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: An improved vibratory string is provided for use in musical instruments such as pianos, guitars, violins and the like. The string is formed from one or more wires of a selected alloy material, such as Ni--Ti alloy, having desired superelastic properties at ambient room temperature. Such a vibratory string tensioned or strained to its superelastic state has improved harmonic and tonal stability characteristics.

Abstract: The ribbon harp is a mouth-blown musical instrument consisting of a thin ribbon-like textile or polymeric object. When held between the thumbs and blown on by mouth, the ribbon harp vibrates in the audible frequency range and produces a musical note. The player may vary the tension in the ribbon in order to vary the fundamental frequency with which the ribbon harp vibrates, thus producing higher or lower pitches. Various methods may be used to provide lengthwise strength. Dampening properties can be tuned by varying properties in the crosswise direction. Aerodynamic surface treatments are provided so that the ribbon harp commences to vibrate immediately on being blown across. A wrist harness or gauntlet and a thumb cot are described as aids to the player.

Abstract: Wound strings for a musical instrument include inharmonicity compensation. A portion of the wound string, preferably at one or both ends thereof, includes a concentric winding. The concentric winding has a length l.sub.comp given by: ##EQU1## where D.sub.s is the outer diameter of portions of the wound string remote from the compensating winding, D.sub.comp is the diameter of the wound string at the compensating winding, d is the diameter of the core wire and l.sub.bare is the length of the bare end of the string.

Abstract: This invention is a display system for an automatically tuned stringed instrument displaying, individually or simultaneously, the frequency of each string of the instrument. The system provides for using the display to manually tune the instrument or to initially tune the instrument to within the operating range of the automatic tuning system.

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 guitar string, in which an end of the string element is threaded into an enlarged end formed of metal, such enlarged end having been forced radially-inwardly all around the string element end so as to very tightly grip it. A method of making a guitar string, in which the string element end is threaded into a hole in a metal blank. Thereafter, such blank and string element are passed through an extrusion die to make such blank longer and smaller in diameter, to cause such blank to grip the end with great force.

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 wound musical string includes a core wire and a wrapped wire covering about the core wire. End turns of the wrapped wire covering are coextensive portions of transition sections of the core wire. The transition sections have equilateral triangular, square or other cross sections such that the cross section exhibits equal principal moments of inertia. Consequently the inharmonicity of the string about two axes will be the same and the string will not produce false beats.

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.

Abstract: This invention is a display system for an automatically tuned stringed instrument displaying, individually or simultaneously, the frequency of each string of the instrument. The system provides for using the display to manually tune the instrument or to initially tune the instrument to within the operating range of the automatic tuning system.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards a method of reducing longitudinal modes in vibrating strings of musical instruments having a plurality of strings of fixed lengths, such as pianos and harpsichords. The strings of musical instruments vibrate primarily in transverse modes, but longitudinal modes that are often inharmonious with the transverse modes can also be excited. The method of the present invention identifies those parameters of string vibration that excite longitudinal modes, and minimizes them by avoiding those combinations of parameters that excite them, including transverse frequency modes, longitudinal wave velocity, string length, and placement of the string-exciting device.

Abstract: Wound strings for a musical instrument include inharmonicity compensation. A portion of the wound string, preferably at one or both ends thereof, includes a concentric winding. The concentric winding has a length l.sub.comp given by: ##EQU1## where D.sub.s is the outer diameter of portions of the wound string remote from the compensating winding, D.sub.comp is the diameter of the wound string at the compensating winding, d is the diameter of the core wire and l.sub.bare is the length of the bare end of the string.

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 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 metal musical string having a plastic or polymer material covering an end of the string opposite to a ball end of the string is contained in a flexible enclosure or pouch. In a coiled configuration, the ends of the string are twisted around convolutions of the coil to maintain the coil configuration. Different colors of polymer material cover ends of respective different music strings to identify the strings contained in the single pouch. The polymer material is either thin to allow insertion through holes or slots of musical instruments or removable. The flexible enclosure is a sealed gas impervious pouch filled with a non-corrosive gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide, argon, helium, etc.

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 fully wrapped round or non-round core wire musical instrument string (10) comprising a core wire (12). A plurality of inner wrap wires (14), (16), (18) are helically wound concentrically about a central portion of the core wire (12). An outer wrap wire (20) is helically wound concentrically about the complete length of the inner wrap wires (14), (16), (18) and most of the end portions of the core wire (12). Opposite ends (22), (24) of the core wire (12) extend outwardly from the outer wrap wire (20). The outer wrap wire (20) will retain the inner wrap wires (14), (16), (18) in place on the central portion of the core wire (12), so that the inner wrap wires (14), (16), (18) cannot loosen and will last longer. The inner wrap wires (16), (18) and the outer wrap wire (20) are self-adhered to the core wire (12), thereby eliminating the need for swaging, crimping or any other manner of securing. The fully wrapped core wire musical instrument string (10) is used in combination with a string instrument (28).

