting strings than would otherwise be available on such an instrument.

Abstract: A clamp for preventing the slippage of the strings of a guitar over the nut thereof comprises a plurality of blocks between which are disposed the strings of the instrument. A bolt passes through the blocks and is threaded into the end one thereof. Tightening of the bolt drives the blocks together causing the strings to become clamped therebetween. Means is provided for retaining the handle on the bolt in such a manner that it cannot fall off through casual handling and may be selectively reoriented on the bolt so as to obtain the optimum axial orientation of the handle on bolt when the handle is in the fully clamped position. The spacers may be formed as cylindrical members with a flattened side or a key groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guitar comprising a releasable device for clamping the strings to the nut, the ball ends being secured to a base part movable around a knife edge and disposed in a recess in the body and comprising an adjustable prism and adjustable spring riders and tension springs engaging the base part. The clamping device comprises clamping jacks (2), an adjustable end pressure plate (3) with a set screw (7) and an eccentric pressure plate (4) movable by an eccentric lever (8) and between which the strings are clamped. Also, the base part (20) has string riders (23), spacer plates (26), through bores (31) for the strings and an adjustable spring-retaining block (21) at which tension springs (39) engage, the ball ends being disposed between the through bores and the spring-retaining block. Also, the other spring ends are secured to a spring-holding bracket (35) connected to a tightening nut (40) by a spring-adjusting screw (37) with interposition of a tension casing (34) (FIG. 9).

Abstract: A support for defining an end point of the vibrating portion of the strings of a stringed musical instrument comprises a base having a slot with walls which converge to an apex line. At least one rocker has walls which converge to a knife edge complementary to the apex line, where the angle between the walls of the base is larger than the angle between the walls of the rocker to allow the rocker to rock in the slot while the knife edge engages the apex line. The rocker has an arc-shaped surface centered at the knife edge for contacting at least one of the strings and moving with the string in a direction along the length of the string while maintaining the end point of the vibrating position of the string at a constant position relative to the base in the direction along the length of the string.

Abstract: A device for clamping and tuning strings which extend longitudinally between and past the nut and bridge of a musical instrument includes a base. The base includes a plurality of threaded shank elements. A plurality of threaded nuts are each threaded on a respective shank element. A plurality of actuators are each threaded on a respective threaded shank proximate to a respective threaded nut for selectively applying clamping pressure to a string position between a respective actuation means and threaded nut by rotating relative to a respective threaded nut and shank element. A plurality of cams are provided, each rotatably mounted on the base proximate to one of the strings at a position past the portion of the string between the nut and bridge for moving longitudinally relative to the extent of the string while displacing the string in a direction generally lateral to the longitudinal extent of the string when the cam is rotated for adjusting the pitch of the string by adjusting the tension of the string.

Abstract: String supporting apparatus for stringed musical instruments, such as guitars, comprises a plurality of saddles, each having a string supporting V-notch, a plurality of brackets, each configured for tightly holding one of the saddles; and spring means for flexibly mounting the brackets to the instrument so that the saddle V-notches support the strings at either or both the instrument head-end and body-end string break points. Thus, the apparatus may be mounted at either or both the instrument nut and bridge. Each bracket includes a clamp for fixing the string supported by the associated saddle V-notch adjacent to the support point. The spring mounting of the brackets enable tuning of the instrument without unclamping the strings, for example, by tensioning the strings by the machine heads when the apparatus is installed at the nut and by pitch tensioning screws when the apparatus is installed on the bridge.

Abstract: The string fixing device adopts lock members arranged on the top surface of a head near the boundary area between the neck and head of a string instrument. One end of the strings are fixedly sandwiched between a pressing member and the top surface of the lock member, thereby being fixed to the head. Since the lock member and the pressing member function as a nut, length of the string is determined as the length as measured from the bridge to the position fixedly sandwiched by the lock member. String height adjusting means adjusts height of the lock member as measured from the top surface of the head as occasion demands. As a result, the string fixing device adjusts, on one side, height of the string as measured from the head at the position sandwiched and fixed between the top surface of the lock member and the pressing member.

Abstract: A nut for stringed instruments which allows unimpeded movement of the strings within the grooves of the nut for accurate and stable tuning. The nut includes grooves which are flared outwardly and downwardly in the direction of the body of the instrument beyond the support point of the string. The string is supported on rollers which are freely rotatable within the nut, and whose surface protrudes into the grooves to support the strings. The rollers may be circumferentially grooved to maintain the strings in lateral alignment on the nut, and in one embodiment of the invention, they may be of different diameters so as to maintain a constant spacing between each string and a cambered fingerboard.

