Abstract: Disclosed is a novel apparatus for the practice of use and simulation of a snare drum. The present invention provides a practice drumming pad that can reproduce the sound and feel of a snare drum, thereby allowing the user to practice proper rhythm and technique to produce the desired results when using a real snare drum. The practice pad of the present invention consists of a substrate having a rubber pad on the top surface, a recessed channel in the bottom surface, and a sound generating device consisting of a layer of pellets contained between two rigid plates secured in the recessed channel. The rigid plates and layer of pellets are secured in the recessed channel so as to allow little more than vibrational movement of the plates and pellets in the recessed channel. As one “drums” on the rubber pad, the vibrations are transferred to the plates and pellets to simulate the sound produced by a real snare drum.

Abstract: A scratch board musical instrument (1) and playing implement (2) having a playing surface (5) with a plurality of horizontal ripples, ridges and valleys (8, 6, 7), a border (9) surrounding the playing surface and a handle (4) on one side for holding the musical instrument by hand. The playing implement (2) has a handle (12) with a metal rod (13) extending therefrom which is bent or curved at a distal end to provide a surface on each side for running the rod transversely across the horizontal ridges to produce a “bluegrass” musical effect.

Abstract: A water activated chiming device wherein a clapper floats on a stream of water spiraling upwardly out of an open upper end of a vertical pipe so that the clapper is randomly turned and moved laterally by the water to strike adjacent chime elements.

Abstract: A furniture piece incorporates a percussion element such as a key that can generate a musical sound. For example, the top of a coffee table may incorporate a set of tuned keys that together form a xylophone-like instrument. Thus, not only can one use the table for conventional purposes, he/she can also play the keys for enjoyment.

Abstract: An adjustable drum beater for playing a percussion device is herein disclosed. The drum beater comprises a handle in which is engaged a threaded ferrule that has attached thereto a brush for striking a percussion device such as a drum. The handle has a longitudinal cavity formed therethrough that is sized to receive the brush. The cavity also has interior threads that reversibly engage the ferrule. By reversing the ferrule in the interior threads of the cavity, the brush may be stored in the handle of the drum beater. A coil spring is positioned circumjacent to the brush and is longitudinally moveable along the brush to modify the sound created by the brush.

Abstract: A magnetically driven wind chime apparatus includes a first outdoor pendulum assembly mounted on the outside of a window or other barrier and a second indoor pendulum assembly mounted on the inside of the window or other barrier. The outdoor pendulum assembly includes a first support body, a first pendulum rod having one end pivotally connected to the first support body, and a first magnetic pendulum mounted to a second end of the first pendulum rod. The indoor pendulum assembly includes a second support body, a second pendulum rod having one end pivotally connected to the second support body, and a second magnetic pendulum mounted to a second end of the second pendulum rod. A sail is mounted on the first pendulum rod. A wind chime assembly is connected to the second pendulum rod.

Abstract: A chime assembly (2) includes a plurality of tubular chimes (12) arranged in a straight or curved line. Each chime has a desired tone and is arranged in a series to create a non-scalar arrangement of said tones so that when the chimes are sound sequentially, a tune is created. The chime assembly includes a support frame (4) having upper and lower damping couplings (22,32). Each chime is mounted to a support rod (14) passing coaxially through the chime through the engagement of spring elements (34) engaging holes (44) formed at the nodal points of the chime. The ends of the support rod are supported by the upper and lower damping couplings. The damping couplings include grommets (30) circumscribing the support rod and damping foam (26) surrounding the ends of the support rod.

Abstract: A wind chime, which includes an annular array of chimes, a superior horizontal wind baffle positioned above the chime array, a striker, positioned below the wind baffle. The wind baffle is positioned beneath a commercially available hummingbird feeder. Hummingbirds landing, leaving, and hovering at the feeder produce air currents which act on the wind baffle. This action moves the striker into the chimes, which give a tonal response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a confectionary holder which simulates the sound of rain as the holder is vertically positioned. The holder comprises a transparent tube having ends, two sides, and at least two sets of indents directed inward toward the center of the tube and one set of indents per side of the tube. Each indent has a peak, a peak depth, a sloping upper face, a sloping lower face, and between each indent is a space length. The peaks of the indents alternate from one side to the other side along the tube length. The angle of incline of each indent face and the length of the space between each indent are selected to allow rigid items, e.g., candy or gum, when placed in the holder, to create the sound of rain as the confectionary pieces flow downward dropping onto each indent face, sliding off each face, and moving from side to side from one end of the holder to the other end when the holder is vertically positioned.

