Tuning Pegs Patents (Class 84/304)
  • Publication number: 20090025528
    Abstract: To provide a tuning peg element for a stringed musical instrument having a wooden peg box, a conical fixing part is provided, by means of which the tuning peg element is fixable to the peg box in rotatable manner without further auxiliary means and which is of solid construction and is made of a non-fibrous material at least in a region of contact with the peg box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Wittner GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Georg Vochezer
  • Publication number: 20080276787
    Abstract: A device is disclosed for tuning at least one string of a string instrument, preferably a guitar, in particular an electric guitar or a bass, in particular an electric bass, comprising a detection device for detecting a note generated by striking a string and for output of a signal corresponding to the note detected, a memory device for storing preselected signals, corresponding to a desired note, a comparator device for comparing the signal output by the detection device with a signal corresponding to the desired note and stored in the memory device, an adjusting device for varying the tension of at least one of the strings, at least one drive for driving the adjusting device, a controller connected to the comparator device and controlling the at least one drive via a control line on the basis of a deviation found in the comparator device between the signals representing the note thereby generated and signals representing the desired note.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher Adams
  • Publication number: 20080216632
    Abstract: A stringed musical instrument includes a string which, when vibrated, produces sound. Both ends of the vibrating portion of the string touch glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Mark C. PAYUNG
  • Patent number: 7335830
    Abstract: Provided is a string tuning mechanism that enables a musician to clamp and anchor a musical instrument string to a musical instrument tuning peg. The claimed subject matter enables the musician to put on and take off the strings of a stringed musical instrument easily and rapidly. The string attachment device also enables the installed musical instrument string to equalize to pitch faster than currently possible and enables a stringed musical instrument to remain in tune longer. The disclosed device is designed to fit easily against a tuning peg and to enable the musician to use the locking of the string to the peg technology without permanently changing the physical state of their musical instrument. Another purpose of the claimed subject matter is to provide a method and device that enables the musician to use the same strings he has always used, and not to have to buy special strings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth William Box, Thomas McGarrigle
  • Publication number: 20070295186
    Abstract: A peg for a stringed instrument has a knob made of metal which has an internal hollow portion. The knob is light in weight and has a reduced wall thickness because the hollow portion is formed therein. Therefore, the responses of vibrations of strings during performances are fast, and tone and afterglow of sounds are good. A high-quality appearance is provided by the metal knob. A smaller sprue may be used because a smaller amount of melted metal is required when the knob is cast, and the mark of the sprue formed on a surface of a molded knob is therefore be smaller when the melted metal is injected through the sprue. Formation of blowholes caused by gas contained in the knob molded by casting can be reduced because the wall of the knob is thin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: GOTOH GUT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takao Goto
  • Patent number: 7304226
    Abstract: A stringed instrument tuning device is disclosed that is enhanced over the prior art by an included mechanism that enables the tuning knob to be positioned freely in any rotational position after a string has been tensioned or tuned. A worm gear drive tuning assembly typical of prior art tuning devices is employed. In one approach, the tuning device includes a common ratchet mechanism that enables free rotation of the tuning knob with respect to the tuning mechanism. In other embodiments disclosed, a spline shaft engagement mechanism is employed with a shuttle that releasably engages the tuning knob to the worm gear drive tuning assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Timothy M Harris
  • Patent number: 7154032
    Abstract: A string attachment system for securing a string to a stringed musical instrument. The string attachment system includes a bridge pin having an elongate stem defining an outer surface formed for longitudinal mating insertion into a pin hole defined by the walls of a walled opening through a bridge assembly disposed on the body of an instrument. A passage is formed to extend transversely through the stem from a front entry point to a rear exit point. With this arrangement, the bridge pin can receive an end of a musical string through the front entry point, through the passage, and out through the rear exit point to enable the string to pass through the bridge pin and into the pin hole along with the stem of the bridge pin. A rear groove is formed in the outer surface by two planar walls intersecting to form a v-shaped groove for receiving the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Charles C. Burchfield
