Abstract: A hand-held percussive shaker assembly comprising two identical shakers capable of producing different percussive sounds and rhythms in a single assembly is disclosed. The shakers are detachably connected by an integrally formed lock assembly. The shakers may be played as a single assembly or detached and played individually. Each shaker comprises one or more bottles filled with a striker material. Each bottle isolates its striker material from the striker material in other bottles and from any other part of the shaker. The shakers may produce the same or different tones when the shaker assembly is moved.

Abstract: Indicated is a method for production of a metallic-sounding musical instrument of the steelpan-type, in particular for production of a Hang®. In the method the steel sheet with a thickness of 0.75 to 1.25 mm required for the production is nitrided until the sheet is completely permeated with iron nitride needles. The linear density of the needles is, as a rule, between 40·10·103 m?1 to 80·103 m?1. The type of nitriding can be selected freely. The thus obtained instrument is characterized by novel tones.

Abstract: A percussive shaker instrument with improved control in producing rhythmic sound and capable of producing different percussive sounds in a single shaker is disclosed. The shaker comprises one or more channels filled with a striker material. The channel isolates the striker material from the striker material in other channels and from any other part of the shaker. The striker material is freely movable within the channel such that it may collide with a striking surface when the shaker is moved. Alternatively, the shaker may comprise one or more pairs of jingles suspended inside the shaker body. The jingles are freely movable within the body such that they are capable of striking each other when the shaker is moved.

Abstract: An improved percussive instrument such as a marimba employs a resonator comprising an external tube (100), an inner or virtual extender tube (115), and a bottom stop (105) and a plug (110) within the outer tube. The region between the external tube and the virtual extender tube defines a volume of air (116). The size, shape, and length of the virtual extender tube enhances performance of the resonator and thereby also the instrument. A key (800) of the instrument is suspended by pivots (805) above the plug and the opening (120) of the resonator. When struck by a mallet (810), the key vibrates and air driven by the key enters the resonator through the opening. When the resonator and key are tuned to the same frequency, or a harmonic thereof, air will enter and leave the resonator in a resonant fashion, creating louder and richer sounds than just the key alone. Numerous variations on shape and location of the various components are possible.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and related methods for producing a blend of rhythm and sound.

Abstract: An electric spoon for being played as a musical instrument. The spoon has a head and an elongate handle. A sensor is mounted to the spoon for sensing vibrations transmitted through the handle when the spoon is struck. The sensor emits an electrical signal in response to the vibrations. The signals are used by an amplifier that may be connected to the spoon. Spoons can be joined together. Rivets or other mechanical fasteners may be used to keep the spoons together as a spoon set. When this is done one spoon has a sensor and the other does not, but serves to make contact with the other spoon when either is struck. The joined spoons can be used by a novice spoon player because less dexterity is required to keep the spoons in proper position when being played.

Abstract: A sound generating device for being removably securable to or directly about a person's hand or finger for producing sound when the hand is reciprocally moved. The device includes a sound generating portion secured or securable to an attachment portion, where the attachment portion is securable to or directly about the hand or finger. Preferably, the sound is percussive caused by components of the device striking each other upon rapid and repeated reciprocal hand movement. The device is light in weight, does not require striking the hand or finger or other portion of the body, and is shaped and contoured to conform to hand shape, and preferably includes an adjustable attachment portion to adapt to differing sizes and shapes of hands and fingers; the device also may be modular, wherein the attachment portion may comprise a plurality of differing sizes of mounting structures for the same sound generating portion.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a multipurpose instrument system that includes a drumstick configured to incorporate one or more drumstick tips for striking a drum set and a shaker percussion instrument incorporated near the drumstick tips, wherein the drumstick tips are configured to be interchangeable tips or percussion instruments. A coating can be applied to the tip to protect equipment struck by the drumstick and wherein the interchangeable tips can be configured to be flipped by a user to allow the drumstick to perform with various tips and percussion instruments without having to physically switch equipment.

Abstract: The striking mechanism (1) for a watch or a music box includes a gong (11) fixed to a gong-carrier (12) and an activation member (2) for activating the gong in a striking mode. The striking mechanism includes a first magnetic element (13) arranged on the gong (11) and second magnetic elements (4) arranged on the periphery of the activation member (2), which is a magnetic wheel. In a striking mode, the magnetic wheel is set in rotation at a determined velocity so that the second magnetic elements (4), in the form of moving micro-magnets, move in succession and repeatedly into proximity with and opposite the first magnetic element (13), which is a fixed micro-magnet of opposite magnetic polarity. The rotation of the magnetic wheel sets the gong vibrating via a periodic variation in the magnetic repulsion or attraction force between the moving micro-magnets and the fixed micro-magnet of the gong.

