Abstract: A stringed-instrument practice device for improving a player's rhythm-hand technique involved in playing a stringed instrument. Such a device may have a generally rectangular base including a plurality of tunable strings. The base has two rests thereon with a series of fixed screws for fixing one end of each string and a series of adjustable screws for attachment to the other end of each string. Adjustment of the adjustable screws allows adjustment of the tension in each string. The practice device is desirably fitted with a transducer/microphone that allows connection of the instrument to an external amplifier and may have an in-built rhythm generator, amplifier, earphone jack or speaker, and controls therefor incorporated into the device.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar having unique string assemblies is provided. The string assembly includes a string and anchor elements arranged on at least one end of the string. A method of manufacturing string assemblies which include a string and one or more anchor elements arranged at the ends of the string is also provided.

Abstract: A machine head for guitars is disclosed. In the machine head, the tension of a string is adjusted by sequentially rotating a manually operated adjusting knob, a worm engaging with the knob, a worm wheel engaging with the worm, and a winding peg integrated with the worm wheel with the string wound on or unwound from the winding peg. A cap guider is formed on the top end of the winding peg, while a string holding cap is rotatably fitted over the cap guider of the winding peg, thus being brought into a rotatable engagement with the guider. In an embodiment, the guider has upper and lower guide discs integrated at both ends of an eccentric shaft, while the cap has two string insert holes on its sidewall at eccentric positions. When the winding peg is rotated with a string passing through the two string insert holes, the string is firmly jammed at the junction between the eccentric shaft and the sidewall of the string holding cap.

Abstract: This is a method and an apparatus that provides string bearings (32) and constant inter string pitch correction and pitch trajectory control tremolo device (64 or 80) for a stringed musical instrument (12). The string bearings (32) allow the strings (18) of the instrument to move freely in the axial direction and to be guided with high stiffness in the radial direction. The string bearings contain low axial friction and high radial stiffness bearing inserts (40) whose surface supports the strings to provide the witness points of nuts, bridges, frets, and finger boards. The material of preference for the string bearing inserts (40) is one of the highest energy resiliency and stiffness and the lowest friction. The string bearings and their inserts are adjustable (32, 56, 42, 58) or fixed position. Adjustments are in the horizontal, vertical, and axial (46, 50, 48) directions or any combination thereof. The constant inter string pitch correction and pitch trajectory control tremolo device (64 or 80 in FIG.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is provided wherein each string has two critical points, A fulcrum tremolo is mounted on the instrument for varying the tension of the strings and the distance between the two critical points. The strings are attached to a plurality of intonation modules mounted on the fulcrum tremolo. Each intonation module is adjustable so that the strings can be adjusted from an untensioned state to a proper playing pitch. A bearing assembly is also included to facilitate pivoting of the fulcrum tremolo.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument includes a plurality of strings which are connected string posts of tuning devices on a head portion of the musical instrument. The string posts of the tuning devices are disposed in a linear array on the head portion of the musical instrument. A linear edge of the head portion extends parallel to a plane containing the central axes of the string posts in the linear array. In addition, the head portion has a nonlinear edge with arcuate recesses. Actuators for some of the tuning devices are movable in the recesses along the nonlinear edge during manual rotation of the actuators. Actuators for some of the tuning devices are disposed along the linear edge. At least some of the actuators along the nonlinear edge are longer than actuators along the linear edge.

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: A stringed instrument has a body which is composed of a back case and a top case combined by screwing up screw receiving bosses of the back case to screw attaching bosses of the top case with a vibration absorber provided between a side wall of the back and a side wall of the top. Attached to the back case are string vibration parts such as a neck and a bridge base. The bridge base is exposed to the outside from an opening in the top case. Non-string vibration parts including a tape recorder and a speaker are attached to the top case. Thus, when string vibrations are transmitted from the back case to the top case, the central portion of the top of the top case becomes a loop where the vibration amplitude is maximum and the top vibrates greatly freely. Thus, according to the inventive stringed instrument, a musical sound of an increased volume with a warm tone quality containing sufficient overtones is obtained.

