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

Abstract: Levers are used on a multiple-stringed musical instrument to enable the player, while performing, to raise and lower the pitches of individual strings. Finger pressure upon the levers, by tightening or slackening individually selected strings, can be used to both raise and lower the pitches of strings from their rest tunings selectively, simultaneously, and independently of each other. This can be done while leaving other strings in their rest tunings. Increasing pressure on a rod results in increasing deviation from the rest tuning, either up or down in pitch, depending on the direction that the pressure is applied.

Abstract: The present invention involves a tempering formula which utilizes specific pitch offsets, which when applied to the guitar, result in extraordinarily pleasing intonation.

Abstract: A system and method of balancing the torque applied to a stringed instrument's neck and headstock that allows the stringed instrument's neck and headstock to deflect evenly when a tremolo device included in said stringed instrument is operated is provided. The system includes a suspension string tree, which passes over each of the instrument strings at the instrument headstock intermediate a string nut and the tuning machines. The suspension string tree includes two adjustable fasteners, which pass through the string tree at opposite ends thereof and which adjustably retain the suspension string, tree to the headstock at a desired distance and vertical angle with respect to the headstock. The method includes balancing the torque applied to a stringed instrument's neck and headstock by the instrument's strings by adjusting adjustment fasteners located at opposite ends of, and which adjustably retain, a suspension string tree that passes over all of the instrument strings to an instrument headstock.

Abstract: A single instrument can be played as a guitar or a banjo with a simple adjustment. It has six guitar strings (1 to 6), plus a seventh, shorter string (7). Its neck (12) is widened for part (12W) of its length, starting from the body (10) and then narrows. The six strings run over the pickups (28 and 30) and tuning bridge (24) and are anchored on the backside. Their opposite ends are wound around the tuning pegs at the end of the neck. A shift lever (38S) is attached to the first peg for rapidly changing the tuning from its normal pitch, E, down to D. The seventh string is tuned to G, as with the fifth string of a banjo. Its ball or stopped end is captivated by a knurled adjustment nut (42) under the body. It passes through the body and over the bridge (24), the pickups (28 and 30), over the body and widened part of the neck. Its free end is anchored at an anchor hole (12H) in the neck. To play the instrument as a guitar, the player uses the first six strings, which are tuned to the guitar pitches, i.e.

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

Abstract: This application relates to various stepped pitch instruments crafted to a novel musical tuning system for the generated frequencies. As such, the tone selection devices are arranged to a distinct set of interval specifications when compared to the tone selection devices for a prior art instrument crafted to sound the common frequencies of 12 tone equal temperament. To generate the bicameral tones, the preferred tuning system utilizes two different series of Pythagorean perfect fifths separated by a known reference interval. Relative to 12 tone, the instant tuning system is primarily concerned both with improving the sour major and minor thirds and perfecting the slightly flat fifths. Substantially fewer tones per octave are used than the number required by standard just intonation. Various modifications to existing prior art instruments are described, as well as a novel enharmonic multitone keyboard.

Abstract: A height adjustable pivot point carrying device for a floating point tremolo, comprising: a base plate with a plurality of cylindrical seat housings extending the base plate. Each cylindrical seat housing defines a throughgoing bore and is threaded at its distal end to receive a threaded cap. A plurality of point support posts comprising a post and a conical pointed portion angularly extending from the post are slidably mounted in the cylindrical seat housing to pivotably receive a pivotable string carriage of the floating point tremolo on the conical pointed portion. An adjustment screw mounted in a threaded blind bore of the post moves the point support posts with respect to the base plate to raise or lower a pivotable string carrying portion of the floating point tremolo adjusting the height of the strings in relation to external surface of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A musical instrument has a plurality of strings connected with string posts having central axes disposed in a single plane which extends perpendicular to opposite sides of a head portion of the musical instrument. A string tuning device is connected with each of the strings. The string tuning device is operable to tension the string of a musical instrument to obtain a predetermined initial tension or pitch. A plurality of detuning actuators are provided in association with the tuning devices. The detuning actuators are manually operable to change the tension in a string of the musical instrument from the initial tension by a predetermined amount. Each of the tuning devices includes a worm which is disposed in meshing engagement with a pinion connected with a string post. The detuning actuator is connected with one end of the worm by a coupling which allows the worm to be rotated relative to the detuning actuator during the obtaining of the predetermined tension in the string.