Abstract: A steel drum teaching tool includes a circular base divided into twelve radial sectors and three concentric rings, defining 36 note elements. An adjacent note name in a first radial direction is separated by an interval of a fifth, and an adjacent note name in a second radial direction, by a fourth. A translucent mask is rotatably affixed to the base and has a central portion divided into twelve radial sectors and three concentric rings corresponding to the base. A pair of ring sections extend about seven of the radial sectors and are divided into inner and outer sector elements corresponding to the central portion. The inner ring sector elements have indicia designating notes in a respective key to which the mask is aligned; the outer ring sector elements, indicia designating notes in a respective relative minor key. Additional aspects include an electronic tool and a method of use.

Abstract: A box turkey call comprising a sound box with a bottom wall, side walls, front end wall and back end wall, a first quick changeable attachment component secured to the front end wall, a striker having a front end, a distal back end, a top surface and a bottom surface, where the back end of the striker comprises an integrated handle, where the bottom surface of the striker is rounded laterally, and where the front end of the striker has a second quick changeable attachment component, where the first quick changeable attachment component and the second quick changeable attachment component are in pivotal but quickly detachable engagement.

Abstract: A percussive shaker instrument with improved control in producing rhythmic sound and capable of producing different percussive sounds in a single shaker is disclosed. The shaker comprises one or more channels filled with a striker material. The channel isolates the striker material from the striker material in other channels and from any other part of the shaker. The striker material is freely movable within the channel such that it may collide with a striking surface when the shaker is moved.

Abstract: A triangle musical instrument that may be played using a single hand. The triangle is formed such that a percussionist is able to grasp the triangle in one hand and shake it in a back-and-forth motion to produce the familiar triangle musical instrument sound. Openings formed in the sides of the instrument allow the percussionist to mute the sounds.

Abstract: A hand-held noisemaker for use at sporting and other events. A dome-shaped, metal ringer is secured to a shallow, cup-shaped base by a lock knob having a parallel pair of barbed ends inserted into a keyway cutout of an upstanding boss within the base. A depending, cylindrical wall portion of the ringer is received within an annular recess of the base, but touches no part of the base. Whenever the noisemaker is shaken, and whenever two noisemakers are clapped together, a spherical ball within a closed, annular space defined by the ringer and base strikes the ringer, causing the ringer to emit a ringing sound.

Abstract: A keyboard percussion instrument may include an improved dampening system that provides wave dampening or progressive dampening of the tone bars. A keyboard percussion instrument may also include a dampening system with a mechanism capable of retracting the damper without distorting the damper and capable of adjusting the leverage of the dampening system independently of the spring tension. A dampening system may further include an adjustable mounting for the damper that allows the dampening action to be adjusted at either end of the damper. A keyboard percussion instrument may further include an improved bar rail assembly that facilitates removability, adjustment of various dampening zones and/or vibration isolation.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and related methods for producing a blend of rhythm and sound.

Abstract: The present invention is a percussion device to be utilized with a percussion tool, such as a drum stick. The percussion device comprises a support structure and a percussion accessory. The device provides for creating musical sounds in addition to the sounds created by the percussion tool.

Abstract: A triangle musical instrument that may be played using a single hand. The triangle is formed such that a percussionist is able to grasp the triangle in one hand and shake it in a back-and-forth motion to produce the familiar triangle musical instrument sound. Openings formed in the sides of the instrument allow the percussionist to mute the sounds.

Abstract: A sound generating instrument having at least three resonant struts, each resonant strut having a length, terminal ends, longitudinal axis along said length and moss section. At least nine tension elements are provided causing the resonant struts to be compressively connected to other resonant struts by attachment of the tension elements at at least two points along the longitudinal axis of each resonant strut. A striker element is provided for selectively contacting the resonant struts for generating sound.

Abstract: A technique for the creation of novel sounds in cymbals and resultant cymbals through the use of multiple and/or off center cups.

Abstract: A musical instrument held and played by hand such as a kalimba having a hollow sound chamber and an angled footing mounting on an outer surface of the sound chamber. A plurality of interchangeable one piece key plate mounted to the angled footing each key plate including a plurality of keys, each key having a length corresponding to a permanent preset musical tone or note. Each interchangeable key plate can have a set of musical sounds different from other key plates such that a musician can change key plates to change the style of music played, or to suit the desired educational environment.

