Abstract: A holding device for a chin rest for a string instrument, by means of which a support plate provided for supporting the chin of the player of the string instrument can be connected to the body of the string instrument, is intended on the one hand to enable an ergonomically improved posture of the player and on the other hand to improve the sound of the string instrument. For this purpose, the holding device is designed as a spring element which connects the support plate to the body in a spring-loaded manner.

Abstract: Multiple accessory assemblies for a string instrument are disclosed. The accessory assembly is a set of an accessory, made of a material of Young's modulus greater than 12 GPa, and at least one sound purifier, made of a material of Young's modulus roughly equal to or less than 3.5 GPa. A string instrument that includes at least one accessory assembly is also discussed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a detachable violoncello non-slip pad, which includes an non-slip portion and a limiting portion. The limiting portion is partially detachably received in the non-slip portion. The limiting portion includes a mounting plate and a limiting plate. The mounting plate is fixedly connected to the limiting plate. The mounting plate is detachably received in the non-slip portion. The detachable violoncello non-slip pad can separate the non-slip portion and the limiting portion, which is convenient for cleaning. When the non-slip portion is worn, only the non-slip portion needs to be replaced without overall replacement, which reduces the use cost of a user.

Abstract: An adapter for mounting a support device for a stringed instrument, such as a violin or a viola. The adapter may include a first bracket having an area for at least partially encircling the tailpiece button of the stringed instrument, a second bracket, and a connecting device. The first bracket and the second bracket are disposed and connected by the connecting device in such a way that the area of the first bracket at least partially encircling the tailpiece button is in stationary contact with the tailpiece button.

Abstract: A customized musical instrument support for use in supporting a musical instrument on or against a portion of an instrument player's body, includes a universal component having a standardized configuration and attachable to various sized single-type instruments for use by multiple instrument players, and an individually customized element attachable to the universal component. The individually customized element has an individually customized surface contoured corresponding to an impression to substantially fit to the instrument player's contoured body surface which is in proximity to placement of the customized musical instrument support on the instrument player during playing of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A customized musical instrument support for use in supporting a musical instrument on or against a portion of an instrument player's body, includes a universal component having a standardized configuration and attachable to various sized single-type instruments for use by multiple instrument players, and an individually customized element attachable to the universal component. The individually customized element has an individually customized surface contoured corresponding to an impression to substantially fit to the instrument player's contoured body surface which is in proximity to placement of the customized musical instrument support on the instrument player during playing of the musical instrument.

Abstract: An adjustable and foldable shoulder rest for a violin or viola includes a shoulder-engaging body having first and second foldable forks at first and second ends of the body for attaching to the violin or viola, first and second slidable end members for supporting the first and second forks, the first and second slidable end members being slidable between retracted and extended position. In the extended position, the end member is cantilevered beyond its respective slot. The shoulder rest may have a foam cushion with openings attached to the shoulder-engaging side of the shoulder rest. The end members may define rotational housings for receiving respective rotatable drums that receive threaded stems of the forks, thereby enabling the height of the forks to be adjusted and further enabling the forks to fold.

Abstract: Provided is a chin rest for a musical instrument, comprising a chin support, a holding device for holding the chin support on the musical instrument and at least one support foot via which the chin support supports itself on a top of the musical instrument, wherein the at least one support foot is releasably arranged on the chin support.

Abstract: A musical instrument accessory is configured to provide cushioning to a chest of a musician and to repel moisture from a musical instrument. The musical instrument accessory has a comfort layer configured to repel moisture. A transition layer is mechanically coupled to the comfort layer and provides cushioning. An attachment layer is mechanically coupled to the transition layer and configured to adhere to the musical instrument. The comfort layer, the transition layer and the attachment layer have a common profile shape that is configured to accommodate musical instruments of different sizes.

