Abstract: Disclosed is a tuning guide for tuning a brass musical instrument having a tuning slide. The tuning guide includes (1) visual markings provided along one arm of the tuning slide indicating a plurality of tuning positions of the tuning slide and (2) a tuning log for logging a tuning history specific to both the instrument and a particular player of the instrument. The tuning log includes a plurality of tuning records, each tuning record including (i) one or more conditions fields, each conditions field for recording an environmental condition and (ii) a tuning position field for specifying a tuning position at which the instrument is properly tuned under the environmental conditions recorded in the one or more conditions fields.

Abstract: A brass instrument includes a mouthpiece configured to convert vibrations of player's lips into sound and take the sound inside; a bell configured to magnify a volume of the sound taken by the mouthpiece and release the sound to the outside; and a main tube intervening between the mouthpiece and the bell, and is characterized in that the main tube includes a main tube body formed to spread out in a spiral manner in a state in which side surfaces of the main tube body are closely attached to each other, and a part of the closely attached side surfaces of one of the tubes constitutes a part of the side surface of the closely attached other tube.

Abstract: A one-piece valve cluster for brass instruments that facilitates ease-of-maintenance and ease-of-repair includes an upper housing, a lower housing, a plurality of first bisected-casings, a plurality of second bisected-casings, a plurality of first bisected-ports, and plurality of second bisected-ports. The plurality of first bisected-casings and the plurality of first bisected-ports are fashioned into a first-milling face of the upper housing. Similarly, the plurality of second bisected-casings and the plurality of second bisected-ports are fashioned into a second-milling face of the lower housing. The upper housing is mounted to the lower housing to create a single piece valve cluster that can easily installed on the instrument. More specifically, the first-milling face is positioned coincident to the second-milling face. Once mounted, each first bisected-casing is positioned concentric to a corresponding second bisected-casing to form a single cylindrical casing for housing a rotor plug.

Abstract: Described is a twin valve attachment for musical instruments, such as a trombone. The attachment includes a lever that is rotatable between a B-Flat configuration and an F note configuration. Also included are first and second rotary valves. The first rotary valve is operably connected with the F lever, while the second rotary valve is operably connected with the first rotary valve. F-attachment piping is fluidly connected with both the first and second rotary valves. Thus, a user may rotate the F lever to selectively direct air flow through the F-attachment piping (for the F note configuration) or bypass the F-attachment piping (for the B-Flat configuration).

Abstract: A device, system, and methods for indicating trombone slide positions is disclosed. Namely, a trombone slide position indicator is provided. In some embodiments, the trombone slide position indicator includes a slide position rod mounted in a fixed position in relation to the outer slide of the trombone. Further, a plurality (e.g., seven) slide position indicators are provided along the length of the slide position rod, wherein the positions of slide position indicators correspond to a certain pitch or note. A sensor guide is mounted to the outer slide, wherein the sensor guide moves with the outer slide and in relation to the fixed slide position rod. The sensor guide includes a mechanism for detecting and/or indicating close proximity to any one of the slide position indicators along the slide position rod. Further, a method of using the trombone slide position indicator is provided.

Abstract: Accessory weights and kits for brass instruments to reduce sympathetic vibration of a brass instrument. In one embodiment a first weight disposed on a first side of a center brace for a saxophone between the bell and the body; a second weight disposed on a second side of a center brace for a saxophone between the bell and the body; and a connector to attach the first weight to the second weight configured to extend through a bore of the center brace forming an opening. The connector can be a screw that extends through a bore defining an opening in the first weight, through the bore of the center brace, and attached to the second weight by attachment through a threaded bore of the second weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a tuba comprises a board facilitating mounting one or more foot pedal units. Each foot pedal unit is connected to at least one rotary valve of the tuba, and comprises a pedal mounted to a frame using a drive unit and a chain. The chain is configured to run over a pulley member and is coupled at top portion of the frame. Upon pressing the pedal in sync with air supplied at mouthpiece of the tuba by a user, the chain is pulled through the pulley member causing a mallet shaped shaft to move in upward or downward direction. The movement of the mallet shaped shaft is configured to control movement of a paddle of at least one rotary valve via a cable for enabling the user to play all chromatic notes available within the tuba's range.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve comprising an outer casing with an inner valve member displaceable between first and second positions within the casing, the valve member including passages which interconnect different valve inlets and outlets dependent on whether the valve member is in its first or second position, the valve member being made from plastic material so that the diameter of the valve member can be increased without increasing its weight above that of a conventional metal inner valve member. This allows the passages through the inner valve member to be of the same internal diameter as the tubing leading up to and away from the valve. The valve member can be acted upon by a magnetic restoring means which tends to return the valve member towards its first position when displaced therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wind instrument trumpet and its manufacturing and molding methods. The wind instrument trumpet of the present invention adopts polymeric material with integrated molding process, reducing trumpet spare part quantities and optimizing spare part structure. Moreover, the wind instrument trumpet of the present invention has a lighter overall structure and purer tone quality by applying integrated molding process to the piston outer pipe of tuning component. The present invention greatly decreases the quantity of spare parts, improves assembly accuracy and efficiency, reasonably controls the accuracy of a single spare part while improving the matching accuracy considerably, ensures the movement direction of keys more effectively through the coordination with the piston outer tubes so that the keys are smoother compared to the traditional ones.