  • Patent number: 7138572
    Abstract: The present invention provides a peg for stringed instruments, which can reduce rotational errors of a worm gear due to a backlash caused during tuning of a string as low as possible. The peg is also possible to reduce the friction at each rotational portion, to prevent it from seizing up, to greatly reduce a work time required for wiping off a fluid lubricant, and to retain a stable performance for a long time. In the present invention, the peg for stringed instruments comprises a worm rotatable in accordance with rotation of a knob; and a worm wheel mated with the worm and communicated with a string attachment. A solid lubricating material layer is formed on a surface of at least one of the worm and the worm wheel as well as on a worm rod of the worm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Gotoh
  • Patent number: 7102065
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in tuning a string of a musical instrument includes a shaft which extends from a pinion gear. A sleeve is fixedly connected to the shaft and encloses an end portion of the shaft. The sleeve has an end portion which receives a string of a musical instrument. The shaft may be integrally formed as one piece with the pinion gear. A force transmitting member may be provided between an end portion of the sleeve and a housing. A retainer portion of the sleeve may extend into a recess in the shaft. A grommet may extend around the sleeve to retain the sleeve against transverse movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Robert J. Sperzel
  • Patent number: 7084337
    Abstract: A stringed instrument having a stationary support; one part of the instrument interfacing with the musician's sternum, another part pivotally interfacing with the support using two pivot axes mounted perpendicular to each other, first axis dependent on second axis. The longitudinal axis of the instrument is aligned with the musician's anatomical median plane; the support enabling congruent movement between the instrument and the musician's swaying torso while preventing rotation of the instrument around its longitudinal axis, thus improving ergonomic posture and technique. The instrument has an effective string length less than that of a cello and greater than that of a viola, for enabling such ergonomic positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Thomas Hermann Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7081573
    Abstract: A string instrument including a body; a headstock; a neck extending between the body and the headstock; a plurality of tuning mechanisms retained by the headstock and each having a stem with a tuning end and a connection end; and a plurality of connectors each connecting a different pair of covers. Also included are a plurality of strings each having one end connected to the body and an opposite end connected to a different connection end; and a cover covering each connection end and shaped and arranged to prevent physical access to the opposite end connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: First Act Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Izen, Bernard Chiu, Craig Small
  • Patent number: 6989482
    Abstract: A peg for a stringed instrument is provided, The peg has a main body 10; a pair of bearings 12 erected at two sides of the main body so as to oppose each other, a worm gear 21 which is rotatably supported in a large diameter hole 15 and a small diameter hole 16 which has a knob 29 on one end portion, and a winding shaft 30 which is connected to the worm gear 21 via a worm wheel 40. The bearing 12 is formed of a material having spring-like properties and thus has increased elastic limit and avoids deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Goto
  • Patent number: 6972360
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Gary Ekin
  • Patent number: 6815596
    Abstract: A peg for a stringed instrument having rotatably supported, at the main body 20 for mounting at the head portion H of the stringed instrument, a worm wheel 30 having a winding shaft 40 at one end portion and a worm gear 33 which meshes with the worm wheel 30 and has a knob at one end portion, and at the worm wheel 30, a hole 31 having a portion with a non-circular cross-section is formed, and the winding shaft 40 is provided with a winding shaft main body 42 onto which string is wound and a closely fitting portion 43 which passes through the plate portion 24 of the main body 20 and has a smaller diameter than the winding shaft main body 42. The closely fitting portion 43 is screwed in by being closely fitted in the portion of the hole 31 having a non-circular cross-section and then inserting the tightening device 50 into the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takao Goto
  • Publication number: 20040123720
    Abstract: A peg for a stringed instrument having rotatably supported, at the main body 20 for mounting at the head portion H of the stringed instrument, a worm wheel 30 having a winding shaft 40 at one end portion and a worm gear 33 which meshes with the worm wheel 30 and has a knob at one end portion, and at the worm wheel 30, a hole 31 having a portion with a non-circular cross-section is formed, and the winding shaft 40 is provided with a winding shaft main body 42 onto which string is wound and a closely fitting portion 43 which passes through the plate portion 24 of the main body 20 and has a smaller diameter than the winding shaft main body 42. The closely fitting portion 43 is screwed in by being closely fitted in the portion of the hole 31 having a non-circular cross-section and then inserting the tightening device 50 into the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Takao Goto