Abstract: A pliable and resilient mounting grommet, forced into deployment in a cymbal aperture, is secured to a cymbal, rather than to the cymbal support rod, and includes a reduced diameter neck residing in the cymbal aperture. The cymbal and grommet may be removed as a unit from a support rod and placed on another support rod. A non-metal rigid washer may be permanently bonded to the bottom surface of the grommet to prevent the grommet from slipping down along the support rod. The grommet may be interiorly reinforced with strengthening material at the neck portion. A thumbscrew having a soft bottom portion may be used to tighten the cymbal in place.

Abstract: A sound generating device for being removably securable to or directly about a person's hand or finger for producing sound when the hand is reciprocally moved. The device includes a sound generating portion secured or securable to an attachment portion, where the attachment portion is securable to or directly about the hand or finger. Preferably, the sound is percussive caused by components of the device striking each other upon rapid and repeated reciprocal hand movement. The device is light in weight, does not require striking the hand or finger or other portion of the body, and is shaped and contoured to conform to hand shape, and preferably includes an adjustable attachment portion to adapt to differing sizes and shapes of hands and fingers; the device also may be modular, wherein the attachment portion may comprise a plurality of differing sizes of mounting structures for the same sound generating portion.

Abstract: A tablature system for representing a series of notes to be played on a steel pan/drum having concentric rings of note pads is provided, wherein each note pad is for producing a distinct musical pitch. The tablature includes a staff having three horizontal lines positioned atop each other, a first line representing a center ring of note pads, a second line representing an inner ring of note pads, and third line representing an outer ring of note pads. For each note pad to be represented, a rhythmic indicator is provided that lies adjacent the horizontal line commensurate with where the note pad to be represented lies. For each note pad to be represented, the note name is positioned above the respective rhythmic indicator.

Abstract: A tone plate which makes it easy to reduce the entire length and width thereof, thus increasing the degree of freedom in design. The tone plate includes an antinode portion, front and rear ends, and first and second supporting holes which are located closer to the front and rear ends than to the antinode portion and at which a vibration node can be formed. There are provided first and second mass concentrating portions extending toward the front and rear ends from locations on a side close to the first and rear ends with respect to the supporting holes. First and second thinner portions are respectively provided between the antinode portion and the supporting holes. The tone plate vibrates to generate a musical tone of a specific tone pitch when struck with being supported at the supporting holes.

Abstract: A hybrid percussion instrument which is suspendable and can be used as a quick change rattle instrument in combination with other percussion instruments such as a cymbal.

Abstract: A foot-operated musical percussion instrument is playable by either the left or right foot. The foot-operated device includes a hook and loop adjustable foot strap, toe-clip and frame to hold any of a wide range of percussive sound sources including tambourine jingles, maraca shakers and sleigh bells. The device is directly attached to the user's foot permitting simple, direct operation.

Abstract: A percussion instrument that produces a vibrato which is the most noticeable characteristic of the instrument. In one embodiment, the instrument is configured as a single two-dimensional curve, or a primary curve which is deeper or more pronounced than secondary curves along the surface of said instrument, and wherein said primary curve facilitates an oscillating flexing motion which produces an increase in the amplitude of the lowest frequency mode of vibration, the low pitch frequency modulates the whole of the spectrum of a musical sound by repeatedly raising and lowering said spectrum of sound in a periodic or oscillating manner, this effect being defined here as “vibrato”. The instrument is suspended from one or more points, by means of an instrument supporting member or mounting device, rigid or flexible. The suspension or mounting points approximate the nodal area of the instrument.

Abstract: A bar chime apparatus has a mantle with one or more pivot mechanisms that connect two or more bar segments. The one or more pivot mechanisms have two or more slots. The two or more bar segments can be folded and secured in the two or more slots. Two or more bar chimes are suspended from the mantle.

Abstract: The invention provides pan musical instruments, or pans, and methods of making same. Particularly, a process for mechanization and mass production of tunable pans with improved consistency, sound quality, and ease of tuning is provided.

