Musical Instrument Or Tuning Fork Making Patents (Class 29/896.22)
  • Patent number: 11869461
    Abstract: A tuner for a guitar having a neck and string nut including a plurality of nut slots configured to receive respective guitar strings. A tuner mount is fixedly secured to the neck and a tuner body is mounted on the tuner mount. A string break angle fastener is engageable with a guitar string passing through the respective nut slot and sets a break angle of the guitar string. A string lock carriage is movably mounted on the tuner body and includes a string fastener engageable with the guitar string passing through the respective nut slot to secure the guitar string to the carriage. A tuner knob is manually movable to drive the string carriage and thereby adjust the tension of and tune the respective guitar string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Equilibrium Guitars LLC
    Inventors: David Cohen, Mariann Uleberg-Cohen
  • Patent number: 11854517
    Abstract: Soundboards and backboards of an acoustic stringed instrument and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the soundboard or backboard includes a base having opposed top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of channels on the bottom surface of the base, and a plurality of braces that correspond to the plurality of channels and that are received in and attached to the plurality of channels. In one embodiment, the method includes shaping a board to a uniform nominal thickness and carving a plurality of channels on the board via a Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) router. The method additionally includes attaching a plurality of braces that correspond to the carved plurality of channels such that the plurality of braces is received in the plurality of channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Inventors: Jay S. Dickinson, Maxwell R. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 11812572
    Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a case included in an electronic device, and according to one embodiment, an electronic device case comprises: an exterior case formed by processing an upper surface of a base material of the electronic device case by means of a first head of a CNC device, and at least one pattern formed by processing a lateral surface of the exterior case by means of second and third heads of the CNC device, wherein at least one pattern includes first and second patterns, the first pattern is processed at the lateral surface of the exterior case by means of the second head, and the second pattern can be processed at the first pattern by means of the third head. In addition, other various embodiments are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyunsoo Kim
  • Patent number: 9165539
    Abstract: A chambered electric guitar body according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention includes at least five contiguous closed chambers enclosed in the assembled monolithic top and bottom parts comprised of a generally solid material such as a metal. The autonomous dimensions of the chambers, cubic volumes, and thickness as well as the density of the material, allow customization of shape and guitar performance. This is accomplished by using the method provided to produce the monolithic structures using digital technology, CAD and CNC machining to achieve desired specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Brian Walter Ostosh
  • Publication number: 20150135932
    Abstract: A percussion instrument, in the simplest case in the form of a djembe, having one or more interconnected resonators in the form of elliptical paraboloids, which meet at their focal points. At or near this common focal point, sound-receiving or sound-emitting devices may be additionally placed. An expedient embodiment provides that the resonators are of a form in which they can be dismantled. A possible method for producing a suitable form is provided by making rings out of plate material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Gerhard Salomon
  • Publication number: 20150114204
    Abstract: A container maraca converter that allows a container, particularly a previously-used beverage can, to be converted into a maraca or similar noisemaker. A plurality of small noisemakers, general small ball-shaped objects, may be placed in the container. A handle and container attachment is then attached to the container, both closing the container and allowing for easy grip in the hand. Upon shaking, the noisemakers rattle within the can to produce the desired sound effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Romain Emmanuel Lochen
  • Publication number: 20150107434
    Abstract: A board for a stringed instrument which forms a front plate or a back plate of a stringed instrument, includes: a veneer that includes a concave portion for partially reducing the thickness of the veneer, in which the veneer is curved to be convex toward one surface side. In this board for a stringed instrument, fiber of the veneer may extend along the curved shape of the veneer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: KAZUKI SOGA, Toshihisa Yamazaki, Tatsuya Hiraku, Hiroshi Nakaya, Kenichi Miyazawa
  • Publication number: 20150107438