  • Publication number: 20040107819
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in tuning a string of a musical instrument includes a shaft which extends from a pinion gear. A sleeve is fixedly connected to the shaft and encloses an end portion of the shaft. The sleeve has an end portion which receives a string of a musical instrument. The shaft may be integrally formed as one piece with the pinion gear. A force transmitting member may be provided between an end portion of the sleeve and a housing. A retainer portion of the sleeve may extend into a recess in the shaft. A grommet may extend around the sleeve to retain the sleeve against transverse movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Robert J. Sperzel
  • Publication number: 20040094013
    Abstract: The present invention provides a peg for stringed instruments, which can reduce rotational errors of a worm gear due to a backlash caused during tuning of a string as low as possible. The peg is also possible to reduce the friction at each rotational portion, to prevent it from seizing up, to greatly reduce a work time required for wiping off a fluid lubricant, and to retain a stable performance for a long time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: Takao Gotoh
  • Publication number: 20040060419
    Abstract: A peg for a stringed instrument is provided, The peg has a main body 10; a pair of bearings 12 erected at two sides of the main body so as to oppose each other, a worm gear 21 which is rotatably supported in a large diameter hole 15 and a small diameter hole 16 which has a knob 29 on one end portion, and a winding shaft 30 which is connected to the worm gear 21 via a worm wheel 40. The bearing 12 is formed of a material having spring-like properties and thus has increased elastic limit and avoids deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Takao Goto
  • Patent number: 6706956
    Abstract: A peg mechanism and peg for stringed instruments is provided. It requires no skilled techniques and dedicated tools for manufacturing and maintaining instruments easily. It is applicable to the existing instruments, easy to perform tuning and fine-tuning, and usable for a long time period in stable A certain number of cylindrical throughholes, each having an inner surface with an axially uniform diameter, are provided along the extending direction of strings and sequentially on a support wall formed in a head stock of a stringed instrument. A bushing composed of a abrasion quality material is sandwiched between a string post for winding a string and a knob for rotating the string post, and secured in the throughhole. An adjusting means is provided between the string post and the knob for relatively displacing the string post close to and apart from the knob by external operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Co., LTD
    Inventor: Masaki Gotoh
  • Patent number: 6703547
    Abstract: An improved tuning peg construction 10 for applying selective tension on a string 101 of a musical instrument 100 wherein the construction includes a tuning peg member 20 having a threaded shaft 21 adapted to engage the toothed gear 103 on a tuning peg 102 attached to one of the string 101 of a musical instrument; wherein, the outboard end of the tuning peg member 20 is provided with a contoured post 20 that is received in a reciprocating fashion in a contoured recess 34 formed in a tuning knob member 30 which is normally spring biased into a free-wheeling spaced relationship with the tuning peg member 20 until such time as the musician desires to change the tension on the string 101 of the instrument 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventors: Fred G. Hovermann, Jr., Peter J. Ferrara
  • Patent number: 6624347
    Abstract: String tightening device for a string instrument having at least one string. The string tightening device includes a tuning screw arranged to be operable from a freely accessible side of the string instrument at least during play, and at least two opposing guide surfaces structured and arranged to be coupled to a body of the string instrument. A moving nut is coupled to the tuning screw and is guided between the at least two opposing guide surfaces to adjust a tension in the strings, and the moving nut includes a string connection point which is offset from the tuning screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Erismann
  • Patent number: 6608248
    Abstract: A device for tuning a string of a musical instrument includes a pinion which is connected with a string post and a worm which is disposed in meshing engagement with the pinion. An annular groove may extend around the string post. A slot may extend inward from an end of the string post. A string passage includes a central passage which extends only part way through the string post and has an end surface area disposed in the string post at a location adjacent to a bottom surface of the slot. A transverse passage extends only part way through the string post and intersects the central passage. The transverse passage has an opening in the annular groove. The bottom of the slot in the string post may be skewed at an acute angle relative to a central axis of the string post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. Sperzel
