Abstract: In a musical instrument of the cabasa type having a substantially cylindrical hollow main body with a cover plate, and base plate, and a handle connected to the base plate, wherein between the cover plate and base plate along the outer surface of the main body beaded-string-like sounding bodies are arranged extending in the circumferential direction, which, when the main body is rhythmically shaken, by their movement against each other and relative to the surface of the main body, generate a tone, provision is made that the cover plate and/or the base plate are provided with openings.

Abstract: The present invention combines a classic chimes system with message bars having a faith building message imprinted on the message bars in keeping with the multi-tone chimes. In the preferred system the chimes and message bars hang vertically from a main support member. The message bars are spaced between the chimes so that a striker is free to contact each chime. The striker may have a wind or clapper vane hanging from the striker to move the striker in contact with the chimes. In one embodiment the message bars provide the clapper vane. Inspirational words and biblical phrases are also imprinted on the main support member and the wind vane. A faith bar, having a faith for healing and love message imprinted thereon, may also be added above the main support member bar to convey an overall faith building message for the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a musical rhythm instrument comprising sounding bodies, especially in the form of jingles or the like, and a holding device for said sounding bodies, wherein said holding device is designed to be fastened to the user's foot.

Abstract: An electronic percussion instrument that allows for a performance sensation that is similar to that of an acoustic HiHat cymbal. A sliding mechanism of a top cymbal pad section and a bottom cymbal pad section of an electronic HiHat cymbal where the top cymbal pad section and the bottom cymbal pad section are both fixed so that they can swing together when the top cymbal pad section is struck. Even when the first cymbal pad is struck and swings coming into contact with the second cymbal pad, the gliding contact between the first pad and the second pad is carried out smoothly and allows for a natural striking sensation comparable to that of an acoustic HiHat cymbal.

Abstract: A percussion instrument, such as a shaker, has a first disc-shaped member having an outer annular flange defining a first outer perimeter and a second disc-shaped member defining a second outer perimeter different than the first outer perimeter. The first and second disc-shaped members are directly interconnected to form a cavity therebetween. A plurality of sound producing particles is disposed within said cavity defined by the first and second disc-shaped members. The instrument also includes a mounting system for mounting to a vehicle such as a tambourine, hi-hat, cymbal etc. for causing movement of the shaker instrument.

Abstract: A wild game call has a single inlet passage into which a user blows to generate sounds that simulate the natural sounds produced by the particular animal being called or attracted. The call includes a splitter that splits the single air inlet passage into a plurality of outlet passages. The sound either is generated in the single air passage or passes into the single air passage from the user and is directed into the plurality of outlet passages to produce the final output sound from the call. The plurality of outlet passages can be configured to produce subtle differences in the sound passing through a passage to provide a combination of sounds more closely simulating the natural animal sound than can be produced in only a single outlet passage. Various sound chamber can be added to the outlet passages to modify the sound emanating from that passage in a desired manner.

Abstract: A system and method for generating game sounds in a directionally adjustable manner which includes a friction pan call of the type having a circular flat top playing surface and a plurality of holes on generally opposing sides of a substantially cylindrical sound chamber wall, and a method whereby holes or portion of a hole are successively closed in an incremental rotating manner around the call so as to help to create a sound emulating a moving sound source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manipulating physical objects to produce sounds that are correlated with the feel of the objects being manipulated. Example devices called the PebbleBox, CrumbleBag and ScrubberGlove each use the manipulation of physical objects of arbitrary material as the basis for interacting with granular sound synthesis models. The sounds made by the objects as they are manipulated produce sound signal events that are detected and used to trigger and control the reproduction of stored sound samples in real time.

Abstract: In a musical instrument of the cabasa type having a substantially cylindrical hollow main body with a cover plate, and base plate, and a handle connected to the base plate, wherein between the cover plate and base plate along the outer surface of the main body beaded-string-like sounding bodies are arranged extending in the circumferential direction, which, when the main body is rhythmically shaken, by their movement against each other and relative to the surface of the main body, generate a tone, provision is made that the cover plate and/or the base plate are provided with openings.