Abstract: A raising lever for a pedal steel guitar has a pin means for pivotal connection to a control bridge, a pivot means for pivotally attaching a lowering lever to the raising lever, and a raise attachment means for selectable attachment of a pull rod for actuation of the raising lever from a neutral position to an actuated position. A cabinet slot engaging portion remains in contact with a cabinet slot portion of the steel guitar when the raising lever is in the neutral position. The raise attachment has a raising flange integral to the raising lever and a plurality of holes for selectable connection of pull rods. A pitch-changing device to be used in a pedal steel guitar having the raising finger is also shown, as well as a pedal steel guitar employing the pitch changing device having the raised finger assembly.

Abstract: A fully adjustable acoustic guitar bridge is claimed that allows the strings (e.g. nylon or steel) of an acoustic guitar to be separately and continuously intonated, accurately and easily, whenever necessary. The bridge system employs a minimum of alterations to the traditional non-adjustable acoustic guitar bridge to retain the acoustic qualities of the instrument. In one embodiment, recessed rear-loaded cap screws utilize the forward and downward pull of the strings to stabilize the adjustable saddles; in another, recessed, front-loaded cap screws utilize a c-clip to stabilize the saddles. A threaded saddle capture on each saddle provides stability, continuous threading capability, and the freedom to use acoustically resonant materials (e.g. bone, phenolic, composites, etc.) for saddles. In one embodiment, the string's downward pressure transmits string vibration to the soundboard; in another, a set-screw assists this transference of sound.

Abstract: A set of strings for use with a stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The set of strings may include one string or a plurality of strings wherein each string has a predetermined length selected to correspond with a convergence length at which harmonic and pitch tuning are simultaneously obtained.

Abstract: The pitch changer is mounted in a cavity in the backside of a Spanish Guitar and incorporates a bell-crank lever of which one end protrudes out of cavity through a hole in cover and lays parallel along the backside of the guitar, with its strap attach end pointing towards the neck. This lever when pulled by the guitarist, which is attached to his belt by some sort of strap, engages other levers which have the guitar strings attached, thus stretching them to a higher pitch, one-half or full step, against a recessed step in guitar body. This is accomplished by a linkage system of rocker plates and wires which is connected between the two lever systems. Adjustable stop means are provided to limit the movement of the levers which have the strings attached, thus enabling the control of the high and low pitch. The tension of the guitar strings pulls levers back to their low positions when bell-crank lever is released by guitarist.

Abstract: A fully adjustable acoustic guitar bridge is claimed that allows the strings (e.g. nylon or steel) of an acoustic guitar to be separately and continuously intonated, accurately and easily, whenever necessary. The bridge system employs a minimum of alterations to the traditional non-adjustable acoustic guitar bridge to retain the acoustic qualities of the instrument. In one embodiment, recessed rear-loaded cap screws utilize the forward and downward pull of the strings to stabilize the adjustable saddles; in another, recessed, front-loaded cap screws utilize a c-clip to stabilize the saddles. A threaded saddle capture on each saddle provides stability, continuous threading capability, and the freedom to use acoustically resonant materials (e.g. bone, phenolic, composites, etc.) for saddles. In one embodiment, the string's downward pressure transmits string vibration to the soundboard; in another, a set-screw assists this transference of sound.

Abstract: An automatic guitar string tuning device includes a foot-operated switch for controlling an electrical solenoid which rotates a cam shaft mounted upon a guitar or other stringed instrument. The solenoid rotates the cam shaft between first and second positions under the control of the foot switch. Several of the guitar strings are secured to tensioning arms which engage corresponding camming surfaces formed upon the rotating shaft. Rotation of the cam shaft between the first and second positions causes movement of the tensioning arms and thereby changes the pitch of the strings attached thereto.

Abstract: A method of determining the length of one or more strings to be manufactured for use with a stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. In accordance with the invention, a string is initially placed across and in contact with effective nut and bridge critical contact surfaces. The string is then tuned and while the string in its tuned condition, the length between the effective nut and bridge critical contact surfaces is determined. A compensation length, which represents a combined desired total distance beyond the effective nut and bridge critical contact surfaces, is added to the length between the nut and bridge critical contact surfaces so that an overall convergence length at which simultaneous harmonic and pitch tuning of the associated string can be obtained when the string is arranged in assembled position on a stringed instrument.

