Abstract: A resonance podium includes a plurality of walls defining a frame of the resonance podium. A top panel is coupled to the plurality of walls to form a top surface that supports a performer playing a musical instrument on the resonance podium. A resonant panel is also coupled to the plurality of walls and isolated from the top panel. The resonant panel is configured to receive a portion of the musical instrument and to project structurally-transmitted vibrations from the musical instrument for acoustical amplification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a percussion instrument having at least two tone bars, each with an upper and lower side and at least one resonance box with at least one resonance body, wherein the resonance body consists of a neck and a resonance chamber.

Abstract: Percussion instruments configured for outdoor installation are disclosed. The percussion instrument comprises a support post, wherein the support post is configured for attachment to an outdoor surface, a mounting base secured to the support post, one or more metal discs, wherein each metal disc is tuned to produce a note on a musical scale when struck by a user, and one or more fasteners securing the one or more metal discs to the mounting base.

Abstract: A first vessel provided in spaced nested relation to and at least partially around a second vessel or member, the first vessel having a bottom section coupled to a sidewall to form a liquid receiving receptacle open at an upper end of the sidewall. Further provided is liquid in the liquid receiving receptacle. The second vessel or member is moveable relative to the first vessel to displace and/or replace the liquid in the first vessel such that the first vessel can produce different pitches and/or tones as or after the liquid is displaced and/or replaced and the first vessel is struck, rubbed or otherwise vibrated.

Abstract: A musical instrument includes an instrument main body extending in a first direction, a first protruding portion that protrudes from one main side of the body, and at least one second protruding from the one main side and spaced from the first protruding portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The center of gravity of the main body is interposed between the first and second protruding portions in the second direction and located in a region defined by the first and second protruding portions. The region has a polygon shape.

Abstract: A vibrato assembly for a keyboard percussion instrument comprises a motor and a vibrato fan or disc assembly. A motor (510) is responsive to a controller (1000), a run/stop switch (1035), and a potentiometer (1020). Pulleys (100A, 100B?, 515) and a timing belt (520) couple rotation of the motor to an assembly of resonator or vibrato fans (720) via one or more magnets (120) or magnetically susceptible members to isolate vibrations. A sensor is activated by one of the magnets to sense the rotational position of a pulley when the fans are oriented vertically. When a run/stop switch 1035 is in a “stop” condition, sensor 525 signals controller 1000 to stop the motor, thereby leaving the fans vertical so that resonant tubes (725) are in an open condition when the vibrato function is stopped.

Abstract: A resonator element includes a resonator blank having a base portion, a vibrating arm, a linking portion, and a connecting portion connects the base portion and the linking portion to each other, in which, when a thickness of the resonator blank is set to T, a width of the base portion is set to W1, and a width of the connecting portion is set to W2, a relationship of 50 ?m?T?210 ?m is satisfied, and a relationship of 0.067?W2/W1?0.335 is satisfied, and in which, when a width of the arm section of the vibrating arm is set to W3, and a width of the hammer head is set to W4, a relationship of W4?2.8×W3 is satisfied.

Abstract: A percussion instrument is provided. The percussion instrument having: a seat; a pair of sidewalls extending downwardly from the seat towards a bottom of the percussion instrument, each of the pair of sidewalls providing a first tone when contacted; a forward surface extending from the seat and located between the pair of sidewalls, the forward surface providing a second tone when contacted, the second tone being higher than the first tone.

Abstract: An adjustable resonator stop may be used in resonators of keyboard percussion instruments. The adjustable resonator stop includes a resonator engaging body having a cavity, a resonator end member being configured to be disposed within the cavity of the resonator engaging body, and a tightening member coupled to at least a portion of the resonator end member. The tightening member is configured to move the resonator end member from a disengaged position, wherein the resonator stop may be freely adjusted within a resonator, to an engaged position, wherein the resonator stop may be securely coupled to an interior surface of the resonator. The adjustable resonator stop may provide the same or better performance characteristics as a permanently installed metal stop including a smooth, metallic, bi-polar vibrating surface with exposure to air on either side, while also providing quick adjustability at little or no cost when compared to other adjustable stops in the industry.

