Abstract: A bridge for a musical instrument has a bridge body and a plurality of saddles disposed substantially upon the bridge body. A least a plurality of saddles are individually adjustable in height, so as to vary the height of a string supported thereby.

Abstract: Various kinds of members are located on the body of an electric guitar, and strings are supported by the members at predetermined positions along the longitudinal direction. The strings are adjusted by a fine-tuning element and a harmonic tuning element. A base plate is pivotally supported on the guitar body. Each of saddles is rotatably coupled to one of saddle holders, the position of which can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the strings, and corresponds to one of the strings. Each saddle contacts the corresponding string at a predetermined point. Each string holder, which is located in one of the saddles, holds the corresponding string at a part that is below the contact point of the string. The fine-tuning element fine-tunes each string by changing the rotational angle of the corresponding saddle without actually changing the contact point of the corresponding string. The harmonic tuning element adjusts the position of each saddle holder in the longitudinal direction of the strings.

Abstract: A guitar pickup mounting system is provided for mounting a pickup on a base plate adjacent a bridge which rides on first and second posts extending from the guitar body. Thus a height of the bridge relative to the pickup remains constant regardless of the height of the bridge above the guitar body.

Abstract: A string instrument with lengthwise tensioned strings above a fingerboard (18), where the strings are intended to be set in oscillation for tone generation and where the length of the strings' oscillating part is variable for the variation of the pitch by pressing the string against selectable positions on the fingerboard. The strings are running across a nut (16) arranged at the upper end of the fingerboard across the fingerboard. Such an instrument has a device with the nut including several nut parts (20, 22, 24 . . . ) that are arranged side-by-side across the width of the fingerboard and which are individually movable along the lengthwise direction of the fingerboard.

Abstract: A guitar bridge is provided which is mounted on a sounding board of a guitar body. In the bridge, a saddle-mounting region, on which a saddle for seating the guitar strings thereon is mounted, is formed to be thicker than the other portions around the saddle-mounting region. By lowering the height of the surrounding portions of the saddle-mounting region, the natural vibration of the sounding board of the guitar body is not impeded and simultaneously the guitar sound is improved owing to close adherence of the guitar strings to the saddle. The height of the bridge can be easily lowered when necessary because the interval between the guitar strings and the outer face of the neck has been widened because of use of the guitar for a long time, thereby causing trouble in playing the guitar. The external appearance of the guitar is visually improved because the guitar bridge is formed in three dimensions, and horizontal movement of the guitar strings on the bridge is prevented.

Abstract: An asymmetrical stringed instrument bridge incorporating, among other elements, an integral member, a string mounting edge, a foot edge, a treble edge, and a bass edge. The asymmetrical stringed instrument bridge is adapted to rest on a belly plate of a violin, or other stringed instrument, and support a plurality of strings. The asymmetrical stringed instrument bridge may include a plurality of tuning recesses along the edges and apertures in the integral member so as enable one to acoustically tune the bridge while taking into account the unique attributes of each string to optimize the energy transfer and movement of the bridge. The plurality of recesses may also form a treble foot, treble leg, bass foot, and bass leg.

Abstract: A removable nut assembly for stringed musical instruments is disclosed for facilitating release of the tension on the strings to enable disassembly and removal of the strings from the instrument. In certain embodiments, the bridge assembly and the nut assembly of the stringed instrument are readily removable so that an entire set of strings can be quickly removed and replaced. Kits and methods of replacing the strings of a stringed musical instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: A guitar bridge is provided which is mounted on a sounding board of a guitar body. In the bridge, a saddle-mounting region, on which a saddle for seating the guitar strings thereon is mounted, is formed to be thicker than the other portions around the saddle-mounting region. By lowering the height of the surrounding portions of the saddle-mounting region, the natural vibration of the sounding board of the guitar body is not impeded and simultaneously the guitar sound is improved owing to close adherence of the guitar strings to the saddle. The height of the bridge can be easily lowered when necessary because the interval between the guitar strings and the outer face of the neck has been widened because of use of the guitar for a long time, thereby causing trouble in playing the guitar. The external appearance of the guitar is visually improved because the guitar bridge is formed in three dimensions, and horizontal movement of the guitar strings on the bridge is prevented.