Abstract: A 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.

Abstract: A set of strings for use with a stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The set of strings may include one string or a plurality of strings wherein each string has a predetermined length selected to correspond with a convergence length at which harmonic and pitch tuning are simultaneously obtained.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, is provided. The stringed instrument includes a tuning mechanism operatively associated with a plurality of saddles and corresponding bridge critical contact surfaces which permits pivotable adjustment of the saddles along a predetermined arcuate path. The bridge critical contact surfaces are normally arranged behind the top of the predetermined arcuate path whereby actuation of the tuning mechanism in a manner which causes at least one of the plurality of saddles on the corresponding bridge critical contact surfaces to move toward an associated nut will cause the height of corresponding strings of the instrument to increase with respect to the fretboard of the instrument. Similarly, actuation of the tuning mechanism in a manner which causes one or more of the saddles and the corresponding bridge critical contact surfaces to move away from the nut will cause the height of the corresponding strings to decrease with respect to the fretboard.

Abstract: A bridge for a string instrument having a body and at least one string. A base is provided for mounting the bridge on the body of the instrument. An intonation adjustment member is slidably mounted on the base for adjusting the horizontal position at which a string is supported by the bridge. A height adjustment member is slidably mounted on the intonation adjustment member for adjusting the vertical position of the string above the body. The intonation adjustment member has a ramp portion for slidably supporting the height adjustment member while maintaining substantially constant contact surface area. Horizontal position of the intonation adjustment member and vertical position of the height adjustment member are adjusted by respective elongate threaded shafts. The intonation adjustment member interlocks with the base, and the height adjustment member interlocks with the intonation adjustment member.

Abstract: A fully adjustable acoustic guitar bridge is claimed that allows the strings (nylon or steel) of an acoustic guitar to be separately and continuously intonated accurately and easily whenever necessary. The bridge system employs a minimum of alterations to the traditional non-adjustable acoustic guitar bridge to retain the acoustic qualities of the instrument. Recessed, rear-loaded cap screws utilize the forward pull of the guitar strings to stabilize the adjustable saddles. A threaded saddle capture on each saddle provides stability, continuous threading capability, and the freedom to use acoustically resonant materials (bone, phenolic, composites, etc.) for saddles. These features eliminate the need for springs or other fasteners, which would have a negative effect on the acoustic guitar's tone and sustain. A rosewood shim is employed on acoustic/electric guitars over the internal bridge pickup.

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.

Abstract: An attachment shown in FIG. 1 for string-musical instruments to improve the tone color by tightly clamping a string segment E (91), a string segment A (92), a string segment D (93), and a string segment G (94) between a bridge (60) and a tailpiece (70) with an acoustical material (20) being compressed by a frame (10) and an arm (50). The position, angle of attachment, compression and shape are varied to customize the tone color, without loss of fundamental tone volume. The attachment can be removed by moving a catch and release (40). This returns the instrument to its original state. The tightly clamping of all string segments (91), (92), (93),and (94) together allows common motion of all string segments between bridge (60) and tailpiece (70), but independent vibrations of any one string segment is stopped to higher frequency and is damped by acoustical material (20). The enhanced tone effects increased ease of playing, sonority, dynamic range, and projection.

Abstract: A string tension adjustment device for electric guitars, and particularly for use in conjunction with guitars having a bolt-on neck. The string tension adjustment device includes a body which holds the mechanism for applying the additional tension to a guitar string and the body is attached to a traditional guitar with bolt-on neck by removing the bolts that connect the neck to the body of the guitar, placing the body of the string tension adjustment device so that holes passing through it are in registry with the holes that receive the bolts for attaching the neck of the guitar to the body of the guitar and reassembling the entire mechanism by the bolts passing through the existing holes so that there is no necessity of impairing the integrity of the instrument.

Abstract: A bridge device is provided for a stringed musical instrument having a body, a neck extending from the body, and a set of tensioned strings extending along the neck and over at least a portion of the body. The bridge device comprises a bridge plate mounted adjacent a front surface of the body, a plurality of saddles secured to the bridge plate, and a plurality of armatures pivotably secured to the bridge plate. The saddles are individually adjustable to vary the effective length height of each of the strings and to vary the distance between each of the strings from the bridge plate. Each of the armatures individually engage the strings and are selectively manipulable to change the tension of each of the strings between one of three predetermined tension levels.