Abstract: Instrument chin support, and method providing a means for adjusting placement along any and all 3-dimensional axes (x, y, z). An assembled chin support can include a chin-plate shaped to provide the player with comfort; a ball joint and clamp that allow the adjustment of any or all angles in the x, y and z axes (i.e. rotation, yaw, pitch, tilt, and roll); an eccentric post that mates with a base-clamp so as to provide the player with a means to customize the height and lateral position (i.e. y and z axes) of the chin-plate; and a bracket commonly known in the art to affix the chin support to the instrument. Advantages include providing players with a chin support that players can customize to their individual body. By doing so this chin support can help alleviate most of the adverse health concerns many players struggle with while playing their instrument.

Abstract: Provided is a chin rest for a musical instrument, comprising a chin support, a holding device for holding the chin support on the musical instrument and at least one support foot via which the chin support supports itself on a top of the musical instrument, wherein the at least one support foot is releasably arranged on the chin support.

Abstract: Instrument chin support, and method providing a means for adjusting placement along any and all 3-dimensional axes (x, y, z). An assembled chin support can include a chin-plate shaped to provide the player with comfort; a ball joint and clamp that allow the adjustment of any or all angles in the x, y and z axes (i.e. rotation, yaw, pitch, tilt, and roll); an eccentric post that mates with a base-clamp so as to provide the player with a means to customize the height and lateral position (i.e. y and z axes) of the chin-plate; and a bracket commonly known in the art to affix the chin support to the instrument. Advantages include providing players with a chin support that players can customize to their individual body. By doing so this chin support can help alleviate most of the adverse health concerns many players struggle with while playing their instrument.

Abstract: A violin shoulder cradle is provided which provides for compact storage and for adjustment of the position of the violin to which the cradle is clamped relative to the shoulder of the wearer. The shoulder cradle hereof includes a base including a pair of clamping legs which are pivotally mounted to the base for movement between a retracted storage position and an extended violin-clamping position. It further includes a connection between the base which may include an array of studs and a corresponding grid pattern or matrix of tubes in a receiver, and/or at least one magnet which magnetically holds the foundation to the base.

Abstract: A chin-rest of a violin is attached to an edge of the resonating box of a violin. An opening is provided in the chin-rest through which an elastic knot for stretching the strings can pass through. This is attached at one place to the string holder and is drawn in a stretched state through the opening of the chin-rest. The opposite end is attached to a fixed end pin so that it comprises a portion of the chin-rest attachment. The chin-rest does not rest on the upper panel of the resonating box of the violin, instead, it is above it by a specified distance “d” and above the string holder.

Abstract: Instrument chinrest device, method, and kit customized as to proper height, rigidity, shape, size, and placement. An assembled chinrest can include a topper having pins; a lift having lift topper holes corresponding to receive said topper pins and at least one lift hardware attachment hole; and lift hardware having at least one threaded barrel configured to receive at one end a first end of an upper lift threaded member and configured to receive at a second end a lower lift threaded member, said upper lift threaded member having a second end to attached within said lift hardware attachment hole whereby, when attached to said lift, the device is able to be clamped onto a top plate and bottom plate of the instrument. The kit can include a plurality of toppers and lifts to select from, as well as the tools to determine proper chinrest placement and shape.

Abstract: Instrument chinrest device, method, and kit customized as to proper height, rigidity, shape, size, and placement. An assembled chinrest can include a topper having pins; a lift having lift topper holes corresponding to receive said topper pins and at least one lift hardware attachment hole; and lift hardware having at least one threaded barrel configured to receive at one end a first end of an upper lift threaded member and configured to receive at a second end a lower lift threaded member, said upper lift threaded member having a second end to attached within said lift hardware attachment hole whereby, when attached to said lift, the device is able to be clamped onto a top plate and bottom plate of the instrument. The kit can include a plurality of toppers and lifts to select from, as well as the tools to determine proper chinrest placement and shape.

