Abstract: The invention is an electric guitar that has seven strings and a scale length of 25.5 inches. The highest string is a "top A" string that provides the guitarist access to higher notes than is available on a conventional guitar. This seven string guitar is constructed on a solid body and has a neck with twenty-four frets. The neck has "pronounced tapering" such that the proportionate relationship of the neck at the 24th fret and at the nut is greater in the present relationship than in the Fender Stratocaster guitar. The solid body has cut-aways on each side of the neck to permit fingering access to all the frets. The guitar has staggered headmachines so that the headmachine upon which the "top A" string is wound has a shorter post than those headmachines upon which the lower strings are wound. The guitar also has a vibrato bridge unit that is firmly connected to the solid body by two connecting screws and less than firmly attached to the solid body by two stabilizing screws.

Abstract: A standard guitar or bass guitar, and method, in which a combination worm wheel and ratchet wheel is combined with a combination worm element and pawl element. The result is highly efficient coarse tuning and fine tuning of a guitar string. In accordance with another invention, an adjustable saddle mechanism is provided for a guitar string. It comprises upper and lower saddle elements. A compound lever system is provided to lock the saddle elements in any one of an infinite number of positions.

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

Abstract: A gearless tuner for a stringed musical instrument comprises a generally cylindrical housing for mounting on the instrument including an axial opening extending therethrough; a knob core sized for insertion into the axial opening in the housing including a threaded aperture extending axially therethrough and an annular ring for interacting with the housing to maintain the knob core in the housing; and an elongated slider extending into the axial opening of the housing and axially threaded into the aperture for securing one end of a string of the instrument and drawing the string into the housing when the knob core is rotated with respect to the housing to tension the string, including a string opening through the slider substantially parallel to the direction of the string on the instrument for receiving the string, and locking means both for allowing the slider to move axially with respect to the housing and preventing the slider from rotating with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A tuning device includes a tuner housing extending from a string instrument, such as a guitar, with an integral orthogonal threaded mounting portion mounted in a peg head aperture. A tuner rod extends concentrically through the tuner housing and has a distal end with a transverse interior passageway extending at the end of the housing. A loose clamping pin or screw extends concentrically in the tuning rod to the transverse passageway. After a string end is pushed through the passageway and drawn taut a lock knob or the hex-headed screw at the tuner rod opposite end is threaded into the tuner rod forcing a separate or integral clamping pin against the taut end of the string and to clamp the string in the transverse passageway. An internally threaded tuning knob adjacent to lock knob or hex-headed screw is rotatable on outer threads of the tuner rod at its proximal end to move the tuner rod longitudinally inward in the tuner housing pulling with it the clamped string.

Abstract: A tuning peg for a stringed musical instrument comprises a cylindrical housing adapted to be mounted on a stringed musical instrument. The housing has a central chamber, an axially extending slot and a shearing surface. A slider is positioned within the central chamber and has a key projecting into the slot for allowing the slider to move axially relative to the housing and for preventing rotation of the slider relative to the housing. One end of the slider has a transverse aperture for receiving a string, a screw for clamping the string in the aperture and a shearing surface proximate to the aperture and the shearing surface on the housing. A knob is threaded on the other end of the slider. The knob is rotatable relative to the housing but is prevented from axial movement relative to the housing such that rotation of the knob moves the slider in the axial direction to tune the string and shear the string between the shearing surfaces.

Abstract: A string cutting and clamping apparatus for a stringed instrument which includes an axial bore in the string winding shaft and a screw threaded cutting and clamping stem mounted therein. The wall of the shaft is provided with aligned openings adjacent the bottom of the bore for reception of a string to be cut and clamped. The stem is advanced by turning in the bore and the bottom edge surface of the stem severs the string by shearing action against the inner edge of one of the openings. Continued advancing of the stem clamps the severed end of the string against the flat bottom surface of the bore. The bottom surface of the bore is spaced a distance below the cutting edge of the opening so that the string is completely severed as the stem passes the cutting edge of the opening.

