Abstract: An instrument string lighting device lights the strings of an instrument for enhanced visibility in low light conditions. The device includes a clip configured for coupling to a stringed instrument adjacent to strings of the stringed instrument. A housing is coupled to the clip and a light is coupled to the housing. The light directs illumination outwardly from the housing wherein the strings of the stringed instrument are illuminated by the light.

Abstract: Disclosed therein is a guitar string regulator.

Abstract: A musical instrument comprising: (a) plurality of identical vibrating elements; (b) a digitizer associated with each said vibrating element; (c) an estimator that measures the fundamental vibration frequency of said vibrating element; and (d) a synthesized tuner, that conditioned upon at least said estimated fundamental frequency of each vibrating element, generate an audio signal that comprises the characteristics of the original vibration signals with a different fundamental frequency for each said original vibration signal.

Abstract: A music instrument mountable device. The music instrument mountable device includes a vibration sensing device configured to detect a note being played on a music instrument. The music instrument mountable device also includes an attachment. The attachment includes a magnet configured to releasably secure the vibration sensing device to the music instrument. The attachment also includes a ferromagnetic attachment configured to attach to the music instrument.

Abstract: There is provided a string adjusting apparatus configured to be used with a string tuning device and with a variety of tuning pegs associated with a variety of stringed musical instruments, the string adjusting apparatus comprising a plurality of peg connectors configured to be detachably coupled to the variety of tuning pegs, and a motor configured to be connected to the automatic tuning device and to be detachably coupled to the plurality of peg connectors. The apparatus further comprising a user interface and a processing unit for enabling a user to select a stringed musical instrument to tune among a displayed list of musical instruments and a processing unit connected to the user interface for receiving the user selection and for automatically determining, as a function thereof, an appropriate tuning frequency, an appropriate peg connector among the plurality of peg connectors and an appropriate torque to be applied by the motor.

Abstract: An automatic tuning device including a plurality of universal attachment clamp and tuning motor assemblies, a head-mounted electronics enclosure, and a power pedal. A stringed instrument analog signal is processed by electronics in the power pedal, which calculates and then wirelessly sends information about what string is being played and whether it is in tune. The information is received by a head-mounted electronics enclosure, which then actuates a motor to turn a corresponding tuning peg as needed. The tuning motors are disposed on a universal attachment clamp, which is designed to remain on the instrument headstock securely and unobtrusively.

Abstract: A stringed instrument mountable device. The stringed instrument mountable device includes a vibration sensing device configured to detect a note being played on a stringed instrument. The stringed instrument mountable device also includes an attachment configured to attach the vibration sensing device to the stringed instrument.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that enables tuning a piano to exact equal temperament includes beat time template generator. The beat time template generator is provided a fundamental key describing the fixed pitch the reference key is tuned and a secondary key to be tuned. The beat time template generator determines all the harmonics of the fundamental key and the secondary key. A difference beat frequency for all the harmonics is calculated for the fundamental key and secondary key and one beat time is selected as a reference beat time template signal. The reference beat time template signal is then transferred to a speaker for reproduction. A piano tuner then adjusts the strings of the secondary key such that when the fundamental key and the secondary key are struck simultaneously, the beat time of the struck keys is identical to the reference beat time template signal from the beat time template generator.

Abstract: A method for tuning a musical instrument comprising: (a) digitizing the vibration of at least one vibrating element of the instrument; (b) estimating the fundamental frequency of the vibration; and (c) conditioned upon at least the estimated frequency, generate an audio signal that comprises the characteristics of the original vibration signal with a different fundamental frequency.

Abstract: A musical instrument tuner for string instruments is provided which comprises a signal classifier for determining a signal class of an input signal from a number of monophonic signal classes and a number of polyphonic signal classes, a signal analyzer for determining at least one representation of a pitch frequency of the input signal, and an indicator for displaying an output established on the basis of the signal class and the representation of a pitch frequency.