Abstract: A chin rest for a musical instrument comprises a body, a first support, a second support, a chin pad and a third support. The first support extends from a first end portion of the body and has at least one clamping member for engaging an upper rim of a musical instrument body. Similarly, the second support extends from a second end portion of the body and has at least one clamping member for engaging the upper rim of the musical instrument body in a position spaced from the first support. The chin pad includes a chin receiving surface for receiving a chin of a performer of the musical instrument, and is coupled to the body. The third support may contact a position along the upper rim of the musical instrument, e.g., between the first and second supports when the chin rest is mounted to a corresponding instrument.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for creating a customized chinrest for a violin or a viola, molded to conform to the precise idiosyncrasies of a player's chin and jaw, rendering greater comfort, support, range of motion, and control to the player. The chinrest of this invention is comprised of a rigid, flat, edgeless base upon which a removable, firm, but flexible silicone, custom molded top is adhered. The method of impression taking records complex contours, angles, and a range of motion created by head pivot of the player's chin and jaw while in the act of playing.

Abstract: The distance between the clamps at opposed ends of a shoulder rest bridge adjustable in infinitely fine increments by utilizing a pressure plate which, in an engaged mode, presses a brake member made from an elastomer, particularly soft rubber, against the underside of the bridge body. The pressure plate is actuated by a pivotable latch having a lever and co-operating with a non-rotatable bearing member having a ramp surface complementary in the direction of incline and in pitch with the ramp surface of the pivotable latch. A supplementary camming mechanism provides, upon hand displacement of one of the clamps towards the other into engagement by both with the instrument, an additional motion of the one clamp toward the instrument thus increasing the clamping force holding the shoulder rest to an instrument.

Abstract: An improved shoulder rest for a stringed instrument such as a violin or a viola. The rest has a curved edge conforming to the shape of the tail piece of the instrument. One surface of the rest is planar and is positioned against the bottom of the tail piece. The opposite surface has a first region and a second region of increased thickness. An intermediate region transitions between the first and second region. The rest is formed from a resilient foam material and is detachably secured to the instrument by an elastic band extending between the C-bouts and the end button. In a playing position, the thicker second region is placed over the collar bone area of the musician and the thinner first region extends forwardly along the shoulder so as to not raise the instrument.

Abstract: A sound pickup system for string instruments includes a chinrest and/or tailpiece connected to a first audio interface device—e.g. a piezoelectric transducer-on the instrument's bridge. A second audio interface device—e.g., a microphone-may be attached to and extended from the chinrest and/or tailpiece to provide a second sound pickup mechanism, which improves the quality of the sound reproduced by the sound pickup system. The chinrest and/or tailpiece contains volume and sensitivity control, for one or both audio interface devices, that also acts as a high frequency noise filter; a human grounding point in the chin cup and/or in the strings; and an output jack.

Abstract: The construction of a shoulder rests for violins and the like comprising a generally rectangular open top elongated body having a bottom wall, opposed longitudinal side walls and opposed transverse side walls, said opposed longitudinal side walls having a plurality of protruding lugs, each having protective rubber rests at their top ends, provided thereon, and said opposed transverse side walls having flexible arms fixedly secured near the middle portion thereof.

Abstract: A chinrest pad system designed to hold a standard chinrest used with a string instrument that minimizes dampening of vibration and prevents damage caused by the metal components touching the edges of the instrument. The system includes pads located under the support surface of the chinrest member and on top of the lower lip plate used on the lower clamping member. The pads are specifically designed to partially engage the instrument's upper and lower edges and match the curvature of instrument surface immediately adjacent to the edge. Each pad also includes a rear extending lip that bends slightly around the upper or lower edge and extends rearward to prevent the metal rods used with the turnbuckles from contacting the rear surface. During assembly, the pads are positioned over the upper and lower edges so that the compression forces exerted by the support surface and the lower lip plate are centrally located over the sidewall transverse axis, thereby minimizing dampening of vibration.

Abstract: Shoulder rest for use with violin is disclosed. The rest includes a base including two half portions each including a central channel, a guide rail along either side of the base, a rack rail at either side of the channel, and two half sections each comprising clamping means; a support including a leg inserted into the channel, two latched members slidably fastened at underside of the channel, and two toothed stops engaged with the rack rail; and pivotal means comprising a body having a top hole for receiving a threaded stem of the clamping means, a parallel snapping element, and a bar interconnected the body and the snapping element, the bar being pivotal about a cavity of the support having a bifurcation sandwiched by the body and the snapping element. Two side flanges of the support are mounted to the guide rails. Thus, the support is moveable along the channel.

