Abstract: A foldable idiophone musical instrument may have two frames to support accidental tone bars on the first frame and natural tone bars on the second frame. Connecting members may attach to opposite ends of the frames. The connecting members may allow the frames to rotate from 0° to 180° from a horizontal position to collapse or fold the instrument. The connecting members may have a riser portion and a stop block portion. The riser portion may elevate the accidental tone bars above the natural tone bars. The stop block portion may prevent the frames from rotating to less than 0° from the horizontal when in a performance position.

Abstract: A percussion instrument has at least one tone bar, retaining elements for fastening the tone bar, and at least one resonance body with upper and lower sides.

Abstract: A foldable idiophone musical instrument may have two frames to support accidental tone bars on the first frame and natural tone bars on the second frame. Connecting members may attach to opposite ends of the frames. The connecting members may allow the frames to rotate from 0° to 180° from a horizontal position to collapse or fold the instrument. The connecting members may have a riser portion and a stop block portion. The riser portion may elevate the accidental tone bars above the natural tone bars. The stop block portion may prevent the frames from rotating to less than 0° from the horizontal when in a performance position.

Abstract: An electrically amplified percussive instrument has at least one tone bar having a bottom side and fundamental nodes each of the fundamental nodes defined by a channel. A permanent magnet on the bottom side of the tone bar is proximal to one of the fundamental nodes and not aligned with a location of maximum tone bar vibration. A pickup coil positioned underneath the tone bar is aligned with the first permanent magnet and in electrical communication with an amplifier.

Abstract: A foldable idiophone musical instrument may have two frames to support accidental tone bars on the first frame and natural tone bars on the second frame. Connecting members may attach to opposite ends of the frames. The connecting members may allow the frames to rotate from 0° to 180° from a horizontal position to collapse or fold the instrument. The connecting members may have a riser portion and a stop block portion. The riser portion may elevate the accidental tone bars above the natural tone bars. The stop block portion may prevent the frames from rotating to less than 0° from the horizontal when in a performance position.

Abstract: A reverberating percussion instrument has a resonating chamber of a completely smoothly contoured configuration to facilitate generation of long-duration pitched reverberations, and a plurality of hollow and substantially mutually parallel vibratable tubes of different lengths, each of which being suspended from an element of the resonating chamber by a tensioned filament at each longitudinal end thereof. Reverberated and resonating musical sounds are directed forwardly from the resonating chamber in response to selective vibration of one or more of the tubes.

Abstract: A musical instrument includes a plurality of sound tubes that reduces the pitch of low-order harmonics included in the sound generated by the sound tube. Each sound tube can include a tubular sounding body and a cap weighing within a range inclusive from 210-300 g disposed at one end of the tubular sounding body.

Abstract: Tonal musical instruments configured for outdoor installation are disclosed. The tonal musical instrument may comprise a support post, wherein the support post is configured for attachment to an outdoor surface, at least one a non-vibrating guard, a metal plate tuned to produce at least one note on a musical scale when struck by a user, and one or more fasteners securing the at least one non-vibrating guard and the metal plate to the support post.

Abstract: A metallophone structure configured for permanent installation in an outdoor environment is provided. The metallophone structure comprises a mounting structure. The metallophone structure also comprises a set of tone producing devices each coupled to the mounting structure by a fastener, wherein each tone producing device is configured to, when actuated, produce a sound frequency. The tone producing device is coupled in a location, by the fastener, as to reduce the effect on the quality of sound produced. The metallophone structure also comprises a mallet cradle configured to receive a mallet. The mallet is configured to actuate one of the tone producing devices. The metallophone structure is configured to be weather resistant such that each tone producing device still produces the sound frequency after an outdoor exposure period.

Abstract: A collapsible music apparatus comprising a plurality of interactive panels, wherein the interactive panels are formed using panel members and panel brackets. The collapsible music apparatus also includes one or more joiners placed between abutting interactive panels, wherein the joiners form joints between the abutting interactive panels. The apparatus also includes one or more music devices coupled to the panel members of the interactive panels; wherein the interactive panels are formed by connecting the panel members and the panel brackets. The apparatus also includes interactive panels that rotate and move freely with respect to one another at the joints between the abutting interactive panels; wherein the interactive panels are collapsed when the interactive panels are folded into each other at joints between the abutting interactive panels.

Abstract: A cap for sealing the open end of a resonator tube in sonic communication with a bar percussion instrument tone bar. Not only does the resonator cap close the opening, but it provides an additional percussive playing surface and amplifies the sound produced when the tone bar is struck. This creates infinitely many new and additional sounds for this class of musical instrument.