Abstract: There is provided a discant string construction for classic and flamenco guitars having a polyfilament core formed of a group of non-twisted with respect to each other synthetic filaments, a first covering layer of metal wire spirally wound in tight contact coils, and a second covering layer of plastic material covering the first layer.

Abstract: A string for a musical instrument comprises a thermoplastic aromatic polyetherketone and has a value of E/.rho..sup.2 which is not greater than 5.times.10.sup.3, where E is Young's modulus of the string material measured in N/m.sup.2 and .rho. is the density of the string material measured in kg/m.sup.3. Such a musical instrument string may have significantly lower internal damping than previously available strings, may show low inharmonicity, and may be unaffected by ambient humidity changes.

Abstract: A string for use on musical instrument is made of a core wire composed of long filaments, sheathed with a thick mantle of a precious metal such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium, copper, or the like, or of other metal (5) having excellent ductility, or of an alloy of these metals, or of a synthetic resin or ceramic. It becomes possible to change the density per unit length, thus to enable the adjustment of sound quality and the attenuation rate, and the selection of the basic vibration frequency. It also becomes possible to adjust the tensile strength of the string, thus to enable the selection of the tensile strength and the density in accordance with the type of the musical instrument which is strung and the type (number) of the string. It also becomes possible to maintain the sound quality of the wound wire for bass strings for a long term, and to take easily countermeasures against abrasion with a partial hardening treatment.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument string comprising a core wire. A plurality of inner wrap wires are helically wound concentrically about a central portion of the core wire. The central portion of the core wire is of an elongated length. An outer wrap wire is helically wound concentrically about the complete length of the inner wrap wires and most of the side portions of the core wire. Opposite ends of the core wire extend outwardly from the outer wrap wire. The outer wrap wire will retain the inner wrap wires in place on the central portion of the core wire, so that the inner wrap wires cannot loosen and will last longer.

Abstract: Core materials for strings for musical instruments of a twist of two or more multifilaments composed of a vinylidene fluoride resin. The multifilament core has a diameter of 0.1 to 5 mm, an elongation of 10 to 50%, a tensile strength of at least 30 kg/mm.sup.2, a creep elongation of at most 15% and a Young's modulus of at least 200 kg/mm.sup.2. The multifilament is made of monofilaments each having a diameter of 1 to 300 .mu.m, a dispersion diameter of at most 20%/m, a specific gravity of at least 1.6, an inherent viscosity of 0.85 to 1.6 dl/g, an apparent viscosity of 12,000 to 100,000 poise and a birefringence of 30.times.10.sup.-3. Strings for violins, cellos and the like are made by tightly wrapping the core with a metal string.

Abstract: The modulus of elasticity of a string portion or a string of uniform diameter for stringing a racket for ball games, in particular a tennis racket, differs in a section-wise manner. This may be by a stepwise change of the said modulus of elasticity along the length of the string or a stepless variation of the said modulus of elasticity along the length of the string.

Abstract: A method of treating a nylon or other non-ferromagnetic musical instrument string so that its movement is detectable by a ferromagnetic pickup includes applying ferromagnetic material to a portion of the string when the string is mounted to an instrument. The preferred method is to paint the string with a fluid material comprising a suspension of nickel particles in a solvent, and permitting the solvent to evaporate to leave a residue of nickel particles on the string.

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 music string consisting essentially of a core composed of aramide fibers and a wound sheath on the core.

Abstract: A string for a musical instrument consisting of a monofilament made of a resin of vinylidene fluoride and having the following characteristics which give good clearness of sound, good sharpness of sound and good spread of sound:(1) the diameter of the monolfilament is in the range of 0.4 to 1.5 mm .phi.;(2) the unevenness of the diameter of the monofilament is less than 5% per meter of the monofilament length;(3) the circularity of the section of the monofilament is more than 95%;(4) the specific gravity is more than 1.6;(5) the inherent viscosity is in the range of 1.1 to 1.6 dl/g;(6) the apparent viscosity with the shear rate of 1/100 at 260.degree. C. is in the range of 8000 to 20000 poises;(7) the index of double refraction is in the range of 30.times.10.sup.-3 to 40.times.10.sup.-3 ;(8) the tensile strength is more than 50 kg/mm.sup.