Abstract: The pitch changer is mounted in a cavity in the backside of a Spanish Guitar and incorporates a bell-crank lever of which one end protrudes out of cavity through a hole in cover and lays parallel along the backside of the guitar, with its strap attach end pointing towards the neck. This lever when pulled by the guitarist, which is attached to his belt by some sort of strap, engages other levers which have the guitar strings attached, thus stretching them to a higher pitch, one-half or full step, against a recessed step in guitar body. This is accomplished by a linkage system of rocker plates and wires which is connected between the two lever systems. Adjustable stop means are provided to limit the movement of the levers which have the strings attached, thus enabling the control of the high and low pitch. The tension of the guitar strings pulls levers back to their low positions when bell-crank lever is released by guitarist.

Abstract: A tuning system is described for automatically tuning a musical instrument having adjustment means for changing the frequency of a musical tone produced by a musical string of the musical instrument. The tuning system of the present invention is useful with respect to a wide variety of musical instruments, e.g., string instruments such as, guitars, harps, pianos, etc., and other instruments. A tuning system is operative to selectively tune a musical string of a stringed musical instrument to a user selected predetermined frequency value.

Abstract: The guitar string holder can effectively convert a twelve-string guitar into either a six-string guitar or a Nashville guitar by lowering six of the twelve strings below the operative plane. The base of the guitar string holder fits onto the body or through a slot in the top of the guitar for solid top designs, or fits into the sound hole and is held upward against braces located beneath the top surface of the guitar. Alternatively, the guitar string holder can be slid onto opposing edges of the sound hole. When the base is slid onto opposing edges of the sound hole, a frictional fit is achieved and wood screws are not needed. Six arms extend from the base of the guitar string holder and accommodate corresponding hooks. Each hook can hold one of the guitar strings beneath the operative plane. It is also possible to use the guitar string holder to hold selected strings, to thereby provide a standard six-string guitar and a Nashville guitar pretuned to different open tunings.

Abstract: A method of determining the length of one or more strings to be manufactured for use with a stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. In accordance with the invention, a string is initially placed across and in contact with effective nut and bridge critical contact surfaces. The string is then tuned and while the string in its tuned condition, the length between the effective nut and bridge critical contact surfaces is determined. A compensation length, which represents a combined desired total distance beyond the effective nut and bridge critical contact surfaces, is added to the length between the nut and bridge critical contact surfaces so that an overall convergence length at which simultaneous harmonic and pitch tuning of the associated string can be obtained when the string is arranged in assembled position on a stringed instrument.

Abstract: A guitar having a body, a headstock, a neck, a plurality of strings, and a tremolo device including at least two bevelled-slotted pivot points. The bevelled-slotted pivot points have a top and bottom bevel which lowers the friction of the bevelled-slotted pivot points against the v-shaped grooves of the studs. The tremolo includes spring claw fasteners that support the tremolo system and allow the tremolo height or position to be adjusted without affecting the structural integrity of the tremolo. A tremolo arm assembly is provided which allows the tremolo arm to remain in a fixed position to prevent interruption of play.

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: A string support assembly for a musical instrument includes a base member and a pair of string support members which cooperate to support a string. The string support members have cylindrical shank sections which are received in openings in a base member. Head sections are connected to the shank sections. The head sections have arcuate side surfaces which engage the string. In one embodiment of the invention, the arcuate side surfaces on the head sections are conical. In another embodiment of the invention, the arcuate side surfaces on the head sections are hemispherical. The base member may be machined from a block of metal or formed from sheet metal.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The stringed instrument includes a tuning mechanism operatively associated with a plurality of saddles and corresponding bridge critical contact surfaces which permits pivotable adjustment of the saddles along a predetermined arcuate path. The bridge critical contact surfaces are normally arranged behind the top of the predetermined arcuate path whereby actuation of the tuning mechanism in a manner which causes at least one of the plurality of saddles on the corresponding bridge critical contact surfaces to move toward an associated nut will cause the height of corresponding strings of the instrument to increase with respect to the fretboard of the instrument. Similarly, actuation of the tuning mechanism in a manner which causes one or more of the saddles and the corresponding bridge critical contact surfaces to move away from the nut will cause the height of the corresponding strings to decrease with respect to the fretboard.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The instrument includes a body, a fretboard mounted on the body, a bridge having a plurality of bridge critical contact surfaces mounted at one side of the fretboard, a nut mounted on the body at an opposing side of the fretboard, and a plurality of strings. Each of the strings has a first end and a second end and a predetermined length extending between the first and second ends. The strings are arranged in contact with corresponding bridge critical contact surfaces and the nut, and are arranged to extend across the contact surfaces. Each of the strings is anchored at a location wherein the first end is spaced from a corresponding bridge critical contact surface by no greater than approximately one inch and the second end is spaced from the nut by no greater than approximately one inch.