    Abstract: A harmonica with a tube plate that provides production of sweeter, clearer notes with a minimum of skill. The tube plate has a plurality of tubes and sits over the reeds and the comb under the cover plate, a tube coupled with each air chamber in the comb. The tubes form tunnels with the air chambers, enhancing reverberation and separating the sound waves emanating from the reed in each chamber. The tube plate can be added to a conventional harmonica. The harmonica has a plurality of reed units, each reed in a separate unit. Each reed unit is individually replaced when a reed requires replacement or when modification of the harmonica key is desired. The reed units can replace a reed plate in a conventional harmonica.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Philip Sardo
  • Publication number: 20150107112
    Abstract: A harmonica with a tube plate that provides production of sweeter, clearer notes with a minimum of skill. The tube plate has a plurality of tubes and sits over the reeds and the comb under the cover plate, a tube coupled with each air chamber in the comb. The tubes form tunnels with the air chambers, enhancing reverberation and separating the sound waves emanating from the reed in each chamber. The tube plate can be added to a conventional harmonica. The harmonica has a plurality of reed units, each reed in a separate unit. Each reed unit is individually replaced when a reed requires replacement or when modification of the harmonica key is desired. The reed units can replace a reed plate in a conventional harmonica.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Philip Sardo
  • Publication number: 20150107435
    Abstract: A board for a stringed instrument which forms a front plate or a back plate of a stringed instrument, includes: a laminated plate that is obtained by laminating a plurality of veneers having a uniform thickness by an adhesive, at least one of the veneers having a different planar shape than the other veneers, in which the laminated plate is curved to be convex toward one surface side and has a thin portion and a thick portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Kazuki Soga, Toshihisa Yamazaki, Tatsuya Hiraku, Hiroshi Nakaya, Kenichi Miyazawa
  • Publication number: 20150107440
    Abstract: A drumhead tuning rim system and method for securing and tuning a drumhead on a drum shell of a drum, comprising a drumhead tuning rim apparatus comprising a cable tension dial assembly configured for operably engaging a rim of the drum so as to increase or decrease tension on the rim, the rim being configured for seating over the drumhead on the drum shell, and an apparatus controller configured for operably interfacing with the drumhead tuning rim apparatus so as to selectively control the cable tension dial assembly and thereby adjust the overall pitch of the drumhead as by adjusting the tension on the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Bryan Thomas Bedson
  • Patent number: 9003659
    Abstract: A harmonica with a tube plate that provides production of sweeter, clearer notes with a minimum of skill. The tube plate has a plurality of tubes and sits over the reeds and the comb under the cover plate, a tube coupled with each air chamber in the comb. The tubes form tunnels with the air chambers, enhancing reverberation and separating the sound waves emanating from the reed in each chamber. The tube plate can be added to a conventional harmonica. The harmonica has a plurality of reed units, each reed in a separate unit. Each reed unit is individually replaced when a reed requires replacement or when modification of the harmonica key is desired. The reed units can replace a reed plate in a conventional harmonica.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Philip Sardo
  • Publication number: 20150068385
    Abstract: A non-geared linear tuning and anchoring system for strings of a stringed musical instrument employing plug-ended strings inserted into the shaft of a string retainer and tensioned by retracting the slidable string retainer within a channel aligned with the strings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: J. Corey Oliver
  • Publication number: 20150027295
    Abstract: A drumhead tuning rim apparatus for securing and tuning a drumhead on a drum shell of a drum, the apparatus comprising a plurality of housing grooved bearing wheels rotatably installed spaced along a rim of the drum, the rim being configured for seating over the drumhead on the drum shell, a plurality of lug grooved bearing wheels configured to be rotatably installed spaced about the drum shell substantially between the respective housing grooved bearing wheels, a tensioning cable configured for alternately passing between and about respective housing grooved bearing wheels and lug grooved bearing wheels substantially about the perimeter of the drum shell, and a means for selectively adjusting the tension in the tensioning cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Bryan Thomas BEDSON
  • Publication number: 20140352517
    Abstract: A stringed instrument having a body assembly including a fingertip locating feature is disclosed together with methods of manufacturing the instrument. The instrument body is characterized by a bottom surface, a top surface, and a bridge mounting location at the top surface adjacent to a heel end of the body. A neck connection interface end is located opposite the heel end, a string sounding area defined between the interface end and the bridge mounting location. The body assembly has at least a first underpitched feature extending a selected distance between the ends adjacent to the string sounding area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Steven J. Zeren
  • Patent number: 8898875