Abstract: An adjustable resonator stop may be used in resonators of keyboard percussion instruments. The adjustable resonator stop includes a resonator engaging body having a cavity, a resonator end member being configured to be disposed within the cavity of the resonator engaging body, and a tightening member coupled to at least a portion of the resonator end member. The tightening member is configured to move the resonator end member from a disengaged position, wherein the resonator stop may be freely adjusted within a resonator, to an engaged position, wherein the resonator stop may be securely coupled to an interior surface of the resonator. The adjustable resonator stop may provide the same or better performance characteristics as a permanently installed metal stop including a smooth, metallic, bi-polar vibrating surface with exposure to air on either side, while also providing quick adjustability at little or no cost when compared to other adjustable stops in the industry.

Abstract: An electric musical instrument deploys a strap that is tensioned and spaced away from an elongated supporting member generally having a flat face or strap support that extends below the plane of the strap. The instrument is generally played by slapping, tapping or drumming on the strap to causing it to vibrate. When a flat metal strap is deployed, the vibrations are detected by a magnetic transducer or “pick up” generally disposed within the supporting members and converted to sound by conventional audio amplification.

Abstract: In an implementation of this invention, a stringed musical instrument has a resonator comprised of a bridge and a soundboard. Vibrations from the strings are transmitted through the bridge to the soundboard. A plurality of sensors are attached to or embedded in the soundboard. The sensors measure primarily the vibrations of the soundboard, rather than primarily the vibrations of the strings. Preferably, three or more sensors are used. Piezoelectric sensors sample vibrations in the soundboard. The resonator includes a printed circuit board that amplifies the signal from each sensor separately. Also, a signal processing device that is “onboard” the musical instrument processes the separate input signals to create one output signal. The resonator may be easily removed, enabling resonators to be interchanged. Also, the physical characteristics of a particular resonator, such as its mass or its boundary condition, may be adjusted, thereby changing the acoustic qualities of the soundboard.

Abstract: A portable reverberation device for attaching to a musical instrument with a distal end that can be adjusted to alter a distance between the ends of the portable reverberation device. The device includes a cup attached to a collar to receive incoming sound waves and a spring stretched inside the body. The device further includes an attachment mechanism with a clamp adapted to attach the portable reverberation device to the musical instrument.

Abstract: A box turkey call comprising a sound box with a bottom wall, side walls, front end wall and back end wall, a first quick changeable attachment component secured to the front end wall, a striker having a front end, a distal back end, a top surface and a bottom surface, where the back end of the striker comprises an integrated handle, where the bottom surface of the striker is rounded laterally, and where the front end of the striker has a second quick changeable attachment component, where the first quick changeable attachment component and the second quick changeable attachment component are in pivotal but quickly detachable engagement.

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 percussion instrument incorporates a case with an inner surface having a substantially circular profile. Multiple high precision spherical balls are contained with the case for acceleration on the inner surface in uniform circular motion along the profile to produce a persistent sustained sound. In one exemplary embodiment the case is cylindrical and incorporates two end plates. In a second embodiment the percussion instrument case is torroidal. In a third embodiment the percussion instrument case is spherical. Use of varying materials in the case or differing surface textures on the inner surface allows timbre of the instrument to be modified. Motion of the instrument lateral or perpendicular to the circular profile allows the creation of pulsed percussion sounds.

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: The present invention is a stringed instrument that comprises a circulating element that transmits a stream of liquid through a conduit at a flow rate of 0.92 meters per second to 1.58 meters per second. A string that is displaceable along the stream of liquid produces vibrations caused by the interaction between the stream of liquid and the string. A device positioned proximate the string registers vibrations emanating from the string. Interaction between said stream of liquid and said at least one string generate vibrations with frequencies ranging from 220 Hz to 1318 Hz.

Abstract: A vibraphone includes a frame having first and second ends, and first and second rows of bars disposed on the frame. The vibraphone includes a damper disposed on the frame and configured to move between a first position away from the bars and a second position in contact with multiple bars. The damper engages the bars in the second position with a proportional contact area against each bar to provide substantially proportional dampening of each bar.

Abstract: A keyboard-type tone plate percussion instrument which is simple in construction and light in weight and capable of easily unifying key-operation feelings and efficiently outputting well-balanced sounds. Percussion units are arranged to respectively correspond to keys and tone plates and each strike a corresponding tone plate when driven by a key depressing operation. A resonance box has resonance chambers corresponding to the tone plates and each having an opening side thereof close to a corresponding tone plate. The tone plates are constructed into a single-stage structure where they are arranged in an order of tone pitch in a direction of array of the keys so that tone plates neighboring in specific tone pitch are arranged adjacent to each other. The percussion units are constructed into a single-stage structure where they are arranged to correspond to array of the tone plates.

