Abstract: A system for re-hairing a bow of a musical instrument provides a bow tip insert configured to install into a tip cavity within a tip of the bow, wherein the bow tip insert is configured to non-permanently secure to the tip of the bow, and wherein the bow tip insert is further configured to affix bow hair to the bow when the bow tip insert is installed in the tip cavity.

Abstract: A bow hair material for a bow hair of a bow of a bowed string instrument. The bow hair material includes threads constructed from poly phenylene sulfide resin. The bow material may be formed into a hair bundle that includes a plurality of threads that are substantially parallel with each other. A mounting portion may be formed by welding an end portion of the hair bundle that mounts the hair bundle on a frog or stick of the bow.

Abstract: An illuminating musical bow for visually enhanced performance when playing stringed instruments is disclosed. The illuminating musical bow may include a light source disposed within a hollow or cavity that is disposed within a transparent or translucent stick of the bow.

Abstract: A bow includes a stick, a tip formed at one end of the stick, a frog including a projection that has an eyelet and that is received in a mortise of the stick, a hair ribbon held between the tip and the frog, a screw inserted into the stick in a longitudinal direction of the stick and extending through the eyelet, and a tonal enhancer. The screw is rotatable to cause the frog to move relative to the tip in the longitudinal direction. The tonal enhancer is made of a material having Young's modulus less than 3.5 GPa and is sandwiched between the stick and the screw.

Abstract: A stringed instrument bow includes an elongated stick (102) having a head (110) and a frog (112) holding a ribbon of bow hair (108). The head and frog are configured such that bow hair (108) held under tension between the head and the frog forms a longitudinally twisted ribbon as held.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are musical training devices, systems, and methods, in particular, for bowed string instruments, which alter the balance point of a bow by adding weight at certain locations on the bow to alter the natural balance of the bow. A training system can include a bow and a training device. An illustrative training device can include a housing, a retaining mechanism, and a weight assembly. The housing may be attachable to the bow. The retaining mechanism can be configured to attach the housing to the bow. The weight assembly may be attachable to the housing, the retaining mechanism, or both. The retaining mechanism can include an integral attachment feature or a separate fastener or lockable gate. A method for using a training device can include providing a bow and a training device, attaching the training device to the bow, and playing a bowed string instrument.

Abstract: A bow grip aid for string instruments comprised of a body having a U-shape in cross-section so as to be capable of sandwiching a stick of a bow, wherein the body includes a first portion and a second portion to sandwich the stick by the first portion and the second portion from both sides, a surface of the first portion has a recess corresponding to a thumb of a player on the opposite side of a surface contacting with the stick, a distance from a bottom of the recess of the first portion to a surface of the stick is 2 mm to 10 mm, a length of the second portion in a longitudinal direction of the stick is 30 mm to 50 mm, and a thickness of the second portion from a surface contacting with the stick to an opposite surface is 5 mm to 15 mm.

Abstract: A stringed instrument bow includes an elongated stick (102) having a head (110) and a frog (112) holding a ribbon of bow hair (108). The head and frog are configured such that bow hair (108) held under tension between the head and the frog forms a longitudinally twisted ribbon as held.

Abstract: A thumb guard apparatus comprising a flat panel portion with a front and back side is disclosed. In one embodiment, the thumb guard apparatus comprises a curved portion or lip contiguous to the flat panel portion, wherein the curved portion or lip extends from the flat panel portion and curves away from the back side of the flat panel portion creating a channel. The channel creates a space which guards the thumb of a guitar player and prevents the thumb from moving on or over the top of the neck of the guitar. The flat panel portion of the apparatus may be attached to the back of the neck of the guitar. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bow includes: a stick, a bow head at a front end of the stick, a frog at a tail end of the stick; and a bow hair tightly connected between the bow head and the frog. The bow further includes: a first hair binding terminal and a second hair binding terminal, respectively for mounting two ends of the bow hair; a locking screw, for fixing the first hair binding terminal at the bow head by rotating tight, and releasing the fixed first hair binding terminal by rotating loose; and a cover, slidably provided on the frog, wherein the cover slides back and forth to detachably fix the second hair binding terminal in the frog.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a bow stick includes winding a prepreg, in which a fiber is impregnated with a resin, on a mandrel with a diameter gradually decreasing toward a distal end, setting a semi-fabricated product, in which the prepreg is wound on the mandrel, into a mold and molding the semi-fabricated product in a shape corresponding to a cavity formed between the mold and the mandrel by heating and pressurizing the semi-fabricated product in the mold, and taking out the mandrel from a molded product molded in the shape corresponding to the cavity to acquire a long and hollow stick body. When adjusting at least one of a weight distribution, a center of gravity, and a weight of the stick body, the volume of the cavity is changed using the mandrel of which the diameter or the diameter variation is gradually changed in an axis direction.

