Abstract: A cask agitator for accelerating the maturation of a cask product. The cask agitator comprises a vibration generator with a fixedly attached magnet for removable attachment to a cask. One or more vibration extenders can be operably connected to a cask agitator to distribute vibration across a greater area of the cask.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device and process designed to accelerate the maturation of stringed musical instruments, composed of but not limited to a broad spectrum audio generator coupled with one or more fasteners via one or more armatures dimensioned to allow easy installation, secure attachment, and easy uninstallation from the stringed musical instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stringed instrument resonance analysis device which uses a scientific detection method to evaluate the resonance effect of stringed instrument, wherein the stringed instrument resonance analysis device has a cabinet, a holder, a resonant sounder, a sonic generator, at least one sonic collector and a spectrum analyzer. The cabinet forms an accommodating space therein. The holder a holder is disposed in the accommodating space and used to fix and hold the stringed instrument. The resonant sounder is disposed in the accommodating space and fixed and clamped to a bridge on a loudspeaker box of the stringed instrument. The sonic generator is connected to the resonant sounder. The sonic collector is disposed in the accommodating space and adjacent to the loudspeaker box of the stringed instrument. The spectrum analyzer is connected to the at least one sonic collector.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a pickup for a string instrument. The pickup includes: a plurality of pole pieces arranged along a non-linear path and a wire coil formed around said plurality of pole pieces and having a profile corresponding to said non-linear path. Another aspect of the invention provides a string instrument including: the pickup as described herein and a plurality of strings. Each string of said plurality of strings passes over a respective pole piece of said plurality of pole pieces.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a coated low-friction medical device, such as low-friction medical tubing, including applying a coating to one or more selected portions of a surface of low-friction medical tubing to indicate at least one marking formed along the surface of the low-friction medical tubing, and simultaneously or substantially simultaneously: (a) curing the applied coating to a designated temperature (which is above the temperature at which the low-friction medical tubing begins to decompose and shrink) to adhere the applied coating to the surface of the low-friction medical tubing, (b) utilizing one or more anti-shrinking devices to counteract or otherwise inhibit the shrinking of the low-friction medical tubing, and (c) exhausting any harmful byproducts resulting from curing the low-friction medical tubing to a temperate above the temperature at which the low-friction medical tubing begins to decompose.

Abstract: The present invention includes a retractable stringed musical instrument; specifically a stringed musical instrument having a tailpiece, a body coupled to the tailpiece, a neck coupled to the body and a fingerboard coupled to the neck. The fingerboard and the neck extends and retracts relative to the body. The retractable stringed instrument further comprises a mechanism to maintain tension on the strings of the instrument regardless if the neck is in the extended or retracted position.

Abstract: A device for depressing the strings of a musical instrument, including a foot-operated pedal portion having a plurality of pedals operatively coupled to a control device, the pedals arranged chromatically and corresponding to major chords; a second foot-operated portion including toggles for modifying the major chords; and a hands-free string-engaging portion operatively coupled to the pedal portion. The string-engaging portion includes a plurality of actuators configured to overlie and depress the strings of the stringed musical instrument. The pedal portion also may include a control device operably coupled to and configured to receive input signals from the pedals and toggles, and the control device may be operably coupled to and configured to send output signals to the actuators, such that depressing one of the pedals causes the actuators corresponding to a predetermined chord to be depressed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an ornamental purfling strip which has sufficient flexibility to be placed within a curved configuration. The ornamental purfling strips are sufficiently flexible to be placed, as a single unit, in curved channels which require the strip to bend. The flexibility results from a laminated structure comprising a layer of binding material overlain by an ornamental layer, with an adhesive or bonding agent attaching the layers together. The ornamental layer comprises a plurality of precisely placed breaks along its length. The binding material retains the individual fragments of the ornamental layer in the strip, but because the binding material comprises a flexible material, the layer of binding material is sufficiently flexible to allow the purfling strip to flex longitudinally and transversely. The ornamental layer may comprise organic shell material or synthetic materials such as synthetic opal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stringed instrument capable of corresponding to a preference of a player of the stringed instrument, a purpose of performance, and so on as much as possible. A resonance box portion fabricated by an additive fabrication method and a neck portion protruding from the resonance box portion are included, and material constants at a desired area of the resonance box portion is made different from material constants at an adjacent area adjacent to the desired area step by step or continuously. Vibrational characteristics of the instrument are changed by the partial difference of the material constants, and thereby, the stringed instrument capable of corresponding to the preference of the player, the purpose of the performance, and so on is provided.

