Abstract: A tremolo clamp for attaching to a tremolo-equipped musical instrument having a tremolo arm and retaining the tremolo arm in a selected position. The tremolo clamp includes a clamp rod extending in a longitudinal direction, a fixed clamp arm fixedly attached to a first end of the clamp rod, a first positionable clamp arm slidingly attached along the clamp rod, and a second positionable clamp arm slidingly attached along the clamp rod. The first positionable clamp arm is arranged between the fixed clamp arm and the second positionable clamp arm.

Abstract: Sonic improvement for all stringed instruments that employ a fulcrum tremolo bridge system with back of instrument counter tensioning springs. The improvement is provided by securing springs to claw assembly, as well as securing claw assemble to a flat plate of material which is in turn secured to instrument body. The claw and resonator plate can be fabricated as two individual pieces then fastened together or as a combined one piece assemble that is then fastened to instrument body.

Abstract: Some implementations can include a string bender including a body configured to attach to a bridge of a guitar or other stringed instrument. Some implementations can include a bridge with an integrated string bender. The string bender can be constructed to bend one or more strings, for example the B and/or G strings. The string bender can also be constructed to fit a variety of guitar styles, such as Fender Telecaster or Stratocaster-style guitars.

Abstract: Disclosed is a torsion based tremolo apparatus that includes a moving plate rotatably coupled to a mounting plate. A torsion device imparts torsional force to the moving plate relative to the mounting plate around an axis of rotation. The mounting plate is used to attach the tremolo apparatus to a guitar or other string musical instrument. Adjustable bridge clamps and tuning plates coupled to the moving plate may be used to set the tension on the instrument strings as desired. Rotation of the moving plate relative to the mounting plate alters the tension on the instrument strings.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe keyless locking tremolo systems and methods for musical instruments that are configured to tune and restrain strings for a musical instrument without an external tool. Embodiments are configured to adjust the vertical positioning of a tightening post and string clamp without an external tool.

Abstract: A vibrato system for a solid-body electric guitar without a housing for vibrato is disclosed, wherein the solid-body guitar without a housing for vibrato has a neck, a body which in turn has a plurality of holes, and a plurality of strings joined at one end to the neck, having springs housed in the holes of the body of the guitar, a bridge having a fixed part joined to the body of the guitar and a pivoting part, such that the pivoting part is configured to rotate around the contact with the fixed part, wherein the strings are joined to the pivoting part such that the pivoting part is joined to the springs, and wherein the springs are fastened inside the holes.

Abstract: Compact string tension regulation apparatus for tremolo systems comprising a rotatable body having a protrusion extending from the body. A bearing surface of the protrusion may be selectively engaged with a tremolo to provide a plurality of string tensions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stringing device configured for facilitating stringing of a stringed instrument having a rotatable axle vibrato. The stringing device is an elongate article having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is configured for mating with an axle of a rotatable axle vibrato. The outer surface has a plurality of openings of corresponding string passages, where each string passage facilitates the passage of strings from the outer surface through the stringing device and extending out from the inner surface. The plurality of openings optionally each have an eyelet seat configured to retain an eyelet of a string. Methods of using the stringing device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for use with a locking mechanism of an instrument setup of a stringed musical instrument comprises a body having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, a first surface extending along the longitudinal axis, and a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface of the body. The tool also includes a key disposed on the first surface and extending substantially along the transverse axis and a magnet disposed on the second surface of the body is configured for being received within a socketed head of the locking mechanism of the instrument setup system. The magnet is configured to be attached to a magnetic surface on the stringed instrument to hold the tool in place during use for “one handed” operation.

Abstract: A musical instrument includes: a vibrating member configured to be vibrated by a playing operation; an adjusting mechanism configured to perform physical adjustment to change a vibration manner of the vibrating member in playing; a detector configured to detect an adjustment state of the adjusting mechanism; a musical-sound generator configured to generate musical sound based on the playing operation; and a controller configured to control a manner of generation of the musical sound by the musical-sound generator, based on the adjustment state detected by the detector.