Abstract: A guitar spring comprising an elongate first strand of wire (1) looped around an eyelet (2) to form a main length of wire and a shorter end piece (1.sup.1) wherein there is provided a shorter second strand (3) of wire looped around the eyelet (2) to form two limbs, the main length, end piece and two limbs being twisted together to unite the strands and secure the eyelet embraced by the strands.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument has a plurality of strings stretched between two fixed points and over a bridge. The strings are of substantially circular cross section and made from an elastomeric material such as silicone rubber; all strings are monolithic. The bridge incorporates one or more piezo-electric or other transducers each mounted as a bimorphic element in a simple beam mounting between fixed supports on the bridge and in acoustic contact with the body of the instrument through a resilient baffle pad in contact with the face of the piezo-electric element remote from the supports. That is, mounted in a manner in which the transducer can be considered to be a beam extending between load bearing or supporting members at its two ends, the fixed supports, while it is loaded transversely between its two ends by the baffle pad.

Abstract: An electronic stringed instrument which uses electrical resistance wires as strings to control the frequency of electrically generated sounds. By shorting a string at various points along its length a variable voltage output is obtained and converted into a known frequency. A fretted instrument provides a means to incrementally control the voltage output and a non-fretted type instrument with a conducting fingerboard can provide a means to variably control the voltage output. A separate current source may be provided for each string to faciliate chord playing and a control for the intensity and harmonic content of the signals is provided. An internal power supply and speaker may also be employed to make the instrument readily portable.

Abstract: A tremolo device for a stringed instrument such as a guitar in which a reelable member is provided to which the ends of the instrument strings are connected. Said reelable device includes a tremolo arm for oscillating the reelable device in one direction and return springs for restoring the reelable device in the opposite direction to provide a tremolo effect under the control of the operator. The reelable device comprises a plurality of arcuate members, each individual to one of the strings with the radius of curvature of each arcuate member being smaller for the largest diameter spring and larger for the smallest diameter string and varying appropriately in between. Other effects may also be produced in that the arcuate curvature may be other than a simple arc.

Abstract: A tremolo mechanism for adjusting the spring tension of a stringed musical instrument, the instrument including a body, a neck portion, a plurality of strings each anchored at one end to the neck portion and extending over at least a portion of the neck portion and the body, the mechanism comprising a base for attachment to the body; a pivot plate mounted on the base for detuning the strings substantially evenly and for maintaining the strings in substantially the same pitch relative to each other when the pivot plate is pivoted with respect to the base, including a plurality of sliders for anchoring the other end of each of the strings; and a bridge positioned between the pivot plate and the neck. A method for rapid tuning of a stringed musical instrument, a string for a stringed musical instrument, and an improved stringed instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: A musical instrument string includes a core wire, preferably round in cross section, and is bent a short distance from one end thereof to form a loop. The end segment of the core wire is twisted together with a second segment of the core wire that is adjacent the loop to form a looped end on the musical instrument string and a twisted segment adjacent the looped end. A wrap wire wound tightly around the twisted segment of the core wire reinforce the string against breakage at the twisted segment. The length of the wrapped section of the core wire is small fraction of the overall length of the core wire and musical instrument string so that when the string is installed on the instrument the wrapped portion does not extend beyond the bridge.

Abstract: The microscopic pores, cavities and crevices of the strings and the interstices of a wound string are filled with dry lubricant particles using a moisture displacing agent and rust inhibitor as a carrier for the dry lubricant. This provides lubrication and inhibits corrosion, thus shortening initial break in periods and extending string life.

Abstract: Improved gut for use on rackets for tennis, badminton, and the like, comprising a gut body and a coating film on the gut body, the film being obtained by drying a liquid formed by dispersing minute particles of ethylene tetrafluoride resin either in a solvent or a molten resin.

Abstract: A modified musical instrument string comprising a core having a fine cover wire helically wound thereon, said cover wire having a substantially round cross-section over the major proportion of its surface, but having compressed flats at the crown of said wire at the outer surface of said string but not at the inner surface of said cover wire. Said modification is effected by apparatus comprising a first roller having a fixed axis and a second roller mounted on a moveable arm for moving the second roller toward and away from the first roller, and a controllable air cylinder apparatus connected to said moveable arm for moving the second roller toward the first roller.

Abstract: A string for the stringing of rackets, bows, musical instruments and the like which has a thread-like structure of polyvinylidene fluoride. The string is obtained by extruding a rod of polyvinylidene fluoride at a melt temperature of the polyvinylidene fluoride, cooling the rod at a temperature between 60.degree.-150.degree. C., and then axially stretching the rod at this temperature following by cooling the rod to room temperature and thereafter cold-stretching the monofil. The string is characterized by an elasticity that approaches that of natural gut string.