Abstract: An improved chorded zither is disclosed herein which may be characterized in that it comprises a novel adjustably positionable chord bar assembly (which assembly enables the playing of every key in the normal chromatic scale of 12 keys). In a preferred embodiment, the inventive chord bar assembly comprises a slidable chord bar rack operably connected to a plurality of chord bars, with the chord bar rack being interposed between the top surface of a body and a plurality of strings (associated with a stringed musical instrument). The plurality of chord bars is positioned above chord bar rack and perpendicular relative to the plurality of tensioned strings. The chord bar assembly is configured to be adjustably positionable between at least a set up key position, a sharpened key position, and a flatted key position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a musical instrument having a plurality of strings, wherein a global fundamental tone produces a sympathetic resonance in one or more of the plurality of strings. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a stringed musical instrument comprises a plurality of strings, and a vibration inducing device configured to create a global fundamental tone upon demand by a user, wherein at least a first string of the plurality of strings controllably produces a sympathetic resonance in response to the global fundamental tone.

Abstract: A shell purfling strip has sufficient flexibility to be placed within a curved configuration. The purfling strips are sufficiently flexible to be placed, as a single unit, in curved channels which require the strip to bend. The flexibility results from a laminated structure comprising a layer of binding material overlain by an organic shell layer, with a bonding agent attaching the layers together. The organic shell layer comprises a plurality of precisely placed breaks along its length. The binding material retains the individual fragments of the shell layer in the strip, but because the binding material comprises a flexible material, such as rubber, the layer of binding material is sufficiently flexible to allow the purfling strip to flex longitudinally and transversely. The shell purfling strips may be attached in parallel relationship to other perfling components such that the perfling components can be installed as a unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for seasoning stringed musical instruments comprises an electric vibration generator coupled to a string cradle. The string cradle is detachably attachable to the strings of the instrument through a plurality of flanges extending between the strings.

Abstract: An upright piano includes action units between keys and hammers, and the action units are less prompt so that a missing tone tends to take place in a music passage through high-speed repetition; the action unit is constructed from a whippen assembly, a jack mechanism provided on the whippen assembly and a regulating button mechanism for an escape in cooperation with the jack mechanism, and a compression coil spring is provided between a center rail and the whippen assembly for urging the whippen assembly in a direction toward the original position, thereby accelerating the restoration of jack to the contact with the hammer.

Abstract: A holder is provided for maintaining a device such as a musical instrument in a steady position on the floor upon which the device has been placed. The holder is attached to the floor but can be easily removed. The holder is provided with a recess adapted to receive the device. The recess is located on the top of the holder. The holder separates the device from the floor and comprises a substrate which has a pressure sensitive adhesive affixed to its bottom surface.

Abstract: A musical instrument includes a neck, a body, a playing surface covering the body, a plurality of strings, and a connective element. The connective element varies the distance of the plurality of strings from the playing surface of the instrument. The connective element includes a set screw and a receiving unit having an inclined surface. The set screw contacts the inclined surface on the receiving unit and adjustably fastens the receiving unit to the body and the neck. along a radiused neck surface and a radiused body surface. The connective element may be attached to a removable interface between the neck and the body. The musical instrument may be completely disassembled for transport.