    Abstract: Providing a method for manufacturing a package capable of achieving reliable anodic bonding between the bonding material and a base board wafer even when the bonding material having a large resistance value is used. Providing a method for manufacturing a package by anodically bonding a bonding material, which is fixed in advance to an inner surface of a lid board wafer made of an insulator, to an inner surface of a base board wafer made of an insulator, the method including an anodic bonding step where an auxiliary bonding material serving as an anode is disposed on an outer surface of the lid board wafer, a cathode is disposed on an outer surface of the base board wafer, and a voltage is applied between the auxiliary bonding material and the cathode, wherein the auxiliary bonding material is made of a material that causes an anodic bonding reaction between the auxiliary bonding material and the lid board wafer in the anodic bonding step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Takeshi Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20140345441
    Abstract: A chambered electric guitar body according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention includes at least five contiguous closed chambers enclosed in the assembled monolithic top and bottom parts comprised of a generally solid material such as a metal. The autonomous dimensions of the chambers, cubic volumes, and thickness as well as the density of the material, allow customization of shape and guitar performance. This is accomplished by using the method provided to produce the monolithic structures using digital technology, CAD and CNC machining to achieve desired specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Walter Ostosh
  • Publication number: 20140311320
    Abstract: A drumstick that is produced from a pair of bonded wooden halves that form an elongated, structure having a circular bore therethrough. Into the circular bore is inserted a core tube that increases the rigidity of the drumstick, a multiplicity of glass micro-spheres that function to reduce drumstick vibrations that can affect a drummer, and a resilient sleeve that is inserted over the front end and partial rear end of the drumstick. The resilient sleeve increases the useful life of both the drumstick and the instrument struck by the drumstick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Richard D. Grossman
  • Publication number: 20140298654
    Abstract: The present invention is a banjo tone ring with vertical sides (30) as opposed to the angled design of conventional banjo tone rings (120). The ring (30) of the present invention has specific height (h) to width (w) or thickness ratios and is within specific weight ranges for improved performance. It vibrates much freer and thus raises the quality of musical tones from the banjo (10) to much higher aesthetic levels. Other embodiments also modify the musical tones for different sounds. Several novel embodiments of manufacturing methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: DEERING BANJO COMPANY, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Charles Greg Deering, Jens H. Kruger, Philip Zanon
  • Publication number: 20140260887
    Abstract: A stringed musical instrument with a base portion and neck portion with an inlaid fretboard snugly secured within a recess between an upper wall and a lower wall on the neck portion is disclosed. The geometry of the upper and lower walls maybe optimized and includes walls that are substantially perpendicular to the face of the instrument, walls that are angled with respect to each other to define a wedge-shaped slot for slidably receiving and securing the mating fretboard therein, and walls that are angled to define inwardly extending protrusions that allow the fretboard to be “snapped” in place on the neck portion of the instrument. The fretboard may be rigidly secured to the neck portion with glue or the like or it may be detachably secured within the slot thereby allowing fretboards to be changed as desired for aesthetic or performance purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Scott James Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20140202305
    Abstract: Stringed instrument having an elongated neck member optionally including a fingerboard, with a plurality of frets fixedly positioned at predetermined spaced locations along the neck. The frets include a tang and a mushroom shaped crown, each positioned and secured in a corresponding fret slot formed in the neck. The neck member includes a carbon fiber based support member that can be T-shaped. In its method aspects, the neck can be straight and of neutral strain or a desired backbow/underbow or curvature in the elongated neck member is created, such as by introducing a carbon fiber T-bar support member in the neck member in a “neutral” state while clamping the neck member in an underbow shape, or forming underbow directly into the finished neck in which a carbon fiber T-bar is already present, and then introducing crown bar style frets to wedge the neck back to an optimum playable shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Lawrence Berndt
  • Publication number: 20140202311
    Abstract: A system and method for reliably tuning an acoustic percussion instrument with a single adjustment. The system comprises a cord attached to a tensioning device, the cord being arranged in connection with a plurality of brackets and tensioning elements. By increasing the tension on the cord, the tensioning elements are pulled in a downward direction with respect to the drum head, thereby increasing the tension thereon. The tuning system disclosed herein provides a substantially equal distribution of tensioning force through the arrangement of the cord and other elements of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Daniel R. Jones
