Abstract: An upper cap for a component mounting stud assembly for mounting a component to a stringed instrument. The upper cap includes a receiving shaft and a head. An external diameter of the receiving shaft is smaller than an external diameter of the head. The upper cap includes an internally-threaded portion configured for engagement with an externally-threaded portion. The upper cap also includes a through-hole in the upper cap, wherein the through-hole passes through the receiving shaft and the head.

Abstract: An intonation system for a stringed musical instrument and a stringed instrument including the intonation system. An instrument such as a guitar includes a bridge having bridge string saddles that can be adjusted separately to raise or lower a single string and to adjust the position of the bridge end of the vibrating length of the string. The instrument also includes a nut having nut string saddles that are adjustable individually to adjust the position of the nut end of the string. The structures by which the string saddle positions are adjusted are substantially concealed, largely retaining a conventional appearance of the musical instrument.

Abstract: An intonation system for a stringed musical instrument, a stringed instrument including the intonation system, and a method of setting up a stringed instrument. An instrument such as a guitar includes a bridge having bridge string saddles that can be adjusted separately to raise or lower a single string and to adjust the position of the bridge end of the vibrating length of the string. The instrument also includes an adjustable nut assembly by which to adjust the position of the nut end of each string individually. The structures by which the string saddle positions are adjusted are substantially concealed, largely retaining a conventional appearance of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A hi-hat cymbal sound generation apparatus according to the present invention includes an input part, a recording part, a trigger part and a sound volume control part. The input part acquires distance information on a distance between a top pad and a bottom pad, state information and vibration information on a vibration of the top pad. The input part acquires the state information by determining the state information based on a corrected distance, which is obtained by adding a distance correction value, which corresponds to a magnitude of the vibration indicated by the vibration information, to the distance indicated by the distance information. The recording part records data on a hit sound in each state indicated by the state information. The trigger part checks whether the vibration indicated by the vibration information falls within a predetermined range in which a sound generation procedure is to be started.

Abstract: A string-locking tailpiece for fixed bridge musical instrument which allows for quick string changes. The device eliminates the conventional 3 wraps around the tuning peg. Tuning is stable because the ball end cannot slip thru the tuning peg hole. As well, it also drastically reduces the time necessary for restringing. The tailpiece receives a free end of the string after it has been strung through the tuning pegs and is clamped by a set screw within the tailpiece.

Abstract: The present invention includes a retractable stringed musical instrument; specifically a stringed musical instrument having a tailpiece, a body coupled to the tailpiece, a neck coupled to the body and a fingerboard coupled to the neck. The fingerboard and the neck extends and retracts relative to the body. The retractable stringed instrument further comprises a mechanism to maintain tension on the strings of the instrument regardless if the neck is in the extended or retracted position.

Abstract: A load displacement assembly is disclosed herein. The load displacement assembly includes a saddle member, the saddle member configured to receive a load from one or more strings of a musical instrument; at least one upper load displacement component coupled to the saddle member in a load carrying manner, the at least one upper load displacement component configured to transfer the load from the saddle member to one or more connecting members; and a lower load displacement component coupled to the one or more connecting members in a load carrying manner, the lower load displacement component configured to transfer the load from the one or more connecting members to a monopole area of the soundboard of the musical instrument. A stringed musical instrument, which includes the load displacement assembly, is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A guitar includes a body and a detachable neck configured to be removably secured on the body. The neck has a proximal end that defines a predetermined geometry and the body has a recess that defines a corresponding predetermined geometry configured to receive the proximal end of the neck. A captive bolt assembly includes a fastener disposed within an opening formed through the proximal end of the neck and a nut that is affixed on the fastener such that the fastener rotates freely within the opening but does not translate relative to the neck. An adjustable bridge assembly includes a base disposed within a recess formed in the body and a bridge that is movably disposed on the base. The bridge may be positioned at a plurality of locations on the base to provide a plurality of different chord lengths of the guitar.

