Abstract: Indication objects are displayed on a television monitor at the intervals in agreement with the rhythm of music, such that the player can generate musical tones in synchronization with music by striking the strike surface of a music game console in the appropriate timing as indicated by indication objects. In this case, the tone quality of the strike sound changes in the progress of music on the basis of strike sound indicating information.
Abstract: An auxiliary electronic sound source for an electronic drum. The auxiliary sound source is attached to a conventional electronic drum and enables a drummer to practice acoustical "sticking" techniques involving a drum rim. The auxiliary sound source includes a striking element with an acoustically isolating connection to the electronic drum. A piezoelectric material transducer is attached to the striking element to convert impact induced vibrations in the striking element into an electrical output signal. In an alternative embodiment, the piezoelectric transducer is attached to a mounting plate detachably connected to the striking element.
Abstract: A portable electric keyboard musical instrument is disclosed which includes a plurality of sound producing elements with each fixedly attached to the supporting structure, and a plurality of actions for selectively causing respective elements to vibrate. Each action is supported on the supporting structure and associated with one of the elements. Each action also includes a hammer assembly for selectively striking one of the reeds and an escapement assembly for initiating the striking action of the hammer associated therewith and to control its motion thereafter until reactivated. A plurality of keys are provided each associated with one of the actions for actuating its hammer assembly so as to strike its respective element. The action is a modified Viennese action characterized in one particular by the elimination of a pin axle and by the use of a resilient hinge.
Abstract: An electronic percussion synthesizer is disclosed which includes a plurality of pressure transducers, each representing a different percussive musical instrument. Each transducer is responsive to an external striking force for generating analog pulses, each pulse representing one beat of the respective musical instrument. The transducers are mounted to a synthesizer housing in a manner which mechanically isolates the transducers from each other. Sound signal generating circuits are provided which are responsive to the analog pulses for generating sound signals comprising the beat of the respective musical instrument. The amplitude of the signal representing each beat is proportional to the magnitude of the force used to generate the respective analog pulse. The synthesizer also includes storage and playback circuitry for digitally storing a series of pulses, each pulse representing a percussive beat; for playing back the stored pulses; and for storing additional pulses in an interleaving manner.
Abstract: In the herein illustrated embodiment the harp or tone generator assembly of the piano is supported pivotally at one end so as to pivot in a substantially horizontal plane on its support, and a mechanism manipulated by the player shifts the movable end of the harp thereby to shift the position of the tone generators in the harp relatively to the percussion hammers, so that while the keys of the piano are depressed for playing, the player can selectively change the tone at will; an amplifying circuit compensates for the loss of volume due to the shifting and to the resultant change of the striking line.
Abstract: A portable electric keyboard musical instrument is disclosed which includes (1) a two-part folding supporting structure, (2) a plurality of vibratile reeds with each having an end fixedly attached to the supporting structure, and (3) a plurality of actions for selectively causing respective reeds to vibrate. Each action is supported on the supporting structure and associated with one of the reeds. Each action also includes a hammer assembly for selectively striking one of the reeds and an escapement assembly for initiating the striking action of the hammer associated therewith and to control its motion thereafter until reactivated. A plurality of keys are provided each associated with one of the actions for actuating its hammer assembly so as to strike its respective reed. A pickup device is used in spaced relation to the reeds for generating an electrical frequency from the vibrations of the reeds.
Abstract: An electric mouth organ holder containing a microphone therewithin and comprising an outer shell upon which are supported radially outwardly projecting harmonicas and a central core section rotatable with respect to said outer shell. The harmonicas are rotatably juxtaposed adjacent to said central core section as desired with individual harmonicas of different keys or types being thereby operatively associated with said microphone.
Abstract: A holder for a harmonica comprising a pole mounted on a floor stand, a harmonica seat removably secured to the top of the pole and a pressure bar to releasably clamp a harmonica against the seat. A wind shield extends behind and above the seat to prevent respiratory sounds from reaching a microphone positioned immediately behind and below the wind shield, but an opening in the wind shield aligned with the harmonica enables the pickup of harmonica tones. A flexible screen extends between the pressure bar and the upper portion of the wind shield to block nasal respiratory sounds.
Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with the production of pitch variations, tone alterations and other related effects on keyboard musical instruments and the like effected through mechanisms activated by individual longitudinal finger movement along the longitudinal axis of the keys.