  • Patent number: 8776336
    Abstract: A first metal film is formed on a piezoelectric substrate surface. A pattern of openings forming a first resist mask is formed in the first metal film. Portions of the metal film are removed by etching. The substrate is brought into contact with a first etching solution to remove substrate material to shape an outer surface. After, openings in the first metal film are filled in with a second metal film. The substrate is shaped into a first plurality of piezoelectric resonators using a second etching solution. Rough frequency adjustment is conducted by etching side surfaces of the substrate in increments and cutting a piezoelectric resonator from the substrate. The rough frequency adjustment continues until a measured oscillation frequency is within a predetermined frequency range. Electrode patterns then are formed for each one of the second plurality of piezoelectric resonators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takehiro Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20140166182
    Abstract: An interchangeable drum slip that may be quickly installed to change the appearance of a drum and to provide protection to the drum shell. The drum slip is a rectangular piece of material that is pre-cut to precisely fit specific models of drums. Openings are cut into the material that correspond with hardware that is attached to the drum shell. A user installs the drum slip by placing the drum slip around the drum shell and securing the ends of the drum slip together. The openings in the drum slip fit over and around any hardware that is attached to the drum shell and any apertures formed in the drum shell. The ends of the drum slip are pulled together and secured with an adhesive. For some drums, the drum slip may be installed without disassembling any parts of the drum. For other drums, one or more drum heads and retaining hoops must be removed to install the drum slip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Cassidy Howell Byars
  • Publication number: 20140157968
    Abstract: In a stringed instrument such as a guitar, a fingerboard is slidably engaged with the instrument's neck, preferably by means of flanges that engage with corresponding grooves along the lateral edges of the neck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Robert M. Kunstadt
  • Publication number: 20140150625
    Abstract: A sliding saddle system and a method of constructing a chordophone instrument comprising an underblock in slidable engagement with the bridge plate. A connector is located between the saddle and the underblock allowing the underblock to slide into position on the bridge plate until the connector is tightened, thereby locating the saddle on the sound board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Miltimore
  • Publication number: 20140116227
    Abstract: A cymbal is provided with an annular part having an annular shape and having a predetermined rigidity, a center part located at an inner circumference of the annular part and having a predetermined rigidity, and a first connecting part including an elastic material and connecting an outer circumference of the center part and the inner circumference of the annular part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: ROLAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: KIYOSHI YOSHINO
  • Publication number: 20140076121
    Abstract: A hybrid drum shell includes a drum shell made from at least one first species of wood. A plurality of drum shell supplements made from at least one second species of wood are affixed to an interior side of the drum shell. The drum shell supplements substantially conform to the curvature of the interior of the drum shell and are interconnected such that the drum shell supplements substantially cover the interior side of the drum shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher A. Carr
  • Publication number: 20140060284
    Abstract: A drum head having a striking feeling similar to an acoustic drum includes an inner head layer and a pair of outer head layers. The outside diameter of the inner head layer is smaller than the outside diameter of a flat part of the outer head layers and the inside diameter of the edge of the shell. The inner head layer is inside the connection part between the flat part and a cylindrical part of the outer head layers and the shell edge part. When tension is applied to the outer head layers, tension is prevented from being applied to the inner head layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Roland Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Yoshino
  • Publication number: 20130340591
    Abstract: A stringed musical instrument comprises a neck and a cavity formed in the neck. The cavity includes a curved bottom surface and a chamfer in a sidewall of the cavity. An island is formed in the cavity. A fretboard is formed comprising a veneer and adapted to fit the cavity. The fretboard includes an opening adapted to encompass the island in the cavity. The cavity or fretboard is formed using a computer-controlled or numerically-controlled milling machine, router, water jet, or laser. The fretboard is mounted within the cavity, and the island in the cavity is disposed within the opening in the fretboard. Mounting the fretboard within the cavity includes flexing a sidewall of the cavity. An edge of the fretboard contacts a sidewall of the cavity without a visible gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Ferenc Koszegfalvi
