Abstract: A string damper for a stringed instrument having an elongated block (1) of vibration-absorbing material with a plurality of slits (4-7) disposed along lower surface of said block that extend upwardly into said block and longitudinally span the front and rear surfaces of said block and are generally parallel and generally spaced apart as said strings on said stringed instrument proximate the bridge of said stringed instrument, and grooves (8-11) that extend along the length of the entrance to said slits, respectively, along the lower surface of said block forming an enlarged entrance into said slits, and a rigid support surface (2) secured to the upper surface of said block, whereby one or more of said strings of said stringed instrument may be urged into and engaged by said slits so as to damp vibration of said strings and detachably attach said string damper to said stringed instrument.

Abstract: A simple “hands-free” electric guitar tremolo and tremolo actuator is provided. An actuator is pivotably attached to the guitar body within a rear cavity of the solid body of the instrument. A portion of the actuator bears against an external surface of the instrument's movable “floating” guitar bridge to produce the desired effect. The actuator is controlled by the user during play by moving an elongated lever that is connected to the actuator and protrudes from the guitar body cavity. The lever is preferably curved and oriented to fit against a user's hip or waist when the guitar is held adjacent to the user in the typical mode of operation of an electric guitar. In play, tremolo effect is produced by drawing the guitar toward the user's body such that the lever is forced toward the guitar body. In this manner, the user is allowed unhindered use of both hands for normal play of the guitar.

Abstract: A guitar has a wrench tremolo bar thereon, replacing the standard tremolo bar, with the wrench tremolo bar having a desired wrench on at least one end of the wrench tremolo bar, to cooperate with the string fasteners on the guitar, which greatly facilitates tuning, changing or replacing of a guitar string.

Abstract: A bridge for a stringed instrument located on an upper surface of a body of the stringed instrument including lever arm retainers located on the upper surface of the body. Each lever arm retainer corresponds to one of the strings. Each lever arm retainer includes a support shaft extending in a direction perpendicular to the corresponding string. Lever arms are supported by the support shafts. Each lever arm retains an end of one of the strings and is rotatable about the corresponding support shaft. Each fine tuning bolt includes a contact portion that abuts against the corresponding lever arm above the body. Each contact portion is continuously adjustable in the height direction of the body. The tuner device discretely changes the height of the contact portion.

Abstract: A tremolo assembly for a stringed instrument such as a guitar can be used in an instrument comprising a body, a neck and a head. Strings are strung between the head and the tremolo assembly. The tremolo assembly comprises a base plate which is mounted to the body and a tone block which is pivotally attached to the base plate and extends into a cavity in the body. Saddles are attached to a top of the base plate in front of the tone block. The strings are strung over both the saddles and the tone block, and attached to the tone block near a bottom thereof. One or more tone block springs are attached between a lower portion of the tone block and the body. A tension bar is held against the back of a lower portion of the tone block by at least one tension bar spring when the tone block is in a neutral position. Stopping means are provided to prevent the tension bar from urging the tone block forward of the neutral position.

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 quick-release tremolo lock device for installation into a tremolo or vibrato assembly recess or cavity, and for mounting to a movable bridge or a tremolo or vibrato block of a stringed instrument such as a guitar. The tremolo lock device includes a spring mount that is adapted to be fixedly attached to at least one wall of the tremolo or vibrato cavity to prevent relative motion between the spring mount and the cavity. The spring mount is also configured to capture an end of at least one tremolo or vibrato return spring. A slide key is also incorporated into the quick-release lock device, which is connected to the spring mount about a proximate portion of the slide key. The releasable tremolo lock device is also adapted with an adjustable quick release slide receiver that is adapted to receive and to releasably capture a distal portion of the slide key to, when engaged, capture and fix the position of the receiver relative to the slide key.

Abstract: A compensator for a tremolo for a stringed musical instrument, such as an electric guitar. The compensator has an integrated tremolo stop, allowing a musician to continue playing without undue delay in the event a string breaks.

Abstract: An electronic tremolo producing apparatus for stringed electronic musical instrument is provided. The tremolo apparatus includes an electronic base unit mounted on the instrument with an attached tremolo arm. The base unit and the tremolo arm are designed to be mounted at the location similar to mechanical tremolos and are operated in the same manner; however the pitch of the instrument is changed electronically. The tremolo arm moves similar to regular mechanical tremolos from the first position the second position to decrease the pitch of the instrument that is achieved electronically without decreasing the tension of the plurality of strings; the arm moves from the first position to the third position to electronically increase the pith of the instrument without increasing the tension of the plurality of strings. The base unit and the tremolo arm can be removed from the instrument and used with another one.