Abstract: An improved Bigsby vibrato device for a guitar. The improved device includes a mechanical stop which ensures that the device returns to its original neutral position after being used, thereby preventing mistuning of the guitar. The mechanical stop may be a hard stop which prevents the device from increasing tension on the guitar strings (thereby raising the pitch) beyond the neutral position, or it may be a spring stop which allows the user to increase the tension on the strings beyond the neutral position by pulling upward on the device arm with a force sufficient to overcome the spring stop.

Abstract: A float angle adjustment apparatus for use with a stringed musical instrument including a lower block, attachable within the instrument, and an upper block. The lower block includes top, bottom, front, side, and rear surfaces, and a lower tailpiece extending outwardly from the lower block. The upper block includes top, bottom, front, side, and rear surfaces, and an upper tailpiece extending outwardly from the upper block. The upper tailpiece is spaced apart from the lower tailpiece. The upper block is pivotally attached to the lower block such that moving the upper and lower tailpieces relative to one another, such as via an adjustable screw, pivots the upper block relative to the lower block and, in turn, adjusts a float angle of a baseplate attachable to the top of the upper block.

Abstract: A tremolo block combines a guitar tremolo arm with a cam locking mechanism so that when the arm is swung to a position for actuating the tremolo the locking pin on the cam is away from a mating socket or receiver, but when the arm is swung the other way, the cam pushes the pin into the locking socket so the tremolo is inactive and the string tension does not change. The position of the receiver or socket can be easily adjusted by the guitarist so that the string tension when the bridge is floating matches the string tension (and tuning) when the bridge is locked.

Abstract: A musical instrument pitch changing apparatus for a musical instrument having at least a first and second string is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bender lever pivotally secured to the musical instrument, a rocker arm pivotally secured to the instrument for varying the tension in the first string in response to movement of the bender lever between the first and second positions. A rocker arm mount secures the rocker arm to the first selected string in a first bending configuration or to the second selected string in a second bending configuration. The rocker arm is movable between the first selected string and the second selected string of the musical instrument.

Abstract: The tremolo locking device is a device applicable to tremolo bridge equipped stringed instruments such as electric guitars. One embodiment of the device provides the means for the instrument player to lock the tremolo at a repeatable position, preventing movement bi-directionally, or to stop the tremolo limiting movement in one direction. It also allows the player to unlock the tremolo bridge completely for its unencumbered full range of use. This is accomplished with a retractable stop assembly providing a repeatable stop location and a screw assembly which holds the tremolo block against the stop.

Abstract: A tremolo bridge for a guitar comprising a body, a neck attached to said body, a headstock attached to said neck, a plurality of tuners disposed on said headstock and adjacent the neck, at least one post extending from said body, each of said at least one post further comprising a V-shaped notch, and a plurality of strings, whereby each string of said plurality of strings is attached to the tremolo bridge, extends along the neck of the guitar, and is attached to a corresponding one of said plurality of tuners disposed on the headstock, said tremolo bridge comprising: a base plate, a block extending from said base plate, a tremolo arm attached to said base plate, and a locking mechanism for locking the position of the tremolo bridge.

Abstract: A vibrato bridge system includes a base plate. A mounting frame is attached to the base plate. An anchor mates with an edge of the base plate. A spring arm has a first end attached to the base plate and extending roughly perpendicular to the base plate. A spring has a first end attached to a second end of the spring arm. A spring anchor is attached to a second end of the spring. A magnetic latch is connected between the spring anchor and the second end of the spring arm. When the base plate is in its resting position the two magnets of the lock are essentially touching. The bracket has a pair of parallel slots and a stop pin extends through an end of the male sleeve and through the pair of slots.