Abstract: An improved nut design for positioning near the fingerboard of a stringed instrument or at the opposing anchor ends of the strings of the instrument comprising a nut body having a raised string support column for each respective string and a fluted or open space between each column for enhancement of sound transfer into the resonating body of the instrument. The modification of the nut body to form a crown with alternating support columns and open spaces has been found to substantially improve sound transfer and tone production. The nut configuration has been adapted for the nut body positioned at the upper end of the fingerboard, and also for the saddle and tail piece for stringed instruments of the violin family.

Abstract: A clamping device for the strings of a musical instrument includes a base with stationary clamping plates and a threaded shank, movable clamping plates in opposed relation to the stationary clamping plates, nuts threaded on the shank, actuators interposed between a threaded nut and a movable clamping plate for selectively applying clamping pressure to a movable clamping plate by engaging and rotating with a threaded nut while rotating relative to a movable clamping plate for clamping a string between the movable clamping plate and the stationary clamping plate.

Abstract: The clamping apparatus includes a row of clamping elements, each two adjacent elements having one of the guitar strings disposed therebetween. An adjustable-length bolt extends through the clamping elements to create string-clamping pressure determined both by the rotated position of a bolt head and the position of a cam, the latter being mounted at the end of the adjustable-length bolt remote from the head. In accordance with the method, the head is hand-turned to cause seating of the clamping elements on the strings, this being while the cam is in a predetermined position. Subsequently, the cam element is shifted to another predetermined position that generates a large clamping pressure on the elements to clamp the guitar strings against longitudinal shifting despite the presence of large forces such as are created by tremolo action and by bending of the strings. An adjustable-height zero-fret element is provided adjacent the clamping elements to determine string height.

Abstract: A manual string lock for clamping the strings of a musical instrument adjacent the nut is disclosed. The string lock includes an adjustable clamping mechanism for accommodating strings of different diameters. A unique cam-shaped lever and wedge combination is provided to lock and release the strings. The levers are rotatably connected with the string lock base for rotation about a horizontally and longitudinally offset axis. The cam surface of each lever abuts against a corresponding wedge. Manual rotation of the levers to an overcenter position displaces the wedges longitudinally which in turn vertically displaces the clamping screw and block assemblies, whereby the strings of the instrument are clamped between the clamping blocks and the string lock base.

Abstract: A finger operated locking nut assembly for a stringed instrument is provided including a baseplate for separating and maintaining the strings over the fretboard, a locking block for pressing the strings against the baseplate and a cam action lock screw. The lock screw provides a first, unlocked position for allowing the strings to slide for tuning of the instrument and a second, locked position for maintaining the tune of the instrument during play. The preferred lock screw includes a threaded body to allow rough adjustment and a transverse head bifurcating a pivoting lever tab to define spaced cams. These cams provide spaced contact points across the block for even pressure and secure locking of the strings.

Abstract: A string locking assembly is provided for mounting on the headstock of a guitar or the like between a string nut and tuning pegs. The assembly includes a baseplate that is mounted directly to the headstock. The baseplate includes an outwardly disposed surface for supporting the guitar strings and outwardly extending posts at spaced intervals. The posts separate the individual strings and are sufficiently spaced to allow a wide range of string spacings to pass from the string nut to the tuning pegs through the assembly without interference. The assembly also includes a locking block overlying the strings and the baseplate and an associated cam action lock screw. The lock screw provides an unlocked position to allow quick tuning of the guitar and a locked position to provide clamping pressure between the locking block and the baseplate so as to prevent slippage of the strings over the string nut during play.

Abstract: There is provided an electric guitar including a tremolo unit and first and second string fixing devices. The first string fixing device is adapted to be mounted on the head of the guitar and includes a base and a fixing member for pressing a group of strings onto the surface of the base. The tremolo unit includes a tremolo block rockingly supported by the body of the guitar and having a plurality of through-holes for receiving therein the ends of the strings. The second string fixing device includes a base section integral with the tremolo block and slidingly supporting a plurality of bridges each carrying the corresponding one of the strings and adapted to be moved to adjust tensions developed in respective strings. The second string fixing device further includes means for fixing the strings at the intermediate portions thereof.