Abstract: A nut assembly for use with a stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The nut assembly includes a string holder for retaining one end of an associated string. The nut assembly also includes a nut having one or more critical contact surfaces for supporting associated strings when placed in assembled position on the stringed instrument. The nut is arranged to substantially abut the string holder when mounted in assembled position on the stringed instrument. The nut may be releasably secured to the string holder.

Abstract: Improved dynamic-acoustic system of guitar (X) with soundbox (184), creates a better scheme of dynamic forces cooperating with soundboard (168) of guitar (X). This system makes it possible for the top to vibrate more freely, producing a full, open tone. Through the use of additional energy, resulting from moving the string attachment from soundboard (168) onto acoustic arm (10), the soundboard (168) is not put under string tension, as in standard flat top, classical, or arch-top guitars. Allowing much lighter braces to be used without a imploding or exploding soundboard (168). Acoustic arm (10) is a simple mechanical element attached to neck (82) of guitar (X), creating its extension inside soundbox (184). Neck (82) with attached acoustic arm (10), is installed in top block (74). Next, neck (82) attached with two bolts (100) and (124) to soundbox (184), creates a separable, rigid construction of guitar (X).

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The stringed instrument includes a body, a fretboard mounted on the body, a nut assembly mounted on the body on one side of the fretboard wherein the nut assembly comprises a plurality of individually pivotable string holders in combination with a fixed nut which has a plurality of corresponding nut critical contact surfaces. The stringed instrument also comprises a bridge including bridge critical contact surfaces mounted on the body at an opposing side of the fretboard. The bridge critical contact surfaces are arranged at a selectively adjustable distance from corresponding nut critical contact surfaces. A plurality of strings are arranged across the corresponding bridge and nut critical contact surfaces. The bridge includes a tuning mechanism for obtaining at least harmonic tuning upon adjusting the distance between the bridge and nut critical contact surfaces.

Abstract: A string tension adjustment device for electric guitars, and particularly for use in conjunction with guitars having a bolt-on neck. The string tension adjustment device includes a body which holds the mechanism for applying the additional tension to a guitar string and the body is attached to a traditional guitar with bolt-on neck by removing the bolts that connect the neck to the body of the guitar, placing the body of the string tension adjustment device so that holes passing through it are in registry with the holes that receive the bolts for attaching the neck of the guitar to the body of the guitar and reassembling the entire mechanism by the bolts passing through the existing holes so that there is no necessity of impairing the integrity of the instrument.

Abstract: A sound reverberator for a string musical instrument having a sound box and strings tensioned over a saddle member of a bridge piece connected to a top wall of the sound box. The reverberator comprises one or more pre-tensioned springs secured internally of the sound box. A metallic transfer member is secured to a free end of the spring internally of the sound box. The transfer member is displacedly supported under the strings by a finger actuated displaceable support element for releasably engaging the springs of the musical instrument to transfer vibrations from the strings to the one or more metal springs whereby to produce sound vibrations internally of the sound box to modify the tonality of the sound generated by the sound box as a result of setting the strings in vibration.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar, which includes a bridge which does not stress the top of the guitar either vertically or laterally. Vertical and lateral forces due to string tension are balanced out within the bridge assembly. Also disclosed is an adjustable height tailpiece and means for adjusting the intonation of the instrument by adjusting the distance that the neck projects out of the body.