  • Patent number: 6600096
    Abstract: A guard assembly for preventing accidental movement of the tuning adjustments for adjusting the tension of strings on an associated string instrument, the guard assembly which includes a bracket, the bracket being generally U-shaped and having spaced legs dimensioned and configured for gripping opposed surfaces of the head of an associated string instrument, the guard assembly further including first and second guard elements mounted on the bracket, each of the guard elements is generally sleeve shaped and dimensioned and configured to extend around a plurality of keys on the associated string instrument. In some forms of the invention the spaced legs are each substantially planar and are disposed in mutually parallel relationship and the legs are joined by a portion of the bracket which is dimensioned and configured to provide apparatus for elastic engagement of the spaced legs with opposed surfaces of the associated head of the associated string musical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Richard D. Jarvis
  • Patent number: 6580022
    Abstract: Disclosed is a machine head for a guitar. The machine head comprises a clamping section which has a tuning peg and a clamping cap. The tuning peg is defined with a first insertion hole, which extends in a transverse direction and through which a guitar string is inserted, and a second insertion hole, which extends in a longitudinal direction and is communicated with the first insertion hole. The tuning peg is formed on a circumferential outer surface thereof with an externally threaded portion. The clamping cap is formed on a circumferential inner surface thereof with an internally threaded portion and has integrated therewith a clamping member. The clamping member is inserted through the second insertion hole and has a lower end of a semi-spherical configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Han-Soo Kang
  • Publication number: 20030070529
    Abstract: An improved tuning peg construction 10 for applying selective tension on a string 101 of a musical instrument 100 wherein the construction includes a tuning peg member 20 having a threaded shaft 21 adapted to engage the toothed gear 103 on a tuning peg 102 attached to one of the string 101 of a musical instrument; wherein, the outboard end of the tuning peg member 20 is provided with a contoured post 20 that is received in a reciprocating fashion in a contoured recess 34 formed in a tuning knob member 30 which is normally spring biased into a free-wheeling spaced relationship with the tuning peg member 20 until such time as the musician desires to change the tension on the string 101 of the instrument 100.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Fred G. Hovermann, Peter J. Ferrara
  • Publication number: 20020148342
    Abstract: Disclosed is a machine head for a guitar. The machine head comprises a clamping section which has a tuning peg and a clamping cap. The tuning peg is defined with a first insertion hole, which extends in a transverse direction and through which a guitar string is inserted, and a second insertion hole, which extends in a longitudinal direction and is communicated with the first insertion hole. The tuning peg is formed on a circumferential outer surface thereof with an externally threaded portion. The clamping cap is formed on a circumferential inner surface thereof with an internally threaded portion and has integrated therewith a clamping member. The clamping member is inserted through the second insertion hole and has a lower end of a semi-spherical configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventor: Han-Soo Kang
  • Patent number: 6444886
    Abstract: An improved musical instrument includes a plurality of strings which are connected string posts of tuning devices on a head portion of the musical instrument. The string posts of the tuning devices are disposed in a linear array on the head portion of the musical instrument. A linear edge of the head portion extends parallel to a plane containing the central axes of the string posts in the linear array. In addition, the head portion has a nonlinear edge with arcuate recesses. Actuators for some of the tuning devices are movable in the recesses along the nonlinear edge during manual rotation of the actuators. Actuators for some of the tuning devices are disposed along the linear edge. At least some of the actuators along the nonlinear edge are longer than actuators along the linear edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventors: Ronald R. Spercel, Robert J. Sperzel
  • Patent number: 6365809
    Abstract: A tuning post for a stringed musical instrument which includes an integral string severing mechanism which automatically severs the excess length of a string while the string is being tensioned. A sharp edged aperture in the string post through which the excess string protrudes cooperates with a stationary sharp cutting edge to sever the string while the post is being turned during the initial tuning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Richard Ned Steinberger
  • Publication number: 20020026864