Abstract: A key testing device is for testing a key with a keycap. The key testing device includes a loading unit and a sleeve. The loading unit includes a block and a rod. The rod includes a first end and a second end. The first end is detachably connected the block. The sleeve is sleeved around the loading unit, and the sleeve includes a partition plate with a through hole. The second end can pass through the through hole. When the sleeve is above the key and the second end contacts the keycap, the gravity of the loading unit is turned from the partition plate to be applied on the keycap. Consequently, since the key testing device can make the pressure pressing on the key be accurate via a loading unit, the probability of misjudgment is decreased.

Abstract: A rotation device is adapted to be installed between the bell of a musical wind instrument and the body of the musical instrument. One or more rotational devices may be controlled by the musician or someone else while the musician is performing and/or playing the instrument. The rotation device may control the speed of rotation, the direction of rotation, and the amount of travel of rotation. The amount of travel of rotation of the bell may be more than and/or equal to and/or less than a 360 degree rotation.

Abstract: A rotation device is adapted to be installed between the bell of a musical wind instrument and the body of the musical instrument. One or more rotational devices may be controlled by the musician or someone else while the musician is performing and/or playing the instrument. The rotation device may control the speed of rotation, the direction of rotation, and the amount of travel of rotation. The amount of travel of rotation of the bell may be more than and/or equal to and/or less than a 360 degree rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of brass wind musical instruments, and more specifically to an improved axial flow valve which resists wear and optimizes air flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of brass wind musical instruments, and more specifically to an improved axial flow valve which resists wear and optimizes air flow.

Abstract: A shoulder marching tuba having a compact slide arrangement for instrument spot tuning. The shoulder marching tuba includes an air inlet mouthpiece, an air outlet bell, and a series of airflow tubing and valves in fluid communication therebetween. The series of airflow tubing and valves include at least four pairs of tubes in sliding, telescoping engagement, wherein the four pairs of tubes are mounted in parallel arrangement and in sequential fluid communication. The first tubes of each of the four pairs of tubes are secured in a first bundle the second tubes of each of the four pairs of tubes are secured in a second bundle. One of the first bundle and the second bundle is mounted for sliding movement relative to the other of the first bundle and the second bundle for adjustment of musical pitch of sound issued from the shoulder marching tuba.

Abstract: A musical instrument piston valve receivable in a valve casing. The valve includes a valve stem, a valve barrel connected to the valve stem, and a valve guide slidably disposed with respect to the valve barrel. A spring is disposed in the valve barrel extending between the valve stem and the valve guide. A piston extends from the valve barrel and includes one or more ports. There are also various ways of adjusting the angular orientation of the piston in the valve casing. It is preferred that the piston and the valve barrel are monolithic in construction and the piston valve includes an adjustable valve guide.

Abstract: A brass wind instrument and method comprising: a single piece body further comprising a plurality of valve cylinders for receiving valves and a plurality of ports and interfaces in fluid communication with said valve cylinder, wherein said ports and interfaces are substantially perpendicular to the axis of said valve cylinder.

Abstract: An addressable valve system is described wherein a plurality of valves are embedded into a single, compact valve block. Each valve comprises a piston moving in a bore in the block. A magnet embedded in the piston is positioned within a coil. When energized, the coil attracts the magnet and the plunger upwards away from a valve seat. Magnetic shields disposed between the pistons provide magnetic isolation between the pistons and simultaneously apply a closing force to the pistons by drawing the magnets downward towards the valve seat. When energized, the coils overwhelm the closing force and open the valves. Electronics for the valve block and the coils are provided on a circuit board overlying the pistons and bores. The electronics provide addressability of the valves and automatically generate “pick” and “hold” timing whereby the initial motivating force (voltage) applied to the current is higher to get the valves moving quickly when valve is first commanded to open.

