Abstract: A string instrument has a body and a neck. The body has a top plate joined to a bottom plate forming an interior volume therebetween. The neck is attached to the body and extends outwardly therefrom. A tailpiece is joined to the body. A first soundpost is located within the interior volume of the body and joins the top plate with the bottom plate. A second soundpost is also located within the interior volume and also joins the top plate with the bottom plate.

Abstract: A sound post assembly for a musical instrument, comprising two or more mechanically movable parts that allow for a length adjustment of the sound post assembly and one or more electrical components. In an example embodiment, the electrical components are configured to electrically measure the force exerted by the sound post on the upper and lower walls of the instrument's sound box. In some embodiments, the electrical components may operate to mechanically change the length of the sound post assembly through an electrical actuator, such as a piezo-electric actuator or an electro-magnetic motor. Also disclosed are example safety mechanisms and methods of wiring and interfacing said sound post assembly with a control unit.

Abstract: An adjusting member is pivoted on a sound post to adjust a length of the sound post from the outside of the sound box of a musical instrument. The adjusting member comprises a main body and at least one adjusting arm arranged on the main body. Through the sound post provided with the adjusting member, a user can easily adjust the tightness of the sound post against the upper and lower plates of the sound box through a hole of the sound box, such as F sound hole, connected with the outside to achieve the effect of adjusting timbre of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for positioning an acoustic accessory inside a stringed musical instrument. The stringed musical instrument includes a body having a soundboard, a back, sides, and an internal cavity, the soundboard having a sound hole surrounded by an edge area. The device includes an arm which connects to the edge area, and which also connects to the acoustic accessory. The arm is movable so that the acoustic accessory can be positioned to a desired location inside the internal cavity. The acoustic accessory and its position change the sound produced by the stringed musical instrument.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is provides a simple, easily installed means to produce an improved quality of sound timbre in acoustic instruments at increased volume and increased audible sustain by the removable attachment of a suitable sympathetic resonator.

Abstract: The invention helps build a practical telescopic gauge to measure length and end angles needed for sound post in stringed instrument. It shows improvements of telescopic type gauge where, first adding a spring to control force while extending or reducing length and second adding rounded members at least one end of the gauge overcome difficulties in measuring the length. Further a three part swivel end consisting of ball, swivel cap and resolution plate held together by magnetic force allow satisfactory angle measurement. Because magnetic force is used, the swivel end parts can be removed leaving rounded ball end open for length measurements, then other components are added as required. This type of swivel end is also useful in improving currently available caliper type gauge.

Abstract: Violin Sound Post inserting tool with a handle having a spring type clamp attached at right angle. One half of the clamp has a groove or cradle into which sound post is placed. The second half is a spring plate which secures the Sound Post in the clamp. After the sound post has been introduced and firmly set inside the violin sound box the spring plate of the clamp can be deflected by pressure against the sound post, thus opening the clamp. Also the spring plate has extended lip beyond the cradle, thus with the clamp open the sprig part is made to slide along the sound post without interference from the cradle of the base plate.

Abstract: This invention provides new means for measuring the length of sound post required in a musical instrument such as violin, viola or cello. It also provides means to measure the angle at each end of the sound post, thus to ensure firm contact with belly and back of the sound box. Special Adjustable Tool is set longer than expected Sound Post. It is also made such, that it can be reduced in length to fit between the Belly and Back of the instrument. It will retain this desired length until it is removed and measured. Each end of this post may also include a swivel type member, such that, while under pressure, it can change its angle and assume position parallel to the plate it is touching. Further, a part of this invention is used to enhance performance of currently available gauge or to redesign this gauge with improvements.

Abstract: In an implementation of this invention, a stringed musical instrument has a resonator comprised of a bridge and a soundboard. Vibrations from the strings are transmitted through the bridge to the soundboard. A plurality of sensors are attached to or embedded in the soundboard. The sensors measure primarily the vibrations of the soundboard, rather than primarily the vibrations of the strings. Preferably, three or more sensors are used. Piezoelectric sensors sample vibrations in the soundboard. The resonator includes a printed circuit board that amplifies the signal from each sensor separately. Also, a signal processing device that is “onboard” the musical instrument processes the separate input signals to create one output signal. The resonator may be easily removed, enabling resonators to be interchanged. Also, the physical characteristics of a particular resonator, such as its mass or its boundary condition, may be adjusted, thereby changing the acoustic qualities of the soundboard.

Abstract: Violin Sound Post inserting tool with a handle having a spring type clamp attached at right angle. One half of the clamp has a groove or cradle into which sound post is placed. The second half is a spring plate which secures the Sound Post in the clamp. After the sound post has been introduced and firmly set inside the violin sound box the spring plate of the clamp can be deflected by pressure against the sound post, thus opening the clamp. Also the spring plate has extended lip beyond the cradle, thus with the clamp open the sprig part is made to slide along the sound post without interference from the cradle of the base plate.