Abstract: A tremolo operating mechanism comprising an arm socket secured onto a base plate, a resin bushing contained in the upper part of the arm socket, a torque adjusting screw screwed into the upper part of the arm socket to press the resin bushing, and an arm receiving resin nut which is engaged with the lower part of the arm socket and is also engaged with the lower end portion of a tremolo arm. The tremolo arm rotates on the shaft thereof to change the amount of screw engagement with the arm receiving resin nut and adjust the height of the tremolo arm from the body. As the torque adjusting screw rotates, the torque of the tremolo arm is adjusted by the resin bushing. Since the tremolo arm is supported by the resin bushing and the arm receiving resin nut, it does not interfere with the arm socket to improve operability.

Abstract: A tremolo assembly is implemented for modulating the string tension on a guitar by mounting a bridge carrier on a sliding mount with the fore and aft displacement thereof effected by a transverse cam implemented fulcrum piece opposing the string tension. The sliding mount limits the bridge translation to the string plane, thus resolving all bending and lateral string forced. A forwardly and rearwardly aligned set of manual levers is then useful in modulating downward and upward the tension of the strings in unison against a set of bias springs.

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

Abstract: A stabilizer for a tremolo bridge prevents disablement of an instrument in the event of string failure. A cam, operated by the player, serves to support a tremolo bridge such that pre-failure tuning of the remaining strings is restored. A method is disclosed for stabilizing a tremolo bridge, comprising steps of ascertaining the normal position of the bridge with strings intact and the tremolo not actuated, providing a retractable stabilizer capable of maintaining the bridge in that position, and selectively using the stabilizer to oppose disabling movement of the tremolo bridge in the event of a string failure, or for purposes of facilitating tuning of the instrument. Novel designs of the components of the stabilizer are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A locking and tuning stabilizing device for an electric guitar having a tremolo device includes a clamp screw and an adjustment screw to enable the player to lock the tremolo or to stabilizing the tuning of the strings by turning an appropriate, easily accessible knob projecting from the guitar. In a first embodiment, an axially movable pin is in contact with the tremolo device at one end and in contact with an adjustment screw disposed in the end of the guitar at the opposite end. In second and third embodiments, an anchor block is disposed within a cavity on the back of the guitar. A pin connects to the tremolo device and is axially slidable within the anchor block. Clamping the pin to a fixed position within the anchor block, by tightening a clamp screw disposed in the anchor block, functions to lock the tremolo device in place.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is provided wherein each string has two critical points, A fulcrum tremolo is mounted on the instrument for varying the tension of the strings and the distance between the two critical points. The strings are attached to a plurality of intonation modules mounted on the fulcrum tremolo. Each intonation module is adjustable so that the strings can be adjusted from an untensioned state to a proper playing pitch. A bearing assembly is also included to facilitate pivoting of the fulcrum tremolo.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument (15) having a body (16), an elongated neck (18) connected to the body, a top-nut (19) supported by the neck, a bridge (20) supported by the body, and a truss (21) in mechanical engagement with the bridge and the top-nut. The truss may comprise a truss rod (22) extending longitudinally between the top-nut and the bridge.

Abstract: A tremolo device for a stringed instrument comprising a base adapted to attach to an associated stringed instrument. A plurality of adjustable string supports are pivotally attached to the base. Each of the supports supports a string of the associated stringed instrument, wherein each of the string supports includes a surface configured such that 1 degree of rotation of the support in relation to the base results in a change in length of the string equal to l, a constant, multiplied by the change in length of the string that resulted from the preceding 1 degree of rotation. The tremolo device can accurately bend and/or modify the chords made by such stringed instrument.

Abstract: A bridge for a musical instrument has a bridge body and a plurality of saddles disposed substantially upon the bridge body. A least a plurality of saddles are individually adjustable in height, so as to vary the height of a string supported thereby.