Abstract: An improved floating bridge lock for stringed musical instruments is provided. The improved floating bridge lock comprises a mount and a throw bolt for mounting on a stringed musical instrument. The throw bolt is movable between an inactive position, out of engagement with the floating bridge, and an active position at which it is engaged with the floating bridge. The mount is affixed to a stringed instrument and arranged so that when the throw bolt is in the engaged position, it precludes movement of the floating bridge in a manner that would increase the tension on the strings. When the throw bolt is not engaged, there is free movement of the floating bridge.

Abstract: A guitar pickup mounting system is provided for mounting a pickup on a base plate adjacent a bridge which rides on first and second posts extending from the guitar body. Thus a height of the bridge relative to the pickup remains constant regardless of the height of the bridge above the guitar body.

Abstract: A bridge for a musical instrument has a bridge body and a plurality of saddles disposed substantially upon the bridge body. A least a plurality of saddles are individually adjustable in height, so as to vary the height of a string supported thereby.

Abstract: A bridge assembly for a musical instrument, such an electric guitar, an acoustic-electric guitar, or a semi-acoustic guitar has a bridge and at least one electrical control formed to the bridge. The electrical control(s) control at least one electrical parameter of the musical instrument. For example, the tone and volume controls of an electric guitar may be formed to the bridge of the electric guitar.

Abstract: An electric guitar has strings. Each string has a first contact point defined on a neck and a second contact point defined on a base plate attached to a body. The guitar includes a hinge mechanism for supporting the base plate such that the base plate pivots relative to the body. The hinge mechanism includes a pair of bores, each of which is formed at a side of the base plate. A bearing device is located in each bore. A pair of support pins protrudes from the body. Each support pin corresponds to one of the bearing devices and is located closer to the neck than the corresponding bearing device. A bracket is coupled to each support pin. A bracket pin is coupled to each bracket and fits into the corresponding bearing device. The axial midpoint of each bearing device and the center of the corresponding support pin are located on a line that is substantially parallel to the strings.

Abstract: A guitar is constructed to have a hollow body and to have a top member that has a pickup mounting portion integrally formed therein. A slot is cut into the pickup support area, and a pickup is received in the slot. Guitar strings are mounted on the guitar and stretched across the pickup which functions as a bridge to define the lower endpoint of the free length of the guitar strings.

Abstract: A compensator for a tremolo for a stringed musical instrument, such as an electric guitar. The compensator has an integrated tremolo stop, allowing a musician to continue playing without undue delay in the event a string breaks.

Abstract: An improved guitar bridge and tailpiece is provided for use in facilitating the tuning and retuning procedure for a guitar. The new guitar bridge and tailpiece each include a setscrew hole at each end of their respective base pieces. The setscrew holes are formed from an outer vertical edge to a vertical hole or slot therein. Into each setscrew hole is placed a setscrew which, upon fastening into the setscrew hole, contacts adjustment posts or studs which are mounted to a body of the guitar. By tightening the setscrews against the adjustment posts or studs, the bridge or tailpiece is fixedly mounted to the body of the guitar. Because the bridge and tailpiece remain fixed to the guitar body, once tuned, the strings do not require extensive tuning adjustment each time the strings are replaced.

Abstract: Various tuning and bridge systems for stringed musical instruments are disclosed for facilitating release of the tension on the strings to enable disassembly and removal of the strings from the instrument. In embodiments for release of the strings from individual string holders, the string holders are mounted for pivotable movement, and a latch is provided for holding the string holder against rotation in one direction, the latch being moveable to a release position to permit free rotation to release the string. In embodiments for release of tension on all the strings, a bridge latch is provided for latching the bridge base to the instrument so that the strings are placed under tension to permit play, the bridge latch being moveable to a release position to permit movement of the bridge base to release the tension on all the strings.