Abstract: A jack motion-restricting device for an upright piano, which is capable of maintaining constant a jack motion-restricting position by a simple construction to thereby obtain an intended operation of the jack. The jack motion-restricting device restricts the motion of the jack operating in accordance with key depression by having the jack abut thereagainst. A base part of the device is provided at a location close to the jack. A base layer of the same is formed of a material having dimensional stability, and is affixed to the base part. A surface layer of the same is formed of a material having abrasion resistance and flexibility, and is affixed to the base layer, for having the jack abut thereagainst.

Abstract: An event activated wind chime system and method of use are disclosed. In one form, an event activated wind chime system includes a wind chime assembly including at least one wind chime element proximally located to a striker operable to contact the wind chime element to output a wind chime sound. The system further includes an event detector operably coupled to a striker activation processor provided in association with the striker. The event detector is operable to detect an event and provide an input to the striker activation processor to produce the wind chime sound using the striker in response to the detected event.

Abstract: A percussion instrument, such as a shaker, comprises a first disc-shaped member having an outer annular flange defining a first outer perimeter and a second disc-shaped member defining a second outer perimeter different than the first outer perimeter. The first and second disc-shaped members are directly interconnected to form a cavity therebetween. A plurality of sound producing particles is disposed within said cavity defined by said first and second disc-shaped members. The instrument also includes means for mounting to a vehicle such as a tambourine, hi-hat, cymbal etc. for causing movement of the shaker instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for remotely generating sound from a musical instrument. In one embodiment, the system includes an input configured to receive a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, an exciter for converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and a coupling interface for coupling the mechanical vibrations into a second musical instrument. The method for remotely generating sound includes the steps of generating a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, transmitting the signal, receiving the signal at an input, converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and coupling the mechanical vibrations to a second musical instrument capable of producing sound waves.

Abstract: A tambourine according to the present invention includes a frame having a plurality of removable jingle members. The frame includes opposing sides and defines a plurality of slots extending between the sides. The tambourine includes a plurality of pins that may be extended through the frame and the plurality of slots for coupling respective jingle members to the frame. A plurality of fasteners are included for coupling the pins to the frame. Alternately, threaded inserts may be coupled to the frame for receiving threaded fasteners, such as screws, therein.

Abstract: The purpose for the all aluminum housing, it is used for producing sound out of aluminum. When the aluminum is used, to make an instrument—yes, the embodiment of the instrument is aluminum; which it makes the instrument lighter to hold, and it gives a distinguishing sound. A clean, clear, crisp and firm quality sound; no more waiting a year for your instrument to cure, or using your instrument till it cure, or heavy woods or heavy plastics. The reason for the all aluminum housing used for producing sound, and also having a use—for a speaker box to be made out of all aluminum, and not wood to make the speaker box lighter in your home or vehicle (when carrying around your speaker box in your vehicle). The purpose for the all aluminum housing, it's usage for producing sound, and it is ideal for a car back window surface lid. And, it is ideal for intercom boxes; and for a speaker frame for speakers.

Abstract: A hybrid percussion instrument which is suspendable and can be used as a quick change rattle instrument in combination with other percussion instruments such as a cymbal.

Abstract: A percussion instrument, which includes a cymbal, wherein the instrument is formed with a bent or folded area along one or more lines, planes, or curves of the instrument resulting in the creation of equal or unequal distinct sections.

Abstract: A metal percussion instrument, which includes a cymbal that is formed with open or closed slots or grooves. In one embodiment, the invention can have formed cantilevers or internally formed cantilevers. Typically, the main vibrating section is composed of a metal alloy of a specific gravity greater than 6. Weights may be added to desired locations on the instrument. These weights may be pieces of metal including bells, domes, and other vibrating metal shapes. The instrument is configured so that one or more slots are located to create multiple modes of vibration which affect an entire frequency response of the instrument and create one or more fundamental frequencies with a greater number of audible overtones thereby building a complex overall sound.