Abstract: An idiophone musical instrument has at least one agogo bell and a handle or bracket. The bell has an oval, elliptical or rounded shape with a pair of opposed slits, and is formed of plastic. A mounting construction for the bell includes a multisided aperture formed in the bell's body and a mating multisided stem extending from the handle or bracket. The mounting construction prevents twisting even during playing, and permits a choice of different physical orientations of playing positions of the bell.

Abstract: In a device for generating at least one sound by means of at least one sounding board (1) with vibrationally neutral surfaces, the sounding board (1) is joined to a holder (2) at least in the area of a vibrationally neutral surface.

Abstract: A new musical instrument and method for playing the same is described. The invention adds to the design of the conventional drumstick a series of ridges that produce a new and unique sound when the ridges are dragged across another object. This object might be another drumstick, a drum rim, highhat or any other object. The invention includes a handle portion, a playing tip and a saw portion which is located between the handle portion and the playing tip. Alternating peaks and grooves form a series of ridges along the saw portion of the drumstick. The saw portion is dragged across another object to create a rasping sound.

Abstract: A musical toy includes a train-like vehicle traveling on a track which includes visual indicia representative of a standard nine note musical staff. Note tiles having first fastener halves may engage with second fasteners at predetermined locations on the track corresponding with the locations of notes on the represented staff. Switch operators extending down from the train may engage the note tiles to play the music so represented by the note tiles and track in the staff and note configuration.

Abstract: A cymbal made of a sound producing a plate which includes a plurality of linear tonal grooves. The tonal grooves are positioned on the top and/or bottom surface of the cymbal. The tonal grooves extend substantially from the center of the cymbal and/or from a point spaced from the center of the cymbal. The tonal grooves extend substantially to the edge of the cymbal and/or extend to a point which is spaced from the edge of the cymbal.

Abstract: A hollow block-type percussion instrument including a body, the body having a first end, a second end, and a substantially semicircular cross-section along a length thereof between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: The ribbon harp is a mouth-blown musical instrument consisting of a thin ribbon-like textile or polymeric object. When held between the thumbs and blown on by mouth, the ribbon harp vibrates in the audible frequency range and produces a musical note. The player may vary the tension in the ribbon in order to vary the fundamental frequency with which the ribbon harp vibrates, thus producing higher or lower pitches. Various methods may be used to provide lengthwise strength. Dampening properties can be tuned by varying properties in the crosswise direction. Aerodynamic surface treatments are provided so that the ribbon harp commences to vibrate immediately on being blown across. A wrist harness or gauntlet and a thumb cot are described as aids to the player.

Abstract: A type of adjustment for snare drum, comprising a main unit to be fitted to the shell of a snare drum, an adjusting lever inside the main unit and a moving piece inside the main unit, which will move linearly in the main unit with the rotation of the adjusting rod in the main unit, for the purpose to adjust the snare tension; the entire adjustment composition is simplified, to save time and reduce costs in its assembling process, furthermore, due to its smooth operation, there will be no noise in the adjusting process.

Abstract: A handchime includes a main tube with a clapper assembly for striking one of two tines at the end of a tubular body. An elastomeric damper block is fitted in compression between the inside surfaces of the side walls of the tine which the clapper strikes. The damper block is located at a distance approximately one-third the length of the tine from its base. The damper block includes raised portions in contacting relation with the horizontal inside surface of the tine, and is preferably affixed by an adhesive.

Abstract: A hand held musical instrument is capable of emitting sound through the combination of three elements: a hollow tube, a striking member, and a hinge to secure the striking member to the tube. The hollow tube is constructed of an ergonomic shape that allows easy and fatigue-free grasping. For low notes, the slots on the resonating end of the hollow tube are multi-sized to eliminate buzzing. The clapper is attached to the hollow tube through a combination of a stainless steel axle, polymer bearings and adjustable tensioning screws. This combination improves the durability of the instrument yet still allows the musician to adjust the strike feel. The invention also provides improvements in the clapper heads for both low note and middle and high note handchimes. For low notes, the clapper head is constructed of multiple layers that optimize sound quality. For middle or high notes, the rubber clapper head provides multiple settings which allows the musician to easily and precisely adjust the timbre setting.