Abstract: A guitar having a body, a headstock, a neck, a plurality of strings, and a tremolo device including at least two bevelled-slotted pivot points. The bevelled-slotted pivot points have a top and bottom bevel which lowers the friction of the bevelled-slotted pivot points against the v-shaped grooves of the studs. The tremolo includes spring claw fasteners that support the tremolo system and allow the tremolo height or position to be adjusted without affecting the structural integrity of the tremolo. A tremolo arm assembly is provided which allows the tremolo arm to remain in a fixed position to prevent interruption of play.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The stringed instrument comprises an automatic biasing mechanism for automatically urging associated anchor members affixed to corresponding ends of a string into a secured position so that the associated string will not come loose during playing of the stringed instrument. The anchor elements may comprise bullet-shaped elements. The automatic biasing mechanism is adapted to urge the bullet-shaped elements forward substantially along the longitudinal axis of the associated strings.

Abstract: A musical instrument having a body and a neck that is fixedly attached to the body. There is a plurality of strings with each string having a first end and a second end. The first end of each string is releasably attachable to the body in at least one of four replaceable string configurations. The second end of each string is releasably attachable to the neck in at least one of four replaceable string configurations. The first replaceable string configuration allows a musician to play a plurality of chords using only one finger. The second, third and fourth replaceable string configurations allow a musician to play the instrument as a six string guitar, a twelve string guitar and a ten string Puerto Rican Cuatro, respectively.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument of the guitar type has a plurality of strings which extend from tuning devices on a head portion, along a neck portion, to a body portion of the instrument. A string support includes a base which extends beneath the strings. A plurality of spheres have lower segments which are disposed in apertures in the base. The base is positioned in a groove with centers of curvature of the spheres in a plane which contains a flat front side surface of the groove. Positioning members engage the bottom of the groove to locate the base relative to the groove. The base can be resiliently deflected to have a curvature which is the same as the curvature of an upper side surface of the neck portion of the guitar. To facilitate deflection of the base, slots are formed part way through the base. To enable the position of the base to be adjusted relative to the groove when the base is in the groove, the positioning members are accessible from an upper side of the base.

Abstract: The mechanism includes an assembly which fits in a notch in the bottom of the body of a guitar to carry the strings around the bottom in order to allow the guitar to be as short as feasible while having standard effective string lengths. This assembly includes features which allow independent adjustments for each string of the effective length of the string and distance of the string from its associated electronic pickup. The assembly is made up of a base and six roller assemblies. Each roller assembly carries a string around the bottom of the body. The base has two flanges with six set screws in each flange and each roller assembly rests on the ends of two set screws, one in each flange and is held in place by the string. One set screw adjusts the effective string length, the other the distance of the string from its pickup. The knobs for the tuning machines of the guitar are distributed around the top edge of the front face of the body of the guitar.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a attachment mechanism for attaching a string to a musical instrument. The mechanism is composed of two quick attachment cylinders. One cylinder fits matedly within the other cylinder. The first cylinder contains an outer diameter which has a frictional means to engage the bridge of the guitar. It also has a hollow center portion to matedly accept the second cylinder, as well as, of course, the guitar string. The second cylinder similarly has a hollow cylindrical center which accepts the guitar string. The second cylinder also has an external dimension so that it fits easily within the first hollow central portion of the first cylinder. The second cylinder contains a detent, such as a knob or notch, which locks on the first cylinder. An alternate, one piece form is also described.

Abstract: A guitar string support insert located between the saddle block of a guitar tremolo and each string passing over the saddle block which is held thereto by a string retaining screw operated device in order to reduce string breakage.