Abstract: A valve particularly intended to act as a water key for a musical wind instrument comprises a ball 17 captively mounted inside a housing 15 and a spring 18 which biases the ball 17 into an inlet aperture 12 of the valve. An annular actuator 20 extends around the housing 15 and comprises a plurality of projections 21 which extend radially inwardly through the housing 15, the inner ends of the projections 21 surrounding the ball 17. In use, when the actuator 20 is pushed in any radial direction, the projections 21 dislodge the ball 17 from the inlet aperture 12 to open the valve and to allow fluid to pass into the valve through the inlet aperture 12 and out an aperture 16 in the valve, When the actuator 20 is released, the ball 17 returns to its normal position under the spring bias to close the aperture 12. The valve is simple in construction and provides a reliable seal when closed, which is not prone to wear.

Abstract: A valve particularly intended to act as a water key for a musical wind instrument comprises a ball 17 captively mounted inside a housing 15 and a spring 18 which biases the ball 17 into an inlet aperture 12 of the valve. An annular actuator 20 extends around the housing 15 and comprises a plurality of projections 21 which extend radially inwardly through the housing 15, the inner ends of the projections 21 surrounding the ball 17.

Abstract: A valve assembly including at least one valve body designed to be mounted on a musical instrument, such as but not limited to a trombone or like “brass” instrument and adapted to regulate air flow through the instrument, between at least a first path of air flow and a second path of air flow each having significantly different lengths, wherein a musician is capable of selectively directing air from the mouth piece or air inlet of the instrument to the air outlet or bell of the instrument along an extended length flow path of the instrument, thereby extending the lower range of the instrument and generating a change in pitch and tonal quality of the musical sound generated.

Abstract: A trombone has a rotary valve unit inserted between two parts of a main tube and further connected to a bypass tube, and a player manipulates the rotary valve unit for changing the length of vibrating air column, wherein the rotary valve unit has a cylindrical casing connected at both end surfaces thereof to the parts of the main tube, a first pair of ports formed on the side surface thereof and connected to both ends of the bypass tube and a second pair of ports, a short tube connected between the ports of the second pair and a rotor rotatable inside the cylindrical casing and having two air passages spaced from one another in the direction of the rotational axis thereof and connecting one of the parts of the main tube through the short tube to the other part at a first angular position and one of the parts through the bypass tube to the other part so that the rotary valve unit is compact.

Abstract: A rotary valve is provided for a brass instrument to produce brass sounds of different pitches by changing over a tube length of a resonance tube. Herein, a rotor is inserted in a valve casing. The valve casing has a cylindrical shape whose both ends are openings, wherein ports are formed on a periphery, while the rotor has a cylindrical shape whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than that of the valve casing, wherein two shaft portions respectively project from the end faces of the rotor as its integral parts, and change-over paths are formed on a periphery. An implantation bottom covers one opening of the valve casing, while an implantation upper cover covers another opening of the valve casing. The shaft portions of the rotor are rotatably supported by radial ball bearings respectively. A depression member is inserted between the implantation bottom and radial ball bearing to depress the rotor in its axial direction. An upper cover setscrew fixes the implantation upper cover to the valve casing.

Abstract: A valve cap apparatus is provided for use with a musical instrument having a valve case configured to receive a valve. The apparatus includes a main end cap having a first attachment portion configured to be removably coupled to an end of the valve case, and a secondary end cap having a second attachment portion configured to be removably coupled to the main end cap.

Abstract: A bassoon equipped with a key mechanism is constructed by a tube which consists of a tenor joint, a double joint, a long joint and a bell joint. Herein, three sound holes corresponding to sounds of E, B.music-flat. and F.music-sharp. are located in the double joint. Three keys corresponding to E, B.music-flat., F.music-sharp. are provided to open or close the three sound holes respectively and are all manipulated by the fingering using only a thumb of a right hand of a performer. Herein, an E key which is the center of the three keys is specialized in construction. That is, the E key which is located to cover the E sound hole is constructed by a pad cup and a key body whose size is reduced as compared with the conventional one. Two recesses are formed at both sides of the key body respectively. In addition, two rollers are held by the two recesses above the pad cup.

Abstract: A slide trombone is provided which has an activatable attachment which lengthens the basic windpath of the instrument. The attachment is activated to lower the basic pitch of the instrument by a minor third. The instrument further has a reach (i.e., the distance which the slide travels from its innermost position to its outermost position) which does not exceed 55 centimeters. Thus, when the trombone is tuned to B.sup..music-flat. /G.sup..music-natural., the slide has a shorter reach than is conventional for a B.sup..music-flat. /F or other known B.sup..music-flat. /G.sup..music-natural., trombones. Therefore, for the B.sup..music-flat. /G.sup..music-natural., trombone, the slide may lower the pitch by five complete semitones. The trombone can also be tuned to C/A, D.sup..music-flat. /B.sup..music-flat., E.sup..music-flat. /C, and F/D. In the D.sup..music-flat. /B.sup..music-flat. embodiment, the trigger action may be reversed.