Abstract: A string-bridge interface system includes a plurality of string-bridge interface units to provide coupling between strings of a musical instrument and one or more sound bridges of the musical instrument, which are further coupled to the sound board of the musical instrument. Such coupling provided by the string-bridge interface units allows for reduced loading of the sound board and more direct routing of the strings.

Abstract: A stringed instrument wireless communication device includes a wireless communication device housing including a front; graphical elements on the front corresponding to data to be input into the wireless communication device; and a stringed instrument keypad including a plurality of frets extending along the front of the wireless communication device housing and a plurality of strings extending substantially perpendicular to and above the plurality of frets. The graphical elements are respectively disposed on the front between frets and adjacent to the strings, and the stringed instrument keypad is configured to input data corresponding to a pressed string and a graphical element adjacent to the pressed string.

Abstract: A coated string for a stringed device which includes a coating applied to the surface of the string. The coating includes a base layer bonded to the surface of the string and an at least partially transparent low-friction top coat applied to the base layer. The base layer includes heat activated pigments that change color when heated above a color shifting temperature. In one embodiment, the color of the pigment in one area contrasts with the color of the pigment in an adjacent area without otherwise affecting the low-friction surface of the coating. The areas of different color created in locations along the length of the low-friction coated string.

Abstract: A collapsible stringed instrument having a body with a soundboard, a back face, a neck, and a spacer. The perimeter of the soundboard is connected to the perimeter of the back face by the spacer. The volume between the spacer, the soundboard, and the back face define a sound chamber. The neck is pivotally and laterally coupled to the body which has a door in the back face. The neck is able to pivot and slide through the door and into the sound chamber.

Abstract: A string bender apparatus includes a mounting plate with an anchor for anchoring guitar strings to a guitar body, a first section with fastener-receiving holes arranged to receive fasteners extended into pre-existing mounting holes in the body, and an extension that extends from the first section. A lever is pivoted to the extension for movement in a plane that extends generally parallel the front surface of the guitar body. The lever includes a first end defining a handle that is positioned generally adjacent one side of the strings and includes an opposite end attached to one of the strings for temporarily changing a tension of the one string and thus changing a pitch of the one string when the handle is moved in the plane. The string bender can be retrofit onto existing guitars. The string bender can be made removable and replaced with, or combined with a vibrato.

Abstract: A device and method for automatic tuning of a string Instrument, in particular, a guitar, comprising a recording device, for recording a tone generated by striking a string and for the output of a digital signal corresponding to the recorded tone, a memory device for storage of given digital signals which correspond to a desired tone, a comparator device for comparison of the digital signal output by the recording device with a digital signal corresponding to the desired tone stored in the memory device, an adjuster device for altering the tension of the strings, at least one actuator, for operating the adjuster device, a controller connected to the comparator device, which controls the at least one actuator using a bus line, by means of a difference determined in the comparator device between the signals representing the generated tone and the desired tone.

Abstract: The present invention is a stringed instrument that comprises a circulating element that transmits a stream of liquid through a conduit at a flow rate of 0.92 meters per second to 1.58 meters per second. A string that is displaceable along the stream of liquid produces vibrations caused by the interaction between the stream of liquid and the string. A device positioned proximate the string registers vibrations emanating from the string. Interaction between said stream of liquid and said at least one string generate vibrations with frequencies ranging from 220 Hz to 1318 Hz.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for coupling strings to the body of a musical instrument and adjusting such strings. In one embodiment, a base is provided and one or more adjustment assemblies are disposed on a surface of the base including a first structure disposed on the surface of the base and a second structure which is slidably interlocked with the first structure. A first adjustment screw may be disposed between a portion of the base and the first structure such that rotation thereof effects displacement of the first structure and the second structure along a first axis relative to the base. A second adjustment screw may be disposed between the first and second structures such that rotation thereof effects displacement of the second structure along a second axis relative to the first structure. A clamping mechanism is provided to affirmatively lock the one or more adjustment assemblies relative to the base.

