Abstract: Embodiments of a quick-release sustain block, and associated guitar tremolo assembly and method, are disclosed. The sustain block extends along a main axis from a distal end to a proximal end. The proximal end is affixable to a bridge plate of the tremolo assembly. Linearly straight string retention bores extend through the sustain block in parallel with the main axis, and have a ball capture segment and a string housing segment. Each ball capture segment is located between the string housing segment and distal end. The string retention bores have a ball detent defined between the ball capture segment and string housing segment. The string retention bores are in communication with a respective string transfer slot laterally thereof. The forward face of the sustain block is configured to be oriented toward a headstock of a guitar when the bridge plate is in pivotable engagement with the guitar.

Abstract: Systems, kits and methods are provided for mounting multiple tuning machines to a stringed musical instrument without requiring permanent alteration of the instrument. An exemplary mounting element includes a multiplicity of post apertures. Each post aperture is configured to receive a string post of a respective tuning machine, which is then axially secured within respective head stock holes of the instrument. The mounting element includes one or more alignment detents associated with the post apertures. The axial securement generally does not require penetration of the instrument independent of the head stock holes. When the string posts are received by their post apertures and are axially secured to the head stock of the instrument, the alignment detents restrict rotation of the tuner gear housing with respect to the instrument. The axial securement is preferably via threaded engagement between a threaded hub of the tuning machine and a respective barrel nut.

Abstract: A tunable bridge for a string musical instrument is provided to enable a user to rapidly switch between two pre-selected string tunings simply by movement of an actuator arm. The actuator arm controls the position of a cam roller assembly, which in turn controls the pivotal movement of a rocker arm between a lower position and an upper position. A multiplicity of string fingers are mounted for pivotable movement between respective first and second tuning positions. A plurality of manually-adjustable tuning screws with engagement tips are threadedly disposed in the rocker arm. Each engagement tip is configured to press against a respective string finger when the rocker arm is placed in its upper position, thereby further stretching the strings attached to the respective string fingers and increasing their pitch in accordance with the second pre-selected tuning. Mounting of the tunable bridge does not require permanent modification of the string instrument.

Abstract: Systems, kits and methods are provided for mounting multiple tuning machines to a stringed musical instrument without requiring permanent alteration of the instrument. An exemplary mounting element includes a multiplicity of post apertures. Each post aperture is configured to receive a string post of a respective tuning machine, which is then axially secured within respective head stock holes of the instrument. The mounting element includes one or more alignment detents associated with the post apertures. The axial securement generally does not require penetration of the instrument independent of the head stock holes. When the string posts are received by their post apertures and are axially secured to the head stock of the instrument, the alignment detents restrict rotation of the tuner gear housing with respect to the instrument. The axial securement is preferably via threaded engagement between a threaded hub of the tuning machine and a respective barrel nut.

Abstract: A bearing system for a floating bridge tremolo device where a bearing surface carried by the guitar and a rocker surface carried by the bridge cooperate to provide a smooth rolling action, the intersection of the bearing and rocker surfaces with an imaginary plane through a point of contact between the surfaces yielding a straight line in the case of the bearing surface and a smooth continuous curve in the case of the rocker surface, this configuration giving the result that resistance to rocking is minimized.