Abstract: A light and stiff bow for stringed musical instruments may comprise a tubular stick having a plurality of spaced perforations, provided with a frog, a head, and a tensioning arrangement.

Abstract: A light and stiff bow for stringed musical instruments may comprise a tubular stick having a plurality of spaced perforations, provided with a frog, a head, and a tensioning arrangement.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a bow stick includes winding a prepreg, in which a fiber is impregnated with a resin, on a mandrel with a diameter gradually decreasing toward a distal end, setting a semi-fabricated product, in which the prepreg is wound on the mandrel, into a mold and molding the semi-fabricated product in a shape corresponding to a cavity formed between the mold and the mandrel by heating and pressurizing the semi-fabricated product in the mold, and taking out the mandrel from a molded product molded in the shape corresponding to the cavity to acquire a long and hollow stick body. When adjusting at least one of a weight distribution, a center of gravity, and a weight of the stick body, the volume of the cavity is changed using the mandrel of which the diameter or the diameter variation is gradually changed in an axis direction.

Abstract: A novel bow for playing a violin, including a stick of 12 inches in length, more or less; a string attached to the bow and a ring or the like, suitable for receipt of a musician's finger disposed transversely on the stick so that the musician can play the violin in a variety of attitudes. The stick is selectively adjustable to vary the tension on the string.

Abstract: A novel bow for playing a violin, including a stick of 12 inches in length, more or less; a string attached to the bow and a ring or the like, suitable for receipt of a musician's finger disposed transversely on the stick so that the musician can play the violin in a variety of attitudes. The stick is selectively adjustable to vary the tension on the string.

Abstract: Training devices for facilitating proper bow holds on bow sticks of bowed stringed instruments. An exemplary training device may include a fingers stabilizer having a body with one or more thumb opening walls that define a thumb opening in the body. The thumb opening walls and/or the thumb opening may guide a thumb to the bow stick and position an end of the thumb at an approximate intersection of a bow stick frog and a bow stick shaft. The body may also include a finger separator that helps position an index finger and a middle finger on the bow stick. The fingers stabilizer may also have contact areas for positioning a ring finger and a pinky finger on the bow stick.

Abstract: A bow attachment device attaches to the end of a bow to compensate for a smaller or under-developed digit. The bow attachment device provides a block that attaches to the bow in a manner allowing the stick of the bow to slide through the block. A leg on the block provides a ledge that extends outward from the block allowing the digit to rest on the ledge and be elevated higher than other digits. The device creates an extension between the bow stick and the smaller digit allowing the digit to participate in subtle manipulation of the bow.

Abstract: A sensor bow system is described which generates various types of data representing various movements of and forces exerted upon a sensor bow intended for use with any of a variety of stringed instruments. The sensor bow data may be used to control a wide variety of audio, visual, and other effects.

Abstract: A new and improved instrument bow for use with a stringed instrument is provided. A unique new instrument bow is provided that may be constructed with a laminate material and/or composite in combination with a wooded material to form the instrument bow. Additionally, the new instrument bow uses a laminate composite such as carbon fiber to form a single piece construction instrument bow for use in conjunction with a stringed instrument. The instrument bow may be a combination of a synthetic material covered with a wooded material in a single piece construction that will provide the instrument bow with increased resilience and strength without the necessity for reinforcement and/or repair.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument combination of at least two traditional stringed musical instruments or of nontraditional stringed musical instruments or a mix of traditional and nontraditional. The combination presents the advantages of rapid exchange while playing, reduced storage or transportation volume and a lower cost than two separate instruments. The preferred embodiment is a Fiddolin, a commercially available violin modified to present a mandolin on its back face. The string tension requirement is solved by having additional structure to mount the mandolin pegs into and the angularity needed to keep the strings pulled over the nut by channels or lumens to conduct the strings through.