Abstract: A steplessly adjustable shoulder rest for violin or the like includes an elongated base having two oppositely spaced recesses provided on an upper surface thereof. Two guiding and locking bolts are separately located at and projected from an outer side of a center of the two recesses to engage with long slots on two adjusting slides, so that the adjusting slides are slidably located in said recesses. Outer ends of the two adjusting slides are two vertical end walls, to outer sides of which two binding elements are screwed to move along with the adjusting slides. Two nuts are tightened to or loosened from the two guiding and locking bolts upward projected from the adjusting slides, so the adjusting slides may be steplessly adjusted to desired positions for the binding elements to best fitly connect the shoulder rest to a lower rear end of the violin or the like.

Abstract: A violin shoulder cradle is designed for coupling to a violin to provide improved ergonomics and quality of sound when the violin is played. The violin shoulder cradle includes a shoulder support and coupling structure for attaching the cradle to the violin. The shoulder support includes a resonance chamber which is hollow for adding to the beauty of the sounds of the violin without detracting from the appearance of the violin during playing.

Abstract: Improved Stringed Instrument Stand with an L shaped bracket having a centrally located clevis joint, a hinged flat stand member, and a retaining clip, the L shaped member capable of retaining a washer, the washer having a plurality of engagement fingers that are able to engage with one of a plurality of mating linear engagement receptacles. The washer has a centrally located aperture that allows the retention of a strap holding screw of a stringed instrument. The washer is able to be placed higher or lower within the L shaped bracket thereby allowing stringed instruments having different body thickness's to be accommodated by the bracket without having to drill additional holes in the body the stringed instrument. A hinged flat stand member folds open to help hold the instrument in an upright position when being placed on a flat surface and folded closed when the instrument is being played.

Abstract: A violin shoulder rest that facilitates the optimal positioning of a violin relative to a violin player's body for increased comfort and reduced physical stress, and facilitates the optimal positioning of a microphone relative to the violin to achieve the desired volume and tonal qualities of the sound produced by the instrument. The violin shoulder rest includes an elongated base conformable to a violin player's body, clamping members coupled at opposing ends of the base for clamping the shoulder rest to a violin, and a securement mechanism to secure the respective clamping members to the base. The violin shoulder rest accommodates at least one electrical signal input, and amplification circuitry or other signal processing circuitry for pre-amplifying or otherwise processing the electrical signal input. The violin shoulder rest is configured to mount a positionable microphone subassembly adjacent a respective signal input connector.

Abstract: A shoulder rest for violin or the like capable of improving tone quality includes at least an elongated base and binding elements provided at two upper outer ends of the elongated base for fixing the latter to a back of a violin or the like. The elongated base is provided with a plurality of spaced and differently sized through holes corresponding to a plurality of bass and treble strings provided at a top of the violin or the like, and can therefore resonate with the strings to make the musical sound produced by playing the violin or the like even more sonorous and sweeter.

Abstract: A violin chin rest includes a chin rest pad, an adjusting device and a fixture. The adjusting device comprises an adjusting rod, a connecting base and a sleeve secured to the fixture. The adjusting rod has one end connected to the chin rest pad while the other end is in a ball-shaped bolt. The connecting base has male threads on an outer surface and an arcuate surface at the top inner wall to be engaged with the adjusting rod. The sleeve also comprises female threads at the inner wall to be threaded with the connecting base to move upward or downward with respect to the connecting base. The sleeve is secured to the fixture.

Abstract: A violin shoulder rest that facilitates the optimal positioning of a violin relative to a violin player's body for increased comfort and reduced physical stress, and facilitates the optimal positioning of a microphone relative to the violin to achieve the desired volume and tonal qualities of the sound produced by the instrument. The violin shoulder rest includes an elongated base conformable to a violin player's body, clamping members coupled at opposing ends of the base for clamping the shoulder rest to a violin, and a securement mechanism to secure the respective clamping members to the base. The violin shoulder rest accommodates at least one electrical signal input, and amplification circuitry or other signal processing circuitry for pre-amplifying or otherwise processing the electrical signal input. The violin shoulder rest is configured to mount a positionable microphone subassembly adjacent a respective signal input connector.