Abstract: Various kinds of members are located on the body of an electric guitar, and strings are supported by the members at predetermined positions along the longitudinal direction. The strings are adjusted by a fine-tuning element and a harmonic tuning element. A base plate is pivotally supported on the guitar body. Each of saddles is rotatably coupled to one of saddle holders, the position of which can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the strings, and corresponds to one of the strings. Each saddle contacts the corresponding string at a predetermined point. Each string holder, which is located in one of the saddles, holds the corresponding string at a part that is below the contact point of the string. The fine-tuning element fine-tunes each string by changing the rotational angle of the corresponding saddle without actually changing the contact point of the corresponding string. The harmonic tuning element adjusts the position of each saddle holder in the longitudinal direction of the strings.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively adjusting tone of guitar strings during play includes a base plate defining a foot surface, at least one pedal positioned at a front region of the foot surface and disposed for actuation by vertical movement of a user's foot, and at least one level positioned at a rear region of the foot surface, slidably engaged with the base plate, and disposed for actuation by horizontal movement of the heel of the user's foot. The pedal and lever are attached to the bridge of the guitar by cables. Movement of the pedal or lever causes tension of individual guitar strings to be adjusted.

Abstract: A quick-release tremolo lock device for installation into a tremolo or vibrato assembly recess or cavity, and for mounting to a movable bridge or a tremolo or vibrato block of a stringed instrument such as a guitar. The tremolo lock device includes a spring mount that is adapted to be fixedly attached to at least one wall of the tremolo or vibrato cavity to prevent relative motion between the spring mount and the cavity. The spring mount is also configured to capture an end of at least one tremolo or vibrato return spring. A slide key is also incorporated into the quick-release lock device, which is connected to the spring mount about a proximate portion of the slide key. The releasable tremolo lock device is also adapted with an adjustable quick release slide receiver that is adapted to receive and to releasably capture a distal portion of the slide key to, when engaged to capture, fix the position of the receiver relative to the slide key.

Abstract: A string instrument with lengthwise tensioned strings above a fingerboard (18), where the strings are intended to be set in oscillation for tone generation and where the length of the strings' oscillating part is variable for the variation of the pitch by pressing the string against selectable positions on the fingerboard. The strings are running across a nut (16) arranged at the upper end of the fingerboard across the fingerboard. Such an instrument has a device with the nut including several nut parts (20, 22, 24 . . . ) that are arranged side-by-side across the width of the fingerboard and which are individually movable along the lengthwise direction of the fingerboard.

Abstract: In an arrangement (10) for producing a restoring force in the case of a tremolo (5) for a stringed instrument (1) with a basic body (3) and strings (4) using at least one restoring element (17), the at least one restoring element (17) is arranged in an adjustable manner in the basic body (3) of the stringed instrument (1) outside the playing region of the strings (4).

Abstract: A locking device for an electric guitar with a tremolo base plate prevents pivotal movement of the tremolo base plate. The locking device has a slide plate with a receptive slot for slidable reception of a cooperative key. The key contains a body for initiation of longitudinal motion within the slide plate slot and has an adjustable engagement member which is alignable for contact with a rear edge of the tremolo base plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tremolo block device installed to a body of a guitar to adjust tension of strings for trill. The tremolo block device includes an upper support combined to a lower surface of a bridge plate having a plurality of saddles, a lower support hinged with the upper support, a worm installed through the lower support, a worm gear engaged with the worm and inserted into the hinge axis, and a spring inserted into the hinge to rotate with the hinge and to elastically support a lower portion of the upper support. Thus, the bridge plate is stably supported, and the body is not broken due to stress concentration. Also, a rear height of the bridge plate can be easily adjusted as well as the tension of the strings.

Abstract: A tremolo operating mechanism comprising an arm socket secured onto a base plate, a resin bushing contained in the upper part of the arm socket, a torque adjusting screw screwed into the upper part of the arm socket to press the resin bushing, and an arm receiving resin nut which is engaged with the lower part of the arm socket and is also engaged with the lower end portion of a tremolo arm. The tremolo arm rotates on the shaft thereof to change the amount of screw engagement with the arm receiving resin nut and adjust the height of the tremolo arm from the body. As the torque adjusting screw rotates, the torque of the tremolo arm is adjusted by the resin bushing. Since the tremolo arm is supported by the resin bushing and the arm receiving resin nut, it does not interfere with the arm socket to improve operability.

Abstract: A locking device for an electric guitar with a tremolo base plate prevents pivotal movement of the tremolo base plate. The locking device has a slide plate with a receptive slot for slidable reception of a cooperative key. The key contains a body for initiation of longitudinal motion within the slide plate slot and has an adjustable engagement member which is alignable for contact with a rear edge of the tremolo base plate.