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 hand held percussion musical instrument including: a thin walled resonance chamber and a first rigid coil having a first end attached to the resonance chamber such as by welding. The first rigid coil has a length perpendicular to the surface of the resonance chamber and; the first coil includes a plurality of individual wire wraps each wrap spaced from adjacent wraps. A second end of the first coil is spaced from the resonance chamber such that striking the first coil produces first musical tones amplified by said resonance chamber. The resonance chamber can be held between the user's thumb and middle finger such that the coil can be struck or filtered by the user's index finger during play.

Abstract: A musical instrument having a displacement member that is operable to vary sounds, thereby offering a wide variety of musical performances. A box-shaped sound generation unit accommodated in the inside of a musical instrument body generates a sound in response to any one of performance operators being operated. At least part of a displacement member provided for displacement relative to the musical instrument body is always disposed within the inside of the musical instrument body. When an operating section is operated to cause the displacement member to be displaced as a sound is generated from the sound generation unit, the sound varies according to the displacement of the displacement member.

Abstract: A percussion instrument incorporates a case with an inner surface having a substantially circular profile. Multiple high precision spherical balls are contained with the case for acceleration on the inner surface in uniform circular motion along the profile to produce a persistent sustained sound. In one exemplary embodiment the case is cylindrical and incorporates two end plates. In a second embodiment the percussion instrument case is torroidal. In a third embodiment the percussion instrument case is spherical. Use of varying materials in the case or differing surface textures on the inner surface allows timbre of the instrument to be modified. Motion of the instrument lateral or perpendicular to the circular profile allows the creation of pulsed percussion sounds.

Abstract: A musical instrument held and played by hand such as a kalimba having a hollow sound chamber and an angled footing mounting on an outer surface of the sound chamber. A plurality of interchangeable one piece key plate mounted to the angled footing each key plate including a plurality of keys, each key having a length corresponding to a permanent preset musical tone or note. Each interchangeable key plate can have a set of musical sounds different from other key plates such that a musician can change key plates to change the style of music played, or to suit the desired educational environment.

Abstract: A chime bar assembly includes a hollow body with a resonation space defined therein and a top opening is defined in a top of the hollow body. A metal plate is located above the top opening and supported by two rubber plates. A hitting device is connected to the rear end of the hollow body and includes a case which includes lugs to which a pivotal end of a rod is pivotably connected. An operation unit is connected to the case and pushes the pivotal end of the rod so that the sphere is lowered to hit the metal plate.

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 water music device is provided. In one embodiment, the device permits a child to play a song wherein the different tones of the song are generated by tubes filled to different levels using any liquid, such as water. In another embodiment, the water music device may be one or more water drum devices.

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: The invention relates to a musical rhythm instrument (1) with a bell-shaped resonating body (2), in particular of metal, wherein a damping mechanism (13) is provided for damping the vibrations of the resonating body (2).

Abstract: A noisemaking devices are described, which may be a blade member having a handle joining portion at its base, a flexible plate member operable for making sound (e.g., low-pitched, clicking sounds and alternative, louder, high-pitched clicking sounds), the flexible plate member having an indention that is operable for producing a sound when the flexible plate member is flexed about the indention. A handle, an upper portion of which is joined to the flexible plate member and be pivotably joined to the blade such that the blade pivots when the handle is translated perpendicular to the plane of the blade, and the blade and the flexible plate member being oriented such that when the blade pivots, the blade causes the flexible plate member to flex and thereby make the sound.

Abstract: A water music device is provided. In one embodiment, the device permits a child to play a song wherein the different tones of the song are generated by tubes filled to different levels using any liquid, such as water. In another embodiment, the water music device may be one or more water drum devices.

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 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 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 instrument with which a sound is produced in the same manner as when playing the guiro (Latin American percussion instrument: longish gourd having a regularly notched surface) by scratching with the finger nail or by playing with a playing aid. In contrast to the guiro or also to the percussion instrument called a washboard, sound rows can be made of individual modules or sections. Playing in a constant tempo enables the production of analogous rhythms due to the constructed interval ratios and scales can be produced by combining different frequencies. Particular embodiments of the instrument and of the playing aid made of different materials produce many nuances in sound that challenge the creativity and the curiosity of the player even more. Possible materials include wood, paperboard, plastic, rubber, metal, ceramics and stone.