Abstract: A locking apparatus (1) for a string of a stringed instrument, which locking apparatus includes a locking cam (20, 23-27) arranged rotatably about a point of rotation and a locking wall, which locking cam and locking wall are positioned relative to each other in such a way that a string can be locked between them. The rotatably arranged cam is an eccentric made from a hard and stiff material, placed in a U-shaped channel of a hard and stiff beam (3). This channel contains the locking wall. A small spring holds the locking cam to the locking wall in case no string is present between the locking wall and the locking cam. The eccentric is shaped in such a way that the locking cam and the locking wall contact at only one point, in case there is no string between them.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument of the guitar type has a plurality of strings which extend from tuning devices on a head portion, along a neck portion, to a body portion of the instrument. A plurality of string supports are mounted adjacent to a connection between the head and neck portions. Each of the string supports includes a pair of spheres which are held in engagement with each other. One of the strings presses against each pair of the spheres to position the string relative to the head and neck portions of the instrument. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of string support assemblies are mounted on a metal base disposed on the musical instrument. In another embodiment of the invention, the string support assemblies are mounted in spaced apart openings formed in the material of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument of the guitar type has a plurality of strings which extend from tuning devices on a head portion, along a neck portion, to a body portion of the instrument. A plurality of string support assemblies are mounted in the material of the musical instrument adjacent to a connection between the head and neck portions of the instrument. Each of the string support assemblies includes a pair of spheres which are held in engagement with each other. One of the strings presses against a pair of spheres to position the string relative to the head and neck portions of the instrument. In one embodiment of the invention, the spheres have different diameters. In this embodiment of the invention, the string bends around the larger one of the two spheres. The spheres, whether of the same diameter or of different diameters, are disposed in a recess which extends part way through the string support. An end of the recess is blocked by material which is received in the recess.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for varying the pitch of the strings (12) of a guitar (15) comprises a respective adjusting mechanism (10) for each string. This mechanism includes an externally threaded tubular member (20) within which one end of the string (12) is secured. Tension is applied to the string by a coil spring (124) which has one end fixed to the tubular member (20). A drive motor (34) is arranged to rotate a gear (26) whereby longitudinal movement of the tubular member (20) is effected to vary the tension in the string (12). The rotation of the drive motor (34) is effected by an electronic circuit arranged to tune the pitch of the string a reference.

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 termination having a body with a passage therein which defines a bend having an edge such that deformation of at least a first portion of the passage upstream of the edge secures the string to the body. The passage includes an entry portion which is symmetrical to the body so that string forces do not create unbending rotation.

Abstract: A musical instrument includes a neck, a body and a quick-release neck clamp adjacent the neck and the body. The quick-release neck clamp includes a neck plate attached to the neck, a body assembly with an elongated body assembly pocket attached to the body and at least one releasable fastener adjacent both the neck plate and the body assembly. The body includes a front surface formed on the body that defines a front surface plane, and the elongated body assembly pocket defines an axis that is parallel to the front surface plane.

Abstract: An automatically tuned musical instrument provides a means for keeping strings under tension in proper tune. It also provides a mechanism to simplify installing new strings on the instrument. The tuning system includes a magnitude comparator to eliminate crosstalk which can result in improperly tuning one string when receiving a tone from an adjacent string. The system tensions a string or a plurality of strings at fast speed to within a whole tone or their desired frequency and then fine tunes the strings to desired frequencies. The mechanism includes a guide canal for each string to guide the string into pinch rollers and a flexible conduit to guide the string onto a guide reel to provide an easy, sure way to install strings onto the instrument.

Abstract: A machine head, especially for precision tuning of a guitar string or strings, avoids the slackness between the cog and worm gear drive of the existing design which can give rise to tuning slip and imprecise tuning. The proposed machine head has a spindle to which a string is secured at one end and carries an arm (2a). Adjusting screw (3) cooperates threadingly with an abutment (7) and the end of the adjusting screw bears on the arm whereby rotation of the adjusting screw determines the position of the arm and hence tension in the string.

Abstract: A nut (30) and/or saddle (20) supports the strings (14) of a stringed musical instrument (10) allowing essentially fully unrestricted movement of the strings, both forward and background within the nut or saddle in order to maintain the proper pitch tuning of each string. Each string is retained at a fixed position at the nut or saddle, but allowed to move freely from these fixed positions when the strings are in motion such as when being tuned. A pair of freely-rotatably ball bearings (34a and 34b) are positioned in a countersunk pocket aperture 33 in the nut housing (32) and/or saddle housing (60) and in the case of the former, are positioned immediately juxtaposed to a pressure pad (41) for dampening each string from vibration between the nut assembly and the instrument tuner mechanism. A retainer (42) retains each pair of balls (34a and 34b) in the pocket aperture (33).

Abstract: An electrical stringed musical instrument the machine heads of which are mounted in the body of the instrument closely adjacent the bridge with their tuning key shafts generally parallel to the upper face of the instrument and with the treble key shafts projecting from one side of the instrument, and the bass key shafts from the other. The instrument body has a lower bout only and is provided with a chinrest.