Abstract: A percussion musical instrument comprising a set of clave blocks each comprising a body having an open cavity therewithin. The bodies of the clave blocks have substantially equal exterior dimensions and assorted volumes of the open cavities therewithin provided to generate musical tones of assorted pitches, such as low pitch, medium pitch and high pitch. A volume of the open cavity of the low pitch clave block of the set is larger than a volume of the open cavity of the medium pitch clave block, while the volume of the open cavity of the medium pitch clave block is larger than a volume of the open cavity of the high pitch clave block. Each of the clave blocks of the set further includes a mounting rings.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the sound produced by a musical cymbal is disclosed wherein at least one segment including sound absorbing material having a specific, predetermined shape and thickness is applied to a mapped surface of a cymbal in order to alter the volume, frequency and duration of sound produced therefrom. In a second embodiment, a segment including vibration damping material having a specific, predetermined shape and thickness is applied to a mapped surface of a cymbal in order to alter the volume, frequency and duration of sound produced therefrom. Also disclosed is a cymbal having surface location markings so as to produce a mapped cymbal allowing precise identification and recording of the location where the aforementioned segments are placed. The at least one segment is affixed to varying positions and in varying amounts in order to obtain desired sound output from the cymbal to which they are affixed.

Abstract: A plug assembly for a xylophone resonator includes a cover adapted to be mounted on the xylophone resonator to close an opening of the xylophone resonator, an annular disk adapted to be received inside the xylophone resonator and a threaded rod having a threaded bottom end extending through the cover to securely and threadingly connect to the annular disk and a threaded top end engaging with a knob. The threaded rod is selectively movable relative to the cover via the control of a controlling nut such that position of the annular disk inside the xylophone resonator is adjusted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a musical rhythm instrument comprising sounding bodies, especially in the form of jingles or the like, and a holding device for said sounding bodies, wherein said holding device is designed to be fastened to the user's foot.

Abstract: A new and improved mounting system and apparatus is disclosed for quick mount and dismount of musical instrument accessories such as a cowbell, cymbal, and/or tambourine. The accessory mounting system comprises a slotted mounting bracket and an associated tang attached to the musical accessory whereby the associated tang is slipped into the slotted mounting bracket thereby supporting the musical accessory without the need for any setscrews and/or threaded fasteners.

Abstract: A tambourine according to the present invention includes a frame having a plurality of removable jingle members. The frame includes opposing sides and defines a plurality of slots extending between the sides. The tambourine includes a plurality of pins that may be extended through the frame and the plurality of slots for coupling respective jingle members to the frame. A plurality of fasteners are included for coupling the pins to the frame. Alternately, threaded inserts may be coupled to the frame for receiving threaded fasteners, such as screws, therein.

Abstract: A tambourine structure comprising in combination a frame extending at least in part along an extended path, multiple jingles carried by the frame at selected locations along said path, and means carried by the frame to connect the frame to support structure selectively in each of at least two different positions.

Abstract: A percussion instrument that produces a vibrato which is the most noticeable characteristic of the instrument. In one embodiment, the instrument is configured as a single two-dimensional curve, or a primary curve which is deeper or more pronounced than secondary curves along the surface of said instrument, and wherein said primary curve facilitates an oscillating flexing motion which produces an increase in the amplitude of the lowest frequency mode of vibration, the low pitch frequency modulates the whole of the spectrum of a musical sound by repeatedly raising and lowering said spectrum of sound in a periodic or oscillating manner, this effect being defined here as “vibrato”. The instrument is suspended from one or more points, by means of an instrument supporting member or mounting device, rigid or flexible. The suspension or mounting points approximate the nodal area of the instrument.