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 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: Upward flowing water through a riser from a reservoir excites a freely suspended striker displacing it from its gravitational resting position to make chaotic contact with encircling resonating elements attached to a mounting plate in order to produce tones of random sequence and degree. The upward water flow is generated by a pump submerged in the water reservoir that is replenished by the gravity flow of water returning through an aperture in the mounting plate. The striker is freely suspended from a frame assembly including a means to raise or lower the striker in relation to the upward water flow, so that raising or lowering the striker decreases or increases respectively the production of tones or random sequence and degree. The preferred striker is spherical and the preferred resonating elements are chimes included in a housing forming a resonating chamber.

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 container is provided with an external surface which has exterior ridges shaped such that sound is produced when a member slides across the ridges. The member is a scraper with one or more prongs. The container may also have a hollow cavity containing sound-producing pellets. The member is a scraper with one or more prongs. One arrangement for producing sound includes the container and the scraper. Another arrangement for producing sound includes the container, the scraper, and the sound-producing pellets in a hollow cavity in the container.

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 coaster has a plastic bottom member having an upwardly extending peripheral rim, and a bottom wall with in the rim. A plastic top member has a downwardly extending peripheral rim and a top wall within the rim. The peripheral rim of the top member is sized and arranged to be received within the peripheral rim of the bottom member forming a hollow closed chamber between the upper surface and the lower surface, which preferably contains sounding pellets. An array of protrusions may be formed on one of the top surface and the bottom surface.

Abstract: The objective of the embodiment is to maximize amplitude sustentation of the primary (or fundamental) frequency of metal wind chime tubes, while at the same time attenuating undesirable harmonic frequencies. This is accomplished by designing the dimensions of each tube of the chime such that they are in resonance with the standing air wave inside the tube. To achieve maximum resonance it has been observed that there is maximum amplitude sustentation with time when the tube dimensions are such that the length of the tube approximates the second natural air column wave length. At this length equivalency there is a wave node match between the second natural frequency of the air column inside the tube and that of the primary natural frequency wave of the tube. The constructive interference thus accomplished supports the primary frequency of the tube and by such attenuates expression of harmonic frequencies.

Abstract: There is provided a musical instrument according to the present invention having body wall with a single welded seam on the underside opposite the striking or playing side. This construction method allows for a vibrating surface of continuing proportions producing a sound that is very articulate, yet retains a nice balance of overtones. In addition, there is a cost savings in manufacturing musical instruments according to the present invention. The musical instruments of the present invention are also more durable.

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: A percussion instrument has first and second shells each of which extends away from the other, the shells forming cavities; a closure for one of the shells having a diaphragm portion and closing a portion of the cavity formed by the one shell, the closure spaced from a shell interconnection region; a cavity formed by the other of the shells being open at one end thereof in a direction away from the interconnection region, and loose pellets contained in a portion of the cavity formed by one shell, the pellets freely movable to impact the one shell and diaphragm portion to produce a rattling sound when the instrument is shaken.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sound body for a stringed instrument, having an upper backframe (6) designed as a frame, to which a soundboard (4) is adhesively bonded, and on which there are provided at least one bridge (8) extending approximately diagonally and a cast frame provided with a set of strings, and having a lower backframe which is arranged under the upper backframe (6) and is connected thereto. In order largely to maintain the once predefined tuning, even during fluctuations in the climatic conditions in a room, the invention proposes that the upper backframe (6) be connected to the lower backframe (16) only in its diagonally opposite connection regions (18a, 18b) facing the ends of said bridge (8), but have a clear spacing from the lower backframe (16) in the remaining edge regions (12a, 12b).

Abstract: A multi-mode adjustable-tone and tone-adjusting end-pin holder and methods for enhancing and optimizing the tonal balance and sonic quality of end-pin equipped instruments are disclosed. The sympathetically resonating holder is comprised of both wide band and narrow band resonators, fixed and variable, and can be made from wood species not normally associated with orchestral instruments. An acoustic instrument is mechanically coupled via its end-pin to a base with selected resonant characteristics upon which a plurality of resonators are located. These resonators are adjusted and/or selected to make the musical instrument's tone more aesthetically pleasing to the musician. The resonators are attached to the base via means which allow the resonant properties of the resonators to be varied as musical demands vary. The holder is provided with compliant feet that anchor the instrument and decouple it from stage floors, as well as a provision for optional bypassing of the decoupling action of the feet.