Abstract: A toy clapper device having a main body including an elongate and planar shaped handle with first and second faces, a lower gripping end, an intermediate engaging portion, an upper portion and a central substantially circular shaped member also exhibiting first and second faces and extending integrally from the upper portion of the handle. First and second circular shaped paddles are dimensioned substantially identically to the central circular shaped portion, each of the paddles further including elongate planar shaped portions and seating portions extending from the planar shaped portions.

Abstract: A musical resonator mounting arrangement includes a resonator unit, a support plate, a coupling plate having one end fastened to the support plate and an opposite end connected to an end plate of the resonator unit by a connecting plate, a clamping unit controlled to secure the support plate to a musical instrument, enabling corrugated metal wires of the resonator unit to be retained in contact with the musical instrument, and an adjustment screw fastened to the support plate and the coupling plate at one end and screwed up with an adjustment nut for adjusting the contact pressure between the musical instrument and the corrugated metal wires of the resonator unit.

Abstract: The instrument includes a support structure formed of telescoping legs enabling height adjustment of the bed supporting the bars. The bars are strung on lines supported on bar mounts having resilient material in engagement with the lines preventing transmission of vibration from the bars to adjacent bars and to the support structure. A dampening rail including a fluid-filled bladder extends the length of the instrument in underlying relation to the adjacent inner ends of the two rows of bars and is spring-biased into engagement with the bars. A pedal, selectively displaceable along a longitudinal support bar, is used to engage and disengage the bladder relative to the bars. The pedal includes a fulcrum assembly for adjustment of the feel of the pedal.

Abstract: A portable steel drum assembly for use in a marching band includes a first steel drum having a defined playing surface including a first set of predefined indentations defining a first set of notes and a second steel drum having a defined playing surface including a second set of predefined indentations defining a second set of notes. The first and second steel drums each have a diameter less than twenty-two inches providing the steel drum assembly with sufficient lightweightness and compactness enabling a musician to perform the steel drum assembly while carrying the steel drum assembly. A steel drum carrier including a harness and a steel drum mount enables a musician to carry the first and second steel drums.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a confectionary holder which simulates the sound of rain as the holder is vertically positioned. The holder comprises a transparent tube having ends, two sides, and at least two sets of indents directed inward toward the center of the tube and one set of indents per side of the tube. Each indent has a peak, a peak depth, a sloping upper face, a sloping lower face, and between each indent is a space length. The peaks of said indents alternate from one side to the other side along the tube length. The angle of incline of each indent face and the length of the space between each indent are selected to allow rigid items, e.g., candy or gum, when placed in the holder, to create the sound of rain as the confectionary pieces flow downward dropping onto each indent face, sliding off each face, and moving from side to side from one end of the holder to the other end when the holder is vertically positioned.

Abstract: A mounting construction of an elongated leaf spring deformed in an S-letter configuration and engaged at opposite ends thereof with a pair of spaced support members in a compressed condition to effect outward biasing forces acting of the support members, wherein three nodes are formed at the opposite ends and an intermediate position of the leaf spring in a longitudinal direction to form a pair of antinodes between the opposite ends and intermediate position of the leaf spring.

Abstract: A cymbal fixation device includes a wing nut threaded onto a threaded stem on a cymbal stand to fix a cymbal in place, a holding down block mounted in a chamber in the wing nut, a split locating pin inserted into a pin hole on the wing nut and a pin hole on the holding down block to hold the holding block in place, and a tightening up screw threaded into an oblique screw hole on the wing nut and stopped against a beveled bottom edge of the holding down block to force the holding down block into engagement with the threaded stem.

Abstract: A mounting mechanism for mounting a cymbal on a stand to produce an improved musical sound, the mounting mechanism including a pair of opposing magnets, mounted to slide on a shaft with the cymbal held between two felt cushions supported on the floating action of the opposing magnets.

Abstract: A device for locating and adjusting a set of cymbals includes a tri-lobic pedestal connected with a support frame of a cymbal device via a stanchion. The tri-lobic pedestal has a tubular post longitudinally extends substantially from a top face thereof. A resilient pad is mounted around the tubular post and rests on the top face of the tri-lobic pedestal. The resilient pad has three wings pieces formed therewith, each wing piece having a cambered upper surface for supporting a lower cymbal of the cymbal device. A tripod is mounted around the tubular post and between the resilient pad and a lower cymbal of the cymbal device to secure the resilient pad on the tri-lobic pedestal. The tri-lobic pedestal further defines a couterbore in the top face thereof and communicating with a screw hole thereof for receiving a nut in a non-rotatable condition, such that a screw extends therethrough and threadedly engages with the nut.