Abstract: A reduced air leakage harmonica reed unit contains a reed plate and a plurality of reed sections. The plurality of reed sections is attached to the reed plate with a fastening mechanism and positioned within a body of the harmonica. The reed plate consists of a plate body and a plurality of receiving slots that traverse through the plate body. The plurality of receiving slots are aligned with a U-shaped channel from each of the plurality of reed sections. Thus, air that is drawn or blown travels through the U-shaped channel from the plurality of reed sections and through the plurality of receiving slots. Since the U-shaped channel is precisely cut, air leakage is minimized and high quality sound is produced by triggering a vibrating membrane.

Abstract: A restringing device for a stringed instrument may include a guide chuck with one or more guide holes. The restringing device may also include one or more mandrils traversing through the one or more guide holes in a z-direction to restring a string around a tuning peg of the stringed instrument.

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

Abstract: A musical instrument pitch changing apparatus for a musical instrument having at least a first and second string is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bender lever pivotally secured to the musical instrument, a rocker arm pivotally secured to the instrument for varying the tension in the first string in response to movement of the bender lever between the first and second positions. A rocker arm mount secures the rocker arm to the first selected string in a first bending configuration or to the second selected string in a second bending configuration. The rocker arm is movable between the first selected string and the second selected string of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A tremolo bridge for a guitar comprising a body, a neck attached to said body, a headstock attached to said neck, a plurality of tuners disposed on said headstock and adjacent the neck, at least one post extending from said body, each of said at least one post further comprising a V-shaped notch, and a plurality of strings, whereby each string of said plurality of strings is attached to the tremolo bridge, extends along the neck of the guitar, and is attached to a corresponding one of said plurality of tuners disposed on the headstock, said tremolo bridge comprising: a base plate, a block extending from said base plate, a tremolo arm attached to said base plate, and a locking mechanism for locking the position of the tremolo bridge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for altering the tension of the strings of a stringed musical instrument, of the type comprising a structural element, with at least one element for securing to the body of the instrument, said structural element comprising at least two runners each secured to at least one string of the instrument, and an actuation mechanism for actuating the runners in order to alter the tension of the strings of the instrument, comprising at least one slide carriage that can be moved by the action of at least one lever.

Abstract: A string bender includes a base portion configured to anchor a plurality of strings and to be removably (or releasably) mounted to a guitar body without requiring drilling or cutting of the guitar body. The string bender can also include at least one bar extending from the base portion in a direction substantially toward a top of the guitar body, the at least one bar being attached to at least one corresponding cam and disposed so as to be able to rotate relative to the base portion such that a rotation of the at least one bar causes a rotation of the cam and a change in tension of a string associated with the cam. The string bender can be constructed to bend one or more strings, for example the B and/or G strings. The string bender can also be constructed to fit a variety of guitar styles, such as the Gibson Les Paul-style and the Fender Telecaster-style guitars.

Abstract: An improved tremolo arm is provided configured for engagement to a pivoting bridge of a stringed instrument such as a guitar. The arm features a facing surface formed in a complimentary fashion to the shape of the palm of a user's hand. The arm is engageable to conventional bridges or may be employed with an arm mount having a centered attachment point to provide an even pivoting of the bridge during use.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe keyless locking tremolo systems and methods for musical instruments that are configured to tune and restrain strings for a musical instrument without an external tool. Embodiments are configured to adjust the vertical positioning of a tightening post and string clamp without an external tool.

Abstract: A system, devices and methods are provided for facilitating stabilization of periarticular fractures. The system includes a compression plate and one or more of a cerclage cable for encircling the bone and securing the compression plate to the bone, a crimp lug for securing the cable in tension relative to the bone and/or a plate, and a supplemental plate coupled to the compression plate and adapted to receive bicortical or unicortical bone screws to further secure the compression plate relative to the bone. In addition, the system includes a cable tensioner for temporarily retaining the cable in tension and then applying a tension to the cable until a desired compression is effected between a plate and bone and while a cable retaining structure is secured to the cable to retain the applied tension on the cable. Also provided is a jig for use with plates for minimally invasive fracture stabilization.