Abstract: The tuning mechanism comprises a support which carries a shaft on which is mounted an arm that extends generally as a radius of the shaft. The arm has a turnable assembly that receives and retains a string of the instrument, and the assembly may be turned to tension the string. Further, the arm is rockable relative to the support for further adjusting the string so as to afford fine tuning. The turnable assembly is received in a bore in the arm and is made up of a stud over which is sleeved a coil spring via a frictional fit and the spring is connected at one end to the arm whereby the stud, to which the string is attached, is limited to one-way turning in the direction of string tightening.

Abstract: A machine head for use with a guitar or other stringed musical instrument has a rotatable peg with a string receiving transverse hole. An axial bore extends from the free end of the peg to the transverse hole and receives a clamping member movable axially in the bore into and out of clamping relation with the string in the transverse hole. Manual rotation of a part threaded onto the outer end portion of the peg produces the axial clamping or releasing motion of the clamping member.

Abstract: A peg box for a stringed instrument adapted to facilitate the introduction of the musical strings in the aperture of the tuning pegs. The peg box is made of a solid beam of material having a flat upper face and transversal channels for rotatably receiving the pegs. Bores extend from the upper face of the beam to the channels. Diametral apertures in the tuning pegs are aligned with the bores according to a predetermined reference mark. The musical strings are easily introduced into the bores and are automatically aligned with the apertures of the pegs. The threading of the musical strings is facilitated and made even easy for a blind person.

Abstract: Located on the body as distinguished from the headstock of an instrument such as a guitar is a combined bridge, string lock and fine tuner. The upper end of each string is attached to the headstock. The lower end is fixed to a ratchet thumbwheel rotatable on a transverse axle mounted in a body fixed to the instrument. By turning the ratchet wheel a rough adjustment of string tension is made. A fine tuning knob controls the pawl of the ratchet for precise turning of the ratchet wheel. A slide is longitudinally adjustable in a groove in the upper end of the body. A screw is threaded into the slider and formed with a slot for the string. The screw stops the vibrating length of string.

Abstract: A string instrument particularly such as a guitar is provided with an improved vibrato assembly to obtain a vibrato/tremolo effect, and further including improved tuning adjustment mechanisms for maintaining the guitar in tune and for rapid adjustment to one of several preset tuning configurations. The vibrato assembly comprises an improved tuning machine and an improved bridge unit respectively on the head and body of the guitar with the guitar strings extended therebetween. The tuning machine and bridge unit support the guitar strings independently with each string under selected tension at a primary tuning set position. At the bridge unit, the strings are supported by individual rocker arms engaged by respective cams which are movable together by a manual spring-loaded control lever to achieve the vibrato/tremolo effect with raised or lowered pitch, as desired, with the cams displacing the rocker arms and thus altering tension individually for each guitar string.

Abstract: A linear movement tuning key for the peg head of a stringed musical instrument. A key includes a generally cylindrical body portion having a radially extending flange at the upper end, upon which is mounted a guide roller having its axis generally coplanar with the body of an instrument string. The roller is adapted for receiving the string thereacross and rotating therewith for direct orthogonal transfer of string tensioning forces. A tuning piston is mounted within a central axial opening in the cylindrical body portion of the key with the lower inner portion of the axial opening being threaded to receive a screw actuation ram. The lower, outer portion of the key body is also threaded to receive a cylindrical mounting sleeve, the upper edge of bears against the under surface of the peg head to rigidly secure the key body portion within the peg head.

Abstract: A tremolo device for an electric guitar has a base mounting plate with an open center section and a spring adjusting threaded screw projecting into the open center section, a bridge plate having a flange projecting into the open center section and having a pair of hinge pin receiving apertures for receiving hinge pins with projecting beveled edges which engage a pair of hinge posts extending from the base mounting plate, and a spring interconnecting the spring adjusting threaded screw and the depending flange.

