Abstract: The invention is a micro-tuning device for pianos and other keyboard-operated stringed musical instruments. A mass is secured to a single string or choir of strings in the musical instrument by an attachment device between the bridge and the agraffe, nut or V-bar, thereby reducing the speaking length and increasing the pitch of the string.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument string 1 of the present invention has a configuration in which a wire rod W including a synthetic resin as a constituent material is wound in a coil shape at a normal time, and is stretched over a target stringed musical instrument in a state of being unwound from the coil shape when used. With such a configuration, the stringed musical instrument string 1 can reproduce an excellent timbre close to the timbre of a natural gut string at low cost by the wire rod W including a synthetic resin as a constituent material and has various characteristics (for example, no negative aspect even when the tension is weak, high volume, stable string even immediately after stretched, and accurate pitch) as the stringed musical instrument string 1.

Abstract: A viscoelastic polymer matrix is used for configuration and adjustment of acoustical properties of a musical string for bowed and plucked instruments; the polymer matrix is not covering the surface of the string but is provided between the core and the at least one sheath or between wound sheaths around the core: The polymer matrix comprises a polymeric binding agent and insoluble, sub-micrometer size, nano-scale solid state particles embedded in the binding agent.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving the decibel level decay characteristics of excited strings for stringed musical instruments.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a string for a musical instrument comprising duplex stainless steel. The string has high mechanical strength and a high resistance to relaxation. Also, the corrosion resistance is high. Therefore, the string according to the present disclosure has a long service life.

Abstract: A string for musical instrument is disclosed, the string formed from precipitation hardening stainless steel, where Ti has been added to improve the precipitation hardening properties. The string has a superior resistance to relaxation and is corrosion resistant, thus improving its tuning stability and maintaining its tone quality, thus prolonging its service life.

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 stringed musical instrument includes a string which, when vibrated, produces sound. Both ends of the vibrating portion of the string touch glass.

Abstract: A piano (1) having a dense sound-enhancing component (2), said piano (1) having a case (6), a frame (3) located within the case (6), strings (5) located within the frame (3), keys (9) in connection with hammers (11), two bridges (13) each of stone having a top face (27), a bottom face (28), a first side (29) and a second side (30), bridge pins (16) extending from the top face (27) at an angle, the strings (5) extending across the bridges (13) adjacent to the bridge pins (16), a soundboard (4) and an amount of epoxy (18) located between the bridges (13) and soundboard (4). The dense sound-enhancing component (2) is a stone material, preferably granite, and enhances the sound of the piano (1) by holding and sustaining pitch longer, providing a longer and stronger signal, providing a higher volume or decibel level and having a decreased decibel fall-off as compared to conventional pianos utilizing wood bridge(s).

Abstract: A steel wire (e.g., a piano wire) for use in a stringed musical instrument is designed to have a specific chemical composition in which phosphorus content ranges from 0.015 weight percent to 0.050 weight percent, wherein the total decarburized layer depth of a decarburized layer formed on the surface, which is subjected to decarburized depth measurement using a microscope method as defined in the Japanese Industrial Standard JIS G 0588, is reduced to 2 ?m or less. Other chemical substances included in the chemical composition of the steel wire are preferably defined in the standard JIS G 3502 regarding chemical compositions of piano wires. In manufacturing, a rolled steel material is subjected to wire drawing and patenting under prescribed conditions, wherein the sound quality realized by the steel wire installed in a stringed musical instrument can be noticeably improved by adopting both chemical composition control and total decarburized layer depth control.

Abstract: A method of protecting musical instrument strings comprising the steps of applying a fluorochemical acrylate polymer coating carried in a hydrofluoroether solvent to the strings of a musical instrument, so as to leave a low surface energy film covering the strings at a thickness of less than one micron which is resistant to oils and dirt, and provides virtually no interference with the sound generating properties of the string. The polymer coating is non-toxic, non-ozone depleting, non-flammable and contains not volatile organic compounds. The polymer is insoluble in solvents including heptane, toluene and water, however it is soluble in fluorinated solvents.

Abstract: A packaging system for musical instrument strings comprising: a cylindrical disk-shaped casing comprising a top casing member and a mate-able bottom casing member; and at least one insertable string module, said module comprising a flat disk for supporting a wound string and a rim surrounding the outer periphery of the disk to support and hold the string on to the disk.

Abstract: A string for musical instrument has a sound-generating portion and at least one mounting portion connected to and extending the length of the sound-generating portion, wherein the mounting portion serves to connect the string to the musical instrument. The sound-generating portion and the mounting portion are of different materials.

Abstract: An improved vibratory string is provided for use in musical instruments such as pianos, guitars, violins and the like. The string is formed from one or more wires of a selected alloy material, such as Ni—Ti alloy, having desired superelastic properties at ambient room temperature. Such a vibratory string tensioned or strained to its superelastic state has improved harmonic and tonal stability characteristics.