Abstract: A method for improving the sound producing ability of musical instruments by securing at least some components of the instrument to a supporting surface and then vibrating the surface at various frequencies across a broad bandwidth for an optimal time. This method may be applied to partially assembled instruments during the manufacturing process, to completed instruments with strings and/or hardware removed, and to fully assembled new and old instruments.

Abstract: A musical pitch control for each of the strings on a musical instrument. A pivot arm is secured to one end of each string. Controlled current is applied to a length of memory wire secured between the arm and an anchor point. The bending strain on the arm is sensed and circuitry responsive to the sensor is arranged to rock the arm to maintain a desired tension on the string. A second biasing device also acts upon the arm in opposition to the alloy wire to urge the wire alloy to return to its original condition when no current is flowing through the memory wire.

Abstract: A detachable accessory for stringed instruments of the guitar family that utilizes a platform (26) to support individual string contacts (37-42) from a position over an instrument's strings (21-24) near the bridge (20). The contacts (37-42) provide adjustable, curved surfaces for the strings (21-24) to rebound against as they vibrate, causing them to emulate the timbres of other instruments, such as a fretless bass, or a sitar. The device can be attached by double-stick tape or foam, and no alterations are necessary on the instrument.

Abstract: A guitar string damper device includes six discrete damper arms for selectively dampening each string individually. The device universally fits most guitars because it attaches to a standard guitar nut. Employing a staggered arrangement for the damper arms and levers allows a musician to quickly dampen and release individual strings while still playing.

Abstract: A tuning block for rapidly tuning a guitar having a floating bridge tremolo. The tuning block has a base that may be removably inserted between the body of the guitar and the tremolo bridge to limit the pivoting motion of the bridge and thereby tune the strings of the guitar as a group. A tuning bar is pivotably attached to the base and carries individual string tension contacts for modifying the tension of each string when the tuning bar is pivoted into position atop the string tension levers on the tremolo bridge. The string tension contacts may be adjusted to depress the tremolo string tension levers, thereby tuning the guitar. The tuning block may be quickly attached to the tremolo bridge and the tuning bar pivoted into position to tune the guitar to a predetermined setting.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively increasing the pitch of a string of a string instrument at any time while the instrument is being played in a normal manner. The apparatus includes a string guide which is adapted to bear against a tuned string of the instrument, reciprocating means adapted to be mounted on the peghead of the instrument and secured to the string guide, and an actuator operatively connected to the reciprocating means for selectively moving the string guide to "bend" the associated string and increase the tension thereon a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a memory tuning system for use with stringed instruments. The system includes a main activator cam having a series of adjustable projection set screws located around its circumference. Each string of the instrument is connected to a compound lever assembly and rests against the cam. The compound lever assembly consists of a tuning lever and a separator lever both pivotally mounted to a frame assembly. A fine tuning adjustment screw is tapped into the tuning lever, but not through the separator lever. In the bridge mounted version, each string is clamped into a rotatable block assembly to allow for various tensions to be applied to the string. The lever assembly is interconnected to the block assembly to control the tension of the string based on either the adjustment screw position or the set screw position.

Abstract: A power-driven voicing tool simultaneously inserts into and withdraws from the felt of a piano hammer, needles to raise a nap thereon. A row of four needles is driven by two circularly moved cam surfaces on the ends of an assembly rotatable by a variable speed electric motor through a flexible drive cable. One cam surface lies outside the other and drives the external needles of the row of needles; the other drives the internal needles. The slopes of the two cam surfaces are different and one-hundred-and eighty degrees out-of-phase with each other and effect different movements in adjacent needles, one needle moving outward while the other moves inward. A process of inserting a needle while withdrawing an adjacent needle in the felt of the piano hammer, is practiced.