Abstract: A pickup device for use in a stringed instrument (e.g., an electric guitar) is constituted using a prescribed number of saddles that are installed in a bridge attached onto the body surface at a prescribed position and are arranged to adjoin together with prescribed distances therebetween in conformity with strings respectively. Each saddle comprises a base member and a string receiving member that are engaged with each other, thus controlling the height for supporting a string thereon. A piezoelectric element is included in the string receiving member to convert string vibrations into electric signals. The height is adjusted upon rotation of the string receiving member or the base member. Due to independent arrangements of piezoelectric elements inside of the saddles, it is possible to effectively reduce effects of interference between sounds of strings.

Abstract: An improved guitar bridge and tailpiece is provided for use in facilitating the tuning and retuning procedure for a guitar. The new guitar bridge and tailpiece each include a setscrew hole at each end of their respective base pieces. The setscrew holes are formed from an outer vertical end to a vertical hole or slot therein. Into each setscrew hole is placed a setscrew which, upon fastening into the setscrew hole, contacts adjustment posts or studs which are mounted to a body of the guitar. By tightening the setscrews against the adjustment posts or studs, the bridge or tailpiece is fixedly mounted to the body of the guitar. Because the bridge and tailpiece remain fixed to the guitar body, once tuned, the strings do not require extensive tuning adjustment each time the strings are replaced.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a stringed musical instrument with a modified bridge and acoustic damper. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modified stringed instrument is a guitar. The guitar has a face and an interior compartment. The guitar comprises a bridge, two acoustic dampers, and a pivot rod. The bridge is attached to the face of the guitar and comprises a mounting plate and a riser. The riser is attached to the mounting plate by at least one sound post and comprises a width and at least one pair of opposing angled string recesses across the width of the riser. The string recesses are rounded. The bridge has a plurality of string pegs attached to the mounting plate. Each string peg corresponds to a string recess and is attached to the mounting plate at an angle offset from a line extended from its corresponding string recess. The acoustic dampers comprise a first acoustic damping side attached to a second acoustic reflective side.

Abstract: A tremolo mechanism is arranged on the body of an electric guitar and is constituted by a tremolo arm, a bridge base, and plural bridge saddles, wherein the bridge base has a roughly T-shape constituted by a plate that is arranged above the exterior surface of the body, and a string stopper that is received in a hollow space of the body. Herein, the bridge saddles are arranged on the upper surface of the plate that is curved approximately in a convex shape whose curvature substantially matches the curvature of a fingerboard of a neck curved in the width direction. In addition, the bridge saddles are interconnected with the bridge base by octave adjustment screws, which are arranged beneath the plate using a prescribed attachment portion arranged inside of the hollow space of the body.

Abstract: A bridge is mountable in a first secured position on a stringed musical instrument The bridge may be secured by a release mechanism such that when the release mechanism is activated, the distance between one end of a string being held by the bridge and a second end of the string secured elsewhere on the musical instrument is decreased, thereby decreasing the tension on the instrument caused by the tuning of the string. The bridge may be secured in a second released position from the body by a catch. The catch may include an adjustable arm for varying the distance at which the bridge is held in the second released position.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is provided with a fulcrum tremolo with a plurality of intonation modules that are adjustably mounted on the base plate of the tremolo. Each intonation module incorporates the bridge element and the tailpiece. Positioned between a novel macro-tuning invention, which provides for the anchoring of the string to the base plate, and the bridge element is a string gripping portion called a StringClip. The string passes over the bridge element and under the StringClip before connecting to the macro-tuner. An adjustment knob is threadedly engaged with a pin-like string holder for positioning the string holder for macro-tuning. Additionally, the string holder has a first creative position closer to the bridge element when the string is in a low or no tensioned condition so the string can be threaded through the intonation module without significantly engaging the gripping element.