Abstract: A musical instrument includes a supporter for supporting a plurality of sound tubes to be hung therefrom using wires. The supporter includes at least one hanger bar and a plurality of hanger pins extending from the at least one hanger bar toward a hanging side of the at least one hanger bar from which the sound tubes are hung. The at least one hanger bar and the hanger pins are integrally formed in one piece.

Abstract: A metallophone structure configured for permanent installation in an outdoor environment is provided. The metallophone structure comprises a mounting structure. The metallophone structure also comprises a set of tone producing devices each coupled to the mounting structure by a fastener, wherein each tone producing device is configured to, when actuated, produce a sound frequency. The tone producing device is coupled in a location, by the fastener, as to reduce the effect on the quality of sound produced. The metallophone structure also comprises a mallet cradle configured to receive a mallet. The mallet is configured to actuate one of the tone producing devices. The metallophone structure is configured to be weather resistant such that each tone producing device still produces the sound frequency after an outdoor exposure period.

Abstract: Devices that allow for the attachment of one or more accessory instruments to a host instrument are disclosed, including a mounting assembly which permits the removable attachment of one or more percussion accessory instruments to a drum hoop. In some embodiments, attachment can be accomplished at least partially via a magnetic force provided by a magnet within or attached to the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A pitched percussion idiophone instrument comprising first and second support members (12, 14) which interconnected, a plurality of hollow tubes (20), the tubes being parallel and having a pair of apertures (26, 28) towards each end (22, 24), first and second strings (34, 36) extending through the apertures (26, 28), pins (30) located on each of the first and second support members (12, 14) intermediate the hollow tubes (20) such that the strings (34, 36) are supported by pins (30), the arrangement being such that the hollow tubes (20) are suspended above said support members (12, 14) by the first and second strings (34, 36).

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for a gaseous liquid to audibly deform the shape of a closed container. One embodiment includes pushing inward to depress a plurality of deformations integral with an exterior of the plastic container having a bottom, a top, the exterior, and an interior, wherein the top is at least partially opened. Further, the method includes sealing, subsequent to the depressing, the top to close the plastic container. Further still, the method includes pushing outward, subsequent to the sealing, by carbonation from a carbonated liquid contained within the interior, on the plurality of deformations. Yet further, the method includes deforming, by the pushing outward, at least two of the plurality of deformations to displaced positions. The method also includes creating two or more sounds and/or movement by the deforming.

Abstract: One embodiment having a flexible base with a plurality of vertical holes near its perimeter, each for housing a wind chime tube, the base further having a slit cut from one of the vertical holes into the middle of the base, allowing the base to be installed in the central portion of a wind chime, thereby effectively silencing the wind chime and protecting the tubes and nearby objects. This article works on the type of chime having multiple vertical resonant tubes that are struck by a striker connected to a sail that is urged by the wind. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: A mounting assembly configured for detachably mounting a percussion instrument to an instrument stand is disclosed. The assembly has an instrument mounting assembly that has a clamp bracket, a clamp, and a wing screw. An instrument is held to the instrument mounting assembly by placing a mountable portion of the instrument between a set of notches carved out of a first and a second side of the clamp bracket and a clamp. The instrument is secured in the bracket by screwing the wing nut through a hole in a third side of the clamp bracket to cause the clamp to apply a force against the mountable portion of the instrument such that the instrument is held in place between the notches and a groove of the clamp.

Abstract: The Vibrato Block securely attaches a vibrato device to a guitar without permanent physical modifications to the guitar and provides clearance for the guitar's tailpiece mounting holes for utilization by other guitar accessories. The Vibrato Block consists of a body having a curved guitar contact surface with an attached non-marring, high-friction pad and a mounting plate contact surface corresponding to the vibrato devices mounting plate surface. The Vibrato Block is formed with an internal slot and a plurality of mounting holes. The thickness of the Vibrato Block and adjustability provided by the internal slot enables optimal placement of the vibrato device and unobstructed tailpiece mounting holes. The vibrato device is mounted to the Vibrato Block whereas the Vibrato Block is mounted to the guitar using only the guitar's rear strap button screw mounting point and a fastener, thereby avoiding any physical modifications to the guitar.

Abstract: A pitched percussion idiophone instrument comprising first and second support members (12, 14) which interconnected, a plurality of hollow tubes (20), the tubes being parallel and having a pair of apertures (26, 28) towards each end (22, 24), first and second strings (34, 36) extending through the apertures (26, 28), pins (30) located on each of the first and second support members (12, 14) intermediate the hollow tubes (20) such that the strings (34, 36) are supported by pins (30), the arrangement being such that the hollow tubes (20) are suspended above said support members (12, 14) by the first and second strings (34, 36).

Abstract: The invention provides a modular wind chime system having a plurality of modules which can be readily connected and disconnected, based on user preference. A supporting platform includes a plurality of receptacles which enable the coupling of various modules through the use of releasable fasteners.