Abstract: A keyboard percussion instrument may include an improved dampening system that provides wave dampening or progressive dampening of the tone bars. A keyboard percussion instrument may also include a dampening system with a mechanism capable of retracting the damper without distorting the damper and capable of adjusting the leverage of the dampening system independently of the spring tension. A dampening system may further include an adjustable mounting for the damper that allows the dampening action to be adjusted at either end of the damper. A keyboard percussion instrument may further include an improved bar rail assembly that facilitates removability, adjustment of various dampening zones and/or vibration isolation.

Abstract: An improved resonator for keyboard percussion instruments such as marimba, vibraphone and xylophone and instruments including such resonators are described herein. In one or more embodiments, a tubular resonator bent or formed into a smooth curve, open or stopped on one end, resonating only its natural fundamental frequency and its natural overtones with no non-harmonic resonances from a struck tone bar associated with the resonator is provided. According to one or more embodiments, the number of joints in the resonator is reduced to less than two joints.

Abstract: Wind Chimes are provided, the notes of which are tuned to play a person's given name, according to the Ogham notation. The “tune” of the person's name is played on, e.g., anodized aluminum tubes, which are tuned to specific notes, based on the ancient system. The name being “played” is written on one side of the frame in English, and on the other side using the Ogham characters that translate as both the English letters, and the musical notes. The shape of the chime's frame is patterned after a Harp. The instrument can be used traditionally, as a wind chime, or it can be fitted with a base, allowing it to be used indoors as a décor item.

Abstract: A sound panel for playing sounds and music, comprising a substantially flat soundboard made of wood, at least one tie which is fitted to the soundboard in order to subject the soundboard to a mechanical tension, an electromechanical transducer which is mounted on the soundboard in a nodal vibration point of the soundboard and can be connected to an electronic audio source in order to transduce into mechanical pulses and consequent vibrations of the soundboard audio information that arrives from the electronic audio source in the form of electrical signals, the soundboard comprising areas having mutually different thicknesses in order to evenly distribute transfer of energy from the soundboard to the air over a range of sound frequencies.

Abstract: A percussion instrument has at least one transformable jingle set mounted therein. Each jingle set has a horizontal supporting member that moveably holds jingles within the transformable jingle set along a central axis. At least one fixing member is mounted at substantially a right angle to the horizontal supporting member to hold the horizontal supporting member in place. Both the horizontal supporting member and the at least one fixing member fit within a notch in an instrument frame. The fixing member and horizontal support member may be removed and a different jingle configuration is selected and reinserted thereby changing the musical timber therein.

Abstract: A chime bar assembly includes a hollow body with a resonation space defined therein and a top opening is defined in a top of the hollow body. A metal plate is located above the top opening and supported by two rubber plates. A hitting device is connected to the rear end of the hollow body and includes a case which includes lugs to which a pivotal end of a rod is pivotably connected. An operation unit is connected to the case and pushes the pivotal end of the rod so that the sphere is lowered to hit the metal plate.

Abstract: Cymbals and generally flat sheet instruments, as well as compound instruments, are formed using welding process and metal melting processes to form holes and edges with thickened edges from the melting processes, to join sections of metal, to add metal by creating beads at desired locations, to join sections with differing hardness and/or thickness, to create compound cymbals and compound flat sheet instruments by joint welding cymbals or sheet instruments together. The invention also includes cymbals and bells and various combinations and shapes thereof and the unique overtones attained thereby.

Abstract: A xylophone has a frame, multiple spacers, multiple bars, multiple sleeves and multiple fasteners. The frame has two panels and multiple supports. Each support is attached between the two panels and has a top surface and a trough. The trough is longitudinally formed in the top surface of the support. The spacer is mounted in the trough of the support and has multiple protruding mounts. Each bar is mounted between two supports and has two through holes. The sleeves are respectively mounted through the through holes of the bars. Each fastener is mounted through the sleeves and in the protruding mounts of the spacers to fasten the bars on the supports of the frame. Therefore, the spacers are not moved during production for improved production consistency.

Abstract: In a musical instrument (1), comprising a so-called cabasa (2) with a cylindrical main body (3), about the periphery of which beaded sounding bodies (4) extend that interact with the surface of the main body (3) to produce a tone when a shaking movement is performed, and a joined-on handle (5) that extends away from the main body (3), provision is made that the joined-on handle (5) is mounted in a manner so as to be able to pivot, that a foot pedal (12) is provided, and that a pivot movement of the foot pedal (12) is converted by means of a transmission device, particularly a transmission linkage or toothed belt, into a pivot movement of the joined-on handle (5).