Abstract: A tremolo bridge for a guitar comprising a body, a neck attached to said body, a headstock attached to said neck, a plurality of tuners disposed on said headstock and adjacent the neck, at least one post extending from said body, each of said at least one post further comprising a V-shaped notch, and a plurality of strings, whereby each string of said plurality of strings is attached to the tremolo bridge, extends along the neck of the guitar, and is attached to a corresponding one of said plurality of tuners disposed on the headstock, said tremolo bridge comprising: a base plate, a block extending from said base plate, a tremolo arm attached to said base plate, and a locking mechanism for locking the position of the tremolo bridge.

Abstract: TREMOLO STOP TUNER is integrated into the spring block portion of a traditional fulcrum tremolo, and moveable therewith about the tremolo pivot axis, comprising an adjustment device to adjust the tension of the traditional tremolo springs with the capacity to stop or block the tremolo at the equilibrium point or initial position. One embodiment includes the option to configure the novel Tremolo Stop Tuner elements as either a Global Tuner or a Stop Tuner and includes an optional setscrew for improving coupling.

Abstract: A musical instrument string bending apparatus for a musical instrument having at least a first and second string is disclosed. The bending apparatus includes a bender lever pivotally secured to the musical instrument, a rocker arm pivotally secured to the instrument for varying the tension in the first string in response to movement of the bender lever between the first and second positions. A rocker arm mount secures the rocker arm to the first selected string in a first bending configuration or to the second selected string in a second bending configuration. The rocker arm is movable between the first selected string and the second selected string of the musical instrument.

Abstract: An assembly for attachment to a guitar includes a first elongated member having first and second opposing ends arranged along a major axis of the first elongated member. The assembly also includes a bridge engagement mechanism coupled to the first elongated member and configured to couple a bridge of the guitar. The assembly additionally includes a second elongated member having a first region proximate to a first end of the second elongated member and a second region. The first and second regions of the second elongated member are arranged along a major axis of the second elongated member with the first end of the second elongated member coupled to the first elongated member. Further, the major axis of the second elongated member is rigidly arranged or movably arranged to be within about forty-five degrees of perpendicular to the major axis of the first elongated member.

Abstract: A mount for the improved engagement of a tremolo arm with a pivoting bridge of a stringed instrument is provided. The mount features a body having a first side adapted for an engagement with a surface of the bridge. The arm is engageable to conventional bridges or may be employed with an arm mount having a centered attachment point and can include a biasing washer to maintain a position of the tremolo arm relative to the mount. A tremolo arm mount is provided at a central portion of the body relative to the width of a pathway followed by the strings projecting from the bridge toward the neck of the stringed instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for stabilizing a tremolo system in a string instrument, the tremolo system having a block and a number of tensioners in extension from the block. One aspect of the invention includes an apparatus, mountable to the string instrument, and having a first retainer to engage a first one of the tensioners and a second retainer to engage a second one of the tensioners, wherein the first retainer is closer to the block than is the second retainer when the apparatus is mounted to the string instrument.

Abstract: A back plate attachable to the back of a guitar is provided. The plate includes screw holes and tremolo plate holes. The screw holes of the plate align with the screw holes on a guitar, and the tremolo plate holes of the plate align with the tremolo claw holes of a tremolo claw. The plate may be bolted or screwed to the back of the guitar via the screw holes and tremolo claw holes.

Abstract: A tunable bridge for a string musical instrument is provided to enable a user to rapidly switch between two pre-selected string tunings simply by movement of an actuator arm. The actuator arm controls the position of a cam roller assembly, which in turn controls the pivotal movement of a rocker arm between a lower position and an upper position. A multiplicity of string fingers are mounted for pivotable movement between respective first and second tuning positions. A plurality of manually-adjustable tuning screws with engagement tips are threadedly disposed in the rocker arm. Each engagement tip is configured to press against a respective string finger when the rocker arm is placed in its upper position, thereby further stretching the strings attached to the respective string fingers and increasing their pitch in accordance with the second pre-selected tuning. Mounting of the tunable bridge does not require permanent modification of the string instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing one end of a guitar string to a guitar is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mount adapted to be secured to and extend upwardly from the bridge of the guitar, and where the mount defines a pivot axis above the bridge of the guitar. The apparatus also can include a string holder pivotally connected to the mount at the pivot axis, the string holder comprising an anchor to securely hold the end of the guitar string, the string holder having a first end and a second end, the first end positioning the guitar string below the saddle height of the bridge. Additionally, the apparatus can include a position adjuster operatively connected to the mount and the string holder, where the position adjuster can be used for adjusting the pivot angle of the string holder to adjust tension on the guitar string.