Abstract: Apparatus for modifying a musical instrument string as it is being fabricated by winding a fine metal wire helically about a core, the apparatus comprising a first roller having a fixed axis and a second roller mounted on a moveable arm for moving the second roller toward and away from the first roller, and a controllable air cylinder apparatus connected to said moveable arm for moving the second roller toward the first roller. As the string being wound and rotating passes between the two rollers and is maintained between guides, the crown or outer arcuate surface of each helical winding is flattened at the outer surface of the string, resulting in a string which produces less noise when the player slides his fingers along the string to change positions, and which still provides perfect intonation and frequency response.

Abstract: Stringing for plucked musical instruments with treble strings, low note strings with steel core and wire wrapping, and possibly bass strings with steel core, wire under-wrapping, and wire wrapping, the treble strings and the steel cores of the low note and bass strings consisting of bronzed gray cast steel, which is tinned or nickeled or has a coating of a ferromagnetic, corrosion-resistant metal alloy, characterized in the improvement that the treble strings and the steel cores of the low note and bass strings have additionally a surface coating of gold, the wrapping wire of the low note and bass strings consists of nickeled iron or an iron/nickel alloy with a surface coating of gold, and the wire under-wrapping of the bass strings consists of Siemens-Martin iron wire.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument having a plurality of strings stretched over the sounding board of a sounding box includes a corresponding bridge for each string. Each bridge rests on the sounding board and may be translated along the corresponding string to thereby change the functional vibrating length of the string and hence change the pitch of the musical tone produced when the string is set into vibration. Each string passes through a bore extending through the corresponding bridge so that the bridge does not disengage from the corresponding string (and possibly become misplaced or lost) when the bridge is translated, when the string is in a non-stretched condition, or when the instrument is jolted.

Abstract: A musical instrument string having a central core and one or more lengths of wire forming helically wound layers along the length. The outer surface of the string is unaltered from one end to a mid area and from the mid area to the other end of the string, the string has a smooth outer surface.

Abstract: Device for tightening a coiled covering wire of a composite piano string relative to the core wire thereof comprises a spring-loaded operating shaft axially movably encased within an elongated cylindrical main body, the shaft being provided with an outwardly exposable end portion adapted for detachable engagement with the top of a frame pin so that the composite piano string can be transferred to the shaft for twisting. Adjustment of the winding strength of the covering wire relative to the core wire is greatly simplified and stabilized.

Abstract: A metal string for a fingerboard type stringed musical instrument has a core wire, or wires, and a first part of the length of the string is loaded in known manner while a second part of the length of the string remains non-loaded, the respective lengths of the loaded and non-loaded portions being such that, when the string is fitted to a musical instrument having two string supports such as the conventional "nut" and "bridge", the string may be arranged with the loaded portion supported by the nut and with the non-loaded portion supported by the bridge, but with the vibrating portion between the nut and bridge (the "speaking length" of the string) constituted substantially wholly by loaded string.

Abstract: A metallic end bead is attached to the main wire of a musical instrument string by providing the bead in apertured form, roughening or otherwise irregularizing its hole surface and then plastically deforming it to press its hole surface irregularities into the surface of a wire inserted through the hole. The bead has tapered end portions to inhibit cracking during the deforming step. The process is one lending itself to economical mass production of beaded strings and the beads may be provided with either a matte or polished finish on their visible surfaces.

Abstract: A piano bass string includes a load carrying wire and at least one wire encircling the load carrying wire with the encircling wire made up of a tubular casing of a drawable material and a core which is heavier than the drawable material.

Abstract: A method for making a wound musical instrument string having improved tone quality and life involves the winding of a cover wire onto a core wire followed by a thermal conditioning step in which the string is heated to an elevated temperature for a significant period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping strings for musical instruments in which the various parameters influencing the quality of the string are accurately controlled, the apparatus comprising an elongated track mounting an opposing pair of heads having rotatable shafts to which the opposite ends of a core wire are fastened, the shafts being rotated in unison by a pair of electronically controlled stepping motors, means being provided to tension the core wire between the heads, the wrapping wire being fed into contact with the core wire by a vertically disposed feed arm suspended from an overhead carriage traveling lengthwise of the track member, the wrapping wire being fed to the feed arm from a source of supply and, as an incident of such feeding, a predetermined tension is applied to the wrapping wire, the feed arm including means for controlling the rate at which the feed arm advances and means for controlling the angle between the wrapping wire and the core wire, the track member also mounting adjustable anvils for f

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 metal string for a fingerboard type stringed musical instrument has a core wire, or wires, and a first part of the length of the string is loaded in known manner whilst a second part of the length of the string remains non-loaded, the respective lengths of the loaded and non-loaded portions being such that, when the string is fitted to a musical instrument having two string supports such as the conventional "nut" and "bridge," the string may be arranged with the loaded portion supported by the nut and with the non-loaded portion supported by the bridge, but with the vibrating portion between the nut and bridge (the "speaking length" of the string) constituted substantially wholly by loaded string.