Abstract: A composition tool including a memory capable of storing data and a processor is provided. The processor is configured for using the data such that the composition tool can provide a score interface and a plurality of instrument interfaces, wherein each instrument interface comprising a graphical representation of an instrument and a score section for illustration of at least one part of a musical score. The composition tool can provide a touch screen interface to enable a user to select a portion of the graphical representation of one of the instruments by detecting the user's finger placements on the selected portion of the graphical representation. The composition tool can, in response to the selection of the portion of the graphical representation, provide a representation of at least one musical note that is corresponding to the selected portion of the graphical representation of the instrument in the score section.

Abstract: A guitar is played during performance by rapid change in the tension of its strings. In one embodiment, rapid, accurate, and repeatable tuning is obtained by a two-step process of adjusting the tension of the string to a stored value which may be then be corrected according to the pitch of the string obtained at later various times during the performance.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a tuning device on a headstock of a string instrument and a bracket-mountable tuning device are disclosed. A primary arm with a plate attaches to a spring arm with a clamping arm by a releasable ratchet engagement. The clamping arm is reciprocable to the plate. A tuner attaches in a rotatable engagement to the plate opposite a mounting surface. An instrument headstock can be positioned between the plate mounting surface and clamping arm and the clamping arm moved toward the plate to a clamping position with the headstock trapped therebetween with substantially constant pressure on the headstock. The tuner is substantially hidden from the front view of the headstock. The clamping arm is maintained in the clamping position by the ratchet engagement until the ratchet engagement is released.

Abstract: A system and method for a surface strain gauge is described which has direct application to wind turbine structures and wind turbine blades and wind turbine struts. The invention is equally applicable to other airfoil structures such as aircraft wings and aircraft fuselages. The strain gauge comprises an array of carbon fibre material integrated with one or more microcontroller modules wherein the entire array may be incorporated into the surface of the structure to be monitored during manufacture of the structure. The array comprises separate sheets of carbon fibre reinforced epoxy which are linked together and which each comprise a separately addressable element such as a microcontroller wherein the microcontrollers are connected to a power supply and to a central bus which itself links to a central system controller. Differential measurements of the resistance of separate carbon fibre reinforced epoxy sheets may be determined in real time as well as the resistance between two or more sheets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring tuning as a part of a user session.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a musical instrument tuner, e.g. a guitar tuner, featuring tuning as a part of a user session.

Abstract: A display apparatus for displaying indications using liquid crystal or Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that includes a 12-segment display, including a first segment horizontally disposed with an inverted trapezoidal shape, a second segment disposed under the right end of the first segment with a parallelogram shape, a third segment disposed under the second segment with an isosceles triangle shape, a fourth segment disposed under the third segment with a parallelogram shape, a fifth segment horizontally disposed beside the bottom end of the fourth segment with a trapezoidal shape, a sixth segment disposed over the left end of the fifth segment with a parallelogram shape, a seventh segment disposed over the sixth segment with an isosceles triangle shape, an eighth segment with a parallelogram shape, ninth and tenth segments horizontally disposed between the triangular segments with a square shape, and eleventh and twelfth segments respectively disposed over and under the ninth segment with a square shape.

Abstract: A self-contained tuning stabilizer for a stringed instrument consists of a body which is attachable to the stringed instrument like a capo, the stabilizer containing mechanical members for increasing or decreasing the tension on each of the strings to keep them in tune as the instrument is played. The device contains sensors for each string, an analyzer for determining if the frequency produced by each string is correct, and a driver for each of the mechanical members for applying micro-tuning corrections to the strings. The device must first be zeroed, and the instrument tuned by hand. Thereafter, the device will maintain the original tuning.