Abstract: A single stringed instrument comprising a tapered cylindrical wood body having a pair of thin flexible aluminum arms extending therefrom the joined together at a head which carries a tensioner bar. A single string extends between the tensioner bar and the bottom or base of the body. The instrument is played by plucking the string and squeezing the arms together to vary the pitch of the tone produced by the string.

Abstract: A moving jaw (20) is spring-urged (45, 55) against a fixed jaw (10, 110), to capture picks (70) and other like stringed musical instrument accessories therebetween. The fixed jaw (10, 110) is configured for either adhesive mounting (60) onto and extending exterior to a stringed instrument surface, or embedding interior to and coupled (118, 131) with the surface (80) of the stringed instrument. Picks (70) or other accessories are oriented perpendicular to the instrument surface (80), and one or a plurality of picks (70) may be inserted into and removed from between the jaws (10, 20, 110).

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for safely and securely holding and manipulating a musical instrument for construction or repair, the apparatus for which consists of a base, a pedestal upstanding from the base having an associated vertically adjustable post, an instrument support assembly including an instrument support plate mountable thereon; a holder mounted atop the pedestal for holding the instrument support assembly; clamps for attaching an instrument to the instrument support assembly; a pivot for supporting the instrument support assembly about a vertical axis; a pivot for rotating the instrument support assembly about an axis normal to the face of the support plate; and a gear for rotating the instrument support assembly about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A string mounting system for a stringed musical instrument (10), comprising a helical tension spring (22a-f) connected in series with each string (14a-f), each string (14a-f) being collinear with its corresponding helical tension spring (22a-f), wherein each string (22a-f) is provided with an inertial damper (16) which is received within the body of the respective helical tension spring (22a-f).

Abstract: A D-Tuner for mounting on the peghead of a banjo. The D-Tuner has keyed cam pegs, adjustable stops for limiting the extent of rotation of the cam pegs, and linear flexible members attached to the cam pegs. The flexible members are suitable for attachment to the second B string and third G string of a banjo for tuning the banjo when the keyed cam pegs are turned.

Abstract: A headblock and fingerboard support assembly for a stringed instrument includes a fingerboard support assembly for mounting to a neck and fingerboard of the stringed instrument. The fingerboard support assembly further includes a plate having an integrated rail structure. A headblock has an integrated channel for receiving the integrated rail structure. The headblock is adapted to secure to the fingerboard support assembly. A method of assembling a stringed instrument includes mounting a plate structure to a neck and fingerboard of the stringed instrument, where the plate includes an integrated rail, and mounting a headblock to an interior surface of a body of the stringed instrument, where the headblock has an integrated channel structure for receiving the integrated rail of the plate structure.

Abstract: A device and method for balancing the torque created by strings on musical instruments includes a bracket attached to the bottom of the bridge, an adjustable brace attached to the neck and residing within the body of the instrument and a tension string connecting the bracket and brace such than it offsets torques created by the strings that create the music. The device counteracts the tension created by guitar strings and provides enhanced vibration of the instrument soundboard.

Abstract: A support for a body of a stringed instrument includes a brace structure having a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body. The brace structure has a substantially flat first surface. A portion of the plurality of legs conforms to a soundhole opening which is integrated into the body of the stringed instrument. A brace for a body of a guitar includes a unitary structure adapted to mount to a soundboard of the guitar. The unitary structure has a plurality of arms radially disposed about a central body. A method of assembling a guitar includes mounting a brace structure to a soundboard of the guitar. Again, the brace structure has a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body.

Abstract: A compact stringed musical instrument with sound chamber, neck, and strings, having a folded configuration, the neck being extended back over the sound chamber body much after the fashion of a swan's neck reaching back over its torso.

Abstract: This invention provides apparatus and methods for seasoning stringed musical instruments. For stringed instruments having a bridge, the apparatus comprises an electric vibration generator attached to a bridge cradle, the bridge cradle being sized and configured for detachable attachment to a bridge of the instrument, the bridge cradle comprising a main body portion sized and configured to be placed upon the bridge in sufficient contact therewith to permit the transfer of vibration generated by the vibration generator into the bridge of the instrument.