Abstract: A stringed instrument comprising a body and a neck, the neck having a fingerboard and a headstock and being mounted on the body and also including relatively high frets on the fingerboard. Tuning machines are mounted on the headstock and a vibrato bridge unit is mounted on the body. Strings urge the vibrato bridge unit into a quiescent, non-vibrato position. Strings are mounted between the tuning machines and the vibrato bridge unit. Strings are mounted between the tuning machines in the vibrato bridge unit, the neck having approximately a fourteen inch scale length and the strings being tuned like a violin to the notes G, D, A and E. A pick-up arrangement is mounted on the body, preferably having pole pieces which confront the strings.

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.

Abstract: A string bender apparatus is provided for a guitar. The guitar has a guitar body with a plurality of guitar strings mounted thereon, and also includes a protruding structure such as a bridge or tail piece defined on the guitar body and operably associated with the guitar strings. The string bender apparatus includes a frame having an actuating lever pivotally attached thereto. The actuating lever is attached to one of the guitar strings for varying the tension on the string by pivoting the actuating lever relative to the frame. An adapter is provided for removably attaching the frame of the string bender apparatus to the protruding structure of the guitar.

Abstract: An electronic tuner generates a pulse train signal from an analog signal transduced from vibrations on a selected one of several strings of a musical instrument. The pulse train signal has a plurality of successive pulses, each of the pulses having a pulse width which may vary between successive pulses. Two of the pulses have a longest pulse width of all pulses in the pulse string are identified. The tuner then computes a current fundamental frequency on the selected string as a function of a ratio between a numerical count of the pulses occurring between these two pulses, the count including one of these pulses, and a sum of the pulse width of each of the pulses included in the count. The two of the pulses have a longest pulse width of all pulses in the pulse string. A difference signal is developed as a function of a difference between the current fundamental frequency and a known in-tune frequency associated with the selected string being tuned.

Abstract: Bridge for improving volume, power and sustaining quality in a stringed musical instrument of the type having a hollow body over which are stretched substantially parallel strings, each string being stretched. The string height is raised over the sound board. One end of a string may be anchored to a crossbrace on the underside of the sound board so as to directly vibrate this sound board. It also incorporates a means an adjustment mechanism for string length fine tuning. The result is increased sound, volume and resonance persistence which is without distortion that may result in increased amplification when applied to guitars or other stringed instruments.

Abstract: A device for clamping and tuning strings which extend longitudinally between and past the nut and bridge of a musical instrument includes a base. The base includes a plurality of threaded shank elements. A plurality of threaded nuts are each threaded on a respective shank element. A plurality of actuators are each threaded on a respective threaded shank proximate to a respective threaded nut for selectively applying clamping pressure to a string position between a respective actuation means and threaded nut by rotating relative to a respective threaded nut and shank element. A plurality of cams are provided, each rotatably mounted on the base proximate to one of the strings at a position past the portion of the string between the nut and bridge for moving longitudinally relative to the extent of the string while displacing the string in a direction generally lateral to the longitudinal extent of the string when the cam is rotated for adjusting the pitch of the string by adjusting the tension of the string.

Abstract: A guitar with an improved mechanical selection of various tunings without fast skill or practice being required on the part of the player of the instrument. A positive stop and lever system enables the player to change tuning or key at will and to return back to standard tuning if so desired with a quick movement of a simple readily accessible key changing handle. An additional improved movable capo device for use on the guitar or any string instrument which is capable of a smooth transfer to any position on the neck within the octave without jerky or otherwise unsteady movement, capable of being moved to change any major key or chord within the music scale, including sharps and flats, as well as being usable as a modulating device to modulate in whole or half steps.

Abstract: An inventive positioner adapted to secure a string of a guitar or other fretted stringed instrument at fret positions in order to quickly and easily vary the length of the string available for vibration to change the pitch when the string is plucked. The positioner describes a threaded machine screw received in a metal insert, the insert fixedly held in the fretboard of the neck of the guitar. The positioner screw is angled at a preferred 55.degree. angle with respect to the fretboard and so positioned that it hooks the string in a locking downward "V" catch to secure holding the string against the fretboard so that the string will rise up and engage the adjacent fret between the positioner and the guitar main body. The guitar string is not moved laterally when it is engaged and held.A plurality of positioners are provided for each of the guitar strings behind each fret throughout the length of the fretboard in order that each guitar string effective vibrating length may be changed as desired.