Abstract: An electric guitar is provided with a string clamping mechanism comprised of a planar base plate and one or more planar top members for clamping the strings between the base plate and top members. The clamp is secured to the guitar on an inclined surface between the top of the neck and the head of the guitar and is of shallow design to avoid interference with the playing of the guitar. A separate nut is provided which may be filed to achieve the desired string clearance at the first fret. The configuration of the clamp is such that the strings will provide a force which tilts the top members forward and down at the front edge to provide improved clamping action. The simple design facilitates the provision of truss rod adjustment at the top of the neck of the guitar.

Abstract: The nut of a guitar includes several separate string-clamping blocks forming a row extending laterally of the guitar strings with each string being fitted between adjacent blocks. A bolt extending through the blocks has an enlarged head engaging the block at one end of the row and is threaded into the block at the other end of the row. Turning of the bolt in one sense tends to move the end blocks toward each other, thereby clamping the strings between the blocks and preventing movement of the strings across the nut as the guitar is played. The bridge of the guitar includes a movable bridge mounting plate which can be manipulated so as to produce a tremulous tone effect. The low friction pivot mounting for the bridge mounting plate consists of a sharpened end of the plate received in a transverse groove of a mounting flange. Alternatively the bridge mounting plate can be locked in fixed position relative to the remainder of the guitar body.

Abstract: The invention pertains to improvements in stringed instruments, and particularly relates to the string supporting apparatus for guitars, such as the bridge system. A plurality of string rests are located within the bridge slot, and the rests are provided with an upper obliquely oriented surface having string receiving notches therein whereby the height of the string above the guitar neck may be adjusted. Further, the upper portion of the string rest may be offset from its base region wherein the location of rest engagement with the string may be adjusted to selectively lengthen or shorten the string. Further, a string rest adapted to be located adjacent the guitar neck nut is disclosed whereby the string height may be varied, and the string length adjusted. A further feature of the invention pertains to the internal bracing of the guitar front and rear panels.

Abstract: A kit for converting a single-stringed instrument to a double-stringed instrument including a unique combined bridge/tuning mechanism (50) which replaces the bridge assembly of the single-stringed instrument. The combined bridge/tuning mechanism (50) includes a bridge assembly over which both the original strings (20) and the additional strings (40) pass, and an integrally mounted tuning assembly (54) for adjusting the tension in (i.e., tuning) the additional strings. The bridge/tuning mechanism (50) includes a base or mounting plate (60) from one end of which perpendicularly extends a flange (62). The tuning keys (86) which comprise the tuning assembly (54) are pivotally mounted to the upper end of the flange (62), the additional strings (40) passing through apertures (68) formed in the flange (62). The flange (62) also serves as a means for terminating one end of the original strings (20) whose other ends are terminated in other tuning keys (18) located, for example, on the head (16) of the instrument.

Abstract: A neck and tailpiece are detachable together with the strings from the body of a banjo for storage and transportation. The banjo can easily be reassembled with very little adjustment. The strings pass through holes in a nut and in a bridge removable with the strings. The neck is attached by screws passing through a heel thereon. Adjustable members are provided for initially setting the angle of the neck relatively to the body. The tailpiece has a screw device that reacts against a slotted bracket. The body comprises a hoop reinforced by an L-shaped flange member.

Abstract: A neck construction for attachment to the body of a guitar, or similar stringed instrument, which includes a headpiece, elongated neck and means for attachment to the instrument body, all formed as a unitary metal casting, only the fretted fingerboard being an initially separate piece. The elongated portion has a unique configuration, including a lower curved portion with an integral upper wall consisting of flat, planar portions extending inwardly from the edges of the curved portion to spaced, opposing edges. The fingerboard is affixed to the planar portions in covering relating thereto and thus to the space therebetween, to define an enclosed chamber along the majority of the neck's length, which is of uniform shape and thickness, tapering gradually outwardly from the head toward the end attached to the body. The attachment may be integral, i.e., by forming the neck and body as a single piece, or by other securing means when the neck and body are initially separate.

Abstract: A guitar is provided which, while being held in the traditional guitar playing position, may be strummed or bowed interchangeably, as desired. This is accomplished by constructing the nut, neck and bridge each to be formed having an arcuate surface to support the strings in an arcuate disposition. Furthermore, when the guitar is held in the traditional, generally vertical position, the corresponding upper edge portions of the nut, neck and bridge are raised so as to be greater in height than the opposite edge portions thereof to locate the arcuate surfaces asymmetrically relative to the body of the instrument to support the strings either for strumming, plucking or bowing.

Abstract: An improved fret, nut and/or, bridge saddle for stringed instruments comprises a polished aluminum oxide ceramic. The ceramic of this invention is long lasting and provides improved tonal clarity, and can increase greatly the ease with which a strummed instrument can be played.