Abstract: A tremolo device is provided. The tremolo device has a base plate with a leading edge that comprises a bearing surface. The base plate also comprises a bracket for attachment of a lever. The tremolo device also includes a pivot rail comprising a pivot bearing surface that matingly engages the bearing surface of the leading edge. When matingly engaged, the bearing surface of the leading edge and the pivot bearing surface defines 3 or more contact surfaces having a length of from about 20% to about 100% of the length of the leading edge.

Abstract: The improved tuning mechanisms include a novel string clamp comprising a lever based clamping element oblique to the string path that utilizes an enlarged radiused underside to provide a variable clamping point to address various diameters of strings which can be integrated into either a fine-tuner or Macro-tuner arrangements; further, there, is, in addition to an improved Global-tuner, a fixed dimension multi-tier insert plate for a tremolo base plate, provided in differing sizes, to support bridge elements in a radii that matches various fingerboard radii, and improvements directed towards integrated riser posts for bearing arrangements on the pivot axis of a fulcrum tremolo provide a slotted axel recess and a separate threaded outer sleeve-like portion to allow alignment to the tremolo's bearing axis regardless of the position of riser post within body for adjustably mounting the fulcrum tremolo to the instrument, which, in the preferred embodiment, all work cooperatively together.

Abstract: A tremolo lock as provided preferably to allow the operator to engage the lock or stop from the topside of a guitar and tremolo base plate completing a floating double locking tremolo system preferably for electric guitars. Many embodiments also provide calibration adjustments, mounted within the cavity of guitar body, so the operator can make adjustments while the tremolo is floating, to the preset pitch tuning level position of the tremolo system such as, after a string breaks to return the remaining stings back in tune. Calibration adjustments for tuning can also be made when in the lock or stop position therefore altering and adjusting the preset pitch tuning. Many embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to easily disengage the lock or stop and return the tremolo system back to a floating position.

Abstract: A musical instrument includes a soundboard, a bridge in contact with the soundboard, vibratable strings in contact with the bridge, a movable member disposed adjacent to the vibratable strings, a driving mechanism engaged with the movable member and configured to cause the movable member to move relative to the vibratable strings, and actuators. Each actuator is configured to displace, when actuated, an associated vibratable string such that the string is caused to come into contact with the movable member at a point of contact. Displacement of the string corresponds to movement within a first plane that is orthogonal to a second plane, the second plane being tangential to the movable member at the point of contact.

Abstract: This invention relates to improvements to a stringed musical instrument, and more particularly to guitar design for use with transposing vibrato mechanisms. Vibrato devices for guitars are known. The present device and method improve the ability to of a player to bend entire chords in a manner that maintains harmonic relationship between the individual strings. The invention also included improved manual controls and means to extend the transposing range of such a vibrato device.

Abstract: A tremolo and tuning apparatus is provided for a stringed musical instrument. The apparatus includes a mounting frame configured for mounting on the surface of the body of the instrument, an attachment post secured to the body, a base plate pivotally mounted with respect to the attachment post and having a surface adapted to receive a force, a mounting assembly mounted on the base plate for holding a string of the instrument, and a first resilient member assembly for engagement with the mounting frame outside the body of the instrument and supplying a stabilizing force to the base plate against a tension force in the string. The apparatus includes a second resilient member assembly configured to be engaged with the mounting frame outside the body of the instrument and to supply a force to the base plate surface adapted to receive the force.