  • Publication number: 20130318794
    Abstract: A method of coupling diatonic harmonicas that increases the musical range of the diatonic harmonicas being coupled. Diatonic harmonicas are stacked and secured together by a clamping mechanism in order to form an instrumental assembly that is more versatile than a single diatonic harmonica. An ideal key is first determined according to a selected musical piece. The ideal key provides a foundation from which an initial harmonica and a subsequent harmonica are selected from a plurality of harmonicas. Each of the plurality of harmonicas is tuned in a musical key that is either major or minor. The musical key of the initial harmonica is determined according to the ideal key, while the musical key of the subsequent harmonica is determined from the chromatic scale. Once the initial harmonica and the subsequent harmonica are selected, they are coupled together by the clamping mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: William Montgomery PRICE
  • Publication number: 20130312584
    Abstract: A saxophone neck system uses interchangeable component parts to modify and optimize sound and resistance. The saxophone neck system may allow a saxophone player the ability to change components to achieve variations in sound and to use the components with various manufacturers' instruments and mouthpieces. With the use of various internal shapes and dimensions placed in a specific combination, the player can create a desired sound. Additionally, the saxophone neck system may eliminate neck cork compression discrepancies from different manufacturers by offering different diameters of the body of the initiator portion of the saxophone neck system to fit any saxophone mouthpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Warburton Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Ardean Terrance Warburton
  • Publication number: 20130312583
    Abstract: The present invention is an music box vibration plate and the Preparation method thereof, which comprises of a plurality of vibration piece disposed in parallel and having a thin flat sound generation pin with different length and generating sound as it is hit by the protrusion of the cylindrical drum or the disc and a fixing portions formed at the base end of the sound generation pin and having an enlarged thickness with the shape of plate, and a plurality of spacer disposed between each fixing portions of the vibration pieces to separate the vibration pieces, and a clamping member to clamp the fixing portions and the spacers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Gyu Lak Han
  • Publication number: 20130291705
    Abstract: A tremolo and tuning apparatus is provided for a stringed musical instrument having a body, a neck extending from the body, a nut on an end of the neck remote from the body, and a string extending over the neck. The string makes a first critical contact at a point on the nut of the instrument and a second critical contact at a point on the apparatus. The apparatus includes a mounting frame configured for mounting on the surface of the body, an attachment post secured to the body, a base plate pivotally mounted with respect to the attachment post and having a surface adapted to receive a force, a string mounting assembly mounted on the base plate for holding the string, and a resilient member assembly for engagement with the mounting frame outside the body of the instrument and supplying a force to the base plate surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Floyd D. Rose
  • Patent number: 8516703
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a musical instrument using relatively thin metal sheet materials is disclosed. A metallic back plate is provided that has a peripheral edge. At least one metallic side plate with a peripheral edge is provided. Each side plate may be bent to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the back plate. A neck block and a tail piece may each be fixed to the inside surface of the back plate proximate the peripheral edge thereof. The neck block is adapted to be secured to a neck to the instrument, and the tail piece is adapted to secure two of the side plates together inside the instrument. Each side plate is fixed, such as with the adhesive, to the back plate, neck block and the tail piece. A metallic top plate is fixed to each side plate, the neck block and the tail piece. To the extent that the top plate and the bottom plate overhang or extend outwardly from the side plates, the overhanging portions are then removed with a router or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Gina Gale Scarcella
  • Publication number: 20130192449
    Abstract: A percussion instrument including an acoustic chamber housing having a zigzag shape, a material chamber housing having the zigzag shape, a sound board having the zigzag shape arranged between the acoustic chamber housing and the material chamber housing to form an acoustic chamber defined by the acoustic chamber housing and the sound board, and a material chamber defined by the material chamber housing and the sound board, and particulate material arranged in the material chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: J. Greg DAHL
  • Publication number: 20130180388