    Abstract: A ukulele tuning machine to be mounted on a head stock (A) of a ukulele and inserted into an aperture (1) provided therein, comprising: a hollow, cylindrical housing (2) having a top plate which has a shaft hole (4) at an off-centered position; a pinion shaft (3) having a pinion (3b) inside said housing (2) and connecting a tuning knob (10) outside said housing (2), said pinion and said tuning knob being placed interposing said shaft hole (4) of said housing (2) therebetween; a string post (7) having one and the other ends and including an internal gear (5) provided at said one end, which can rotatably engage with said pinion (3b) within said housing (2), and a string-fastening portion (6) formed at the other end; a collar (14) having a flange (3c) contacting the back of said internal gear (5) within said housing (2) and a threaded portion (14b) formed on a cylindrical body receiving said winding shaft (7) therethrough; a stopper means (15) for preventing said collar from slipping out, which is located and se
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Inventor: Takao Gotoh
  • Patent number: 6353165
    Abstract: A string instrument including a body; a headstock; a neck extending between the body and the headstock; and a plurality of tuning mechanisms retained by the headstock and each having a stem with a tuning end and a connection end. Also included are a plurality of strings each having one end connected to the body and an opposite end connected to a different connection end; and a cover covering each connection end and shaped and arranged to prevent physical access to the opposite end connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: First Act, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard K. Chiu, Marc B. Harris, William Hester, Mark S. Izen
  • Patent number: 6172287
    Abstract: Disclosed is a guitar string tuning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Inventor: Han Soo Kang
  • Patent number: 6133515
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Hoshino Gakki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Hoshino
  • Patent number: 6078001
    Abstract: A machine head for guitars is disclosed. In the machine head, the tension of a string is adjusted by sequentially rotating a manually operated adjusting knob, a worm engaging with the knob, a worm wheel engaging with the worm, and a winding peg integrated with the worm wheel with the string wound on or unwound from the winding peg. A cap guider is formed on the top end of the winding peg, while a string holding cap is rotatably fitted over the cap guider of the winding peg, thus being brought into a rotatable engagement with the guider. In an embodiment, the guider has upper and lower guide discs integrated at both ends of an eccentric shaft, while the cap has two string insert holes on its sidewall at eccentric positions. When the winding peg is rotated with a string passing through the two string insert holes, the string is firmly jammed at the junction between the eccentric shaft and the sidewall of the string holding cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Han Soo Kang
  • Patent number: 5998713
    Abstract: A tuning peg incorporates an internal planetary gear reduction mechanism so that a stringed instrument, such as the cello, violin or viola, can be easily and precisely tuned. In order to change the pitch of a string, the head of each peg is rotated which in turn rotates the carrier that holds the string. Turning the head drives a toothed input shaft that runs the entire length of peg. The input shaft engages and rotates a plurality of planetary gears that engage a ring gear that is affixed to the peg box. Thus, rotation of the head rotates the carrier that changes the tension on the string, but the number of turns of the head required to rotate the carrier once is a multiple of one so that the carrier can be rotated more easily and the instrument can be tuned more precisely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: John C Herin
  • Patent number: 5869780
    Abstract: A piano tuning pin apparatus for prevention of loosening of the piano string, i.e., of rewinding of a piano tuning pin, characterized by setting the tuning pin constructed additionally a brake structure having the impediment function against the rewinding on the circumference surface of the piano tuning pin and the fixing portion of pin having two putting pipes each other, to prevent loosening of the piano. Between a tuning hammer tip inserting part and a hole of the tuning pin, a brake structure is formed to take a projection having a suitable distance and height along with a circumference surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Won Ki Lim
  • Patent number: 5847295
    Abstract: An improved attachment means for attaching a tuning device to a stringed instrument is disclosed. With a tuning device having a housing forming an integral cylindrical portion, a gusset is affixed to the housing extending in an angular line into a mating groove provided in the lower side of the instrument head of equal angularity to said gusset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: David A. Klepacki
  • Patent number: 5760320
    Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, has a finger-board, a headstock located at one end of the finger-board, and a plurality of machine-heads mounted on the finger-board for adjusting the tension of the strings. Each machine-head has a rotatable winding peg for winding a respective string to be adjusted, and a rotatable adjusting handle coupled to the winding peg for rotating the peg. The axis of rotation of the adjusting handle is inclined rearwardly relative to the plane of the finger-board and is non-parallel to the axis of rotation of the winding peg. In addition, the axis of rotation of the adjusting handle is inclined at an acute angle relative to a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the instrument and generally toward the opposite end of the instrument, in order to facilitate the ability of a person playing the instrument to locate and adjust each machine-head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Kaman Music Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A. Gooday