Abstract: A tool for setting an instrument sound post preferably includes a bent tube, one or more string or polymer lines, a cradle end that grasps the sound post, and an internal locking mechanism to hold the sound post against the tool. In one embodiment, a single line is used and a closed loop at the cradle end of the sound post setting tool holds the sound post in place. In this embodiment, a double-chamfer threaded tube construction is preferably used to facilitate line threading. In another embodiment, the cradle end includes a loop and a ball to grasp the sound post. In yet another embodiment, the cradle end includes two balls to grasp the sound post. The tool provides an improved way to install a sound post inside a stringed instrument.

Abstract: A device for installing a sound post in a musical instrument comprises a handle and an arm depending from the handle, the handle and arm defining a passageway therein. The device includes a cradle depending from the arm, the cradle having an opening formed at the junction of the cradle and the arm. The device also includes a cable having a nib at an end, the cable traversing the passageway. The device also includes a lever or knob moving the cable to advance or retract the nib through the opening.

Abstract: The present invention, in a preferred embodiment, is a new and improved sound post installer that generally comprises a handle, a prong and a positioning hook. More specifically, the handle is an elongated rodlike member that is sized so that it may be easily inserted into the F hole and turned within the F hole with ease. The handle is angled at one end to produce an offset in an otherwise straight member. The prong is a razor sharp pointed member located at end of the offset. The positioning hook is located at the other end of the handle. The positioning hook may be placed anywhere along the length of the installed sound post to adjust the vertical positioning of the sound post. A flexible sleeve is fixedly attached to the positioning hook to allow the user to rotate the sound post to maximize contact with belly and back of the instrument. As an alternative, a plurality of notches are located on the hook to allow rotation of the sound post.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exterior structure for an electronic keyboard instrument which has excellence in an outward appearance and which can be produced easily without detracting acoustic characteristics. In the present invention, a recess groove 9 extending in a direction in which keyboards 3 are arranged is formed at an upper portion of a back panel 4 of the electronic keyboard instrument 1, a locking edge 8a formed at an upper edge of a speaker cover 8 is fitted into the recess groove 9, and a lower edge of the speaker cover 8 is fixed to a lower portion of the back panel 4 by a screw 11. A lower portion of the back panel 4 is provided with a positioning stopper 4d which abuts against a back surface of a keybed 12 of the electronic keyboard instrument 1, and a fixing piece 4e which abuts against a lower surface of the keybed 12. A thick plate 14 having rigidness is provided around the periphery of the speaker-mounting hole 6.

Abstract: A musical instrument of the violin family which has a piezo-electric pickup installed under the foot of the bridge which is supported by the bass bar. The forces generated in the bridge by the vibrating strings are transmitted through the pickup to the top of the instrument. The pickup is comprised of a sandwich including a small piezo-electric sensor covered by conductive foils on the outside which serve as the ground of the pickup and an electrostatic shield.

Abstract: A string instrument of the invention is capable of producing a stable amount of sounds from a low sound region to a high sound region. A vibration mode is measured when the frequency of a basic vibration of strings becomes equal to that of a basic frequency of a top plate, and two stiffeners of predetermined lengths are attached on the rear surface of a top plate along two nodal lines appearing on the top plate in that vibration mode. The stiflenets do not affect in a low sound region but causes the vibration mode to change in a high sound region, thereby making it possible to produce increased amounts of sounds in every sound region, particularly that on E-line which has been thought to be difficult for a conventional violin to produce.

Abstract: A musical instrument of the stringed kind having a hollow sound box formed of a top plate, bottom plate and side walls. A string supporting bridge is mounted on the top plate and has two feet which are spaced apart transversely of the instrument. A sound post extends between the top and bottom plates and is connected to one foot of the bridge through an opening formed in the top plate. The opening and the connection are related so that there is no impediment to movement of the top plate in the region of the opening. By way of example, the post may extend through the opening to effect the connection with the bridge foot, in which event clearance will be provided between the post and the opening.

Abstract: In a sound post of a musical instrument of a violin family, at least one end thereof is formed into a converged configuration. Most preferably, the sound post has a shape having a linear ridge line, and the sound post is placed in contact with the belly by a straight line in a direction substantially perpendicularly intersecting a direction of a bowstring.

Abstract: An improved sound post (4) for musical instruments with a swivel device (28a, 28b) at either end. They allow the flat ends (29a, 29b) to make full and even contact with the inner surfaces of the top (21) and back (22) of the musical instrument. The invention has also a method of adjusting the length in a simple manner and appears to be a traditional sound post to most observers. A master craftsman is not required to properly fit and install it and traditional tools are used. Because of the enhanced fit the tone and playability of the instrument improve dramatically. The danger of sound post cracks is significantly reduced as the ends (29a, 29b) make full and even contact even if the sound post (4) is jarred well out of position.

