Abstract: The tremolo apparatus of the present invention includes a tremolo means (13) with a tremolo bar (19) and a base flange (23) which extends into a cavity (21) in the guitar (11). When the tremolo means is operated conventionally, springs (25) return the tremolo means (13) to an original position against a stop (37) located in the cavity (21). Stop (37) is mounted for movement on rods (42 and 44) against the action of springs (47 and 49). When the tremolo bar (19) is moved toward the body of the instrument, such as a guitar, the tremolo means (13) moves in a first direction wherein the base flange (23) moves away from stop (37), while when the tremolo bar (19) is moved away from the body of the guitar, the tremolo means moves in a second direction wherein the base flange (23) moves stop (37) against the action of springs (47 and 49). Springs (47 and 49) return stop (37) and the base flange (23) and hence the tremolo means (13) to their original position when the tremolo bar is released.

Abstract: The fine tuning apparatus functions as the bridge element (20) of a stringed instrument. The fine tuning apparatus includes a base element (22) and a series of fine tuning elements (40), one for each string. Each fine tuning element (40) includes a forward block element (42) and a rear block element (52) which is rotatable relative to the forward block element. A string of the musical instrument makes critical contact with the fine tuning apparatus at point (59) on the rear block element (52) and maintains surface contact with the rear block element (52) as the surface slopes downwardly and rearwardly from the bridge critical contact point (59), until the point where the string is clamped against surface (60). Means (64, 70) are provided for adjusting the rotatable position of the rear block element (52) relative to the forward block element (42), which results in a change in the tension of the string and hence the fine tune of the string.

Abstract: The fine tuning apparatus functions as the bridge element (20) of a stringed instrument. The fine tuning apparatus includes a base element (22) and a series of fine tuning elements (40), one for each string. Each fine tuning element (40) includes a forward block element (42) and a rear block element (52) which is rotatable relative to the forward block element. A string of the musical instrument makes critical contact with the fine tuning apparatus at point (59) on the rear block element (52) and maintains surface contact with the rear block element (52) as the surface slopes downwardly and rearwardly from the bridge critical contact point (59), until the point where the string is clamped against surface (60). Means (64, 70) are provided for adjusting the rotatable position of the rear block element (52) relative to the forward block element (42), which results in a change in the tension of the string and hence the fine tune of the string.

Abstract: This is a method and apparatus for performing the method, for the use of tremolo devices complimented by string restraining assemblies for guitars which are designed in such manner that the tremolo device can be used without altering the basic tuning when the tremolo device returns to the normal, inactive, position. The method and device incorporate the use of a tremolo device base plate anchoring means anchoring the tremolo device base plate to the face of the guitar at a tilt point in such manner that there is no movement allowed other than the normally desired tremolo tilting movement. This is accomplished by utilization of special anchoring means, string restraining assemblies, and means to return the tremolo device to its original starting position when being inactivated.