  • Patent number: 5747712
    Abstract: A peg for a stringed instrument has a winding shaft made up a base shaft portion having a free end and adjustable shaft portion. The adjustable shaft portion is in threaded engagement with the free end of the base shaft portion. The base shaft portion is connected with a worm gear, with the worm gear being connected to a knob for adjustment of the rotational position of the winding shaft. A fixing screw member is located in the base shaft portion, and is axially engageable with the bottom surface of the adjustable shaft portion. Accordingly, the position of the outer string winding surface of the adjustable shaft portion is axially adjustable, and is axially fixable by the fixing screw member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Gotoh Gut Yugen Kaisha
    Inventor: Takao Goto
  • Patent number: 5705760
    Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The stringed instrument comprises a body, a fretboard mounted on the body, a nut mounted on the body at one side of the fretboard, a bridge including a plurality of bridge critical contact surfaces mounted on the body at an opposing side of the fretboard and being arranged at a selectively adjustable distance with respect to the nut. The stringed instrument also comprises a plurality of strings each of which has a first end and a second end and a predetermined length extending between the first and second ends. The plurality of strings are arranged in contact with corresponding bridge critical contact surfaces and the nut and are arranged to extend across the contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Floyd D. Rose
  • Patent number: 5696341
    Abstract: A tuning knob and tuning knob system for a stringed instrument such as a guitar replaces the existing tuning knob. The present tuning knob is a cylindrical knob with exterior knurls and a central bore therethrough. At one end, the bore is adapted to be received over the tuning stem while the other end of the bore is configured to receive a crank. The crank provides additional leverage for instrument tuning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: William Todd McCane
  • Patent number: 5627331
    Abstract: The head of the subject guitar is an assembly of a functional portion and a cover. The functional portion includes tuning machines and pickups and the posts of the tuning machines extend from an essentially flat back area of the functional portion so that when the cover is removed the posts are clear of any surrounding structure and fully accessible for removal of the remains of broken strings and for attachment of new strings. The posts are completely enclosed when the cover is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: T. John Devitrysmith
  • Patent number: 5585580
    Abstract: The PEG BENDER is a small mechanical device that can be used on many stringed musical instruments. This device, mounted entirely on a special long-shafted tuning peg, is easily installed on most guitars, banjos, and four or five string mandolins. The PEG BENDER enables a musician to make extra note changes on that particular string in which it is employed, by merely pressing down or releasing the instrument's neck, thus tightening or loosening the activating cable between the PEG BENDER and the instrument's support strap. The extra note changes achieved with the PEG BENDER can be easily performed while still playing the instrument in a normal manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Bradley D. Higgins
  • Patent number: 5505110
    Abstract: A peg for stringed musical instruments which allows quick and easy string replacement and which includes an inclined bore which communicates with a groove that encircles the head of the peg. In a preferred embodiment, a notch is provided in the head of the peg and extends transversely from the groove and in alignment with a bore opening spaced from the center of the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventors: Patrick J. Richardson, Henry C. Bohn
  • Patent number: 5485773
    Abstract: The mechanism includes an assembly which fits in a notch in the bottom of the body of a guitar to carry the strings around the bottom in order to allow the guitar to be as short as feasible while having standard effective string lengths. This assembly includes features which allow independent adjustments for each string of the effective length of the string and distance of the string from its associated electronic pickup. The assembly is made up of a base and six roller assemblies. Each roller assembly carries a string around the bottom of the body. The base has two flanges with six set screws in each flange and each roller assembly rests on the ends of two set screws, one in each flange and is held in place by the string. One set screw adjusts the effective string length, the other the distance of the string from its pickup. The knobs for the tuning machines of the guitar are distributed around the top edge of the front face of the body of the guitar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Terry J. Devitrysmith