Abstract: A wireless receiver for receiving a wireless transmitted audio signal from a wireless transmitter is provided. The wireless receiver comprises a tuning assisting unit for assisting in the tuning of a music instrument coupled to the wireless transmitter. The tuning assisting unit indicates whether the audio signal from the music instrument corresponds to a specified frequency. The wireless receiver furthermore comprises an audio amplifier for amplifying the received audio signal. The wireless receiver furthermore comprises a housing which incorporates the tuning assisting unit and the audio amplifier.

Abstract: An automatic guitar tuning case is a tuning system to automatically, synchronously, accurately and rapidly turn an acoustic guitar or electrical guitar with no requirement of modifying the guitar. It has six optical transducers to respectively detect and convert the vibration of associated six guitar strings to electric signals. A microcontroller unit compares the frequencies of these input signals to selected tones, and then controls six electric tuning wrenches for tuning the six guitar strings. The automatic tuning guitar system also consists of a control panel for a user to preset and select tuning pattern, operate and monitor the system. It only needs to take a few seconds to tune a guitar by this tuning device.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an enhanced knob with multiple integrated functions for use with an electric stringed musical instrument. The enhanced knob can be positioned on an electric stringed musical instrument or on an interconnected amplifier and can be either an add-on feature or can replace one or more existing knobs. In one embodiment of the present invention, the volume knob for an electric guitar is removed and replaced by an enhanced knob. The enhanced knob includes a switch that allows a user to switch between the multiple functions and also allows the user to control each selected function. The enhanced knob includes a volume function to compensate for the removed volume knob. Additionally, the enhanced knob includes a number of other functions, including a tuner function, a metronome function, and a dynamic visual-display function.

Abstract: A device for automatically tuning a stringed instrument, particularly a guitar, comprising: a detecting device for detecting a note produced by strumming a string and for outputting a digital signal corresponding to the detected note; a memory device for storing default digital signals corresponding to a desired note; a comparator for comparing the digital signal output by the detecting device with a digital signal, which is stored in the memory device and which corresponds to the desired note; an adjusting device for altering the tension of the strings; at least one drive for driving the adjusting device, and; a controller, which is connected to the comparator and which controls the at least one drive via a bus line based on a difference between the signals representing the produced note and the desired note, this difference being determined in the comparator.

Abstract: A device and method for automatic tuning of a string Instrument, in particular, a guitar, comprising a recording device, for recording a tone generated by striking a string and for the output of a digital signal corresponding to the recorded tone, a memory device for storage of given digital signals which correspond to a desired tone, a comparator device for comparison of the digital signal output by the recording device with a digital signal corresponding to the desired tone stored in the memory device, an adjuster device for altering the tension of the strings, at least one actuator, for operating the adjuster device, a controller connected to the comparator device, which controls the at least one actuator using a bus line, by means of a difference determined in the comparator device between the signals representing the generated tone and the desired tone.

Abstract: A display device for guitar tuners and a method of displaying the tuned states of guitar strings. The method is performed such that the control unit performs control so that the backlight emits light having a predetermined color by turning on the backlight when a tuner is turned on, and then performs control so that the backlight emits light having a different color when the tuning of guitar strings is completed using the display device, which includes a Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) panel provided in an equalizer mounted to a guitar body, and configured to display the tuned states of the guitar strings, a backlight mounted behind the LCD panel, and a control unit configured to control the LCD panel and the backlight.

Abstract: A mechanical metal instrument that can be attached to every electronic and acoustic guitar with the purpose of fast and reliable tuning of the strings to various variations/combinations.

Abstract: A steel wire (e.g., a piano wire) for use in a stringed musical instrument is designed to have a specific chemical composition in which phosphorus content ranges from 0.015 weight percent to 0.050 weight percent, wherein the total decarburized layer depth of a decarburized layer formed on the surface, which is subjected to decarburized depth measurement using a microscope method as defined in the Japanese Industrial Standard JIS G 0588, is reduced to 2 ?m or less. Other chemical substances included in the chemical composition of the steel wire are preferably defined in the standard JIS G 3502 regarding chemical compositions of piano wires. In manufacturing, a rolled steel material is subjected to wire drawing and patenting under prescribed conditions, wherein the sound quality realized by the steel wire installed in a stringed musical instrument can be noticeably improved by adopting both chemical composition control and total decarburized layer depth control.