Abstract: A string clamping and tuning mechanism for stringed instruments is disclosed. String tension, through lever action, provides the clamping force on the string to anchor the string. A screw adjusted stop causes a change in the position of the lever system to increase or decrease the tension in the string.

Abstract: The electric guitar includes a main solid sound box body at one end, a head at the opposite end and an elongated neck integrally interconnecting the head to the solid body. The solid body includes a bridge assembly having a number of bridge saddles. A number of elongated flexible strings are connected at one end to the solid body, straddling the bridge saddles under tension. V-shaped rigid sheet members are taken in sandwich between a corresponding bridge saddle and a registering string section, to move as one with the latter as the string is struck by the user. These V-members work as a suspension system for the strings.

Abstract: A bridge for attaching strings to a musical instrument. The bridge has a body comprised of a base and a main portion with saddle chambers formed in the main portion. Holes are formed within the saddle chambers. Each saddle chamber houses a saddle members therein. The saddle members have adjusting elements that both adjust the position of the string by changing the position of the saddle member, and adjust the position of the string on the saddle member. A plurality of coupling screws secure the bridge to the body of the instrument. Strings are threaded over the saddle member, through the bridge and out through the compression screws where they are secured or knotted.

Abstract: A bridge is releasably mountable on a stringed musical instrument and used in conjunction with a release mechanism such that when the release mechanism is activated, the distance between one end of a string being held by the bridge and a second end of the string secured elsewhere on the musical instrument is decreased, thereby decreasing the tension on the instrument caused by the tuning of the string.

Abstract: A stringed instrument such as a contrabass uses a height-adjustable bridge assembly for supporting strings under tension with a desired height, which is manually adjusted by a human operator. The bridge assembly is mainly constructed by a bridge whose lower end portion is forked to form a pair of legs and a pair of height-adjustment members, each of which is constructed by a screw rod and a foot. The legs of the bridge are respectively assembled together with the height-adjustment members being held inside of a hollow which is formed at a prescribed position and elongated in a direction roughly perpendicular to the strings being stretched on a belly of the stringed instrument. Herein, each leg has a hole formed with an internal thread which engages with an upper portion of the screw rod whose lower portion is buried in the foot which is held inside of the hollow in a free rotation manner.

Abstract: An improved bridge for a guitar or other stringed instrument which offers individual height and length adjustment for each string. The bridge uses adjusters in which one part, the saddle, pivots or rocks, on a fulcrum relative to a supporting part, the anvil. The fulcrum may be incorporated into either part or may be a separate element. The fulcrum is generally perpendicular to the string and extends the full width of the adjuster. This configuration, combined with a close fit at the fulcrum results in a tight fit with minimal linear movement and no axial movement (about the vertical axis) between the parts of the adjuster. The combination of this with the ability to use relatively large elements results in an adjuster, and a bridge, with minimal dampening effect, or energy loss, on the string and improved transfer of sound energy to the sound board of the instrument.

Abstract: A vibrato apparatus (10) for a stringed instrument (11), the instrument having a body (12) and a neck (13) extending from the body, the apparatus comprising, tuning elements (16) on the neck and a bridge member on the body (12) to demarcate a string plane and a vibrating portion of the strings which extend in a longitudinal direction in the string plane. The vibrato apparatus (10) is secured on and is pivotal about a pivot axis which is essentially parallel to but distanced from the string plane and transversely oriented in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of vertically pivoting rocker arms (34) each securing the body end (15) of a respective string and operably secured to a lever which is resistibly secured to a spring and to the vibrato member. A slug tuning element (36) allows for vertical adjustments of the plurality of rocker arms (34) so that by varying a lever moment of the lever the plurality of rocker arms are each selectively moved thereby altering the tuning of the strings.