Abstract: A device, system and method for a musical instrument are disclosed herein. The exemplary musical instrument may have a first resonance chamber having a first bridge coupled to a surface of the first resonance chamber and a second resonance chamber having a second bridge coupled to a surface of the second resonance chamber. At least one string may couple the first bridge to the second bridge.

Abstract: A multimedia console incorporating an alphanumeric keyboard, and a musical key-bed is described for generating multimedia work product conveniently when coupled with a digital personal computer or optionally as a stand alone music equipment. The musical key-bed is detachably coupled with a protective cover for providing ergonomic support when, said musical key-bed is not being used.

Abstract: The basic premise of this invention is to describe and reduce to practice a phenomena by which a string—which is generally known as a singular straight line having a certain tension, diameter and length that produces a vibration—can, when put in a network consisting of a plurality of strings connected together at one or more junction points and radiating therefrom, create a new entity known as a <<network of strings>> which has new vibrating properties. As the vibration, in the form of a wave, travels through a first segment of the network, it splits at the first junction point met where it will travel onto at least one other string but preferably two or more strings.

Abstract: A speaker edge is made of a thermosetting composition consisting of a polyurethane prepolymer and an inactivated solid polyamine as a latent hardener. A gas is dispersed in the thermosetting composition, prior to feed into a mold, so that it can foam and solidify to give the speaker edge. In a method of making the speaker edge, the composition will be injected into a female mold segment heated below the critical thermosetting temperature, foaming the composition. Then placed in the female segment is a male segment heated above the critical temperature, causing the ingredients to react with each other to solidify in the mold.

Abstract: A stringed instrument has a body, a longitudinal neck attached to the body and extending therefrom, and strings extending between the body and a free head end of the neck, the strings attached so that they generate a tensile force tending to deform the neck. To prevent deformation of the neck, it receives a rigid reinforcing body provided with a groove that extends from a first end of the body and terminates at a distance from the opposite second end, so that the rigid body has a grooveless end region and a grooved end region. The grooved end faces the body of the stringed instrument. The grooveless end region and an upper part of the grooved end region are fixed to the top side of the instrument neck along their entire lengths, whereas a lower part of the grooved end region is detachably secured to the neck and generates a force counteracting the tensile force to minimize the deformation of the neck.

Abstract: The invention is a tone producing device consisting of a tone source inside of an elongated cavity attached to at least one point of the object surrounding the cavity (such as the walls of a tube). The tone source can be any tone producing device including: (1) a length or lengths of musical string held under tension within the cavity, (2) one or more tines suspended within the cavity, or (3) an electronic tone producing device. When vibrating, the tone source transmits sound waves in four different ways: (1) sound transmitted from tone source to cavity wall; (2) sound transmitted from tone source to external soundboard; (3) sound transmitted by combination of tone source and cavity wall to external soundboard; and (4) electronic amplification to a speaker.

Abstract: A door harp having a body portion with a front face and a back and at least two spaced apart pegs mounted on the front face having a tensioned string extending between them and a pendulum like chiming device extending from a bracket mounted on the front face above the string in a position to strike the string when the door harp is moved. The door harp also includes a cavity formed in the back forming a resonance chamber and a sounding board. A groove extends from the bottom of the cavity towards the front face of the body portion and surrounds the sounding board.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel stringed musical instrument that can be played by two musicians simultaneously. The instrument comprises two instrument bodies with necks mutually joined about a common central cavity such that the instrument may be flexed about a common vertex located at the center of the central cavity. In the preferred embodiment, the instrument bodies are joined about a spherical resonant cavity and are joined at the center thereof by a joint mechanism allowing angular and rotational freedom of motion for the two instrument bodies with respect to each other. The invention is particularly suited to the guitar, and allows for a plurality of sounds produced from the two guitar bodies to be simultaneously focused and combined within the central resonant cavity. Therefore two musicians can engage in the playing of duets upon a single musical instrument.