Abstract: A shoulder rest for an instrument such as a violin or viola comprising an elongated support suitable for resting on a user's shoulder, ends of the support having attachment devices for holding the instrument spaced away from the support. The attachment devices each include a base part having a socket portion with an internal cavity, and a pedestal including a nut member rotatable within the cavity and having a threaded bore, and a normally upright threaded stem mounted in the threaded bore and carrying a clamping member engageable with the instrument back. The nut member has hand manipulatable means allowing it to be rotated manually within the cavity about the bore axis to raise or lower the stem relative to the base part so as to adjust the height of the clamping member relative to the support while the clamping member remains connected to the instrument.

Abstract: The disclosed bridge (10) of a violin or viola shoulder rest is made from a laminate of wood veneers (23-29) the grain of which alternates generally at right angles to each other. In the embodiment disclosed, the number of veneers is seven. The top veneer (23) and the bottom veneer (29) have their grain oriented generally longitudinally of the bridge (10).

Abstract: A violin shoulder cradle is provided for supporting a violin or similar stringed instrument on the shoulder of a musician. The cradle broadly includes a base for coupling adjacent the back of the violin body and a shoulder rest. The shoulder rest is contoured to substantially conform to the musician's shoulder while maintaining the desired substantially horizontal orientation of the violin along its longitudinal axis while in use. The outer surface of the shoulder rest is generally sloped from the remote edge toward the proximate edge inwardly toward the base, and includes a waist section which is closest the base, rising toward the first end in a plurality of steps.

Abstract: In order to improve a chin rest for a musical instrument having a chin support and a holding device for holding the chin support on the musical instrument, with the holding device comprising at least one clamping element which is adjustable for clamping the chin support to the musical instrument in a clamping direction, such that it is easy and safe to use, it is proposed that the chin support be provided with an insertion guide for the at least one clamping element, and that the insertion guide be arranged and designed such that the inserting direction is at an incline to the clamping direction.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved shoulder rest device for a stringed musical instrument, including but not limited to, violin and viola. The base pad of the shoulder rest according to the present invention is secured at one end to the chinrest of the instrument by means of two chinrest loops. The other end of the base pad is secured to the back of the instrument by means of a larger, preferably elastic, loop which has a detachable end and which goes over the shoulder junction under the fingerboard and reattaches to the base pad. A pocket part has one lateral side containing hook and loop flaps for inserting foam inserts of various sizes and shapes and a hook and loop strip on the top side to attach it to the base pad at any position.

Abstract: A universal body pad for string musical instruments such as violins or violas. The pad is made of a unitary body having a cushion portion and an arm portion that conform to a player's body. Both upper and lower surfaces of the cushion and arm portions of the pad frictionally engage with the player's apparel and shoulder, respectively. The upper and lower surfaces can be either smooth or uneven. The cushion portion is curved at its upper surface and recessed at its lower surface to support the instrument and allow non-slip contacts with the player's body or undergarment and the player's apparel or outer garment. The arm portion is extended from the cushion portion to allow additional non-slip contacts with the player's body undergarment and the player's apparel or outer garment. An additional layer, which is made of same or different material and configured with same or different surface pattern variations, may be added to the pad at its lower and upper surfaces for extra comfort and/or friction.

Abstract: The adjustment of the distance between clamping elements (13, 14) of a shoulder rest for violin or the like instrument is effected by a stem-like fastener, preferably a thumbscrew (37) passing through one of generally equidistantly spaced apart openings (29, 30) in a foot member (17) and through that opening (29, 30) which is aligned with one of at least two nuts (33, 34) embedded in an elongated base (10) of the shoulder rest.According to the invention, the longitudinal spacing between the openings (29, 30) differs from that of the nuts (33, 34) preferably such that one spacing is one-half of the other, whereby a fine adjustment of the clamping distance can be achieved, while the number of the nuts (33, 34) and/or the openings (29, 30) is relatively small, in the embodiment shown, two of each, permitting a total of four different adjustments of the clamping distance.