Abstract: A neck for an acoustic guitar made from a plywood material which is glued with and at least partially impregnated with a phenolic resin. The plywood neck is stronger and more durable than conventional neck structures and requires no further finishing steps during manufacture other than sanding and buffing. Preferably, a fingerboard made of a high pressure laminate material is adhesively secured to the neck. In addition, a bridge made of the same type of high pressure laminate as the fingerboard is preferably attached to the soundboard of the guitar body.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a stringed musical instrument with a modified bridge and acoustic damper. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modified stringed instrument is a guitar. The guitar has a face and an interior compartment. The guitar comprises a bridge, two acoustic dampers, and a pivot rod. The bridge is attached to the face of the guitar and comprises a mounting plate and a riser. The riser is attached to the mounting plate by at least one sound post and comprises a width and at least one pair of opposing angled string recesses across the width of the riser. The string recesses are rounded. The bridge has a plurality of string pegs attached to the mounting plate. Each string peg corresponds to a string recess and is attached to the mounting plate at an angle offset from a line extended from its corresponding string recess. The acoustic dampers comprise a first acoustic damping side attached to a second acoustic reflective side.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a stringed musical instrument with a modified bridge and acoustic damper. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modified stringed instrument is a guitar. The guitar has a face and an interior compartment. The guitar comprises a bridge, two acoustic dampers, and a pivot rod. The bridge is attached to the face of the guitar and comprises a mounting plate and a riser. The riser is attached to the mounting plate by at least one sound post and comprises a width and at least one pair of opposing angled string recesses across the width of the riser. The string recesses are rounded. The bridge has a plurality of string pegs attached to the mounting plate. Each string peg corresponds to a string recess and is attached to the mounting plate at an angle offset from a line extended from its corresponding string recess. The acoustic dampers comprise a first acoustic damping side attached to a second acoustic reflective side.

Abstract: A guitar bridge having a body comprised of a base and a main portion with a plurality of slots formed in the main portion of the body. A plurality of holes are formed in the body and located within the plurality of slots. A resonance chamber is formed in the main portion of the body. A plurality of coupling screws secure the body of the bridge to the body of the musical instrument. Strings are threaded through the bridge and through the compression screws so that dual compression of the bridge is achieved with the use of a two-way pressure system formed by the pressure of the coupling screws and the instrument strings.

Abstract: A guitar bridge having a body comprised of a base and a main portion with a plurality of slots formed in the main portion of the body. A plurality of holes are formed in the body and located within the plurality of slots. A resonance chamber is formed in the main portion of the body. A plurality of coupling screws secure the body of the bridge to the body of the musical instrument. Strings are threaded through the bridge and through the compression screws so that dual compression of the bridge is achieved with the use of a two-way pressure system formed by the pressure of the coupling screws and the instrument strings.

Abstract: A bridge for attaching strings to a musical instrument. The bridge has a body comprised of a base and a main portion with saddle chambers formed in the main portion. Holes are formed within the saddle chambers. Each saddle chamber houses a saddle members therein. The saddle members have adjusting elements that both adjust the position of the string by changing the position of the saddle member, and adjust the position of the string on the saddle member. A plurality of coupling screws secure the bridge to the body of the instrument. Strings are threaded over the saddle member, through the bridge and out through the compression screws where they are secured or knotted.

Abstract: A retrofit tremolo is designed to replace an existing tremolo in a guitar or other musical instrument. The retrofit tremolo has a bridge that removeably holds a pair of knife edge inserts. The knife edge inserts are contactable with posts embedded in the instrument. The knife edge inserts are replaceable when they become worn. A spring plate on the bridge is connectable with springs on the instrument existing from the previous tremolo that is replaced. The instrument strings are supported by rollers on intonation blocks. Fine tuners engage the bridge between the intonation block rollers and ends of the strings anchored in the bridge. The fine tuners have respective tips with semi-cylindrical ends and V-shaped notches. The semi-cylindrical ends aid in fitting the strings within the notches during tremolo setup.