Abstract: A new and improved instrument bow for use with a stringed instrument is provided. A unique new instrument bow is provided that may be constructed with a laminate material and/or composite in combination with a wooded material to form the instrument bow. Additionally, the new instrument bow uses a laminate composite such as carbon fiber to form a single piece construction instrument bow for use in conjunction with a stringed instrument. The instrument bow may be a combination of a synthetic material covered with a wooded material in a single piece construction that will provide the instrument bow with increased resilience and strength without the necessity for reinforcement and/or repair.

Abstract: Violin or viola teaching aids are disclosed that are suitable to be attached to either a violin or viola bow. The aids with elongated raised ridges provide a tactile indication of the proper placement of the right hand on a bow. An embodiment is disclosed that has a cylindrical shape with a hollow passageway that fits over the stick of a bow. A plurality of holes provide lateral openings into the hollow passageway. The rims of the holes provide a tactile indication of the location in which the fingers and thumb are to contact the bow. Embodiments are disclosed that are comprised of resilient sponge rubber.

Abstract: A new and improved instrument bow for use with a stringed instrument is provided. A unique new instrument bow is provided that may be constructed with a braided material and/or composite to form the instrument bow. Additionally, the new instrument bow using a braided composite to form a single piece construction instrument bow for use in conjunction with a stringed instrument. The instrument bow may be a combination of a synthetic material covered with a braided material in a single piece construction that will provide the instrument bow with increased resilient and strength without the necessity for reinforcement and/or repair.

Abstract: A bowstring tension meter for a stringed instrument to meter the tension of the bowstring for it to demonstrate optimal timbre includes a main body, a lid, a sensor, a control unit, a screen, and a cell cabinet. The main body is mounted to the bow with locating members. The main body further comprises a supporting member to support the bowstring in its loosened status. The sensor is disposed on the main body to detect the tension of the bowstring. The lid is secured to the main body and comprises the control unit, the screen, the cell cabinet. The control unit is to receive signals transmitted from the sensor. The screen is to display signals received by the control unit. The cell cabinet is to supply power to the meter.

Abstract: Provided are an improved musical instrument bow having different sections of hair identified, a modular hair device for use in the improved musical instrument bow and a method of teaching use of a stringed instrument using the improved musical instrument bow.

Abstract: A teaching device for bowed string instruments includes a base connected to a finger support by a stem. The base is used to attach the teaching device to a bow for a bowed string instrument. The base has an outer end and an inner end and a central opening therebetween that receives the bow. The central opening has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bow when the base is attached to the bow. The finger support has hollow body with a closed lower end and an open upper end and a central cavity between the two ends. The central cavity has a longitudinal axis that is positioned at an angle of less than 90° to the longitudinal axis of the base. The player's little finger is positioned within the central cavity of the finger support, which forces the little finger into an angled position with respect to the bow and teaches a player how to maintain a proper grip on the bow.

Abstract: A teaching device for bowed string instruments includes a base connected to a finger support by a stem. The base is used to attach the teaching device to a bow for a bowed string instrument. The base has an outer end and an inner end and a central opening therebetween that receives the bow. The central opening has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bow when the base is attached to the bow. The finger support has hollow body with a closed lower end and an open upper end and a central cavity between the two ends. The central cavity has a longitudinal axis that is positioned at an angle of less than 90° to the longitudinal axis of the base. The player's little finger is positioned within the central cavity of the finger support, which forces the little finger into an angled position with respect to the bow and teaches a player how to maintain a proper grip on the bow.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument including a bowl portion having an open upper end and a closed lower end. The bowl portion has a pair of diametrically opposed openings therein downwardly of the open upper end. The open upper end has a cover secured thereto. An elongated rod extends through the pair of diametrically opposed openings of the bowl portion. The elongated rod has opposed ends disposed outwardly with respect to the bowl portion. A first opposed end is disposed in proximity to the bowl portion. A second opposed end is disposed remotely with respect to the bowl portion. A bridge is secured to the cover of the bowl portion. A length of steel wire is provided having a first end secured to the first opposed end of the elongated rod. The length of wire has a second end extending over the bridge for coupling with respect to the second opposed end of the elongated rod.