Abstract: A dual element door chime assembly, positioning pick and fixed mount miniature guitar door chime, which provides musical, door opening audible indication and visual guitar decorative theme. The apparatus can be easily adapted to various sizes of doors and a plethora of doorway entry designs. The apparatus is comprised of a movable guitar pick and stationary fixed mount inverted miniature guitar, constructed of a spring-door stopper pick rotating about a horizontal plane and a fixed mount, wooden miniature guitar with metal string assembly.

Abstract: Wind Chimes are provided, the notes of which are tuned to play a person's given name, according to the Ogham notation. The “tune” of the person's name is played on, e.g., anodized aluminum tubes, which are tuned to specific notes, based on the ancient system. The name being “played” is written on one side of the frame in English, and on the other side using the Ogham characters that translate as both the English letters, and the musical notes. The shape of the chime's frame is patterned after a Harp. The instrument can be used traditionally, as a wind chime, or it can be fitted with a base, allowing it to be used indoors as a décor item.

Abstract: A clapper for a bell is hollow on the inside for receiving objects, such as a personal dedication. The clapper may also be provided with a coating for damping the volume of the bell strike, or at least change the sound.

Abstract: A musical rhythm instrument comprising a hand-held hollow body having at least one opening and a plurality of particles in the interior of the hollow body, which, when the hollow body is moved rhythmically, impact upon its inner wall and create a sound, is provided with a hollow body incorporating a plurality of openings distributed over its surface and has a basic shape such that it can be largely encompassed by a hand that is holding it.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a bass mallet percussion instrument which is physically compact as compared to previous instruments, where percussion bars are removeably fixed above a resonance box that is divided into a plurality of resonance spaces, and the resonance s spaces are delineated from each other by separating walls.

Abstract: A percussion attachment mounts onto the rim of an African hand drum, e.g., Jembe, so that the percussionist can play both the drum and the percussion device without having to pick up a drumstick or striker. The percussion attachment has a brace and a striker. The brace has transverse curved bar that rests rest atop the annular flange formed by the crown ring of the drum. Uprights, i.e., vertical legs affixed to the curved bar extend downward so a foot portion rests against the drum. A transverse pivot member is supported on the uprights above the curved bar at a position above the rim of the drum. A cowbell or other percussion device is supported on the brace. An elongated striker pivots on pivot member, with a handle and a striker tip. The tip moves in a vertical arc so that it can hit the cowbell when the percussionist slaps the striker handle. A spring can bias the striker to a neutral position. There can be more than one striker, and more than one percussion device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a striker device for striking the playing surface of a percussion instrument. The striker device includes a flexible slapper plate upon which a ball is mounted. A means for adjustably mounting the striker device allows it to be mounted onto a rod of the percussion instrument such that the movement of the rod causes the slapper plate to oscillate causing the ball to strike the playing surface of the percussion instrument.

Abstract: Support apparatus for a percussion cow bell, to be operated or struck by a foot actuated beater unit, comprising a first support operatively connected to the cow bell and projecting for connection to and positioning by the beater unit, whereby the bell is positioned for impact by the beater, and means to block displacement of the cow bell in response to beater impact therewith.

Abstract: A musical shaker is formed with a rigid shell and pellets enclosed therein attached to a flexible handle. In a first embodiment, the shell part truncates to a small end portion and includes a bottleneck opening in the truncated small end portion. The truncated end portion is closed by an internal joint with a cap member covered by the flexible plastic handle or by the flexible handle itself. In a second embodiment, the shell part is formed by two rigid plastic halves sealed so as to enclose the pellets. The end of the flexible handle is fitted to one end of the shell part and is secured to that end by adhesive. In a third embodiment the flexible handle includes two portions, including a flexible handle portion adjoining the shell.