    Abstract: A percussion instrument that suppresses erroneous detection by a rim sensor includes a first plate affixed to a frame, a second plate elastically supported on the first plate by one or more elastic members, and a rim sensor attached to the second plate. Large vibrations of the frame from an impact of a strike on the rim are transmitted to the second plate, and the rim sensor provides an output corresponding to the striking force. Also, vibrations of the frame generated by striking sound or external sound is attenuated by the elastic member, to suppress transmission of such vibrations to the second plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Mori
  • Publication number: 20130174709
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a high performance stringed instrument. In one embodiment, the stringed instrument comprises an electric guitar constructed entirely of sheet metal, with the body and neck permanently joined together to produce a one piece (unitary) style guitar construction. This method of construction results in improved overall consistency of the product. In particular, the construction utilizes a substantially homogenous material throughout the guitar and further includes a stronger, stiffer and straighter neck that allows for a more consistent sound than is possible using traditional manufacturing materials such as wood. Such a construction also offers improved sustain of string vibration, an attribute that is highly desirable to guitar players. The incorporation of a unique supporting structure into the headstock contributes to a unique warm timbre when played that has heretofore been unachievable in combination with improved sustain characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventors: Mark DeLong, John Harrell
  • Publication number: 20130152765
    Abstract: A percussion instrument includes a mainframe having a bottom part defining a lower surface. A head is tensioned over an inner part of the mainframe. A hoop structure is arranged over the outer periphery of the head and applies tension to the head. The hoop structure has a lower surface provided with a plurality of recesses. Female threaded connector parts are contained within the recesses. A plurality of bolts extend through the bottom part of the mainframe and engage the female threaded connector parts, to affix the hoop structure to the mainframe. The bolts extend into the bottom part of the mainframe, such that exposure of the bolts on the upper surface side of the hoop structure can be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventors: Yutaka Morita, Yoshiaki Mori
  • Publication number: 20130145919
    Abstract: A tone control device is provided. The tone control device includes a weight assembly including at least a first magnet and a second magnet magnetically attracted to the first magnet, wherein the first magnet is positionable on a first surface of the bridge and the second magnet is positionable on a second surface of the bridge such that the weight assembly is securely coupled to the bridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Clement De Jule
  • Publication number: 20130139671
    Abstract: A drum having a vibratory member(s) tensioned over a plurality of tuned staves which acts as a sounding board and having staves which may be joined together with one or more flexible lines. The invention also includes a method of making such a drum and includes variations in the bearing edges of the tuned staves for such a drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Brett Fugate, Kevin Fugate, Jerry Fugate
  • Publication number: 20130111757
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a bow stick includes winding a prepreg, in which a fiber is impregnated with a resin, on a mandrel with a diameter gradually decreasing toward a distal end, setting a semi-fabricated product, in which the prepreg is wound on the mandrel, into a mold and molding the semi-fabricated product in a shape corresponding to a cavity formed between the mold and the mandrel by heating and pressurizing the semi-fabricated product in the mold, and taking out the mandrel from a molded product molded in the shape corresponding to the cavity to acquire a long and hollow stick body. When adjusting at least one of a weight distribution, a center of gravity, and a weight of the stick body, the volume of the cavity is changed using the mandrel of which the diameter or the diameter variation is gradually changed in an axis direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventor: Yamaha Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130055875
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a violin of acoustic configuration, which is different from the classic violin and a manufacturing method thereof. The violin of acoustic configuration is produced according to the rules of acoustic regularity, standard pitch data and uniform orderly reflecting surface of the violin cavity. The reflecting surface of cavity is depended on the international standard pitch data and the rule of acoustic wavelength changing. According to the configuration rules, the violin made of normal materials and technology process condition may provide better volume and tone, and provide much better performance in the standard pitch playing status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Xiaozhen Huang, Lingyun Hou, Shizhen Yang
  • Publication number: 20130042739
    Abstract: A bracing structure for a soundboard for a musical instrument is disclosed, the bracing structure being a unitary sheet structure having a plurality of elongate semi-tubular elements. Each of the elongate semi-tubular elements has a length, a thickness, a width, a height and an interior resonance space. The sheet structure may be formed of two or more layers. The elongate semi-tubular elements function as traditional braces, however, the shape of the elongate semi-tubular elements may be modified to provide a desired tonal quality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Mathew A. McPherson