Abstract: A device for altering the effective mass of a stringed instrument employs a movable mass such as an adjustable calibrated weight affixed to an accessory or member on the body of the instrument. The adjustable weight is a known weight and in the form of a movable mass clamp that can be externally mounted on the endpin of a cello or bass. The adjustable weight can be a "C" shaped body or a split collar style body with either one employing a threaded fastener to hold the body on the endpin. A variation encompasses a mounted adjustable weight in the form of a clamp affixed to some portion of an instrument. The clamp has a flexible interface or pad between the clamp and the instrument. A series of varying weights can be selected to be applied to the clamp. Another variation employs the endbutton on a violin. The endbutton has an opening disposed therethrough with threads provided therein.

Abstract: A shoulder rest for use with a stringed musical instrument, such as a violin or viola, includes a substantially rigid body, defining a hollow resonating chamber, and supporting feet mounted to the body for engaging the underside of the instrument and spacing the body from the instrument when the shoulder rest is attached thereon. A fastener is provided for removably attaching the shoulder rest to the underside of the instrument.

Abstract: A shoulder rest for an instrument such as a violin or viola, comprising an elongated support suitable for resting on a user's shoulder, and an attachment device adjacent each end of the support for attachment to the instrument with the support spaced away from the back of the instrument. The attachment devices each include a base part upstanding from the support, and a pedestal mounted on the base part and carrying a clamping member terminating in recesses engageable with a back portion of the instrument. The invention provides a single shaft connecting the base part and the pedestal which passes through a bore in the pedestal which bore is elongated in cross-section and allows the pedestal to both tilt relative to the base part and to fold down onto the support when the shoulder rest is detached from the instrument, so as to reduce the height for storage.

Abstract: A chin rest assembly includes a mounting block assembly and a chin rest. The mounting block assembly is constructed to be mounted to the back end of a musical instrument and is constructed for releasably securing the chin rest to the musical instrument. The chin rest includes a mounting portion, a chin rest portion, and an extending portion, wherein the extending portion is positioned generally intermediate the mounting portion and the chin rest portion. When coupled to the musical instrument, the chin rest portion of the chin rest is positioned remote from the back end of the musical instrument so that the musical instrument is not positioned intermediate the chin and shoulder of the user.

Abstract: An insert for a chinrest for a violin or viola is disclosed for providing the chinrest with a contoured shape to conform to the shape of a performer's chin and jaw. The insert comprises a volume of malleable material capable of retaining an imprint of the performer's chin. The insert is secured to the chinrest and covered with a soft absorbent material. The method of utilizing the insert to modify existing chinrests is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention proposes a chin rest for a string instrument, e.g. a violin or fiddle, that is equipped, in its chin rest plate, with an opening that enables a better conformance of the chin rest to the human contour and that is possibly held in pivotable fashion to the body of the string instrument and, therewith, can follow the pivoting motions of the head of the person using the instrument. Furthermore, the chin rest is combined with a so-called damper support.

Abstract: A chinrest pad system designed to hold a standard chinrest used with a string instrument that minimizes dampening of vibration and prevents damage caused by the metal components touching the edges of the instrument. The system includes pads located under the support surface of the chinrest member and on top of the lower lip plate used on the lower clamping member. The pads are specifically designed to partially engage the instrument's upper and lower edges and match the curvature of instrument surface immediately adjacent to the edge. Each pad also includes a rear extending lip that bends slightly around the upper or lower edge and extends rearward to prevent the metal rods used with the turnbuckles from contacting the rear surface. During assembly, the pads are positioned over the upper and lower edges so that the compression forces exerted by the support surface and the lower lip plate are centrally located over the sidewall transverse axis, thereby minimizing dampening of vibration.