Abstract: The improved musical string includes a prior art core wire assembly including a core wire and a terminal end. The cover wire has an end portion that is bent around the terminal end portion of the core wire, and the cover wire is then wound the core wire to form the musical string. The improved cover wire winding machine includes a headstock with a rotatable spindle and a core wire terminal end mounting hook. A cover wire mounting sleeve is slidably and rotatably engaged to the spindle and functions to mechanically engage an end of the cover wire and to bend it into engagement with the core wire terminal end following engagement, the cover wire is wound around the core wire to produce the improved musical string.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument string is provided. The string includes a polymer cover that protects the string, from contamination while maintaining the original “lively” sound of the musical string. By supplying the cover over a conventional string and preferable over a conventional wound string, the string is protected against contamination while also making the string easier to play. The preferred cover comprises at least one layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) that is most preferably sealed with a polymer coating.

Abstract: An improved vibratory string is provided for use in musical instruments such as pianos, guitars, violins and the like. The string is formed from one or more wires of a selected alloy material, such as Ni--Ti alloy, having desired superelastic properties at ambient room temperature. Such a vibratory string tensioned or strained to its superelastic state has improved harmonic and tonal stability characteristics.

Abstract: Wound strings for a musical instrument include inharmonicity compensation. A portion of the wound string, preferably at one or both ends thereof, includes a concentric winding. The concentric winding has a length l.sub.comp given by: ##EQU1## where D.sub.s is the outer diameter of portions of the wound string remote from the compensating winding, D.sub.comp is the diameter of the wound string at the compensating winding, d is the diameter of the core wire and l.sub.bare is the length of the bare end of the string.

Abstract: A set of strings for use with a stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The set of strings may include one string or a plurality of strings wherein each string has a predetermined length selected to correspond with a convergence length at which harmonic and pitch tuning are simultaneously obtained.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument string is provided. The string includes a polymer cover that protects the string, from contamination while maintaining the original "lively" sound of the musical string. By supplying the cover over a conventional string and preferable over a conventional wound string, the string is protected against contamination while also making the string easier to play. The preferred cover comprises at least one layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) that is most preferably sealed with a polymer coating. In particularly preferred embodiments, a cover is applied over a portion of the length of the string having a relatively reduced variable mass. The result is that the string has relatively uniform mass along its entire length thereby assuring correct intonation.

Abstract: The plastic material called PBT (Polybutylene terephthalate) in polymeric chains in the form of continuous monofilaments or multifilaments is used for making the strings of plucked and bowed musical instruments.

Abstract: A wound musical string includes a core wire and a wrapped wire covering about the core wire. End turns of the wrapped wire covering are coextensive portions of transition sections of the core wire. The transition sections have equilateral triangular, square or other cross sections such that the cross section exhibits equal principal moments of inertia. Consequently the inharmonicity of the string about two axes will be the same and the string will not produce false beats.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument string is provided. The string includes a polymer cover that protects the string, from contamination while maintaining the original "lively" sound of the musical string. By supplying the cover over a conventional string and preferable over a conventional wound string, the string is protected against contamination while also making the string easier to play. The preferred cover comprises at least one layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) that is most preferably sealed with a polymer coating.

Abstract: Wound strings for a musical instrument include inharmonicity compensation. A portion of the wound string, preferably at one or both ends thereof, includes a concentric winding. The concentric winding has a length l.sub.comp given by: ##EQU1## where D.sub.s is the outer diameter of portions of the wound string remote from the compensating winding, D.sub.comp is the diameter of the wound string at the compensating winding, d is the diameter of the core wire and l.sub.bare is the length of the bare end of the string.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument string is provided. The string includes a polymer cover that protects the string, from contamination while maintaining the original "lively" sound of the musical string. By supplying the cover over a conventional string and preferable over a conventional wound string, the string is protected against contamination while also making the string easier to play. The preferred cover comprises at least one layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) that is most preferably sealed with a polymer coating. In particularly preferred embodiments, a cover is applied over a portion of the length of the string having a relatively reduced variable mass. The result is that the string has relatively uniform mass along its entire length thereby assuring correct intonation.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The stringed instrument comprises a body, a fretboard mounted on the body, a nut mounted on the body at one side of the fretboard, a bridge including a plurality of bridge critical contact surfaces mounted on the body at an opposing side of the fretboard and being arranged at a selectively adjustable distance with respect to the nut. The stringed instrument also comprises a plurality of strings each of which has a first end and a second end and a predetermined length extending between the first and second ends. The plurality of strings are arranged in contact with corresponding bridge critical contact surfaces and the nut and are arranged to extend across the contact surfaces.

Abstract: A set of strings for use with a stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The set of strings may include one string or a plurality of strings wherein each string has a predetermined length selected to correspond with a convergence length at which harmonic and pitch tuning are simultaneously obtained.

Abstract: There is provided a discant string construction for classic and flamenco guitars having a polyfilament core formed of a group of non-twisted with respect to each other synthetic filaments, a first covering layer of metal wire spirally wound in tight contact coils, and a second covering layer of plastic material covering the first layer.