Abstract: An improved floating bridge lock for stringed musical instruments is provided. The improved floating bridge lock comprises a mount and a throw bolt for mounting on a stringed musical instrument. The throw bolt is movable between an inactive position, out of engagement with the floating bridge, and an active position at which it is engaged with the floating bridge. The mount is affixed to a stringed instrument and arranged so that when the throw bolt is in the engaged position, it precludes movement of the floating bridge in a manner that would increase the tension on the strings. When the throw bolt is not engaged, there is free movement of the floating bridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tremolo block device installed to a body of a guitar to adjust tension of strings for trill. The tremolo block device includes an upper support combined to a lower surface of a bridge plate having a plurality of saddles, a lower support hinged with the upper support, a worm installed through the lower support, a worm gear engaged with the worm and inserted into the hinge axis, and a spring inserted into the hinge to rotate with the hinge and to elastically support a lower portion of the upper support. Thus, the bridge plate is stably supported, and the body is not broken due to stress concentration. Also, a rear height of the bridge plate can be easily adjusted as well as the tension of the strings.

Abstract: An electric guitar has strings. Each string has a first contact point defined on a neck and a second contact point defined on a base plate attached to a body. The guitar includes a hinge mechanism for supporting the base plate such that the base plate pivots relative to the body. The hinge mechanism includes a pair of bores, each of which is formed at a side of the base plate. A bearing device is located in each bore. A pair of support pins protrudes from the body. Each support pin corresponds to one of the bearing devices and is located closer to the neck than the corresponding bearing device. A bracket is coupled to each support pin. A bracket pin is coupled to each bracket and fits into the corresponding bearing device. The axial midpoint of each bearing device and the center of the corresponding support pin are located on a line that is substantially parallel to the strings.

Abstract: A tremolo block extends from the back of a base plate into a space formed in a body. The tremolo block pivots with the base plate. The tremolo block has a hook portion at its distal end. The base is located at the back of the body. Engaging sections are formed at a rear portion of the base and open rearward. A moving member is detachably located at the engaging sections. The moving member is moved between an engaging position, at which the moving member engages with the engaging sections, and a standby position, at which the moving member is separated from the engaging sections. A pair of first springs connect the base with the tremolo block to urge the tremolo block forward against the tension of the strings. The urging force of the first springs is adjustable. A pair of second spring connect the base with the moving member. The second springs urge the moving member toward the engaging position. In a normal state, the second springs hold the moving member at the engaging position.

Abstract: A string instrument with lengthwise tensioned strings above a fingerboard (18), where the strings are intended to be set in oscillation for tone generation and where the length of the strings' oscillating part is variable for the variation of the pitch by pressing the string against selectable positions on the fingerboard. The strings are running across a nut (16) arranged at the upper end of the fingerboard across the fingerboard. Such an instrument has a device with the nut including several nut parts (20, 22, 24 . . . ) that are arranged side-by-side across the width of the fingerboard and which are individually movable along the lengthwise direction of the fingerboard.

Abstract: A tremolo device for a stringed instrument comprising a base adapted to attach to an associated stringed instrument. A plurality of adjustable string supports are pivotally attached to the base. Each of the supports supports a string of the associated stringed instrument, wherein each of the string supports includes a surface configured such that 1 degree of rotation of the support in relation to the base results in a change in length of the string equal to l, a constant, multiplied by the change in length of the string that resulted from the preceding 1 degree of rotation. The tremolo device can accurately bend and/or modify the chords made by such stringed instrument.

Abstract: A tremolo block extends from the back of a base plate into a space formed in a body. The tremolo block pivots with the base plate. The tremolo block has a hook portion at its distal end. The base is located at the back of the body. Engaging sections are formed at a rear portion of the base and open rearward. A moving member is detachably located at the engaging sections. The moving member is moved between an engaging position, at which the moving member engages with the engaging sections, and a standby position, at which the moving member is separated from the engaging sections. A pair of first springs connect the base with the tremolo block to urge the tremolo block forward against the tension of the strings. The urging force of the first springs is adjustable. A pair of second spring connect the base with the moving member. The second springs urge the moving member toward the engaging position. In a normal state, the second springs hold the moving member at the engaging position.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is provided with a fulcrum tremolo with a plurality of intonation modules that are adjustably mounted on the base plate of the tremolo. Each intonation module incorporates the bridge element and the tailpiece. Positioned between a novel macro-tuning invention, which provides for the anchoring of the string to the base plate, and the bridge element is a string gripping portion called a StringClip. The string passes over the bridge element and under the StringClip before connecting to the macro-tuner. An adjustment knob is threadedly engaged with a pin-like string holder for positioning the string holder for macro-tuning. Additionally, the string holder has a first creative position closer to the bridge element when the string is in a low or no tensioned condition so the string can be threaded through the intonation module without significantly engaging the gripping element.