Abstract: A triangle musical instrument that may be played using a single hand. The triangle is formed such that a percussionist is able to grasp the triangle in one hand and shake it in a back-and-forth motion to produce the familiar triangle musical instrument sound. Openings formed in the sides of the instrument allow the percussionist to mute the sounds.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus of producing vibrato on keyboard percussion/tone bar instruments such as the vibraphone and marimba are provided. Means are disclosed for real time control of the expressive qualities of both the speed and strength of the vibrato of such instruments, while eliminating the need for an electrical motor. According to certain embodiments, methods and apparatus are disclosed to easily produce a change of dynamic level (crescendo and diminuendo) after a single strike of a tone bar or chord.

Abstract: A keyboard percussion instrument may include an improved dampening system that provides wave dampening or progressive dampening of the tone bars. A keyboard percussion instrument may also include a dampening system with a mechanism capable of retracting the damper without distorting the damper and capable of adjusting the leverage of the dampening system independently of the spring tension. A dampening system may further include an adjustable mounting for the damper that allows the dampening action to be adjusted at either end of the damper. A keyboard percussion instrument may further include an improved bar rail assembly that facilitates removability, adjustment of various dampening zones and/or vibration isolation.

Abstract: A tone plate which makes it easy to reduce the entire length and width thereof, thus increasing the degree of freedom in design. The tone plate includes an antinode portion, front and rear ends, and first and second supporting holes which are located closer to the front and rear ends than to the antinode portion and at which a vibration node can be formed. There are provided first and second mass concentrating portions extending toward the front and rear ends from locations on a side close to the first and rear ends with respect to the supporting holes. First and second thinner portions are respectively provided between the antinode portion and the supporting holes. The tone plate vibrates to generate a musical tone of a specific tone pitch when struck with being supported at the supporting holes.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus of producing vibrato on keyboard percussion/tone bar instruments such as the vibraphone and marimba are provided. Means are disclosed for real time control of the expressive qualities of both the speed and strength of the vibrato of such instruments, while eliminating the need for an electrical motor. According to certain embodiments, methods and apparatus are disclosed to easily produce a change of dynamic level (crescendo and diminuendo) after a single strike of a tone bar or chord.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus of producing vibrato on keyboard percussion/tone bar instruments such as the vibraphone and marimba are provided. Means are disclosed for real time control of the expressive qualities of both the speed and strength of the vibrato of such instruments, while eliminating the need for an electrical motor. According to certain embodiments, methods and apparatus are disclosed to easily produce a change of dynamic level (crescendo and diminuendo) after a single strike of a tone bar or chord.

Abstract: A sound panel for playing sounds and music, comprising a substantially flat soundboard made of wood, at least one tie which is fitted to the soundboard in order to subject the soundboard to a mechanical tension, an electromechanical transducer which is mounted on the soundboard in a nodal vibration point of the soundboard and can be connected to an electronic audio source in order to transduce into mechanical pulses and consequent vibrations of the soundboard audio information that arrives from the electronic audio source in the form of electrical signals, the soundboard comprising areas having mutually different thicknesses in order to evenly distribute transfer of energy from the soundboard to the air over a range of sound frequencies.

Abstract: A tone plate which makes it easy to reduce the entire length and width thereof, thus increasing the degree of freedom in design. The tone plate includes an antinode portion, front and rear ends, and first and second supporting holes which are located closer to the front and rear ends than to the antinode portion and at which a vibration node can be formed. There are provided first and second mass concentrating portions extending toward the front and rear ends from locations on a side close to the first and rear ends with respect to the supporting holes. First and second thinner portions are respectively provided between the antinode portion and the supporting holes. The tone plate vibrates to generate a musical tone of a specific tone pitch when struck with being supported at the supporting holes.

Abstract: A tone plate which makes it easy to reduce the entire length and width thereof, thus increasing the degree of freedom in design. The tone plate includes an antinode portion, front and rear ends, and first and second supporting holes which are located closer to the front and rear ends than to the antinode portion and at which a vibration node can be formed. There are provided first and second mass concentrating portions extending toward the front and rear ends from locations on a side close to the first and rear ends with respect to the supporting holes. First and second thinner portions are respectively provided between the antinode portion and the supporting holes. The tone plate vibrates to generate a musical tone of a specific tone pitch when struck with being supported at the supporting holes.

Abstract: A musical instrument that having a shaker that is adapted to house a plurality of impact particles. The instrument employs a spring mass system where the mean mass of the impact particles provide a force due to the accelerations as the impact the lower portion of the inner surface of the shaker member. Where the force of impact of the impact particles causes a compression of a shaker spring which provides an opposite force upon the impact particles while the spring is expanding and hence raises the mean mass of the impact particles away from the lower portion of the inner surface of the shaker. Thereby, the impact particles repeat the cycle of falling upon the lower surface and a damping oscillation motion is created. Where the impacts of the impact particles causes a desirable musical sound.