Abstract: In a stick (1) for a string instrument bow, comprising fiber-reinforced synthetic material and adapted for receiving a frog and for attaching hair thereto, the product of the mass of the stick (1) alone, in g, times the deflection (D) of the stick alone, which constitutes a measure of the stiffness, in mm, when the stick (1) is supported in its handle region at the stick end (at 3) on the outer side opposite the hair side and at a distance of 130 mm therefrom (at 4) on the hair side or inner side, and when a force (F) acts on the head end (5) corresponding to a mass of 300 g, is, for a violin and viola bow 1000 mm.g at the most, preferably 800 mm.g, for a violoncello bow 700 mm.g at the most, preferably 550 mm.g at the most, and for a double-bass bow 600 mm.g at the most, preferably 450 mm.g at the most, so as to obtain a light-weight, stiff bow for a modified playing technique.

Abstract: A bow for a stringed instrument in which the tension of the hair (4) of the bow can be tightened and loosened by the performer while playing. The stick is divided into two parts (2,3). The parts (2,3) of the stick are rotatably joined about an axis (6). At least one of the parts (2,3) of the stick is extended in the form of an arm (5) from the axis (6) and the arm (5) can function as a lever for tightening the hair (4) of the bow by the performer's exertion of pressure between the arm (5) and the other part (2,3) of the stick.

Abstract: A bow frog cover for covering the exterior surface of the gripping portion of the bow frog of a bow of a violin or other musical instrument utilizing a bow, to protect the frog and portion of the stick adjacent the frog from perspiration and oil from the users fingers and to provide a good grip of the frog.

Abstract: A bow equipped with an improvement enabling adjustment of its rigidity. According to the invention, a longitudinal recess is made in the stick of the bow and this recess encloses a core stiffener linked to a screw-nut system (26-27) actuated by a knob (32). The stick can, for instance, be of molded synthetic material.

Abstract: The method first provides for cleaning the bow hairs with a mixture of alcohol, which may typically be applied with a terry cloth material. After the bow hairs are permitted to dry, a mixture of rosin and alcohol is applied to the bow hair. This is done to make rosining the bow easier and to improve the tone production. After the bow hair is again dried, it is combed.

Abstract: A method of tuning a violin bow to improve the quality of sound consists of clamping the bow at the frog, tapping the bow near the frog, and trimming the material in the proximity of the tapping point until a desired tone is produced by the vibrating bow. The bow is subsequently clamped at the previous tapping point, and the tapping and trimming steps are repeated. This process is continued until the head end of the bow is reached.

Abstract: A pickup assembly is used with a string instrument having a plurality of strings and an elongated fingerboard against which the strings can be stopped, a bow having a filament adapted to be drawn across the strings, and a frequency synthesizer. The assembly is composed of a pickup on the fingerboard for detecting which strings are stopped, where therealong, and for generating an output corresponding thereto, a pickup connected to the bow for detecting action thereof for generating an output corresponding thereto, and a pickup connected to the strings for detecting which string is being contacted by the bow and for generating an output corresponding thereof. These resultant, mainly analog signals are then fed to a processor that is connected to all of the pickup for receiving the outputs thereof, digitizing these outputs, and feeding the digitized outputs to the synthesizer.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced bow stick having an elongated central core of light-density material surrounded by plural resin-impregnated bundles of plural roves of fibers. The bundles longitudinally extend from a frog-end of the bow stick to an opposite end adapted to receive and hold one end of a set of hairs extending from that end to the frog-end. The frog-end of the bow stick is adapted to hold a frog for receiving the other end of the set of hairs.

Abstract: This device is designed to be received on a bow of a stringed instrument, for impact with the strings of the instrument. Primarily, it consists of a conical and split sleeve or cylinder that is frictionally received on the rod section of the bow of the instrument.