Abstract: A swingable tremolo for a string instrument. A tremolo block connected with the tremolo body is in turn connected through a link with a sliding block on the bottom of the instrument. A first spring urges the sliding block against the tensile force of the strings. A movable stopper is engageable by the sliding block as it moves rearward. A second spring also urges the movable stopper forward. The tensile force of the instrument strings is greater than the opposite force of first spring but less than the sum of the spring forces of the first and second springs, whereby the tremolo body may be tilted up or forwardly to reduce string tension or tilted down or rearwardly to increase string tension, and upon release of the tremolo body, the forces of the springs acting on the sliding block and the movable stopper act against the tensile force of the strings to bring the tremolo body into an equilibrium state.

Abstract: An electric guitar has strings. Each string has a first contact point defined on a neck and a second contact point defined on a base plate attached to a body. The guitar includes a hinge mechanism for supporting the base plate such that the base plate pivots relative to the body. The hinge mechanism includes a pair of bores, each of which is formed at a side of the base plate. A bearing device is located in each bore. A pair of support pins protrudes from the body. Each support pin corresponds to one of the bearing devices and is located closer to the neck than the corresponding bearing device. A bracket is coupled to each support pin. A bracket pin is coupled to each bracket and fits into the corresponding bearing device. The axial midpoint of each bearing device and the center of the corresponding support pin are located on a line that is substantially parallel to the strings.

Abstract: An electric guitar with a tremolo unit that makes it easy to tune strings and install the strings. The electric guitar includes a lock device that prevents the strings from being shifted to offset positions. The lock device has a nut, which has an inclined support surface, and a clamp pad. The clamp pad clamps the strings with respect to the support surface. A front edge of the nut is located upward from a line, which extends along a contact point between pegs and the strings and a rear edge of the nut. Since the strings are bent by the nut at the front and rear edges, the strings are stopped from being separated from the support surface.

Abstract: Various kinds of members are located on the body of an electric guitar, and strings are supported by the members at predetermined positions along the longitudinal direction. The strings are adjusted by a fine-tuning element and a harmonic tuning element. A base plate is pivotally supported on the guitar body. Each of saddles is rotatably coupled to one of saddle holders, the position of which can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the strings, and corresponds to one of the strings. Each saddle contacts the corresponding string at a predetermined point. Each string holder, which is located in one of the saddles, holds the corresponding string at a part that is below the contact point of the string. The fine-tuning element fine-tunes each string by changing the rotational angle of the corresponding saddle without actually changing the contact point of the corresponding string. The harmonic tuning element adjusts the position of each saddle holder in the longitudinal direction of the strings.

Abstract: A swingable tremolo for a string instrument. A tremolo block connected with the tremolo body is in turn connected through a link with a sliding block on the bottom of the instrument. A first spring urges the sliding block against the tensile force of the strings. A movable stopper is engageable by the sliding block as it moves rearward. A second spring also urges the movable stopper forward. The tensile force of the instrument strings is greater than the opposite force of first spring but less than the sum of the spring forces of the first and second springs, whereby the tremolo body may be tilted up or forwardly to reduce string tension or tilted down or rearwardly to increase string tension, and upon release of the tremolo body, the forces of the springs acting on the sliding block and the movable stopper act against the tensile force of the strings to bring the tremolo body into an equilibrium state.

Abstract: A vibrato apparatus (10) for a stringed instrument (11), the instrument having a body (12) and a neck (13) extending from the body, the apparatus comprising, tuning elements (16) on the neck and a bridge member on the body (12) to demarcate a string plane and a vibrating portion of the strings which extend in a longitudinal direction in the string plane. The vibrato apparatus (10) is secured on and is pivotal about a pivot axis which is essentially parallel to but distanced from the string plane and transversely oriented in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of vertically pivoting rocker arms (34) each securing the body end (15) of a respective string and operably secured to a lever which is resistibly secured to a spring and to the vibrato member. A slug tuning element (36) allows for vertical adjustments of the plurality of rocker arms (34) so that by varying a lever moment of the lever the plurality of rocker arms are each selectively moved thereby altering the tuning of the strings.