Abstract: A keyboard-type percussion instrument capable of outputting, with high quality, a musical tone to outside the instrument. In an upper part of the instrument, there is provided a tone generator unit including sounding members disposed to respectively correspond to keys of a keyboard and a resonance box in which musical tones generated by sounding members resonate. Action mechanisms each having a hammer felt for striking a corresponding sounding member are disposed below the tone generator unit. Reflection plates and a keybed formed with tone output ports are disposed below the action mechanisms. A musical tone generated by a sounding member struck by a corresponding hammer felt resonates in the resonance box, is output therefrom, passes through the tone output ports, is reflected by the reflection plates, and is output toward rearward of the instrument.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus of producing vibrato on keyboard percussion/tone bar instruments such as the vibraphone and marimba are provided. Means are disclosed for real time control of the expressive qualities of both the speed and strength of the vibrato of such instruments, while eliminating the need for an electrical motor. According to certain embodiments, methods and apparatus are disclosed to easily produce a change of dynamic level (crescendo and diminuendo) after a single strike of a tone bar or chord.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for simulating the sound of rattling antlers. The device comprises a striker rod and a box. The striker rod comprises a head, a shaft and a handle. The box comprises a left and a right side wherein the left and right side each have a channel for receiving the head of the striker rod. The box also has a front and back side; and a top and bottom. The top has an opening to allow insertion of the shaft. The channels have nubs for impacting the head of the striker rod. When the head is reciprocated within the channels of the box, a simulated sound of rattling antlers is produced.

Abstract: A device for the simulation of the sound of interacting antlers which comprises a plurality of bound rods encircling a cam rod, and wherein the cam rod is attached to a crank, and wherein the crank extends from its attachment to the cam rod to facilitate manipulation. And, the crank, when rotated, rotates, in turn, the cam rod among the bound rods to create the simulated sound of interacting antlers.

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: This invention is a striker for a friction game call that comprises two or more separate pegs. When the pegs are moved against a slate or other plate surface, a multiple-pitched call sound is made.

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 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: 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 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: 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.

Abstract: A machine for automated generation of movement of chimes with a base, an power source in the base electromagnetically connected to a post, chimes disposed about the post for receiving electromagnetic energy, a control circuit for generating intermittent electric power to said source for creating magnetic forces on said chimes. The chimes may also be moved by electric power, water movement, wind generated by the power source or ionic wind movement.

Abstract: The present invention, a percussion instrument aid is useful to aid in the creation of acoustic vibrations, or more generally, music. The subject instrument includes a striking pad and a striking tip, positioned distally on a lever arm. Further, the lever arm is pivotally attached at a pivot joint to a brace, the brace having a percussion device attached distally from where the lever arm is pivotally attached. The instrument aid is used by displacing the striking pad with a force conveyed by a hand. As the striking pad is displaced, the pivotally attached lever arm is also displaced thereby causing a complementary displacement of the striking tip. The displacement of the striking tip eventually impacts upon the percussive device causing the characteristic vibrations of the percussive device.

Abstract: A simultaneous toasting device comprising a pair of vertical support members each having an arm extending therefrom, the arms further extending towards one another, the arms each having a filament depending therefrom, and a sounding element, the sounding element being supported by the filaments and extending between the vertical support members such that the arms each extend toward the sounding element.

Abstract: A percussion instrument mounting system comprising a connector means preferably and elastically flexible cord or plurality of cords, each having a first end attached to a percussion instrument such as a woodblock, and a second end attaching to a vibration absorbing material or to a rigid frame or support upon which the vibration absorbing material rests or is thereby supported. The elastic cord draws the percussion woodblock and the vibration absorbing material together into a flexibly fixed position so that the instrument is playable.

Abstract: A vibraphone provided with at least one series of sound bars with resonance tubes provided thereunder, while above at least a number of the resonance tubes a shaft extends, provided with a series of fans, while driving means are provided for rotation of the or each shaft about its longitudinal axis, such that the fans rotate above the respective resonance tubes, while at least one slip coupling is provided, positioned such that a couple that can be transferred by the driving means to the shaft and/or a fan is limited.

Abstract: The cushioned percussion device, comprising in combination, a projecting support for the device; a pivot for said support, and spring structure located to yieldably resist pivoting of the support.

Abstract: An instrument or wind chime comprises an elongated suspender rod from which a plurality of sounding bodies are suspended and dangle at a distance from each other, the suspender rod being provided with a folding joint.