Abstract: The invention comprises modification of a classical stringed instrument wherein an elevating block is used to make the string angle between the rearward portion of the strings with respect to the bridge of the instrument to be nearly the same as the angle between strings and bridge on the forward side of the bridge so that the bridge bisects the total included string angle. An associated modification of the position of the sound post from the classical position, which is to the rear of the right bridge foot, to a position just beneath the right bridge foot, is believed to enhance the efficiency of the sympathetic action of the back of the instrument with respect to the action of the belly of the instrument. The combination produces a much wider dynamic volume range and improved sensitivity and brillance with respect to that of an un-modified (classic) configuration.

Abstract: An electrical detector attachment to the sound post of a stringed instrument is connected by an electric conductor to a coupling device adapted to receive at the exterior of the instrument the coupling member of an electronic device such as a sound amplifier.

Abstract: For acoustic stringed instruments of the kind having a back plate and a front plate with a resonating chamber therebetween, and a string bridge on the belly across which strings of the instrument are stretched, a device and method for causing the back plate and the belly to vibrate oppositely and thereby amplifying sound emanating from the resonating chamber.

Abstract: A sound transmission system for a musical instrument of the violin family includes a pair of bifurcated, wish bone shaped structures located internally of the body of the instrument. The first structure extends between the top and bottom sound boards adjacent the neck and has one arm connected to the top board and the other connected to the bottom board; both diverge from each other and are concave shaped. The second structure extends from the top board to the bottom arm of the first structure, adjacent but spaced from the bridge away from the neck. Both of the second structure's arms are free floating and have their free ends connected to opposite ones of the first structure's arms.

Abstract: An acoustical instrument in which the back and belly of the instrument are allowed to vibrate independently. The instrument is constructed with a hollow body having a back, a belly, and sides which connect the back to the belly. One of the feet of the bridge rests on the belly, while the other foot is supported by a bridge stabilizer, one end portion of the bridge stabilizer mounted on the surface of the belly, the other end portion mounted on the upward end of a sound-post. The sound-post is positioned such that it extends downward from the belly and passes through the belly without touching the same. The downward end of the sound-post terminates at and is mounted to the back.

Abstract: The invention pertains to improvements in stringed instruments, and particularly relates to the string supporting apparatus for guitars, such as the bridge system. A plurality of string rests are located within the bridge slot, and the rests are provided with an upper obliquely oriented surface having string receiving notches therein whereby the height of the string above the guitar neck may be adjusted. Further, the upper portion of the string rest may be offset from its base region wherein the location of rest engagement with the string may be adjusted to selectively lengthen or shorten the string. Further, a string rest adapted to be located adjacent the guitar neck nut is disclosed whereby the string height may be varied, and the string length adjusted. A further feature of the invention pertains to the internal bracing of the guitar front and rear panels.

Abstract: A method of making a violin including forming the body, neck, sound post and backplate as a unitary structure from a single piece of material such as wood. The fingerboard, shim and nut is also formed as a single piece. The top plate, bridge, tailpiece and peg structure are separately provided and assembled with the body-neck and fingerboard members in a simple and inexpensive instrument. A kit with components thus formed is disclosed.

Abstract: A counter pressure system for use in a stringed instrument of the type played with a bow for improving the tone of the instrument in both volume and in quality. The system includes the main or melody producing strings and one or more counter pressure strings that are arranged to accept at least part of the pressure from the main strings and transfer it away from the main bridge. The relieved pressure is redistributed by the counter pressure system in a manner that extends the quality of sound produced by the instrument. In practice, part of the total string pressure is translated to the sound box via the main bridge while the remaining pressure is imparted to the box via an auxiliary bridge located forward of the main bridge. A sounding post is located under one foot of each bridge which, in the case of a violin, would be the foot on the E string side of the instrument.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument, in particular a double bass, having a resonating body of narrow elongate shape, a neck secured to this body and strings extending across the body and neck and across a bridge supported on the front plate of the body. A transverse sound-beam inside the body divides the latter into two separate resonating chambers of unequal size which are acoustically connected by a through-hole in the sound-beam. Below the bridge a bore extends through the body front plate and into the sound-beam to open into the connecting hole of the beam and an electrical pick-up element extends through this bore between the lower side of the bridge and a vibration plate mounted in the connecting hole.

Abstract: A tension rod for a string instrument such as a guitar is utilized to dampen flexural vibrations transferred to the instrument body while maintaining direct compressional wave coupling from strings to the instrument body.