Abstract: A bridge assembly having a saddle plate with a first aperture, and a tremolo block with a second aperture aligned with the first aperture. The tremolo block is attached to the saddle plate, and it has a plurality of arcuate string apertures therethrough configured to receive the strings therein while maintaining contact between the string and the tremolo block along substantially the entire length of the respective string aperture.

Abstract: A guitar string bender bridge mount couples to a guitar bridge through an existing bridge string mount. The bridge mount has a side wall and a slot in and extending to an edge of the side wall. A mounting screw couples into a standard hole on a guitar bridge and is rotatable to adjust the tuning of at least one of the guitar strings. A saddle lever is supported by the bridge mount and is pivotal through a limited arc, limited by low and high stops. The saddle lever is selectively and manually removable from the bridge mount. A string attachment receives and retains a first end of a guitar string. A body wraps about the axis of rotation and is partially wrapped by the guitar string, and the pivoting varies an extent of wrap about the body, to thereby vary a tension upon the guitar string.

Abstract: Presented is a decorative cover that replaces the bar of a standard tailpiece of a stringed musical instrument such as a guitar. The decorative cover is attractive and hides the retaining screws used to attach the bar. The decorated cover component may be manufactured in a wide range of designs to appeal to various and diverse groups of guitarists, and accommodates shapes that are not found in prior art guitars such as steer heads, crosses, and annular disks.

Abstract: Presented is a decorative cover that replaces the bar of a standard tailpiece of a stringed musical instrument such as a guitar. The decorative cover is attractive and hides the retaining screws used to attach the bar. The decorated cover component may be manufactured in a wide range of designs to appeal to various and diverse groups of guitarists, and accommodates shapes that are not found in prior art guitars such as steer heads, crosses, and annular disks.

Abstract: An improved sustain block of stringed instruments has a string path defined within a sustain block that has a bottom opening with a string ball end nest to anchor a musical instrument string within and a top opening directly connected to a bore portion disposed within an upper portion of the sustain block and a channel portion connecting the bore portion to the bottom opening. The string path defines a geometric curve that allows the musical instrument string to make contact with the sustain block along almost the entirety of the path thereby allowing better transfer of the musical qualities of the vibrating string to be transferred to the musical instrument. The shape of the string path is selected to ensure maximum contact.

Abstract: An adjustable saddle for a musical instrument having a base with a plurality of depressions. The depressions receive a plurality of support guides that are releasably and slidably connected to the base. The support guides have an upper front edge with a front slot and an upper rear edge with a rear slot.

Abstract: A string-doubling apparatus and a face-mounted whammy bar system for stringed instruments are disclosed. A string-doubling apparatus may include a bridge portion and a nut assembly, both with multiple bearing surfaces to facilitate a double stringing of the instrument. A face-mounted whammy bar system may include a lever arm and a rotatable rod for manually and reversibly altering the string tension of an instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus for tuning a stringed musical instrument is provided. The apparatus includes a saddle configured for receivably engaging one of the ends of the string, a fastener extending through a support and into the saddle, and a lug received by the fastener in abutting relationship to the support and configured for rotational movement about the fastener to translate the fastener and the saddle to alter the length of the string.

Abstract: A tremolo device for static retention of a plurality of musical instrument strings in a stringed instrument. The tremolo device has a body with an upper surface, a neck portion, and a plurality of strings anchored at a first end of the neck and extending over at least a portion and secured to the tremolo device at the other end of the neck portion and the body and possesses an inertia block mechanism with substantially solid construction disposed to receive and securely retain a plurality of raw instrument strings without removal of a ball end from each string. The inertia block has an upper portion, a lower portion, and a plurality of internal, longitudinally displaced, cylindrically shaped, string retaining chambers designed to pass through an entirety of the block mechanism. The string retaining chambers have an upper and lower portion corresponding with the upper and lower portions of the block.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bracket, which can be easily installed to a vibrato device having a string bar with projecting string pins. The bracket facilitates re-stringing the strings through slots which are conveniently placed and readily accessible to the installer.