Abstract: A mount for the improved engagement of a tremolo arm with a pivoting bridge of a stringed instrument is provided. The mount features a body having a first side adapted for an engagement with a surface of the bridge. The arm is engageable to conventional bridges or may be employed with an arm mount having a centered attachment point and can include a biasing washer to maintain a position of the tremolo arm relative to the mount. A tremolo arm mount is provided at a central portion of the body relative to the width of a pathway followed by the strings projecting from the bridge toward the neck of the stringed instrument.

Abstract: An improved tremolo arm is provided configured for engagement to a pivoting bridge of a stringed instrument such as a guitar. The arm features a facing surface formed in a complimentary fashion to the shape of the palm of a user's hand. The arm is engageable to conventional bridges or may be employed with an arm mount having a centered attachment point to provide an even pivoting of the bridge during use.

Abstract: A tremolo device for a stringed instrument is described in which a base plate is configured for surface mounting to a body of the instrument. A pivot plate is pivotally coupled to the base plate along an edge of the pivot plate. Each string is associated with a string seat. The string is threaded through the string seat receiving a terminal end of the string. The string seat includes a keyed portion that slidably attaches the string seat to the pivot plate in a keyed slot provided in a bottom surface of the pivot plate. A spring disposed between the base plate and the pivot plate maintains the pivot plate in a first position relative to the base plate until a user provides an action to pivot the pivot plate relative to said base plate. The spring returns the pivot plate to the first position when the user action is terminated.

Abstract: A tremolo device with a movable bridge, an adjustment device, and a support frame is implemented on an acoustic guitar, with features that can also be employed on an electric guitar or other stringed instruments. The movable bridge holds strings of the musical instrument in tension. The adjustment device, such as a tremolo bar, moves the bridge to change the tension of the strings. The support frame engages the bridge at a first area and engages the musical instrument at a larger second area. When the tremolo device is used, the support frame receives a force over the first area and transmits a corresponding force to the musical instrument over the larger second area, reducing the pressure that would be experienced by the musical instrument. The support frame also transmits string vibration received through the bridge to the instrument body to produce proper acoustic tones.

Abstract: A tremolo device for stringed instrument and a stringed instrument. The tremolo device (1) includes base plate (2) with saddle assemblies (3) mounted independently and corresponding to strings. Each saddle assembly includes front (4) and rear (5) string saddle, located on the base plate upper surface and connected movably with asymmetric arms and connecting element (6). At each saddle assembly there is saddle mounting screw (7) for positioning to the base plate, string lock insert (9), string lock screw (10) for locking string (32) and fine tuning screw (8). To the base plate sustain block (16) is mounted with recesses (16a) and openings (16b), also housings (16c) with fine tuning springs (17), contacting with the respective rear (5) string saddle. To the sustain block (16) balancing mechanism (21) and tremolo arm (19) are settled. The stringed instrument is equipped with tremolo unit (1) and top lock unit (37).

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a vibrato device which can be used in most stringed musical instruments as an integral unit to effectively vary and return the instrument to pitch/in tune. The vibrato device can include a plurality of flush tension springs, a mounting plate and a pivoting element to change the tension of the strings and change tune accordingly. Additionally, the combination of the mounting plate and pivoting bridge element can allow for easy interchangeable parts when desired and for strings to stay in pitch in the event one or more strings break.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tremolo arm coupling structure for a tremolo bridge including an arm support fixed to a tremolo bridge, an arm pressing cap coupled to the arm support, an arm pressing member inserted in the arm pressing cap, and a tremolo arm inserted in the arm pressing member, wherein the arm pressing member is compressed and coupled by tightening of the arm pressing cap.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to improvements to a stringed musical instrument, and to guitar embodiments for use with transposing and non transposing vibrato mechanisms. Vibrato devices for guitars are known. The device and method disclosed improve the ability to of a player to bend entire chords in a manner that maintains harmonic relationship between individual strings. The disclosure also includes improved manual controls and means to extend the transposing range of such a vibrato device.