Abstract: An electronic synthesized steelpan drum resembling a conventional steelpan drum and featuring the same shallow cylindrical shape with a sunken concave playing surface. The steelpan drum includes a central processor chip and associated memory chips for providing a variety of synthesized steelpan and a full range of musical, orchestral, and symphonic instrumental sounds, including tenor, double-seconds, guitar, cello, quadraphonic, tenor-bass, and bass steel drums. The concave playing surface is comprised of a series of rubber striking pad areas, which can be arranged in a conventional or other unique pattern typical of a tenor pan. The striking pad areas will be played with a pair of pansticks. Attached under each pad is a pressure sensor, which will detect the amount of force applied when a pannist strikes a pad and provide a signal to the central processor for controlling the synthesized sound.

Abstract: A system and method for generating game sounds in a directionally adjustable manner which includes a friction pan call of the type having a circular flat top playing surface and a plurality of holes on generally opposing sides of a substantially cylindrical sound chamber wall, and a method whereby holes or portion of a hole are successively closed in an incremental rotating manner around the call so as to help to create a sound emulating a moving sound source.

Abstract: A bell is described having the first at least three or more frequencies substantially in harmonic sequence. A method for designing such a bell is also disclosed. An optimization procedure is described wherein an initial bell shape is modified until the first at least three or more frequencies are substantially in an harmonic sequence. An asymmetric bell is also described wherein a meridonal cross-section of the side portion is substantially geometrically similar to a cross-section having: 1) an outer line formed by fitting an arc of a circle to the three described points of the nodes and an inner line formed by fitting a line to the described points of the nodes; or 2) having an outer line formed by joining a straight line to the two described points of the nodes and an inner line formed by fitting a line to the described points of the nodes.

Abstract: A slate-type game call includes a flange extending downwardly below the bottom wall of the pot portion of the call. The flange creates a unique sound chamber. One or more apertures may be provided around the flange to assist in projecting sounds from the sound chamber when the call is secured to a support surface. The flange may further include a pair of slots through which a fastening strap can be inserted to secure the call to a person's limb or hunting implement. Relatively narrow channels leading to the strap slots may be formed in the flange to allow the game call to be quickly connected and disconnected from the fastening strap. The configuration of the flange in combination with the flexible fastening strap allows the game call to be pivoted relative to a support surface to which the game call is secured to project and direct sounds from the sound chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an electronic cymbal having improved accuracy for detecting a striking force and a striking position without hampering a striking sensation and an appearance. A piezoelectric sensor 5 and a cup portion sheet sensor 8 provided on a portion of a cup portion formed into a dome shape at a center of a cover 2 on a first frame 3 having the cover 2 formed out of a soft material, the cover 2 spreading to contact with an upper surface of the first frame 3, and an edge upper portion sheet sensor 7 and an edge lower portion sheet sensor 6 provided on an outer peripheral edge portion 3b formed to be lowered by a step are provided, and a center of a second frame 4 is supported by a cymbal stand (shaft) 10 penetrating an opening portion at a center of the first frame 3.

Abstract: A freeze-proof, game call for calling predatory game animals through inhaling includes a mouthpiece, a reed assembly, and an amplification member. The mouthpiece has first and second ends with the first end defining an aperture for fluidly communicating with a mouth of a user such that the user can inhale through the aperture. The reed assembly is disposed within the mouthpiece at the second end and includes a reed. The reed has a working end opposite the aperture of the mouthpiece that vibrates as air is drawn across it to produce a tone upon inhalation by the user through the aperture. The reed assembly is free of grooves and O-rings that modify the tone produced by the reed assembly. The amplification member is operatively connected to the mouthpiece member to completely enclose the working end of the reed. The amplification member amplifies the tone produce by the reed assembly.

Abstract: One embodiment of an ocarina has an inner liner that includes a plurality of apertures and an outer shell disposed substantially completely around the inner liner. In one exemplary embodiment of such an ocarina, the plurality of apertures in the inner liner facilitates the airflow communication through the inner liner to produce a tone when the ocarina is played, whereas the outer shell provides a protective or ornamental envelope for the inner liner and includes a plurality of openings that register with the apertures in the inner liner. In another exemplary embodiment, an ocarina has a body having a plurality of apertures disposed therein. The body is formed by an inner liner defined by at least one sound chamber and a first cooperating cover and an outer shell disposed substantially completely around the inner liner.