Abstract: A novel bow frog formed with a base portion, an aperture extending transversely through said base portion, a cylinder rotatably positioned within said aperture having means located generally centrally of said cylinder for rotating said cylinder within said aperture to wind said hair band onto or off of said cylinder to adjust the tension of said hair band, and means for releasably locking said cylinder in a desired position within said aperture.

Abstract: The combination of a violin bow and a weight mounted on the rod section of the bow so that both the magnitude of the weight and the position of the weight relative to the tip of the bow are adjustable. This structure enables tuning of the bow with respect to its bounce characteristics so that the bow will bounce on the violin strings with a speed and force considered desirable by the artist handling the bow.

Abstract: A device for playing percussion instruments by striking or bowing a free accessible edge comprises an arcuate handle having a web of high coefficient of friction material stretched across the chord of the arc, and a mallet affixed to one end. A tensioning device on the end opposite the mallet provides for adjustments and maintenance of the tension of the web.

Abstract: A music marking pencil is provided for use in combination with a violin bow or the like. The device attaches to the hand held end portion of a violin bow or the like and can be used by the musician to mark his music or perform similar writing tasks as needed. The device provides a pencil which can be a threaded mechanical mechanism affixed at the end portion of the violin bow which is normally hand held. The pencil aligns itself with the central axis of the bow with the pencil marking tip protruding beyond the hand held end portion of the bow. In the preferred embodiment, the pencil structure replaces the bow screw which normally adjusts tension of the bow hair. Thereafter, the bow pencil additionally provides the hair adjustment function.

Abstract: A self-contained unit for the re-stringing of a bow for a musical instrument as a replacement for the traditional horse hair comprises a hank of reorientated monofilaments each containing at least a substantial proportion of polyvinyl chloride and having a diameter in the range of 0.15 to 0.40 mm. The adjacent free ends of the monofilaments are bonded together to form an enlargement at each end of the hank and these are preferably trapped mechanically in recesses at the ends of the bow although they can be glued in position in the traditional manner if required. When the unit is fitted mechanically the frame of the bow has at one end a recess with a restricted mouth fitted with a spring-loaded member for jamming the mouth under the spring force, but capable of yielding inwardly to permit the introduction of an enlargement at the end of the unit, and at the other end it has an adjustable frog formed with a recess provided with a longitudinally slidable cover.

Abstract: A frog for a musical instrument bow for clamping the hair of the bow, such that the hair can be clamped to the frog prior to being cut to the proper length, and with the hair being cut while clamped, either before or after the frog is adjusted lengthwise of the bow for proper tautness of the hair.

Abstract: A stick for a violin or similar stringed instrument bow is made of a first body of injection molded plastic and a second body of a different strengthening material integrally fixed to the plastic body. The strengthening material or second body is designed for placement in a mold cavity prior to the injection of the plastic material of the first body, the plastic material upon injection engulfing the second body and filling the remaining empty space of the cavity to integrally fix the second body to the plastic body and to form a unitary finished bow stick. The combination of the two bodies provides a finished bow stick having weight, stiffness and other characteristics similar to that of a conventional wooden stick.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting hairs to a bow of a type including a drilled bore of a novel configuration and orientation in one end of the bow. A helical member fits over the ends of a plurality of hairs to thereby clamp such hairs together. The helical member and the one end of the hairs are then positioned in the bore and such structure is held securely in the bore by the pressure caused by the tautness of the hair when stretched and connected to the other end of the bow.

Abstract: A simplified construction for a violin and bow is disclosed. The violin body is made of two arched panels instead of an enclosed chamber. Strings and neck structures are similar to those of traditional instruments. The bow uses nylon string wrapped in lengthwise loops on the bow shaft so that the strings on both sides of the shaft remove most of the bending stress from the bow shaft. The violin and bow are durable and inexpensive, and are suitable for instructing classes of children in schools.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the assembling of the conventional hair on a bow of a stringed instrument, particularly a violin, wherein a cavity is made in the nut in which is fixed a moulded piece comprising an internal housing of such section as to ensure that the twisted end of the hair is retained by a stop, itself made by moulding. The opposite end of the hair is fixed to the head of the bow, in the same manner. The invention is applicable in the musical instruments industry.