Abstract: A tuning device includes an analog-to-digital converter for converting sound waves propagated from a piano to an audio signal in synchronism with a sampling signal and a data processor for visualizing a difference between a target pitch of a tone and an actual pitch of the tone; since the sampling signal is less accurate in frequency, the data processor previously determines the frequency difference between a design frequency and an actual frequency of the sampling signal by using a calendar clock signal as a measure; the data processor eliminates noise due to the sampling signal from visual images of the pitch difference, and makes the visual images more accurate.

Abstract: A method of protecting musical instrument strings comprising the steps of applying a fluorochemical acrylate polymer coating carried in a hydrofluoroether solvent to the strings of a musical instrument, so as to leave a low surface energy film covering the strings at a thickness of less than one micron which is resistant to oils and dirt, and provides virtually no interference with the sound generating properties of the string. The polymer coating is non-toxic, non-ozone depleting, non-flammable and contains not volatile organic compounds. The polymer is insoluble in solvents including heptane, toluene and water, however it is soluble in fluorinated solvents.

Abstract: A portable tuning device includes a microphone, a data processing system and a touch-panel liquid crystal display device, and assists a user in a tuning work on an upright piano; when the user depresses a key, sound waves, which expresses a tone, are propagated to the microphone, and are converted to an audio signal, the waveform of which is converted to audio data codes; the data processing system firstly calculates an introductory autocorrelation on the audio data codes for a small number of delayed waveform so as to determine a register to which the tone belongs, and, thereafter, calculates a principal autocorrelation on the audio data codes for delayed waveforms within the register so as to estimate the pitch of the tone; since the compass is narrowed to the register through the introductory autocorrelation, the amount of calculation is relatively small in the principal autocorrelation.

Abstract: A display device for guitar tuners and a method of displaying the tuned states of guitar strings. The method is performed such that the control unit performs control so that the backlight emits light having a predetermined color by turning on the backlight when a tuner is turned on, and then performs control so that the backlight emits light having a different color when the tuning of guitar strings is completed using the display device, which includes a Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) panel provided in an equalizer mounted to a guitar body, and configured to display the tuned states of the guitar strings, a backlight mounted behind the LCD panel, and a control unit configured to control the LCD panel and the backlight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for automatically tuning a stringed instrument (1), particularly a guitar, comprising: a detecting device (12) for detecting a note produced by strumming a string (6a 6f) and for outputting a digital signal corresponding to the detected note; a memory device for storing default digital signals corresponding to a desired note; a comparator for comparing the digital signal output by the detecting device (12) with a digital signal, which is stored in the memory device and which corresponds to the desired note; an adjusting device for altering the tension of the strings (6a 6f); at least one drive (11) for driving the adjusting device (7), and; a controller (10), which is connected to the comparator and which controls the at least one drive (11) via a bus line based on a difference between the signals representing the produced note and the desired note, this difference being determined in the comparator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a musical accessory, equipped with a tuner for stringed instruments and/or a metronome, capable of generating power by itself, which is convenient to use. In an aspect, the musical accessory comprises a casing housing a sensor, an amplifier, an A/D converter, an indication unit, a microprocessor, and a power supply unit, wherein the power supply unit includes a driver pivotably installed on one side of the casing, a power generation module for generating electromotive force by receiving rotary power from the driver, and a charger connected to the power generation module and storing some amount of the electromotive force, wherein the musical accessory is operated by receiving power from the charger.

Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure for automatic tuning of a stringed instrument, especially an electric guitar, whereby by means of a drive guided automatically by a control device and a string-tensioning device coupled to the drive, at least one string to be tuned can be tensioned or de-tensioned, to tune this string to a basic tone capable of being pre-set.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal provided with a tuning function, which saves a player the trouble of carrying around a tuning meter or the like and facilitates the tuning of instruments. A user designates a reference pitch stored in a memory, and inputs the sound of an instrument or a voice into a microphone. A synthesizer generates a sound that most approximates the sound input through the microphone according to the reference pitch designated by the user. The sound generated by the synthesizer is compared with the sound input through the microphone, and the result of the comparison is displayed on a display.

Abstract: A tuner for a stringed instrument including a base unit, a pair of projections extending upwardly from the base unit, and a clamping bar for attachment to the base unit with a neck of the stringed instrument therebetween. The tuner also includes tuning screws for moving the projections linearly to change string tension, and a pair of externally threaded posts extending from a bottom surface of the base unit, and a pair of nuts to secure the tuner onto the stringed instrument.

Abstract: A tuner holder for stringed instruments. A first embodiment includes (i) a strut, (ii) a shelf extending substantially perpendicular in a first longitudinal direction from the distal edge of the strut, (iii) a hook extending in a second longitudinal direction from the proximal edge of the strut, and (iv) a means for securing a tuner to the holder. A second embodiment includes (i) an enclosure defining a retention chamber with a first access opening into the retention chamber through the top of the enclosure and a second access opening into the retention chamber through the front of the enclosure, and (ii) a hook longitudinally extending from the back of the enclosure away from the retention chamber.

Abstract: A string stretcher has a body with a stretcher axis of rotation about which to rotate the string stretcher when positioned transverse to the fingerboard. At least one support member has an upwardly facing support surface for selectively urging and holding the selected string above the fingerboard. A first stretching member has a first stretching surface spaced from the stretcher axis of rotation for contacting the selected string at a first string location to urge the selected string across the fingerboard in a first direction during rotation. A second stretching member has a second stretching surface oppositely facing with respect to the first stretching surface, for contacting the selected string at a second string location opposite the stretcher axis of rotation from the first stretching surface to urge the selected string across the fingerboard in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction.

Abstract: Provided is a guitar tuner that is capable of tuning each string of a guitar with a capotasto being attached thereto to a specified pitch. The guitar tuner includes attachment position setting means for, when the capotasto is attached to the guitar, setting an attachment position of the capotasto to the tuner, and a pitch of each string can be automatically set to a pitch that is specified in the attachment position of the capo.

Abstract: A tuning device measures and displays a deviation between a fundamental frequency of a music signal and a standard reference frequency. The tuning device has a meter having a graduated display and a movable needle, one or both of which are provided with a fluorescent substance. An LED emits energy effective to cause the fluorescent substance to emit light to illuminate the meter display thereby making it easy to tune a musical instrument in poorly lighted or dark locations. The fluorescent substance of the graduated display may emit light of the same or a different color from that emitted by the fluorescent substance of the needle indicator.

Abstract: The present invention involves a tempering formula which utilizes specific pitch offsets, which when applied to the guitar, result in extraordinarily pleasing intonation.

Abstract: The invention provides a simple, cost effective, easy-to-install device to significantly prolong the longevity of a piano tuning, and the tuning of any unison stringed instrument. According to the invention, unison strings can be mechanically linked or coupled to align portions of their oscillatory patterns. This alignment reduces the aural perception of unison distuning. The alignment can also produce a more consistent rate of amplitude attack and amplitude decay among linked strings. The alignment can permit the use of previously unavailable multi-string pitch adjustment devices.