Abstract: A container (10) includes two chambers (14, 20). The main chamber (14) can receive the beverage. The other chamber (20) receives percussion means (not illustrated) such as ball bearings. The container can also include handle (11). The two chambers (14, 20) together with the handle (11) form the shape of a maraca.

Abstract: A prescribed number of bars are arranged in a percussion instrument such as a xylophone and marimba, wherein each bar is formed by a base layer, a fiber reinforced plastic layer, and a surface layer that are combined together using an epoxy adhesive therebetween. Both the base layer and surface layer is made of the prescribed hardwood material such as rosewood, hard birch, padauk, and Chinese quince, while the fiber reinforced plastic layer is formed by laminating one or more fiber reinforced plastic sheets, each of which is formed by impregnating and hardening thermosetting epoxy resin with fibers. All fibers can be aligned in a single direction slanted to the longitudinal direction of the bar. Alternatively, fibers are woven in two directions rectangularly crossing each other in a cloth form. Thus, it is possible to improve bars in striking durability as well as in sound quality and design.

Abstract: A wind chime constructed according to the invention includes a rotating wind bell apparatus having a downwardly opening bell that is adapted to be suspended from a separate support structure. A bell-striking mechanism in the form of a striker is suspended movably from the bell in a position to strike the bell. A striker-moving mechanism in the form of an impeller connected to the striker causes the striker to move in response to a wind moving past the striker-moving mechanism and to strike the bell so that the bell produces a tone. A bell-rotating mechanism in the form of another impeller connected to the bell causes the bell to rotate in response to the wind moving past the bell-rotating mechanism in order to thereby vary the tone and produce tremolo or Doppler-like effects. In one embodiment, the bell-rotating mechanism includes a Savonius type impeller attached to the upwardly facing surface of a circularly shaped impeller base.

Abstract: Cymbals for percussion instruments generally comprise an umbrella-like annular area (3), which is at least approximately circular, and comprise a central convex dome (5). According to the invention, at least portions of the cymbal surface have non-contiguous and/or irregular structural elements (9), which extend, for example, in a circumferential direction. The structural elements are preferably little notches that are produced by means of a rotating milling tool.

Abstract: A vibratory percussive instrument having an elongated curvilinear yoke connected at a center section to an instrument stand and an impact pad at the end of an arm for striking with a percussive instrument and a pin type resonator at the end of a lower arm for producing a prolonged resonance upon impacting the pad.

Abstract: A system and method for generating game sounds in a directionally adjustable manner which includes a friction pan call having a plurality of holes on generally opposing sides of a sound chamber wall, and a method whereby holes are successively closed in an incremental rotating manner around the call so as to help to create a sound emulating a moving sound source.

Abstract: The present invention includes a musical instrument that is lighter in weight, and utilizes less raw material to construct than traditional instruments. Some embodiments of the present invention also provide unique resonance characteristics over prior instrument designs. Additionally, the present invention includes embodiments of a musical instrument that are constructed utilizing the improved strength and rigidity qualities of space frame technology.

Abstract: The creation of sounds by musical instruments or sound reproduction systems is not perfect, but acoustic dissonances inherent in the production of sound generators can be corrected. The present method uses open volumes, such as a glass, possibly provided with a cutoff, a fragmentation creating at least one opening. This object placed close to or on a sound generator frees additional sound waves to harmonise with the sound generator by means of mechanical coupling or an air sound link due to the volume of the resonator and its fragmentation. A device made of a material with a Shore hardness of more than 60 makes it possible via its foot fixed to a piano to transmit mechanical sound vibrations. Method and device constitute an effective improvement in the reproduction and creation of sounds.