Abstract: Pyrocarbon components have been found to create richer, clearer sound when employed as bridges (19), saddles (1), nuts (2), frets (3), tuning heads (4), pegs (9) and other components which contact the strings in guitars (6, 16), violins (11) and like stringed musical instruments. Bridges/saddles and nuts of stringed instruments produce a marked difference in the sound when pyrocarbon components are used compared with currently used materials. There is a significant increase in sound volume for a given intensity of string movement, along with richer harmonics and a clearer, less muddy sound. The crystalline structure of pyrolytic carbon minimizes the damping of string vibration as it is transferred to the sound-amplifying portion of acoustic instruments, producing a rich, pleasing and higher volume sound. The useful life of strings is increased in contact with pyrolytic carbon components before they go “dead” or break.

Abstract: An aspect of the system relates to an intonation control mechanism for controlling, for example, the pitch of a plucked or vibrated string of a stringed instrument through a string contact point located at an appropriate intonation harmonic.

Abstract: A lever 40 is supported by a lever supporting portion 41. The lever 40 is urged by a first spring 45 and a second spring 46. The urging force of the first spring 45 varies over the entire operational range of the lever 40. The second spring 46 and a third spring 47 are provided serially through a movable supporting member 48. The displacement of the movable supporting member 48 is restricted by a fixed supporting member FR. If the urging force of the second spring 46 exceeds the urging force of the third spring 47, the restriction on the displacement of the movable supporting member 48 is removed. Therefore, the present invention provides a player with feeling similar to that the player perceives when he manipulates a damper pedal of an acoustic piano.

Abstract: The tremolo mechanism includes a novel cam actuated lock having a plurality of parallel locking channels disposed on an engagement surface of a movable locking arm and further having a locking ridge disposed on an engagement surface of a locking block so as to be in aligned opposition with the locking channels. Each pairing of locking channels is separated by a chromatic spacing distance corresponding to a chromatic half step change in the pitch of the plurality of tensioned strings. The lock of the further including a cam actuated torsion bar to positioning the locking arm according to a cam follower's position on a cam profile. The torsion bar provides a flexible means of applying a motive force for moving the locking arm such that, with the locking ridge and a selected locking channel misaligned and the cam follower disposed upon the locked seat, the torsion bar elastically deforms as the locking ridge is received by a land disposed between the locking channels without damaging the lock.

Abstract: A bridge system for connection to the instrument body of a stringed instrument, the bridge system including at least one bridge piece configured to contact at least one string of the stringed instrument and a ramp-shaped height and tone adjustment bar between the bridge piece and the instrument body. An adjustment mechanism translates the bridge piece with respect to the height and tone adjustment bar to raise and lower the string and to provide contact between the bridge piece and the height and tone adjustment bar.

Abstract: An adapter for mounting a vibrato device, such as a Bigsby Vibrato, to an electric guitar without making changes to the guitar body is provided herein. The vibrato device replaces the stop tailpiece leaving available mounting holes for the adapter. The vibrato device is then mounted to the adapter without the need to alter the guitar by drilling holes. The adapter locates the vibrato device on the guitar in a manner to maintain the critical bend angle of the guitar strings over the bridge. The adapter, with a minimalist profile, is barely visible when mounted. Alternative embodiments provide an adapter kit and a method for mounting the adapter.

Abstract: A vibrato mounting bracket for a guitar, said vibrato unit having a frame having: a) a generally fiat central portion extending from a bottom peripheral edge portion of the guitar, said flat central portion having four vibrato, unit attachment openings therethrough; b) a bottom portion extending from the central portion over the bottom peripheral edge portion of the guitar and having a lower strap screw attachment opening therethrough; and, c) an upper portion extending above the central portion having two opposite lateral openings therethrough spaced to align with i) the two outer string stop bar screws on the guitar, or ii) the two outer bridge attachment screws on the guitar where said guitar has a bridge attachment screw, or iii) the bridge height adjustment screws. The front face and the sound box are then better able to vibrate thereby producing maximum resonance and depth of sound.