Abstract: A stringed instrument comprises, in combination, a body with a neck extending forwardly therefrom The neck has a tuning portion mounted opposite the body which is adapted to receive one end of a plurality of strings. The tuning portion adjusts the tension on each of the plurality of strings. The other end of the plurality of stings is attached to the body. A plurality of pickup elements is positioned on the body proximate to the neck. The plurality of pickup elements is underneath the plurality of strings. The plurality of pickup elements are also in electrical communication with a position sensitive switch which determines which of the plurality of pickup elements is actuated in response to movement of the body. A plurality of tremolo mechanisms corresponding to the plurality of strings is attached to the end of the plurality of strings attached to the body. Also, interchangeable fret boards are mountable on the neck.

Abstract: A vibrato device for a guitar which allows a guitarist to maintain the relative pitch on each string when using the vibrato arm. The vibrato device consists of a string deflection assembly, a fixed deflection mounted to the top surface of a guitar, and a pivoting tension assembly located inside the guitar. The deflection assembly includes a deflection plate which includes a plurality of longitudinally aligned grooves and six horizontal holes for the saddles to sit over. Adjustable saddles with longitudinally aligned teeth formed on their bottom surface are placed over the deflection plate and engage the grooves. During use, the strings pass over the saddles and force the teeth to engage the grooves to securely hold the saddles in place over the deflection plate thereby eliminating the need for screws. The tension assembly includes a string attachment member and a support bracket.

Abstract: An improved and adjustable handle mounting mechanism for tremolo devices of stringed instruments and of the type having a string engaging saddle (22) floating in a centered position under opposing forces of the instrument's strings and a return spring (24)(FIGS. 1 and 8). The mechanism (10) comprises a plurality of rotatably interconnected parts which are held under compressive friction by a retaining screw (18), and includes a uniquely shaped washer (16) and uniquely configured attachment means (FIGS. 3 and 7), wherein the handle's support post (14) is separably attached to the saddle: the saddle has a convexly curved top surface (22a) and includes a slot (22c), and the undersurface (14d) of the post is concaved to mate it with the saddle (FIG. 7). An adjustment screw (20a) passes upward through the slot in the saddle and into a threaded hole (14c) in the post. An adjustment guide (20) can provide additional stability, but is not vital to the connection.

Abstract: An electric guitar which is equipped with a piezo pickup wherein the lengths of the strings are not changed by the rotation of the main saddle body in connection with fine tuning and during tremolo performance. The electric guitar has a piezo pickup and has a main saddle body that is held so as to be rotatably adjustable in a back and forth direction about an axle. The main saddle body is held pivotally by a saddle holding member on a base plate on the guitar body. The base plate is installed so as to freely swing with respect to the surface of the guitar body to provide a tremolo effect. The top surface of the piezo pickup constantly contacts the string that is held by the main saddle body, at least during fine tuning, by rotatable adjustment of the main saddle body and in the possible swinging range of the base plate during a tremolo performance, thereby avoiding an out of tune situation during the tremolo performance.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar is provided. The stringed instrument includes a tremolo having a “hidden” tremolo plate for activating the tremolo.

Abstract: A stringed instrument is provided wherein each string has two critical points. A fulcrum tremolo is mounted on the instrument for varying the tension of the strings and the distance between the two critical points. The strings are attached to a plurality of intonation modules mounted on the fulcrum tremolo. Each intonation module is adjustable so that the strings can be adjusted from an untensioned state to a proper playing pitch. A bearing assembly is also included to facilitate pivoting of the fulcrum tremolo.

Abstract: A self-contained tremolo for a guitar or other stringed instrument provides exceptional ease of setup and operation. The tremolo has a base plate fastened to the guitar over a small cavity. A bridge is pivotally connected to the base plate by means of bridge pins that enter blind slots in the base plate. String tension is counteracted by a spring mechanism that includes studs received in the bridge and passing through holes in the base plate and entering the guitar cavity. Compression springs act between the studs and the base plate. Identical intonation blocks are held on steps in the bridge such that the contact points between the intonation blocks and the strings lie along a curved line that matches the curve of the guitar frets. Fine tuners have plugs with V-grooves that contact the strings. The plugs are held in threaded shanks, but they do not rotate with the shanks during fine tuner adjustment, thereby eliminating the tendency of the strings to twist or slip off the ends of the fine tuners.

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.