Abstract: A harp is provided for mounting on a swinging door. The harp includes a centrally disposed opening and a plurality of musical strings stretched over the opening. A plurality of mallets is provided for striking the strings when the door undergoes swinging motion, thereby emitting musical tones. Each mallet includes a stiff rod having a mallet head at one end, bearings mounted in tandem on a stiff on a shaft are provided into which the rods insert for oscillatory movement of the mallet heads about the shaft. In contrast to door harp of the prior art, the harp can be mounted on a door with its strings tilted away from horizontal.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument having a sound box including a resonator having a solid top wall and a resonator chamber opening through the bottom surface of the sound box, and a bridge bar in contact with both the top wall of the resonator and the strings of the instrument.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument has a plurality of strings stretched between two fixed points and over a bridge. The strings are of substantially circular cross section and made from an elastomeric material such as silicone rubber; all strings are monolithic. The bridge incorporates one or more piezo-electric or other transducers each mounted as a bimorphic element in a simple beam mounting between fixed supports on the bridge and in acoustic contact with the body of the instrument through a resilient baffle pad in contact with the face of the piezo-electric element remote from the supports. That is, mounted in a manner in which the transducer can be considered to be a beam extending between load bearing or supporting members at its two ends, the fixed supports, while it is loaded transversely between its two ends by the baffle pad.

Abstract: A variable pitch harp is provided which allows the player to change the pitch of all of the plucked, struck or bowed strings at the same time as he is playing. In the first embodiment, the bridge of the harp is moved up or down as the player moves the harp towards or away from his body and the sound is amplified electronically via an acoustical pickup. In the second embodiment, a sounding drum is provided whose resonance provides acoustical amplification so that the instrument may be played without electronic amplification. In the third embodiment an electronic version is provided in which the bridge is fixed-mounted but the instrument itself may be flexed to change tone. For all embodiments a quick tuning attachment is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a string device in which the neck is selectively positionable between the body and the head of the device in order to allow a musician to select the appropriate neck for the instrument in accordance with his desires and musical needs. The neck includes a finger board which can be formed from a material different from the neck, and metal bars such as frets can be positioned on the finger board. The necks cannot only be easily replaced, but the neck or handle is adjustable under the chords or strings even while it is attached to the body and the head of the instrument.

Abstract: A support for a body of a stringed instrument includes a brace structure having a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body. The brace structure has a substantially flat first surface. A portion of the plurality of legs conforms to a soundhole opening which is integrated into the body of the stringed instrument. A brace for a body of a guitar includes a unitary structure adapted to mount to a soundboard of the guitar. The unitary structure has a plurality of arms radially disposed about a central body. A method of assembling a guitar includes mounting a brace structure to a soundboard of the guitar. Again, the brace structure has a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body.

Abstract: A support for a body of a stringed instrument includes a brace structure having a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body. The brace structure has a substantially flat first surface. A portion of the plurality of legs conforms to a soundhole opening which is integrated into the body of the stringed instrument. A brace for a body of a guitar includes a unitary structure adapted to mount to a soundboard of the guitar. The unitary structure has a plurality of arms radially disposed about a central body. A method of assembling a guitar includes mounting a brace structure to a soundboard of the guitar. Again, the brace structure has a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body.

Abstract: A headblock and fingerboard support assembly for a stringed instrument includes a fingerboard support assembly for mounting to a neck and fingerboard of the stringed instrument. The fingerboard support assembly further includes a plate having an integrated rail structure. A headblock has an integrated channel for receiving the integrated rail structure. The headblock is adapted to secure to the fingerboard support assembly. A method of assembling a stringed instrument includes mounting a plate structure to a neck and fingerboard of the stringed instrument, where the plate includes an integrated rail, and mounting a headblock to an interior surface of a body of the stringed instrument, where the headblock has an integrated channel structure for receiving the integrated rail of the plate structure.