Abstract: A string bender apparatus is provided for a guitar. The guitar has a guitar body with a plurality of guitar strings mounted thereon, and also includes a protruding structure such as a bridge or tail piece defined on the guitar body and operably associated with the guitar strings. The string bender apparatus includes a frame having an actuating lever pivotally attached thereto. The actuating lever is attached to one of the guitar strings for varying the tension on the string by pivoting the actuating lever relative to the frame. An adapter is provided for removably attaching the frame of the string bender apparatus to the protruding structure of the guitar.

Abstract: A stringed instrument system comprising a body having a headward edge, a tailward edge, a upper edge, a lower edge, a front and a back. A first fingerboard extends beyond the headward edge of the body and a second fingerboard is located entirely on the body. The first fingerboard includes a fretted surface. A track runs beneath each fingerboard edge. The capo has an axis of rotation eccentrically located within the capo. A slider attached to the capo reacts against the track surface and pulls the capo hard against the fretted surface when the capo has been cammed against the fingerboard. The fingerboards may be removably secured to the body so that they are interchangeable.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument, in particular a guitar, including a body with a soundboard having an upper portion, and a neck having one end connected to the upper portion of the soundboard so that a portion of the neck extends over the soundboard to a distal second end, the soundboard and neck are connected so as to form an obtuse angle therebetween so that a fingerboard located on the upper surface of the neck has an elevation from the soundboard which increases in the direction of the distal second end of the neck.

Abstract: A device for affixing strings to a musical instrument includes a blade or blades for trimming excess string from the end of a string so that when a string mounting operation is performed by means of the device, the string is trimmed to a length that is appropriate for the instrument.

Abstract: A guitar with an improved mechanical selection of various tunings without fast skill or practice being required on the part of the player of the instrument. A positive stop and lever system enables the player to change tuning or key at will and to return back to standard tuning if so desired with a quick movement of a simple readily accessible key changing handle. An additional improved movable capo device for use on the guitar or any string instrument which is capable of a smooth transfer to any position on the neck within the octave without jerky or otherwise unsteady movement, capable of being moved to change any major key or chord within the music scale, including sharps and flats, as well as being usable as a modulating device to modulate in whole or half steps.

Abstract: A string arrangement for attachment to a conventional stringed instrument comprises a substantially conventional string which is carried upon a reel member surrounded by a cover member with the string passing through an opening in the cover member. The reel member carries a sleeve portion which can be pressed over the conventional peg of a guitar or other instrument and can be attached thereto for rotation by a pin passing through the transverse conventional hole of the peg. In this way the string can be readily applied by attaching the free end to the base of the guitar in conventional manner and unreeling the string to a position where the reel member attaches to the conventional peg with little slack in the string. Rotation of the conventional string tensioning key then operates directly upon the reel member to wind in the string onto the reel member and to provide the necessary tensioning of the string.

Abstract: An improved device for fixing the strings of an acoustical stringed instrument including a generally rectangular block, preferably composed of a metal such as aluminum or bronze, having a bottom surface, upwardly extending wall surfaces and a top surface. The block is provided with a bore extending from the block's top surface to the bottom surface. The bore is in a generally normal relation to the block's top surface and is provided with a notch extending from the top surface to the bottom surface of the block. The block's bottom surface, in addition, is provided with a generally circular depression centered approximately over the mid-point of the notch opening at the bottom surface.The block is positioned in the interior of an acoustical stringed instrument so that the bore is operatively aligned beneath the opening in the bridge of the instrument designed to receive the end of a string having a restraining means at the string's terminus.

Abstract: A nut (30) and/or saddle (20) supports the strings (14) of a stringed musical instrument (10) allowing essentially fully unrestricted movement of the strings, both forward and .[.background.]. .Iadd.backward .Iaddend.within the nut or saddle in order to maintain the proper pitch tuning of each string. Each string is retained at a fixed position at the nut or saddle, but allowed to move freely from these fixed positions when the strings are in motion such as when being tuned. A pair of freely-.[.rotatably.]. .Iadd.rotatable .Iaddend.ball bearings (34a and 34b) are positioned in a countersunk pocket aperture 33 in the nut housing (32) and/or saddle housing (60) and in the case of the former, are positioned immediately juxtaposed to a pressure pad (41) for dampening each string from vibration between the nut assembly and the instrument tuner mechanism. A retainer (42) retains each pair of balls (34a and 34b) in the pocket aperture (33).