Abstract: A musical instrument stringer/tuner device for replacing the tuning pegs on guitars. The musical instrument stringer/tuner device includes a housing member being adapted to be attachable to a musical instrument and having top, side, end, and bottom walls with a plurality of openings being disposed through the top wall and a plurality of holes being disposed through the side walls through which is adapted to receive strings of the musical instrument; and also includes string holding/releasing assemblies including string clamping members being movably disposed in the housing member; and further includes drive assemblies for moving the string clamping members.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is provided with a fulcrum tremolo with a plurality of intonation modules that are adjustably mounted on the base plate of the tremolo. Each intonation module incorporates the bridge element and the tailpiece. Positioned between a novel macro-tuning invention, which provides for the anchoring of the string to the base plate, and the bridge element is a string gripping portion called a StringClip. The string passes over the bridge element and under the StringClip before connecting to the macro-tuner. An adjustment knob is threadedly engaged with a pin-like string holder for positioning the string holder for macro-tuning. Additionally, the string holder has a first creative position closer to the bridge element when the string is in a low or no tensioned condition so the string can be threaded through the intonation module without significantly engaging the gripping element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for self-tuning a piano that includes selectively applying voltage with a voltage mechanism to each piano string of a plurality of piano strings to provide either thermal expansion upon an application of voltage or thermal contraction with an absence of voltage to alter pitch of the piano string to a predetermined value, wherein each piano string of the plurality of piano strings has a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the first end portion of each piano string of the plurality of piano strings is respectively secured to a housing by a plurality of first attachment mechanisms and the second end portion of each piano string of the plurality of piano strings is respectively secured to a housing by a plurality of second attachment mechanisms and the plurality of piano strings are electrically insulated from each other.

Abstract: An adjustable string tree provides selectable adjustment for tension on a stringed musical instrument. A back plate is fixed to a base plate, which in turn is fixed to the musical instrument. A top plate adjustably and slidably engages the back plate in order to exert tension on a string. Adjustment may be provided by an adjustment bolt in opposition to a compression spring. In a preferred embodiment, an indentation is provided in the top plate in alignment with the string to better hold the string in association with the top plate.

Abstract: A string assist apparatus and method (10) includes a support (12) and a resilient extension (14) connected to the support (12). When placed in position on an instrument (20), one end (18) of a string (16) is connected to a bridge (22). The string (16) is passed over the top of resilient extension (14) and connected to tuning post (26). As string (16) is wound around tuning post (26) tension is applied by resilient extension (14) keeping the end (18) of string (16) in place on bridge (22) and freeing both user's hands to attend to the winding process. A connector (42) for removably attaching the invention to the instrument (20) and a height adjuster (62) for adjusting the height of the resilient extension (14) are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for automatically tuning a stringed instrument including the steps of inducing a signal on a string under tension to generate a resonance signal having an amplitude from the string and adjusting tension of the string in response to the amplitude of the resonance signal. The present invention also provides a system for automatically tuning a stringed instrument including a string, tensioning means operably attached to one end of the string for tensioning the string, and a processor for driving the tensioning means to induce a signal on the string and generate a resonance signal having an amplitude from the string and for adjusting tension of the string in response to the amplitude of the resonance signal.

Abstract: A tuner for stringed musical instruments which have a pickup for converting sound vibrations of the strings to electrical signals and a body being either hollow or solid with a front and back surface and a side surface extending between the front and back surface. The tuner has a tuner circuit attachable to an interior of the sound box with an input couplable to an output of the pickup and a digital display which displays a reference note closest to the note being played, a graphically intuitive indication of whether the note being played is above, equal to or below the reference note and a qualitative measure of the amount of deviation from the reference note. The tuner circuit automatically determines a closest note to the note being played and displays alphabetically the closest note.

Abstract: A microprocessor-controlled tuning apparatus for a stringed instrument, wherein the tension of a string is detected by a sensor, compared with a reference value, and readjusted if necessary until the detected value conforms with the reference value, thereby achieving a corresponding musical pitch.

Abstract: An automated stringed musical instrument including a device for plucking the strings of the instrument, a device for fretting the strings, and a tension-maintaining linkage for maintaining the tension in the strings, such that the instrument can be remotely operated for extended periods of time without the need for operator control or re-tuning the strings.