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

Abstract: An improved tuning device for a string of a musical instrument includes a string post having an opening at one end to receive the string. In order to tune the string, a worm and pinion are manually actuated to rotate the string post. In accordance with a feature of the invention, a passage extends axially through the pinion and at least part way through the string post. In one embodiment of the invention, a clamp is provided in the passage to grip the string. In another embodiment of the invention, the string itself is pulled through the passage. In both embodiments of the invention, the string is manually pulled taut before actuating the worm and pinion to rotate the string post and tune the string. This enables the string to be quickly and easily tuned by turning the string post through less than one revolution. Since the string post is turned through less than one revolution, less than one complete turn or coil of the string is wrapped around the string post.

Abstract: An adjustable bridge and tuning unit for a stringed musical instrument, the instrument including a body, a neck portion extending from the body, a plurality of strings extending over a part of the body and the neck portion, and means for securing the strings at one end to the neck portion, the bridge and tuning unit comprising a base member fixedly mounted to the body, the base member including a pair of sidewalls defining a channel therebetween; a plurality of individual bridge saddles, one of the bridge saddles corresponding to and aligned for supporting each of the strings, each said saddle generally comprising a rectangular paralleli piped, and having a groove on one surface thereof for alignment with the string. The bridge saddles are positioned in abutting relation within the channel and one of the saddles is in frictional contact with one of the sidewalls.

Abstract: An anchoring and tuning mechanism for the strings of a stringed musical instrument employing plug-ended strings slidably insertable into slots and cut-outs and tensioned by retraction of anchor members slidable in channels aligned with the strings.

Abstract: A string attachment device having a sleeve encompassing a cam, an aperture in the sleeve to position a string therebetween and means to rotate the sleeve and cam relative to each other to grasp the string therebetween.

Abstract: An electric guitar comprising a body (1) in which the strings (11) are tuned by means of adjustment keys or knobs (4) located along one side edge of the guitar body (1). The knobs (4) adjust tuning machines (3) located at the rear of the body to which the strings are guided from the front over guide pulleys (5) mounted in the base edge of the body.

Abstract: A tuning machine for a stringed musical instrument employing posts for adjusting the tension of the strings. The posts are split so that each string is clamped passing through the post rather than relying on the friction of the string wrapped around the post. This construction results in the string remaining properly tuned for a longer period of time than in the wrapped arrangement presently in use.

Abstract: A kit for converting a single-stringed instrument to a double-stringed instrument including a unique combined bridge/tuning mechanism (50) which replaces the bridge assembly of the single-stringed instrument. The combined bridge/tuning mechanism (50) includes a bridge assembly over which both the original strings (20) and the additional strings (40) pass, and an integrally mounted tuning assembly (54) for adjusting the tension in (i.e., tuning) the additional strings. The bridge/tuning mechanism (50) includes a base or mounting plate (60) from one end of which perpendicularly extends a flange (62). The tuning keys (86) which comprise the tuning assembly (54) are pivotally mounted to the upper end of the flange (62), the additional strings (40) passing through apertures (68) formed in the flange (62). The flange (62) also serves as a means for terminating one end of the original strings (20) whose other ends are terminated in other tuning keys (18) located, for example, on the head (16) of the instrument.

Abstract: A tuning pin for pianos and like instruments being of the usual configuration except for the neck portion on which the string is wound which is reduced in diameter only on the side which the string leaves the pin thus forming a pin neck which is more elliptical than circular in shape, the reduced side of which has a less acute curve for the string to bend around and is closer to the center of axes of the pin which reduces the torsional effect of the string on the pin and subsequent slippage of the pin in the block.