Abstract: A string bender apparatus includes a mounting plate with an anchor for anchoring guitar strings to a guitar body, a first section with fastener-receiving holes arranged to receive fasteners extended into pre-existing mounting holes in the body, and an extension that extends from the first section. A lever is pivoted to the extension for movement in a plane that extends generally parallel the front surface of the guitar body. The lever includes a first end defining a handle that is positioned generally adjacent one side of the strings and includes an opposite end attached to one of the strings for temporarily changing a tension of the one string and thus changing a pitch of the one string when the handle is moved in the plane. The string bender can be retrofit onto existing guitars. The string bender can be made removable and replaced with, or combined with a vibrato.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for coupling strings to the body of a musical instrument and adjusting such strings. In one embodiment, a base is provided and one or more adjustment assemblies are disposed on a surface of the base including a first structure disposed on the surface of the base and a second structure which is slidably interlocked with the first structure. A first adjustment screw may be disposed between a portion of the base and the first structure such that rotation thereof effects displacement of the first structure and the second structure along a first axis relative to the base. A second adjustment screw may be disposed between the first and second structures such that rotation thereof effects displacement of the second structure along a second axis relative to the first structure. A clamping mechanism is provided to affirmatively lock the one or more adjustment assemblies relative to the base.

Abstract: The present invention is a stringed instrument for producing rapid tempo and more precise rhythmic strumming. The shape of the strumming apparatus allows simultaneous contact of two or more strings from a plurality of strings, and thereby allows chords to be more efficiently produced. In combination with the strumming apparatus, the present invention includes an instrument body with recessed components on the front surface of the instrument body. Combining the strumming apparatus and an instrument body as in the present invention allows a user to achieve greater rhythmic precision and a faster tempo vis-à-vis faster paced strumming of the strings.

Abstract: An integral saddle and bridge for stringed musical instruments, such as the electric guitar, having a bridge piece comprised of a bar with a slot formed in the top to receive a saddle piece. By pressure or adhesive the bridge and saddle are made solid and therefore, and by their materials, acoustically superior. The bridge is formed to mate with common mountings and the saddle is carved to achieve intonation.

Abstract: A bridge system for connection to the instrument body of a stringed instrument, the bridge system including at least one bridge piece configured to contact at least one string of the stringed instrument and a ramp-shaped height and tone adjustment bar between the bridge piece and the instrument body. An adjustment mechanism translates the height and tone adjustment bar with respect to the bridge piece to raise and lower the string and to provide contact between the bridge piece and the instrument body.

Abstract: A converter block for a Stratocaster.®. style tremolo system that effectively changes it to a hardtail configuration. Players who do not use the tremolo can benefit from the ease and stability in tuning, reduced weight, improved tonal characteristics and the reduction in string breakage that this novel design offers.

Abstract: A string mounting system for a stringed musical instrument (10), comprising a helical tension spring (22a-f) connected in series with each string (14a-f), each string (14a-f) being collinear with its corresponding helical tension spring (22a-f), wherein each string (22a-f) is provided with an inertial damper (16) which is received within the body of the respective helical tension spring (22a-f).

Abstract: A guitar bridge including a bridge plate attached to a guitar body and a sustain block attached to the bridge plate is provided. The sustain block is positioned within a cavity of the guitar body. The position of the bridge plate may be fixed relative to the guitar body. The sustain block may have a positioning screw for contacting a sidewall of the cavity. A position of the bridge plate and sustain block may be controlled by the positioning screw.