Abstract: An adjustable bridge for stringed instruments that utilizes a wedge mechanism seated on a base that in turn is seated on the top surface of a stringed instrument, with the wedge mechanism supporting a saddle member engaged by the strings of the stringed instrument. The wedge mechanism having an adjustment screw for displacing a pair of wedge members which raise and lower the saddle member.

Abstract: A saddle for an electro-acoustic stringed instrument is provided having a string supporting member supported by a plurality of pillars. The pillars have bases and are separated from each other by gaps which are relatively large in comparison to the bases. The saddle has a total base area, defined by the combined area of the bases, which is relatively small compared to the total base area of a saddle with a continuous base surface, such that a biasing force applied to the string supporting member is applied to a relatively smaller area. Furthermore, all of the bases have substantially equal surface areas such that force applied to the string supporting member is transmitted to each base equally. Each of the pillars has constant cross-sectional areas along its length so that adjusting the height of a pillar does not change the surface area of its base.

Abstract: An improved, universal, multi-position, tuning mechanism and bridge for stringed musical instruments, designed to provide quick, easy adjustment of the tension of the each string of musical instruments between one of two predetermined tension levels, as well as precise adjustment mechanisms for the traditional tension settings of each string, with all components being safely housed in an easily accessible main body. The present invention includes a support plate mounted to the front surface of the body of a musical instrument. A main body and roller-type bridge are mounted to the top of the support plate. Inside the main body, a plurality of levers, spring loaded plungers and tension adjustment screws are individually adjustable to vary the tension in each string. A multi-tuning lever arm adjusts the tension of the each string between one of two predetermined tension levels. A lever arm adjustment means allows quick and precise adjustment of the tension in each of these two pre-determined settings.

Abstract: In a bridge mechanism for a guitar, the bridge main body having a recess for the saddle and an intermediate member between at least one side of the saddle and the recess. A respective recess or concave primarily in the intermediate member directly beneath where each string passes the saddle, and second regions between the depression where the intermediate member contacts the saddle, thereby to reduce transmission of vibration of the strings to the bridge body and direct the vibrations to a pick up disposed below the saddle. In alternate embodiments, the depressions are on the saddle, there is an intermediate member on both sides of the saddle. All the depressions are in the surfaces of the recess facing the saddle.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar is provided. The stringed instrument may include a tuning system in which harmonic and pitch tuning are simultaneously obtained. A bridge assembly is provided on the stringed instrument which includes a force conversion assembly capable of converting nonlongitudinal forces into longitudinal forces such that selective adjustment of a tuning knob or similar control by a user results in slidable movement of saddle members.

Abstract: A guitar bridge capable of reducing the shifting in the holding position of the guitar strings due to the tilting of the individual string saddles. The guitar bridge has string-receivers for each of the guitar strings on the bridge main body. Each saddle is held by the bridge main body to be freely movable in forward and rearward and in the up and down directions through a front and back adjustment screw that is inserted into the screw holder of the bridge main body and through two up and down adjusting screws that are screwed into the saddle and touch the guitar body. The sides of the saddle are curved surfaces in the up and down direction. The sides contact an adjacent surface, so that the saddle rotates about a longitudinal axis parallel to the string rather than shifting the respective string laterally with respect to others.

Abstract: A bridge mechanism for an acoustic guitar for fine adjustment of the height and length of the strings. The bridge mechanism is installed on a thin installation plate that is wider laterally than the width occupied by the array of guitar strings. The installation plate is installed directly on the surface of the soundboard. The installation plate has a plurality of string stopper holes and has a concave region on its top surface. A base plate has a plurality of screw holders and is fixed in the concave region. The base plate is arranged in such a way as to correspond to the guitar strings, but does not overlap with the guitar strings. Bridge members are arranged individually and independently for each guitar string. Each has a string holder and each is freely movable back and forth via a string length adjusting screw. The bridge members are also freely movable up and down through a string height adjusting screw. A respective fixing pin fixes each guitar string in a string stopper hole.

