Abstract: A method of making tonebars and other components for musical instruments comprises using a pultrusion apparatus to embed or coat glass, plant-based, and/or other fibers in or with a thermosetting, thermoplastic, or catalyzed polymer matrix. The coated fibers are pulled into a continuous bar in a curing and forming die. The bar is then cut into predetermined lengths. Each length is then carefully tuned by cutting and shaping so that when it is struck, it will emit musical notes on a chromatic musical scale. In one aspect, the fibers and resin are selected to produce tonebars for marimbas and xylophones that emulate the sound obtained from highly desirable Honduran rosewood at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact associated with this wood.

Abstract: A keyboard percussion instrument (100) generates sounds when keys (130) or other such members are struck. A movable damper bar (140) is brought into contact with the keys to artistically shorten their ringing duration. When pressed, a pedal (145) removes the damper bar from contact with the keys. When the pedal is released, a spring (1010) urges the damper bar into contact with the keys. The damper bar is supported by a pair of arms (165) that pivot about pivot points (800) at the ends of movable posts (520) that extend from a pair of pivot height adjusting mechanisms (175). Each pivot height adjusting mechanism has two adjusting screws. A first screw (510) urges a post to move up or down and a second screw (565) fixes the post in position when tightened. Adjusting the heights of the pivot points provides control over the damping of key vibrations.

Abstract: A vibrato assembly for a keyboard percussion instrument comprises a motor and a vibrato fan or disc assembly. A motor (510) is responsive to a controller (1000), a run/stop switch (1035), and a potentiometer (1020). Pulleys (100A, 100B?, 515) and a timing belt (520) couple rotation of the motor to an assembly of resonator or vibrato fans (720) via one or more magnets (120) or magnetically susceptible members to isolate vibrations. A sensor is activated by one of the magnets to sense the rotational position of a pulley when the fans are oriented vertically. When a run/stop switch 1035 is in a “stop” condition, sensor 525 signals controller 1000 to stop the motor, thereby leaving the fans vertical so that resonant tubes (725) are in an open condition when the vibrato function is stopped.

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: An improved mallet for percussive musical instruments comprises, in one embodiment, a shaft (1100, 1200, etc.), an adapter or inner core (300, 1400), an elastomeric surrounding core (400), and an elastomeric core overlay (1200). Optionally a cover (1300), or optionally two simultaneously-wound layers of yarn or other wrapping material (1705, 1710) are attached over the assembly. The adapter or inner core and the elastomeric surrounding core are formed together in molds (700, 900). Yarns are wrapped either by hand or with the use of a wrapping machine comprising a rotary motive source, a chuck (1810), and wrapping arms (1825, 1830) for interweaving the layers of yarn. In an alternative embodiment the adapter has a through-hole to permit extension of the shaft through the adapter to near the top of the mallet head. Numerous percussive sound effects are achieved by selection of the properties of the adapter or inner core, surrounding core, overlay, and yarn layers.