Abstract: A multi-function pedal controller may be used with a musical instrument, such as a keyboard percussion instrument, to allow control of both vibrato and damper functions. The multi-function pedal controller may control damper functions with a first range of motion and vibrato functions with a second range of motion, thereby facilitating intuitive control of both functions by the instrumentalist.

Abstract: An adjustable resonator stop may be used in resonators of keyboard percussion instruments. The adjustable resonator stop includes a resonator engaging body having a cavity, a resonator end member being configured to be disposed within the cavity of the resonator engaging body, and a tightening member coupled to at least a portion of the resonator end member. The tightening member is configured to move the resonator end member from a disengaged position, wherein the resonator stop may be freely adjusted within a resonator, to an engaged position, wherein the resonator stop may be securely coupled to an interior surface of the resonator. The adjustable resonator stop may provide the same or better performance characteristics as a permanently installed metal stop including a smooth, metallic, bi-polar vibrating surface with exposure to air on either side, while also providing quick adjustability at little or no cost when compared to other adjustable stops in the industry.

Abstract: An adjustable resonator stop may be used in resonators of keyboard percussion instruments. The adjustable resonator stop includes a resonator engaging body having a cavity, a resonator end member being configured to be disposed within the cavity of the resonator engaging body, and a tightening member coupled to at least a portion of the resonator end member. The tightening member is configured to move the resonator end member from a disengaged position, wherein the resonator stop may be freely adjusted within a resonator, to an engaged position, wherein the resonator stop may be securely coupled to an interior surface of the resonator. The adjustable resonator stop may provide the same or better performance characteristics as a permanently installed metal stop including a smooth, metallic, bi-polar vibrating surface with exposure to air on either side, while also providing quick adjustability at little or no cost when compared to other adjustable stops in the industry.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus of producing vibrato on keyboard percussion/tone bar instruments such as the vibraphone and marimba are provided. Means are disclosed for real time control of the expressive qualities of both the speed and strength of the vibrato of such instruments, while eliminating the need for an electrical motor. According to certain embodiments, methods and apparatus are disclosed to easily produce a change of dynamic level (crescendo and diminuendo) after a single strike of a tone bar or chord.

Abstract: A keyboard percussion instrument may include an improved dampening system that provides wave dampening or progressive dampening of the tone bars. A keyboard percussion instrument may also include a dampening system with a mechanism capable of retracting the damper without distorting the damper and capable of adjusting the leverage of the dampening system independently of the spring tension. A dampening system may further include an adjustable mounting for the damper that allows the dampening action to be adjusted at either end of the damper. A keyboard percussion instrument may further include an improved bar rail assembly that facilitates removability, adjustment of various dampening zones and/or vibration isolation.

Abstract: A multi-function pedal controller may be used with a musical instrument, such as a keyboard percussion instrument, to allow control of both vibrato and damper functions. The multi-function pedal controller may control damper functions with a first range of motion and vibrato functions with a second range of motion, thereby facilitating intuitive control of both functions by the instrumentalist.

Abstract: A keyboard percussion instrument may include an improved dampening system that provides wave dampening or progressive dampening of the tone bars. A keyboard percussion instrument may also include a dampening system with a mechanism capable of retracting the damper without distorting the damper and capable of adjusting the leverage of the dampening system independently of the spring tension. A dampening system may further include an adjustable mounting for the damper that allows the dampening action to be adjusted at either end of the damper. A keyboard percussion instrument may further include an improved bar rail assembly that facilitates removability, adjustment of various dampening zones and/or vibration isolation.

Abstract: An improved resonator for keyboard percussion instruments such as marimba, vibraphone and xylophone and instruments including such resonators are described herein. In one or more embodiments, a tubular resonator bent or formed into a smooth curve, open or stopped on one end, resonating only its natural fundamental frequency and its natural overtones with no non-harmonic resonances from a struck tone bar associated with the resonator is provided. According to one or more embodiments, the number of joints in the resonator is reduced to less than two joints.

Abstract: An improved resonator for keyboard percussion instruments such as marimba, vibraphone and xylophone and instruments including such resonators are described herein. In one or more embodiments, a tubular resonator bent or formed into a smooth curve, open or stopped on one end, resonating only its natural fundamental frequency and its natural overtones with no non-harmonic resonances from a struck tone bar associated with the resonator is provided. According to one or more embodiments, the number of joints in the resonator is reduced to less than two joints.

Abstract: In a keyboard musical percussion instrument having a series of tone bars mounted to at least first and second, spaced-apart support rails, each tone bar having a body with first and second nodes of its fundamental mode of vibration (Node A and Node B), Node B being spaced from Node A along a longitudinal axis of the tone bar body, and the body defining a bottom surface and a mounting hole formed in the bottom surface at Node A, a tone bar suspension assembly for mounting a tone bar includes first and second suspension bumpers extending from the first support rail and having upper suspension surfaces to engage the bottom surface of the body at spaced apart locations in a plane generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body at Node B, and a suspension pin extending from the second support rail to engage in the mounting hole. A keyboard musical percussion instrument employing the tone bar suspension assembly, and methods for mounting a tone bar and adjusting tone bar ring time are also described.