Abstract: An electric guitar string tension adjustment structure, which includes a bridge body mounted on a bottom block to hold a tremolo arm, a set of saddle blocks transversely adjustably fastened to the bridge body by screws, each saddle block having an elongated slot which guides a respective string, a plurality of tension screw studs respectively mounted in respective vertical locating holes at the saddle blocks to support respective strings being guided out of the saddle blocks to the head of the electric guitar, a plurality of adjustment nuts respectively mounted in respective horizontal slots at the saddle blocks and threaded onto the tension screw studs and rotated to change the elevation of the respective tension screw studs, enabling the tension of the respective strings to be adjusted, and a screwdriver for inserting into an insertion hole at each of the saddle blocks to mesh with the toothed peripheral wall of the respective adjustment nut for enabling the respective adjustment nut to be turned with the s

Abstract: A tremolo system for a stringed musical instrument, comprising a tremolo arm member which extends outwardly from the instrument body and is rotatable about its longitudinal axis; a bridge member which engages with the instrument strings and is capable of pivoting about an axis so as to alter the tension of the instrument strings; and a mechanism for rotating the bridge member about an axis in response to manual rotation of the tremolo arm member, including a cam member which is connected to the tremolo arm member, and a cam follower member which is movable within the instrument body and which is suitably connected to the bridge member.

Abstract: An adjustable bridge, according to the present invention, includes a bridge base having a lower edge shaped to conform to the top surface of the sound box of the instrument with which the bridge is to be used. The base includes an elongate fitting slot located at a top edge of the base. The fitting slot having a longitudinal axis extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to strings of a stringed instrument. Each end of the elongate slot has an inclined surface extending downwardly and away from the base. A saddle is also provided, which is sized to fit snugly within the slot of the base. The bottom edge of the saddle is shaped at both ends with an inclined surface which extends upwardly and away from the saddle. A pair of wedges are positioned in the slot of the base between the base and the saddle. Each wedge has an upper edge which conforms with the inclined surface of the saddle, and a lower edge which conforms with the inclined surface of the base.

Abstract: Improved saddle (53) for stringed musical instruments comprised of a single unitary member configured in a somewhat comblike structure, the backbone portion (60) of which is curved and forms a string-engaging and supporting surface. The teeth-forming portions (61) form a plurality of sound-coupling and supporting pedestals, each of which lies directly beneath a string and terminates in a distal end that is adapted to bear against a bridge plate (57) the soundboard of the instrument.

Abstract: An improved, modular guitar system is disclosed and includes a guitar body frame, which has a central member disposed along a longitudinal axis of the body frame and a peripheral rim member defining a peripheral shape of the body frame. The system also includes a separate acoustic grill, which is made up of first and second grill sections that are removably attached to the peripheral rim member of the body frame only. The system also includes a removable guitar neck and headstock assembly, which includes a headstock/string retention mechanism, which allows the guitar to be disassembled without allowing the strings to unravel from the guitar string tuning machines. The system also includes an inflatable acoustic chamber, which is attached to the guitar body frame along the guitar body frame peripheral rim member. The inflatable acoustic chamber includes a membrane communicating with the guitar body acoustic grill sections when the acoustic chamber is inflated.

Abstract: A bridge and tremolo arm assembly for an electric guitar, including a bridge body mounted on a bottom block to hold a tremolo arm, a set of tension screw seats transversely adjustably mounted on the bridge body by screws, each tension screw seat having an elongated slot, which guides a respective string, a plurality of tension screw studs respectively mounted in respective vertical locating holes on the tension screw seats to support respective strings being guided out of the tension screw seats to the head of the electric guitar, and a plurality of adjustment nuts respectively mounted in respective horizontal slots at the tension screw seats and threaded onto the tension screw studs, the adjustment nuts being rotated to change the elevation of the respective tension screw studs in adjusting the tension of the respective strings.