  • Patent number: 8341814
    Abstract: Methods are provided for manufacturing piezoelectric devices. In an exemplary method, a base wafer is prepared that defines an array of multiple bases. Between each base on the wafer is a through-hole defined in respective parts by the respective edge surfaces of adjacent bases. A piezoelectric wafer is prepared that defines an array of multiple piezoelectric frames each having a piezoelectric vibrating piece and a surrounding frame portion. The vibrating piece includes an excitation electrode and extraction electrode. The extraction electrode extends to the through-hole. An adhesive is applied to a surface of the frame portion including a surface of the extraction electrode. The adhesive bonds the piezoelectric wafer to the base wafer. Excess adhesive is removed from the through-hole to expose a portion of the extraction electrode in the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Yoshimatsu
  • Publication number: 20120285310
    Abstract: A musical instrument of the chordophone family is provided that has reduced stresses and strains, and is easily assembled. A braceless system both reduces the stresses and allows for the elimination of bracing. As a consequence, a binding and kerfing unit is used, further increasing the ease of construction. Additionally, the instrument is provided with an offset headstock to allow the strings to be normal to the bridge, still further reducing the stresses and strains in the instrument. A method of constructing the instrument is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Miltimore
  • Publication number: 20120240747
    Abstract: A training and practice mallet for keyboard percussion instruments comprising a slender, substantially cylindrical mallet shaft with a gripping end and a striking end, the gripping end improved and enhanced with a pommel, or knob, affixed to the gripping end terminus, the pommel (knob) of suitable size to be gripped in the user's hand without impeding multi-mallet manipulation, and the striking end improved with a lightweight mallet head whereby a reduced volume is produced when striking a keyboard percussion instrument and in turn reducing fatigue and irritation in the user's hands and wrists. The training and practice mallet allows for increased control and confidence at low volumes while learning complex four-mallet grips. A pommel as described above and fitted to a conventional mallet for keyboard percussion instruments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: David Richard Dumitru
  • Patent number: 8214982
    Abstract: To carry out frequency adjustment easily, accurately and efficiently without being influenced by a size of a piezoelectric vibrating piece and achieve low cost formation and promotion of maintenance performance, there is provided a method of fabricating a piezoelectric vibrating piece which is a method of fabricating a piezoelectric vibrating piece having a piezoelectric vibrating plate 11, a pair of exciting electrodes 12, 13, and a pair of mount electrodes 15, 16 by utilizing a wafer S, the method including an outer shape forming step of forming a frame portion S1 at a wafer and forming a plurality of piezoelectric plates at the frame portion to be connected thereto by way of a connecting portion 11a, an electrode forming step of forming pairs of exciting electrodes and pairs of mount electrodes respectively at the plurality of piezoelectric plates and forming a common electrode S2 respectively electrically connected to a plurality of the pairs of mount electrodes 15 on one side by way of the connecting por
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20120160076
    Abstract: The present invention provides in combination, an intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism for a musical string instrument with a fingerboard where the combination intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism includes a string-nut fulcrum and a string-locking means, where each string-nut fulcrum may have a varying linear position in relation to each individual string in order to provide the optimum compensation amount for improving the consistency and production of in-tune musical notes during play for musical string instruments with fingerboards. Also disclosed are methods of use of various embodiments for the intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Gregory S. Decker
  • Patent number: RE44423
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a quartz crystal unit, a quartz crystal tuning fork resonator is formed by etching a quartz crystal wafer to form a quartz crystal tuning fork base, quartz crystal tuning fork tines connected to the quartz crystal tuning fork base, and a groove having stepped portions in at least one of opposite main surfaces of each of the quartz crystal tuning fork tines. A first electrode is disposed on at least one of the stepped portions of each of the grooves and a second electrode is disposed on each of side surfaces of each of the quartz crystal tuning fork tines. A frequency of oscillation of the quartz crystal tuning fork resonator is adjusted at least twice and in different steps. The quartz crystal tuning fork resonator is then mounted in a case and an open end of the case is covered with a lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Piedek Technical Laboratory
    Inventor: Hirofumi Kawashima