Abstract: A compound percussion instrument comprises a first percussive instrument, such as a tambourine (1). The tambourine (1) has a frame (2) having a rim (3). A plurality of jingles (6) is mounted to the rim (3). A second percussive instrument includes a hammer and an anvil. The hammer or anvil may be a temple block (7) and the other of the hammer or anvil may be a fixed or movable striker (11, 14). A trigger (13) is mounted to a handle (5) of the tambourine (1). Actuation of the trigger (13) causes the hammer to strike the anvil to sound a musical note from the second percussive instrument. The compound percussion instrument may be played with a single hand and allows two different musical sounds to be obtained.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise themed hand-held drums configured to be representative of a particular theme, such as an event or entity. The hand-held drums serve as both a means to generate noise or sound during an event in support of the event and/or an entity or team participating in the event but also as souvenirs, mementos or keepsakes that remind the user of the entity or event.

Abstract: A bar chime apparatus has a mantle with one or more pivot mechanisms that connect two or more bar segments. The one or more pivot mechanisms have two or more slots. The two or more bar segments can be folded and secured in the two or more slots. Two or more bar chimes are suspended from the mantle.

Abstract: A tone plate which makes it easy to reduce the entire length and width thereof, thus increasing the degree of freedom in design. The tone plate includes an antinode portion, front and rear ends, and first and second supporting holes which are located closer to the front and rear ends than to the antinode portion and at which a vibration node can be formed. There are provided first and second mass concentrating portions extending toward the front and rear ends from locations on a side close to the first and rear ends with respect to the supporting holes. First and second thinner portions are respectively provided between the antinode portion and the supporting holes. The tone plate vibrates to generate a musical tone of a specific tone pitch when struck with being supported at the supporting holes.

Abstract: A keyboard-type percussion instrument capable of outputting, with high quality, a musical tone to outside the instrument. In an upper part of the instrument, there is provided a tone generator unit including sounding members disposed to respectively correspond to keys of a keyboard and a resonance box in which musical tones generated by sounding members resonate. Action mechanisms each having a hammer felt for striking a corresponding sounding member are disposed below the tone generator unit. Reflection plates and a keybed formed with tone output ports are disposed below the action mechanisms. A musical tone generated by a sounding member struck by a corresponding hammer felt resonates in the resonance box, is output therefrom, passes through the tone output ports, is reflected by the reflection plates, and is output toward rearward of the instrument.

Abstract: A percussion instrument which is excellent in workability at the time of assembly and maintenance and capable of sustaining sounding members in vibration to generate high quality musical tones. The sounding members are arranged in the order of tone pitch, and a supporting cord is inserted through respective through holes formed in the sounding members. The supporting cord is formed at its surface with nonwoven fabric comprised of intertwined ultrafine fibers. The supporting cord inserted through the sounding members is supported at its portions located outside the through holes by fasteners provided on a lower surface of a resonance box.

Abstract: A cymbal where the lowest frequency mode of vibration in the cymbal is less than 20 cycles per second, and where the lowest mode is of a great enough amplitude to be capable of producing a prominent vibrato effect and a prominent phase shifting effect when said cymbal is struck, the cymbal being made by hammering a concave underside of a pre-formed cymbal in a manner which forms dents in a surface of said cymbal.

Abstract: An underwater chime and method of use thereof, wherein the underwater chime functions to enhance the pacifying effect of any swimming pool, whirlpool, jet tub and/or spa environment by effectively transmitting soothing, relaxing and meditative chimes/sound waves throughout the aquatic medium.

Abstract: A solar-powered wind chime has a solar energy system for powering an electrical subsystem. The electrical subsystem may include lighting elements for illuminating the wind chime and the area around the wind chime in a decorative and functional manner.

Abstract: A percussion instrument, which includes a cymbal, wherein the instrument is formed with a bent or folded area along one or more lines, planes, or curves of the instrument resulting in the creation of equal or unequal distinct sections.

Abstract: A noisemaking devices are described, which may be a blade member having a handle joining portion at its base, a flexible plate member operable for making sound (e.g., low-pitched, clicking sounds and alternative, louder, high-pitched clicking sounds), the flexible plate member having an indention that is operable for producing a sound when the flexible plate member is flexed about the indention. A handle, an upper portion of which is joined to the flexible plate member and be pivotably joined to the blade such that the blade pivots when the handle is translated perpendicular to the plane of the blade, and the blade and the flexible plate member being oriented such that when the blade pivots, the blade causes the flexible plate member to flex and thereby make the sound.