Abstract: A holder or cassette in the form of a spool having wound thereon a string for a musical instrument, is disclosed. The free end of the string is secured to the spool, while the opposite end utilizes the traditional "ball" or loop which is affixed to the tailpiece or bridge of the instrument.The spool has an axial opening so that it can be mounted over a correspondingly shaped tuning machine shaft, and the spool can also have an internal bar which slips into a slot in the shaft. Musicians can quickly change strings using the invention without the need to actually thread the string through the tuning machine and then cut off the excess as is currently done. Instead, the ball end of the string is inserted into the bridge or tailpiece and a cassette is mounted over the shaft; the tuning machine or peg is then turned in conventional fashion to take up the slack in the string and the instrument is once again ready for use.

Abstract: A handle to facilitate more rapid winding/or unwinding of a string of a musical instrument is disclosed. The handle replaces the usual knob, and includes a crank member which can be pivoted out from a concealed storage position to an operative extended position, thereby achieving a greater radius of rotation and a resultant fast-wind capacity for the device.

Abstract: A rod secured across the width of the guitar peghead by a plurality of spaced apart fasteners, the rod having a roller disposed thereon for each guitar string, with each roller receiving a string between the roller and the peghead, and means for securing the rollers to the rod, such that when strings are pressed down above the string nut and released they will easily slide back to their original position, thereby allowing the playing of special effects above the fretboard.

Abstract: A stringed instrument in the form of an electric guitar having a body and a neck. A plurality of strings secured to the outer end of the neck extend along the neck and past a bridge carried by the body. The opposite ends of the strings are coupled with pegs which are rotatably mounted on the body adjacent to the bridge. The pegs are manually rotated by shafts which are located within the body itself. A worm gear connects each shaft to a respective peg. A knob is on the outer end of each shaft and each knob is located in a respective recess in a side-wall or an end wall of the body. A knob and a switch for control of amplified sounds are also recessed within the body. The body and neck are reduced in mass to decrease the weight of the instrument.

Abstract: A stringed instrument is disclosed which incorporates improved design and performance features. An elongated body, hereinafter called the wedge, contains in itself all necessary components and parts making it a totally playable instrument with or without a pair of removable wing bodies. One purpose of the wing body attachments is to provide flexibility for modular electronic add-on components for use with new modern amplification devices. Also the wing bodies may be changed to provide a varity of instrument body designs, colors, finishes and fabrics. The sound produced by each of the strings of the instrument is enhanced by providing each string with at least one individual magnetic pickup which is individually adjustable to that string for optimum performance. Each string is also provided with its own individual bridge support which is completely separated from each other bridge support to prevent any acoustical and/or electrical cross-feed.

Abstract: An adapter system for a stringed musical instrument having a tuning key and a string connected to the tuning key for adjusting the pitch of sound rendered by striking the string attached to said key. A limit stop is operatively mounted on the instrument along with a,rotational stop mounted on the key for interacting with the limit stop to confine the rotational movement of the tuning key to a certain predetermined arc. The limit stop can be adjusted to selectively change the angular arc. An internal adapter cylinder is operatively mounted on the shaft of the tuning key where the tuning key shaft is of a non-circular configuration. An upper cylinder and a lower cylinder are operatively mounted with respect to the internal adapter cylinder. The adapter cylinder is provided with a recess which accommodates a cylindrical insert used when the tuning key is not provided with a shoulder portion.

Abstract: This method and apparatus prevents improper string return by restraining an end portion of a string of a stringed instrument, such as a pedal steel guitar, free of longitudinal movement with changes in tension of the string from a predetermined level of string tension. The invention also involves applying tension force to the string operatively collinearly with a linear projection of an end portion of the string while maintaining an end portion of the string free of longitudinal movement with changes in string tension from a predetermined level of string tension.