Abstract: A tremolo bridge for an electric guitar has a fine tuning mechanism installed thereon. Fine tuning screw heads 43 have coplanar top surfaces 44 which do not rise or fall as tuning is effected. When actuated, heads 43 move screws 47 vertically to act on strings 29 through string securing levers 35. With this structure, the tuning heads form an essentially flat surface providing a seat or rest for the hand or forearm of the guitarist.

Abstract: A guitar constructed for so-called "one-touch" tuning including a pivoted lever that is movable between string relaxing and string tensioning positions, and is held in the latter position by a releasable latch. The lever is secured to a string by a ball-like retaining member that is clamped to the string at a predetermined location near the tail end thereof. Preferably, this clamping takes place shortly prior to securing the string to the lever. The retaining member is provided with at least one groove through which the string extends. The retaining member is deformed by crushing same at portions thereof that defines at least one groove thereby collapsing the groove around the string to firmly clamp the retaining member to the string.

Abstract: The bridge of a guitar includes a movable bridge plate normally pivotable relative to the body of the guitar so as to change the string tension and produce a tremulous tone effect. Alternatively, the bridge-mounting plate can be locked in fixed position relative to the remainder of the guitar. A low friction mounting for the bridge-mounting plate consists of a linear, sharpened leading end or ends of the plate received in a linear transverse groove or grooves of a mounting flange. Preferably, the pivot axis of the bridge plate lies in a vertical plane closely adjacent to the location where the guitar strings cross the bridge so that pivoting movement of the bridge plate to produce the tremulous tone effect does not result in a large change of the height of the strings above the guitar body. A separate saddle is provided for each string and gear-actuated adjustment mechanism is operable to adjust the longitudinal position of each saddle.

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 tremolo plate is pivotally mounted on the guitar body, and a plurality of a combination bridge saddles and lever systems are mounted on such plate, there being one such saddle-lever system for each string of the guitar. The combination systems include saddles adapted to be pivoted by set screws to change string height. They further include levers adapted to be adjusted by screws to effect fine tuning of the strings. The heads for the fine tuning screws are captured by ears. The pivot means for the tremolo plate have a pivot axis so related to the string saddles that the intonation points of the saddles may be adjusted between positions closer to the guitar neck than is such axis, and positions farther from the guitar neck than is such axis.

Abstract: A guitar having a vibrato bridge assembly and a string lock mechanism for locking the strings at the intersection of the head and neck is provided with a fine-tuning mechanism on the bridge assembly. The tuning mechanism includes tuning knob elevator screws which are generally perpendicular to the face of the body of the guitar and which are easily accessible. Rotation of the tuning knob screws is coupled via an L-shaped rocker element to cause translational movement of the guitar strings thereby to adjust their tension and pitch. Rocker mechanisms are disclosed which minimize vibrational interference between adjacent rocker elements.

Abstract: Apparatus enabling dynamic variation of string pitch in a guitar utilizes an operating arm that is rotatably attached to the inner end of the pivotable bridge block, and is disposed at the rear of the instrument.

Abstract: A tuning mechanism for harmonically tuning and pitch tuning guitar strings. The mechanism is part of the bridge. It includes a base and a plurality of saddles which are mounted on the base and are slidable longitudinally back and forth to adjust the effective length of the strings of the guitar. Each saddle is mechanically connected to a guide member which is located in a groove in the base. A tuning screw through the guide member slides the guide member and the saddle back and forth to tune a guitar string. A securing bolt is then tightened to fix the saddle in place on the base. The mechanism also includes a pivotable pitch tuning member which pivots back and forth in response to a pivoting force applied by a pitch tuning screw to adjust string tension. The string receiving end of each saddle can be raised or lowered to adjust the height of the string above the base.

Abstract: A tuning apparatus for a stringed musical instrument includes a bridge base, a plurality of bridges, a plurality of anchor members of the same number as that of the bridges, and tuning bolts of the same number as that of the bridges or anchor members. The bridge base is fixed on a body. Each bridge is mounted on an upper surface of a front end portion of the bridge base and is movable along vertical and back-and-forth directions with respect to the body. Each bridge supports one end portion of a string at a top surface thereof. Each anchor member is mounted on an upper surface of a rear end portion of the bridge base and is movable along the back-and-forth direction. Each anchor member locks a bead coupled to one end of the string. Each tuning bolt is rotated to move the corresponding anchor member along the back-and-forth direction.