Abstract: A device for setting the tension in a string of a stringed musical instrument whereby a musician can instantly retune the string to play either one of two predetermined notes by merely actuating a lever. The device is preferably attached between the tailpiece or body of the instrument and an end of the string. The element of the tuner to which the string is attached (a string anchor) moves with a rectilinear motion to change the string tension. Two embodiments are disclosed, one of which used a rotating cam to position the string anchor, and the other of which uses a two-bar linkage to position the string anchor.

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.

Abstract: A bridge device is provided for a stringed musical instrument having a body, a neck extending from the body, and a set of tensioned strings extending along the neck and over at least a portion of the body. The bridge device comprises a bridge plate mounted adjacent a front surface of the body, a plurality of saddles secured to the bridge plate, and a plurality of armatures pivotably secured to the bridge plate. The saddles are individually adjustable to vary the effective length of each of the strings and to vary the distance between each of the strings and the bridge plate. Each of the armatures individually engage the strings and are selectively manipulable to change the tension of each of the strings between one of three predetermined tension levels.

Abstract: A bridge device is provided for a stringed musical instrument having a body, a neck extending from the body, and a set of tensioned strings extending along the neck and over at least a portion of the body. The bridge device comprises a bridge plate mounted adjacent a front surface of the body, a plurality of saddles secured to the bridge plate, and a plurality of armatures pivotably secured to the bridge plate. The saddles are individually adjustable to vary the effective length height of each of the strings and to vary the distance between each of the strings from the bridge plate. Each of the armatures individually engage the strings and are selectively manipulable to change the tension of each of the strings between one of three predetermined tension levels.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of fine tuning an electric guitar having a plurality of guitar strings, a tremolo system including a bridge plate assembly having a pivotal connection to the guitar body and connected to each of said guitar strings, a tremolo arm connected to said bridge assembly for movement thereof about said pivotal connection, a bridge lever arm or sustain block on said bridge assembly extending into a cavity on the bottom face of said guitar and counterbalance springs connected to said guitar body in said cavity and connected to said lever arm of the bridge assembly and a tremolo control and stabilizer connected at one end to said guitar body and at the other end to said bridge plate assembly lever arm, said stabilizer including a composite spring means under compression and an adjustable nut for varying the compression of the composite spring.

Abstract: A tuner device for a string instrument such as a guitar including a conventional tuning machine such as one incorporating a worm gear drive for initially tuning a string by controllably rotating the output shaft which has mounted thereon a peg on which a string is wound. The tuning machine is mounted on a support plate assembly which is selectively arcuately rockable through a small angle from its rest position to its operative or detuned position.

Abstract: A stringed bender attachment for selectively changing the tension imposed on a selected string of a string instrument of the guitar family including a frame attached to the instrument body opposite the neck of the instrument having mounted thereon a rod having an axis transverse to the axis of a selected string and a rocker arm pivotally mounted on the rod and having the end of the selected string anchored thereto. Pivotal movement of the rocker arm slightly changes the tension imposed on the selected string, and actuating means are provided including an extended arm actuable by body movement of the performer during play for bending or changing the tension on the selected string. A second bender means may be mounted on the rod for changing the tension of a second string by digital movement by the performer. Selectively adjustable means are provided for limiting the amount of change of tension.