Abstract: A string for a musical instrument comprises a thermoplastic aromatic polyetherketone and has a value of E/.rho..sup.2 which is not greater than 5.times.10.sup.3, where E is Young's modulus of the string material measured in N/m.sup.2 and .rho. is the density of the string material measured in kg/m.sup.3. Such a musical instrument string may have significantly lower internal damping than previously available strings, may show low inharmonicity, and may be unaffected by ambient humidity changes.

Abstract: A string for use on musical instrument is made of a core wire composed of long filaments, sheathed with a thick mantle of a precious metal such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium, copper, or the like, or of other metal (5) having excellent ductility, or of an alloy of these metals, or of a synthetic resin or ceramic. It becomes possible to change the density per unit length, thus to enable the adjustment of sound quality and the attenuation rate, and the selection of the basic vibration frequency. It also becomes possible to adjust the tensile strength of the string, thus to enable the selection of the tensile strength and the density in accordance with the type of the musical instrument which is strung and the type (number) of the string. It also becomes possible to maintain the sound quality of the wound wire for bass strings for a long term, and to take easily countermeasures against abrasion with a partial hardening treatment.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument string comprising a core wire. A plurality of inner wrap wires are helically wound concentrically about a central portion of the core wire. The central portion of the core wire is of an elongated length. An outer wrap wire is helically wound concentrically about the complete length of the inner wrap wires and most of the side portions of the core wire. Opposite ends of the core wire extend outwardly from the outer wrap wire. The outer wrap wire will retain the inner wrap wires in place on the central portion of the core wire, so that the inner wrap wires cannot loosen and will last longer.

Abstract: Core materials for strings for musical instruments of a twist of two or more multifilaments composed of a vinylidene fluoride resin. The multifilament core has a diameter of 0.1 to 5 mm, an elongation of 10 to 50%, a tensile strength of at least 30 kg/mm.sup.2, a creep elongation of at most 15% and a Young's modulus of at least 200 kg/mm.sup.2. The multifilament is made of monofilaments each having a diameter of 1 to 300 .mu.m, a dispersion diameter of at most 20%/m, a specific gravity of at least 1.6, an inherent viscosity of 0.85 to 1.6 dl/g, an apparent viscosity of 12,000 to 100,000 poise and a birefringence of 30.times.10.sup.-3. Strings for violins, cellos and the like are made by tightly wrapping the core with a metal string.

Abstract: A method of treating a nylon or other non-ferromagnetic musical instrument string so that its movement is detectable by a ferromagnetic pickup includes applying ferromagnetic material to a portion of the string when the string is mounted to an instrument. The preferred method is to paint the string with a fluid material comprising a suspension of nickel particles in a solvent, and permitting the solvent to evaporate to leave a residue of nickel particles on the string.

Abstract: A set of strings for a stringed musical instrument. Each string of the set is attached at one end to a bead to anchor the string in one of the bridge pins. The opposite end of the string is affixed to a pin having a diameter adapted to fit in the bore in a conventional post. The length of the string between the bead and the pin is at least equal to the distance between the bridge pin and the rotatable string post but not greater than the sum of said distance and the circumference of the post. Thus the post is tightened less than one revolution in order to tune the string.

Abstract: A music string consisting essentially of a core composed of aramide fibers and a wound sheath on the core.

Abstract: A guitar spring comprising an elongate first strand of wire (1) looped around an eyelet (2) to form a main length of wire and a shorter end piece (1.sup.1) wherein there is provided a shorter second strand (3) of wire looped around the eyelet (2) to form two limbs, the main length, end piece and two limbs being twisted together to unite the strands and secure the eyelet embraced by the strands.

Abstract: An augmented bass hammer striking distance is provided in both upright and grand pianos. At least those strings in the bass section having an optimum striking distance (d) to speaking length (L) ratio (d/L) of a value greater than 1/7 have their hammers located at a striking distance (d) along their lengths as determined by their optimum d/L value. The hammers of all of the bass section strings can be so located. Alternatively, the hammers of those bass section strings having an optimum value of d/L of 1/7 or less can be conventionally located at the same striking distance (d) determined from a preselected d/L value falling within the range of 1/7 to 1/9, or can be incrementally varied. When the lowest few strings of the bass section appear to have subjectively less apparent fullness of tone, the striking distance of the lowest few strings can be shortened string-by-string toward the low end of the bass section by amounts which will modify their subjective d/L - dependent pitch in 100-cent increments.

Abstract: The microscopic pores, cavities and crevices of the strings and the interstices of a wound string are filled with dry lubricant particles using a moisture displacing agent and rust inhibitor as a carrier for the dry lubricant. This provides lubrication and inhibits corrosion, thus shortening initial break in periods and extending string life.

Abstract: Wrapped strings for musical instruments having a predetermined speaking length, wherein the wrapping wire is wound on the core wire to provide uniformly spaced helical convolutions spaced from each other by a distance at least as great as the diameter of the wrapping wire, the wrapping wire having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the core wire, said wrapped strings being so wrapped only within the speaking lengths of the strings.

Abstract: A piano bass string includes a load carrying wire and at least one wire encircling the load carrying wire with the encircling wire made up of a tubular casing of a drawable material and a core which is heavier than the drawable material.