Abstract: A bar chime apparatus has a mantle with one or more pivot mechanisms that connect two or more bar segments. The one or more pivot mechanisms have two or more slots. The two or more bar segments can be folded and secured in the two or more slots. Two or more bar chimes are suspended from the mantle.

Abstract: A bar chime apparatus has a mantle with one or more pivot mechanisms that connect two or more bar segments. The one or more pivot mechanisms have two or more slots. The two or more bar segments can be folded and secured in the two or more slots. Two or more bar chimes are suspended from the mantle.

Abstract: There is provided a drum head assembly. The drum head assembly has an outer member and an inner member. The outer member has an L-shaped step on its inside surface with posts extending outward from the base of the step. The depth of the inside edge of the outer member determines the amount of tension on the head. A die cut head or skin with holes punched to match the posts is inserted into the outer member. The inner member with holes that match the posts in the outer member is pressed onto the underside of the outer member. The pressure forces the inner member into the inside edge of the L-shaped inside surface of the outer member. There is also provided a method in which the die cut head or skin gets pulled at the same time, thus creating tension. While the assembly is still under pressure, a heated mandrel melts the post ends onto the inner member, thus holding the three components of the assembly in place.

Abstract: There is provided a drum head assembly. The drum head assembly has an outer member and an inner member. The outer member has an L-shaped step on its inside surface with posts extending outward from the base of the step. The depth of the inside edge of the outer member determines the amount of tension on the head. A die cut head or skin with holes punched to match the posts is inserted into the outer member. The inner member with holes that match the posts in the outer member is pressed onto the underside of the outer member. The pressure forces the inner member into the inside edge of the L-shaped inside surface of the outer member. There is also provided a method in which the die cut head or skin gets pulled at the same time, thus creating tension. While the assembly is still under pressure, a heated mandrel melts the post ends onto the inner member, thus holding the three components of the assembly in place.

Abstract: There is provided a musical instrument according to the present invention having body wall with a single welded seam on the underside opposite the striking or playing side. This construction method allows for a vibrating surface of continuing proportions producing a sound that is very articulate, yet retains a nice balance of overtones. In addition, there is a cost savings in manufacturing musical instruments according to the present invention. The musical instruments of the present invention are also more durable.

Abstract: There is provided a musical instrument according to the present invention having body wall with a single welded seam on the underside opposite the striking or playing side. This construction method allows for a vibrating surface of continuing proportions producing a sound that is very articulate, yet retains a nice balance of overtones. In addition, there is a cost savings in manufacturing musical instruments according to the present invention. The musical instruments of the present invention are also more durable.

Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a musical and/or toy shaker made with a thermoplastic material. The shaker is injection or blow molded in the form of a substantially continuous body that defines an internal, hollow portion. In addition, the body defines a hole or vent that communicates with the hollow portion, thus allowing a fill material to be passed through the vent and deposited in the hollow portion. Significantly, the body in formed with a duct surrounding the vent. Upon filling the hollow portion, the duct is melted in order to seal the vent.

Abstract: There is provided a shaker instrument having a single, contiguous body with a sounding chamber that is in communication with an elongated hollow neck or handle. The hollow handle has an opening or aperture through which a fill material may be introduced to, or removed from, the sounding chamber. The fill material is restricted to the sounding chamber by a plug or insert that is placed through the opening and extends into the elongated hollow neck. In addition, there is provided a method of making such a shaker instrument. The method is simplified compared to prior art methods and eliminates any relatively weak and possibly unsafe seams on the instrument.

Abstract: There is provided a shaken idiophone having at least two segments that define a sound chamber for holding a sound producing material. The segments are preferably located along the periphery of the shaken idiophone. The segments of the shaken idiophone are held together by at least one fastener having a resilient member. The resilient member urges the segments away from one another so that there is a space between the two segments. The amount of space between the segments can be varied while the shaken idiophone in being playing by squeezing the shaken idiophone. Thus, the shaken idiophone can create a variety of sound qualities.

Abstract: There is provided a musical instrument having a tubular body and a handle. The tubular body has an annular wall that defines a sound chamber. The handle is designed to shelter the hand of the player or serve as a mounting for use with a mounting cradle. The thickness of the tubular wall and the dimensions of the sound chamber may be modified to produce various sound qualities and pitches. Preferably, the musical instrument produces the characteristic sound of the traditional “clave.

Abstract: An arrangement for protecting adjacently situated musical drums in a group or assemblage comprising an external tuning mechanism affixed to the side of the shell of at least one drum, including a tuning rod extending and attached to the head of the drum for varying the tension on the head, wherein the rod is received in a receptacle and a nut is secured to the end of the rod for varying the applied tension; a protector device including an engaging with the receptacle and positioned to extend beyond the limit of the tuning mechanism's radial protrusion beyond the shell periphery, thereby to prevent or preclude contact with another drum shell except by the protector.