Abstract: An electronic cymbal apparatus which significantly shortens the vibratory response of the prolonged resonating acoustical tone produced by the percussive impact on an electrically conductive striking surface thereby enabling the pick-up of such shortened vibratory response by a transducer, such as, without limitation, a piezoelectric transducer. The electronic cymbal apparatus utilizes conventional cymbal substrates, such as, without limitation, in the form of a broad-brim hat wherein the use of conventional cymbal substrates allows the musician to employ conventional acoustical "striking" techniques while playing the electronic cymbal apparatus.

Abstract: A plurality of rectangular parallelopiped tone bars are incorporated in a percussion instrument, are connected to a supporting bar at central points thereof so as to produce the second-order vertical flexural vibration and the first-order torsional vibration, and the ratio of width to thickness is regulated to a frequency ratio of 1:2 so as to improve the interval between the percussion sounds and the consonance.

Abstract: A percussion instrument made of durable synthetic tubing which is longitudinally rigid and radially flexible. The tubes are precisely tunable to specific musical pitches through combining proper diameters and lengths of the tubes. The sound is produced primarily by vibration of the column of air within and exiting the tube, which results from striking the tube with an object such as a mallet or from striking another object, including the human body, with the tube. The nature of the sound produced varies greatly with the resonant and textural qualities of the struck object. Accordingly, multi-textured percussion blocks are provided for striking with the tubes. In addition, a cap is provided for the end of the tube which will lower its pitch about one octave and which, when combined with a second cap, will create a cavity in which pellets, such as steel shot or dried beans, may be placed to produce a rattle.

Abstract: An egg shaped musical shaker instrument has an egg shaped shell and pellets enclosed therein. The shell has two parts. A first large shell part includes an exterior surface forming a large end portion and a central portion. The first part truncates at a small end portion of the shell and includes an opening in the truncated small end portion. The second small shell part has a cap member for closing the opening in the first large shell part. The first and second shell parts are joined together by an internal joint which is not exposed to the external surface of the shell. In a second embodiment, a handle, which replaces the second small shell part, is attached to the first large shell part.

Abstract: An improvement to windchimes is provided which comprises a supporting bracket. A cluster of chimes with different notes are hanged under the peripheral edge of the supporting bracket. Characterized in that an electric powered main pendulum is hanged under the center of the supporting bracket to play a preset melody or song. An auxiliary pendulum is hanged under the main pendulum. When the auxiliary pendulum is blown by the wind, a natural notes can be heard by the tinkling to the chimes.

Abstract: An attachment and detachment mechanism for a weight held on the boom rod of a boom cymbal stand. The weight has a hole in one side over which a cover is installed and there is an aligned hole in the cover. A spring operated boom rod installation and detaching lever which is disposed between the cover and the side of the weight, has a window through it so that the boom rod can be installed through the cover, the window and into the hole in the weight. The periphery of the window is engagable in a groove in the boom rod under the bias of a spring which moves the lever to cause such engagement. Moving the lever counter to the spring force releases the boom rod so that it can be withdrawn from the hole in the weight and permits insertion of the boom rod in the hole.

Abstract: A device holder for drums, including a base frame having two eyed lugs bilaterally disposed at one end and a bolt hole spaced between the eyed lugs and a longitudinal open-ended slot at an opposite end, box end bolt inserted through the through hole of the base frame and screwed up with a wing nut to hold a rod member with an instrument in the eyed lugs, an arched retaining block having a fixed end pivoted to the base frame in the middle and a free end, and a locating bolt having a head pivoted to the free end of the arched retaining block and a screw body detachably secured to the longitudinal open-ended slot of the base frame by a wing nut to secure the curved retaining block and the base frame to one tie rod between two counterloops of a drum.

Abstract: A plurality of metal bars of a vibraphone are regulated such that the first-order to third-order vibration approximate to the frequency ratio of 1:4:8 by using recesses formed in the central portion of the metal bar and the end portions on both sides of the central portion, and a player can make the metal bars generate tones exactly on a scale so as to harmonize with one another.