Abstract: In a woodwind instrument, the improvement comprising a speaker vent extending from inside to outside of the instrument, said speaker vent being characterized by an internal volume in the range of 200 mm.sup.3 to 285 mm.sup.3.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for providing a chromatic scale with accurate intonation for valved brass instruments is disclosed. Two embodimeents of the invention that compensate for the deficiencies of the valve systems of the prior art are described for both four and five valve systems. For four valves systems, a master valve is used to lower the pitch of the instrument by two tones, and for five valve systems, a master valve lowers the pitch by two and one-half tones. The invention, therefore, makes possible complete compensation over the range of the instrument and improved tone quality.

Abstract: This invention relates to a flow path selector valve for use in wind instruments made of metal, such as a trumpet or a French horn. The valve comprises at least one pair of valve members, which consist each of a solid of revolution and are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of and in sliding and sealing contact with a centrally disposed, hollow bearing and drive block and integrally connected by a shaft. Each of said valve members consists of a cylinder, preferably of a cone, and contains a curved pipe section, which defines a flow path from an axial opening formed in the axially outer end portion of the valve member to a lateral opening formed in the shell of the valve member. The curved pipe sections are arranged in mirror symmetry in the valve members of said pair. Two air ducts are provided on opposite sides of the pair of valve members and devine flow paths differing in length. Each of said air ducts has two openings at opposite ends.

Abstract: A musical wind instrument of the type in which the pitch of the note to be produced is initially created by a person blowing the instrument, the instrument being provided with at least one elongated tubular section forming a sound path with two ends. This section has twelve segments arranged in tandem, the length and diameter of each segment being progressively greater in the direction the sound travels through the section. The length of each segment corresponds to the wave length of a different note of a chromatic scale. In addition, the boundary between adjacent segments is formed by an abrupt change in diameter and the boundary between adjacent segments is made from a softer metal than the segment walls themselves.

Abstract: A flaming trumpet or a musical instrument which emits a flame under the control of the musician playing the instrument. The intensity and duration of the flame are controlled by the musician activating a control valve which controls the amount of gas emanating from a cartridge mounted on the instrument. The gas is directed through tubing so that it emanates from the flared end of the instrument and is ignited by means of a spark mechanism which is operated by the musician.

Abstract: A method and composition of preventing the valves and slides of musical instruments from sticking or becoming sluggish at low temperatures. The method involves the application of a solution comprising a polyhydric alcohol, a monohydric alcohol, and water to movable parts. The method and composition may also be used to lubricate the valves and slides of the instruments and other movable elements.

Abstract: A Bb brass horn is provided with a bell which is threaded on to the remainder of the instrument. This provides a thickening of the metal at the position of attachment and hence a relatively rigid ring circumferentially about the bell, enhancing the tonality of the instrument. The bell is detachable for storage and carrying in a relatively flat case resembling an attache case, the axis of the bell being perpendicular to the plane of the body of the instrument. The piston valves are positioned centrally of the circle or ring of the instrument for improved balance.

Abstract: A musical instrument valve having two flexible, movable sound tubes in a casing is disclosed. By actuating a finger button, a musician can reposition the tubes to include a slide loop in the instrument's sound path.

Abstract: A brass wind musical instrument comprises two main tubes along which a plurality of bypasses are arranged, the bypasses being inserted in series into the corresponding main tubes by the action of valve assemblies; an intermediate tube; a first changeover valve, which, while remaining inoperative, effects communication between a mouthpiece and one end of one of the main tubes, as well as between one end of the other main tube and one end of the intermediate tube, and which, while being operated, ensures communication between the mouthpiece and said one end of the other main tubes, as well as between said one end of said one main tube and said one end of the intermediate tube; and a second changeover valve, which, while remaining inoperative, carries out communication between a bell and the other end of said one main tube, as well as between the other end of the other main tube and the other end of the intermediate tube, and, when operated, attains communication between the bell and the other end of the other m

Abstract: The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is directed to a wind instrument made of tubular metal and having an initial straight portion beginning at a mouthpiece receiving end and terminating in a sound-emanating bell portion. The wind instrument is provided with a plurality of piston valves to be manipulated to produce a multitude of different musical notes. A pair of spaced apart tubes is held in a fixed relation relative to one another and to the wind instrument. These tubes have terminating ends extending in a direction opposite that of the mouthpiece receiving end portion. A slide member has a U-shaped end portion which leads into a pair of straight parallel spaced apart portions having open ends fitted over the terminating ends of the tubes and is movable therealong to enable a player to obtain a multitude of different musical notes without manipulation of the piston valves.