Abstract: Included herein is an instrument component for mounting to the body of an instrument having strings, for example a guitar. The instrument component comprises a plurality of attachment devices, an elongated bracket, and a biasing element. The elongated bracket includes a plurality of attachment apertures where each aperture includes a center and is shaped to accept one of the attachment devices. A biasing element is positioned in each attachment aperture wherein each biasing element engages one of the attachment devices. Each biasing element includes a plurality of protrusions wherein each protrusion biases the attachment device toward the center of the attachment aperture.

Abstract: Included herein is an instrument component for mounting to the body of an instrument having strings, for example a guitar. The instrument component comprises a plurality of attachment devices, an elongated bracket, and a biasing element. The elongated bracket includes a plurality of attachment apertures where each aperture includes a center and is shaped to accept one of the attachment devices. A biasing element is positioned in each attachment aperture wherein each biasing element engages one of the attachment devices. Each biasing element includes a plurality of protrusions wherein each protrusion biases the attachment device toward the center of the attachment aperture.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument employs springs and/or one or more hanging masses to apply tension to corresponding musical strings. Each spring and/or mass is chosen and configured for its ability to impart a string tension generally matched to the appropriate tension of the string at perfect tune. Preferably, the spring and/or mass is selected and arranged so that the tension in the string maintains at or near perfect tune even as the string elongates or contracts due to environmental factors or passage of time.

Abstract: The present invention describes a simple and effective method and a device for adjusting the tension of the string of a string instrument in which a holding section that is displaceable in or on the mounting block in relation to the latter and on which the first end of the string is attached is displaced by action of a hydraulic medium which is under a preselectable pressure for tightening or relaxing the string.

Abstract: An optimally coupled stringed musical instrument bridge having an individual bridge assembly supporting and retaining each string. Each assembly comprises an action (height) and intonation (length) adjustable string support assembly and string retention assembly integrally incorporated into the instrument body. The bridge minimizes acoustic energy lost to friction, thereby increasing sustain, minimizes fundamental or harmonic interaction between strings, and maximizes acoustic energy transmitted to the instrument body, thereby allowing the natural instrument resonances to emanate. The bridge and its attributes are especially suited for use with bass guitars.

Abstract: A string bending device for stringed instruments and methods of use are claimed. The novel device permits the user to tension a string to change the pitch and tone by means of a tension arm and attached string pad. The string pad is unique in that it possesses an arcuate channel that acts as a string guide and promotes string life by gently bending the string along the arcuate channel and distributing pressure along a length of the string rather than at one point. The device may be repositioned during play so that other strings can be individually bent. The use of a plunger that may be easily disengaged and reengaged during the playing of the instrument allows the tension arm to easily be repositioned by sliding the tension arm along a rail system. Adjustable tension arm stops permit the user to predetermine the maximum tension that can be applied to each string.

Abstract: A stringed instrument bridge arrangeable on a body of a bass guitar. The bridge includes a plurality of saddle units, each corresponding to a string. Each saddle unit includes a base plate, a unit base, and a saddle. A screw pivotally supports the unit base on the base plate. The unit base is pivoted to move a contact point at which the saddle contacts the corresponding string.

Abstract: A bridge for providing adjustable active string length on acoustic stringed musical instruments comprised of a concavity surrounding a plurality of individually adjustable saddles that are arranged individually and independently to support each string and be freely moveable into position by an adjustment screw to obtain the harmonic at the 12th fret, and then can be locked in place by action of a contiguous wedge that causes firm contact between the saddles and lateral sides of the concavity.

Abstract: A tailpiece of, for instance, an electric guitar including a bridge main body attached to the guitar main body by two protruding stud screws so as to be moved and adjusted in the direction of the stretched strings. At both ends of the bridge main body, first and second string supports for supporting first and sixth strings are formed integrally to protrude inwardly. Between the first and second string supports, a first bridge saddle member for supporting the second and third strings, and a second bridge saddle member for supporting the fourth and fifth strings, are provided. These saddles are connected to the bridge main body by saddle adjustment screws so as to be moved and adjusted in the forward and backward direction. The first and second bridge saddle members are moved along the surfaces parallel to the direction of the stretched strings.