Abstract: Disclosed are guitars having quick attach, quick release string securing mechanisms for use with string sets of measured lengths. A first embodiment of strings has loops formed on both ends, while a second embodiment of strings has a loop formed on one end and an anchor ball secured on the other. Each guitar disclosed has tuning mechanism including transversely extending string holding posts over which the string loops may be hooked. Guitars utilizing the first string embodiment have crosspiece structure carrying upwardly projecting posts around which the loops of the other strings ends can be hooked. The guitar utilizing the second string embodiment has crosspiece structure defining slotted rearwardly opening sockets for receiving the anchor balls secured on the other string ends. The string holding ends of each of the string holding posts are preferably formed as ball-shaped members and may be formed by screwing a ball on a treaded shaft.

Abstract: Fine-tuning peg for a stringed instrument having a holder for holding the peg firmly in a peg box of the instrument. The peg has a head which is partly hollow, a tuning wheel in the interior of the peg head, a neck part, a rotatable tuning shaft is supported in the neck part and the rotatable tuning shaft is connected to the tuning wheel. A pre-tuner is associated with the free end of the tuning shaft and a string drum is seated on the tuning shaft. A device for compensating the pull of the string is connected to the tuning shaft and a disengageable locking mechanism is adapted for securing the string against turning.

Abstract: A musical instrument tuning system adapted to be mounted on a string instrument. The tuning system provides a visual indication to repeatedly aid in the proper tuning of a set of strings. Additionally, the tuning system gives a visual indication when a string is tension loaded to or near the rupture point. Further, the tuning system indicates when a string is below pitch after a reference point is set to provide proper tuning of a particular string. The tuning system mounted on the instrument pegboard includes a first decalcomania having three indicia zones representing a proper tuning zone, a string tension load warning zone and a zone indicating the appropriate string is below pitch. A second decalcomania mounted on a peg has indicia which is aligned with the first decalcomania tuning zone. Rotation of the peg resulting in alignment of the peg indicia with the tension load warning zone indicates a warning to the user that the string may rupture.

Abstract: A string post for a musical instrument of the type which extends perpendicular to the instrument head and is adapted to be rotated manually to tighten a string wrapped therearound, the string post having a constantly decreasing diameter from the outer end thereof to a plane closely adjacent the instrument head so as to urge a string wrapped therearound toward and into contact with the instrument head.

Abstract: The upper termination of strings on an instrument having a finger board or a fret board is into a peg box. The present peg box is closed on the front to protect the instrumentalist against the sharp loose ends of the stringed wire. The closed front of the box also provides an area for decoration and application of the maker's name.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument particularly a ukelele employing simple rotatable friction pegs in the machine head, is provided with a tension-receiving member for the strings disposed between the instrument nut and the machine head. Each string is looped in a circle about the member and it is found there is a marked reduction in the tendency for the instrument to detune under the string tension. The member may be constituted by a screw or a rod mounted by the instrument neck and about which the respective string is looped. With a wooden-necked instrument each member may be constituted by a wood screw screwed directly into the neck.

Abstract: A head piece, for grasping by a musician, having a stem joined thereto, the stem having elongated teeth which are formed thereon and disposed radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stem and head piece. A ratchet body having a bore therethrough is placed over a spindle, and the spindle is threaded into the head piece such that the spindle and head piece are rotatable as a unit. The ratchet body has elongated teeth formed thereon which are radially disposed about the bore of the ratchet body and which mesh with the teeth formed on the stem. The meshing teeth allow rotation of the head piece and spindle in one direction only with respect to the ratchet body, thereby causing a string of a musical instrument attached to the spindle to be wound about the spindle and secured in a taut condition.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for adjusting tension of an elongated filament having one end thereof coupled to a supporting structure, the device having a lever arm adapted to be pivotally attached to the supporting structure, a tuning peg having ratchet notches therein and being rotatably attached to the lever arm and being adapted to engage and adjustably wind the elongated filament therearound, a spring stop attached to the lever arm for engaging the ratchet notches of the tuning peg and an adjusting screw attached to the supporting structure and engaging the lever arm for pivotally positioning the lever arm with respect to the supporting structure whereby the tension of the elongated filament is coarsely adjusted by rotating the tuning peg and finely adjusted by pivoting the lever arm.