  • Patent number: 5463924
    Abstract: A tuning peg for tuning a stringed instrument. The inventive device includes a tapered shaft for receiving one of the instrument strings thereabout. A thumb piece is coupled to the tapered shaft by an adjustable angle coupler which permits the thumb piece to be selectively orientated at a desired rotational angle relative to the tapered shaft. By this structure, the thumb pieces of the instrument can all be positioned at a desired orientation. In order to make the tuning peg more durable and reliable in its construction, the end of the tapered shaft which the thumb piece is connected to is fitted with a shaft including a circular plate and mounting stud construction. The shaft insert has a threaded interior bore that gives a more firm connection between the thumb piece and the tapered shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: Aldor E. Reuterfors
  • Patent number: 5388491
    Abstract: A tuning peg for a cello musical instrument where the tuning peg has a tapered cylindrical body which has an axially extending recess therein. A handle is removably mounted to the cylindrical body and has an axially extending connecting member which is adapted for insertion into the cavity. Upon insertion of the connecting member in whole or in part into the recess, the handle and cylindrical body are in fixed rotational relationship which permits the cylindrical body to be rotated in order to increase or decrease the tension in the cello string. After tuning the string, the handle is removed from the cylindrical body which permits the player to rest the neck of the cello against his neck and therefore play the instrument in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Krovoza John
  • Patent number: 5381715
    Abstract: An improved device for tuning a string of a musical instrument includes a string post which is axially movable relative to a housing. A clamp assembly inside the string post grips a portion of the string. The string post is then moved axially to tension the string. A single tuning knob is utilized to perform the dual functions of actuating the clamp assembly to grip the string and moving the string post axially to tension the gripped string. When the tuning knob is in an extended position, a socket type clutch interconnects the tuning knob and a clamp screw. Rotation of the extended tuning knob rotates the clamp screw to grip the string. When the tuning knob is in a retracted position, the clutch between the tuning knob and the clamp screw is disengaged and a drive connection between the tuning knob and the string post is engaged. Rotation of the retracted tuning knob causes the drive connection to move the string post axially to tension the string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1995
    Inventor: Robert J. Spercel
  • Patent number: 5277095
    Abstract: A single screw clamping tuner is provided for clamping and tuning a string of a stringed musical instrument. The tuner includes one and only one externally threaded screw which accomplishes both the clamping of a string end and the tuning of the string. The tuner includes a housing having a channel defined therein. A slider is slidably received in the channel and receives the string end therein. The one and only one screw has a first portion threadably engaged with the slider for clamping the string end against the slider. A tuning knob is threadably engaged with the one and only one screw for adjusting a position of the screw and the slider relative to the housing when the tuning knob is rotated relative to the housing to tune the string. An integral wrench carried by the tuning knob is selectively engagable with a head of the screw for rotating the screw relative to the slider to clamp or unclamp the string end against the slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Steinberger Sound Corp.
    Inventor: Ned Steinberger
  • Patent number: 5272953
    Abstract: A musical instrument string winder for engaging a musical instrument knob (e.g. guitar knob) for tightening or loosening a musical instrument string includes a knob socket and a turning handle. The knob socket has an integral gear on one end and a recess for engaging a musical instrument knob on another end. The handle has an integral gear on one end and a substantially flat gripping portion on another end. The handle gear has a predetermined number of teeth which is at least more than half the number of teeth on the knob socket integral gear. A gear housing supports first and second idler gears, with the handle integral gear being engaged with the first idler gear, and with the knob socket integral gear being engaged with the second idler gear. The musical instrument string winder thus provides more than one rotation of the musical instrument knob for every one rotation of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Advanced Innovative Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Virgil A. Koch
  • Patent number: 5198601
    Abstract: Apparatus, such as a stringed musical instrument, is provided with at least one free-to-vibrate portion tightly coupled to a vibrating object. A member forming the free-to-vibrate is tuned to at least one specific resonant frequency related to the vibrating object. In a guitar the bridge assembly can include the free-to-vibrate portion. The bridge assembly can be a fulcrum tremolo with individual intonation modules each having a free-to-vibrate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventor: Geoffrey McCabe