Abstract: The string securing apparatus for string instrument of this invention arranges a plurality of saddle-attaching members on the top face of a bridge base in correspondence with strings, and secures them to the bridge base so that they can be movably adjusted in the front-rear direction. A bridge saddle is attached to each saddle-attaching member so as to rotate up and down. The string is inserted through a pipe section in the bridge saddles and led above the bridge saddles by a lever attachment hole; the string is curved forward to a string supporting section. A cam lever is inserted in the lever attachment hole of the bridge saddles so as to freely rotate, and a spring presses the cam lever forward. A cam section of the cam lever pushes the string and secures it by tightening it to the string supporting section.

Abstract: Strings are stretched between pegs and a tailpiece both forming parts of an electric base; the strings passes through the space between the body and the tailpiece, and are folded over the obverse surface of the tailpiece; although the body is shorter than that of a standard electric base, the decorative end portions, which are covered with colored yarns, do not reach a bridge, and are not bowed in performance; thus, the tailpiece makes it possible to use the short body without sacrifice of the tactile sense at the fingers in the bowing.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar, whereby the lower end of the strings are anchored to the soundboard itself with one or more of the string anchors being positioned past the bridge. This arrangement provides an offset of the lateral compressive forces to the entire soundboard, therefore allowing the soundboard to vibrate more freely in response to the string vibration, and creating an acoustical perpetuating effect. Due to the inherent strength to this design, internal soundboard bracing can be minimized in weight and size as well, which offers a fuller and louder sound, with an increase in sonic balance and sustain.

Abstract: An acoustic guitar having a reverberating bridge assembly mounted onto the body of the guitar for re-echoing and reverberating the sounds produced by the strings of the guitar, in order to increase the range of sound effects that the guitar is capable of producing. The reverberating bridge assembly comprises a tailpiece having a transverse crevice, a U-shaped tube support positioned within the crevice, and a hollow cylindrical tube supported upon the U-shaped tube support. The strings of the guitar press upon the cylindrical tube. When a player plucks the strings, vibrations of the strings reverberate within the tube, and are transmitted therefrom to the U-shaped tube support, the tailpiece, and then to the body of the guitar. The reverberating bridge assembly produces sound having a delightful reverberating quality.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument includes a surfboard shaped body with strings on top. The strings have first ends attached to tuners under the body adjacent a first end, and second ends attached to a fixed anchor on top of the body adjacent a second end. A pitch changer comprised of an eccentric cam on an axle is positioned on a played string. A lever connected to the axle is provided for rotating the cam to adjust the tension on the string. A second embodiment is comprised of a body with tuners and a pitch changer adjacent the same end of the body. A third embodiment includes a combined tuner and pitch changer comprised of hinged arms with first ends pivoted on an axle. The strings are attached to intermediate positions on the arms. Screws are positioned against second ends of the arms for adjusting the tension on the strings.

Abstract: A tension adjustment mechanism for a stringed musical instrument suitable for use on a tailpiece assembly comprises a pivoting member (such as a string receptor), an adjustable stop, and a lever handle engaged with the pivoting member. The pivoting member preferably has a post for securely receiving an end of a string and an elongate arm. Placement of the handle in a first position preferably causes the adjustable stop to engage and depress the elongate arm of the pivoting member, thereby increasing tension on the string. Placement of the handle in a second position preferably causes the adjustable stop to disengage the elongate arm of the pivoting member, thereby allowing the pivoting member to return to its original position, and decreasing tension on the string. A fine tuning adjustment may be included in the tailpiece assembly. The adjustable stop and/or fine tuning adjustment may comprise adjustable screws.

Abstract: A guitar having a shell body and a main body. The main body and/or a portion of the main body is detachably connected to the shell body. A neck is connected to the main body and/or the shell body. A bridge is connected to the main body. The neck includes a headstock and a fret control that at least partially raises and/or lowers at least one fret on the neck.

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.