Abstract: A wireless hi-hat cymbal controller is activated by a user's biting action. The controller includes a pressure sensor located in a mouthpiece and operably coupled to a wireless transceiver. An actuator operates in response to a wireless signal received from the controller when the pressure sensor detects that a user is biting down on the mouthpiece.

Abstract: An automatic playing apparatus is provided for an acoustic piano for reproducing a music without fingering of a player on a keyboard, and has a pedal actuator unit directly supported by a floor so that a reaction of the pedal is never exerted to the piano case, thereby preventing the key bed from deformation due to the reaction.

Abstract: A solenoid mounting system for attaching keyboard striking solenoid assemblies to a keyboard musical instrument is disclosed. Provided is a mounting rail having a top border, a bottom border, a front mounting rail surface, a back mounting rail surface, and two opposing end borders. Adjustably clamped to the top and bottom borders of the mounting rail are solenoid assemblies. The rail and associated solenoid assemblies are adjustably secured to the instrument proximate the keyboard.

Abstract: An automatic player piano comprises (a) a keyboard provided with a plurality of keys each having a front end portion, an intermediate portion and a rear end portion, the front end portion being pressed by a player for requesting a sound, (b) a key supporting unit provided on a key bed and having a front rail capable of engagement with the front end portion, a back rail capable of engagement with the rear end portion and a balance rail provided between the front rail and the back rail and rockably supporting the intermediate portion, (c) a sound producing mechanism associated with each of the keys and operative to produce the sound, (d) a plurality of key action mechanisms each engagable with the rear end portion of each key and operative to transfer a motion of the key to the sound producing mechanism, and (e) a plurality of key actuator units each provided between the front and balance rails of the key supporting unit and operative to pull down each of the keys for requesting a sound upon activation thereof.

Abstract: A stringed bass machine is disclosed in which vertical bass guitar strings are struck by hammers and are not plucked or strummed. An electrically operated upright piano action receives power from an external control box having an on-off switch. A musician can operate the bass machine by means of a remote keyboard and/or pedalboard. A unique sound is derived from an acoustically insulated soundboard, which encloses the guitar strings and piano action.

Abstract: In a solenoid actuator for use in an automatic performance keyboard instrument of the type comprising a key bed and a plurality of keys mounted on the key bed through seesaw mechanisms, electromagnetic actuators respectively corresponding to the keys and having a common yoke are disposed between the key bed and the keys. Each of the electromagnetic actuators independently actuates the corresponding key. The yoke and the electromagnetic actuators are assembled into a compact unit, thereby being readily incorporated between the key bed and the keys.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for reducing the power required to activate the soft and playing mechanism of an electronic player piano and similar instruments. In accordance with the invention, full voltage on the solenoid is maintained for a short period of time which is more than sufficient to allow full travel of the solenoid and then the power is reduced by reducing the applied voltage. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a timer is started when the solenoid is commanded on and then when the timer times out, the command gate signal is turned on and off with a waveform which can be set at a duty cycle sufficient to maintain the solenoid in the held-in position.

Abstract: This is disclosed a mounting assembly for mounting a large number of solenoids in a keyboard actuated musical instrument. An extruded mounting plate or rack has locking slots formed in a surface thereof and cooperating grooves formed in a protrusion or rib. Each solenoid has a frame assembly with oppositely extending flanges, one flange being received in a groove in the projection or rib and the other flange having an off-set screw engaged with a threaded element or fastener in the slots of the rack or bar.