Abstract: A device for use with a musical instrument to facilitate independent adjustment of the spatial relationship between fretboard and each string.

Abstract: A nut to compensate for sharpness of notes, particularly near the neck of a lute-type instrument is provided with an extending portion extending over the fingerboard. The extension increases toward the bass notes. In a guitar, an excellent extension to compensate all the intermediate strings is from 1/64th of an inch at the treble end of the neck to 1/32nd of an inch at the bass end of the neck.

Abstract: A rod secured across the width of the guitar peghead by a plurality of spaced apart fasteners, the rod having a roller disposed thereon for each guitar string, with each roller receiving a string between the roller and the peghead, and means for securing the rollers to the rod, such that when strings are pressed down above the string nut and released they will easily slide back to their original position, thereby allowing the playing of special effects above the fretboard.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a stringed musical instrument. The stringed musical instrument comprises a body having a string-slider nut assembly; a neck having a rectangular slot; a T-bar assembly having a plurality of holes fastened securely in the rectangular slot of the neck of the instrument; a finger board consisting of a plurality of rectangular pieces forming a plurality of lengthwise spaced recesses when the rectangular pieces are placed adjacent to each other, wherein the fingerboard is placed upon the T-bar assembly, and tubular barrel frets are secured firmly in the lengthwise space recesses formed in the fingerboard with barrel fret screws. The string-slider nut assembly includes a number of pulleys, through which a given string passes so that the string can be stretched to produce a high pitch and a "sliding" musical tone, as may be desired.

Abstract: A guitar or other fretted stringed musical instrument includes intonation adjustment means comprising an aperture underlying a string at the instrument's bridge and a saddle rotatably received within the aperture. The saddle carries a string supporting surface operable in a cam-like manner for adjusting the vibrating length of the string in response to rotation of the saddle within the aperture.

Abstract: The electric Spanish guitar incorporates a unitary nut element which has a plurality of edges offset from each other, the offsets being such that each string bends sharply at two places before being secured to a turning screw. Such edges for each string are at the ends of a passage through which the string passes. The axis of each passage is inclined relative to the axis of the guitar neck, thus producing the indicated offset. The inclination of each passage is such that each bend is through an angle in excess of 10 degrees and preferably in excess of 15 degrees. The nut is mounted fixedly on the neck of the Spanish guitar, in the same location normally occupied by a conventional nut, and in place of such conventional nut.

Abstract: This is a method and apparatus for performing the method, for the use of tremolo devices complimented by string restraining assemblies for guitars which are designed in such manner that the tremolo device can be used without altering the basic tuning when the tremolo device returns to the normal, inactive, position. The method and device incorporate the use of a tremolo device base plate anchoring means anchoring the tremolo device base plate to the face of the guitar at a tilt point in such manner that there is no movement allowed other than the normally desired tremolo tilting movement. This is accomplished by utilization of special anchoring means, string restraining assemblies, and means to return the tremolo device to its original starting position when being inactivated.

Abstract: A finger operated locking nut assembly for a stringed instrument is provided including a baseplate for separating and maintaining the strings over the fretboard, a locking block for pressing the strings against the baseplate and a cam action lock screw. The lock screw provides a first, unlocked position for allowing the strings to slide for tuning of the instrument and a second, locked position for maintaining the tune of the instrument during play. The preferred lock screw includes a threaded body to allow rough adjustment and a transverse head bifurcating a pivoting lever tab to define spaced cams. These cams provide spaced contact points across the block for even pressure and secure locking of the strings.

Abstract: A nut (30) and/or saddle (20) supports the strings (14) of a stringed musical instrument (10) allowing essentially fully unrestricted movement of the strings, both forward and .[.background.]. .Iadd.backward .Iaddend.within the nut or saddle in order to maintain the proper pitch tuning of each string. Each string is retained at a fixed position at the nut or saddle, but allowed to move freely from these fixed positions when the strings are in motion such as when being tuned. A pair of freely-.[.rotatably.]. .Iadd.rotatable .Iaddend.ball bearings (34a and 34b) are positioned in a countersunk pocket aperture 33 in the nut housing (32) and/or saddle housing (60) and in the case of the former, are positioned immediately juxtaposed to a pressure pad (41) for dampening each string from vibration between the nut assembly and the instrument tuner mechanism. A retainer (42) retains each pair of balls (34a and 34b) in the pocket aperture (33).