Abstract: A hand-held percussive musical shaker comprising an elongated tubular member defining a hollow bore therethrough and having a pair of plastic diaphragms sealed over the respective ends of the tubular member to collectively form an enclosed containment volume, the containment volume being loosely filled with a percussive media such as a plurality of metallic particles, the containment volume having an optimized major length to minor diameter ratio.

Abstract: A new metal cymbal for percussion musical instruments, that combines the sound effects of the metal with the effects generated by a liquid, comprising a metal plate having at least one leakproof or watertight chamber containing a liquid.

Abstract: A music bell has a dangling member surrounded by a plurality of bell plates. The upper end of the dangling member links an annular chain, and the lower end of the dangling member connects a bob vane. All the bell plates have various thickness. The upper ends of the bell plates and the upper end of the dangling member are connected together. A striking device is disposed in the middle of the dangling member.

Abstract: A musical instrument wherein water is selectively injected into an array of resonant air columns, of varied resonant frequency. When the injected water impacts with the closed end of the air columns, vibrations are excited having a pitch resonant with the respective air column and possessing musical quality. By selectively controlling the flow stream, the user may play a musical composition having a distinctly aqueous character.

Abstract: A hollow tubular device to assist patients during speech therapy a main body portion of a tubular configuration having a hollow interior with an interior surface and having an exterior surface, the main body portion being formed of a plastic material; a pair of parallel end caps at each end of the main body portion, the end caps being circular in shape with a thickness essentially the same thickness as the side wall; and an centrally disposed aperture extending through each end cap.

Abstract: A combination strumming pick and percussion device (10) that consists of a hollow enclosed container (12) into which is inserted a multiplicity of free-flowing particles (14) that may be selected from sand (14A), wooden beads (14B), plastic beads (14C), steel pellets (14D) and lead pellets (14E). On at least one side of the container (12) is embedded a selectable guitar pick (16). The device (10) is designed to be easily and comfortably held in the hand while the pick is oscillated when a stringed instrument such as a guitar is strummed. The device (10) produces a rhythmic sound emitted by the strumming of the guitar strings and a percussion sound produced by the particles (14) impinging on the internal walls of the container. Either sound may be produced individually or the sounds may be combined. The container (12) can be made in several shapes including cylindrical, elliptical, spherical, cubic and conic.

Abstract: An instrument for generating a percussive audio sound for resonation within an individual's mouth cavity. The inventive device includes a spoon member having a spoon head positionable proximal to the mouth of the individual. A hammer assembly is coupled to the spoon member and positioned so as to strike a back surface of the spoon to generate a percussive audio sound directed into the individual's mouth. An alteration of the volume of the individual's mouth can then be made to manipulate the tone of the sound generated by the device.

Abstract: A hand-held percussion instrument capable of generating a variety of different sounds upon demand. These sounds including the typical sound of cymbals coming from a tambourine, the sound of a drum which is stretched over an open side of a tambourine, the sound of a maraca which is generated from a multitude of pellets contained within a hollow chamber inside the handle, this sound being adjusted by selectively covering or uncovering openings in the handle, and the sound of a lone cymbal set located at the end of the handle some distance from the tambourine.

Abstract: A cymbal device for use with one hand includes a shaft extending along an axis and two cymbals coaxially mounted on the shaft so that one of the cymbals is moveable relative to the other. A trigger mechanism is coupled to the shaft for displacing the moveable cymbal relative to the other cymbal to bring the cymbals into engagement with one another. A handle is secured to the shaft at a position enabling a user to grasp the handle and actuate the trigger mechanism with one hand.

Abstract: A musical instrument has a plurality of chime members disposed along its length, and each chime member is easily removed from the instrument or placed in a different position with respect to the other chime members. In some embodiments, plural slots are formed along the length of a base member and each chime member is suspended from a cord that is inserted into contiguous slots, and an elongate cover member overlies the base member to prevent inadvertent removal of the cords from their respective slots. Different structures are shown for spacing the cover apart from the base when it is desired to remove one or more cords from its associated slot. In additional embodiments, each chime member is suspended from a module, and the module releasably engages the base member.

Abstract: A percussion instrument is formed from a hollow cylindrical tube which is provided with a surrounding beaded net. The net is mounted by passing net end strands into a circumferential ring of radial boreholes adjacent each end of the tube and outward through the tube ends.