Abstract: A keyboard for a musical instrument based on a twelve note per octave scale has keys on at least two playing rows, including a front playing row and a rear playing row. The front playing row includes keys for the notes "D.music-flat.", "E.music-flat.", "F", "G", "A", "B" and the rear playing row includes keys for the notes "G.music-flat.", "A.music-flat.", "B.music-flat.", "C", "D", "E". The keys "F", "G", "A", "B", "C", "D", "E" are formed from a first white smooth material and the keys "D.music-flat.", "E.music-flat.", "G.music-flat.", "A.music-flat.", "B.music-flat." are formed from a black rough material which is distinguished both tactually and visually from the white smooth material. There is also disclosed an electronic musical instrument having a plurality of different tuning intonations which are selected either manually or automatically.

Abstract: A hammer stopper is moved into and outof an orbit of an extension of a hammer shank depending upon an operation mode, and the extension rebounds on the hammer stopper in an electronic sound producing mode between an escape of a jack from a butt and a strike of a hammer head at a set of strings so that a player performs a music through synthesized sounds without sacrifice of the piano key-touch.

Abstract: An open-close structure of a slide lid of a keyed instrument which guides the sliding motion of the slide lid includes a pair of inside plates each being arranged at each side of a keyboard and extending into the main body of the keyed instrument. The invention includes a slide lid that is adapted to be guided through an engagement of a pair of pinion-shaped members arranged at each side of the slide lid with a pair of rack-shaped members arranged on the inside plates. Each of the inside plates has a guide path arranged near and extending along the rack-shaped member. The slide lid has a roller arranged near each pinion-shaped member which is adapted to roll on one of the guide paths and support the slide lid so that the pinion shaped members mesh with the rack-shaped members in a condition in which no weight is applied to the rack-shaped members through the pinion-shaped members.

Abstract: A resonator body for musical drum instruments is formed by shaping and gluing together several superimposed material layers, particularly wood veneer layers or plywood layers. The resonator body has the shape of a hollow cylinder. Abutting edges of the individual material layers extend in the direction of the resonator body axis and the abutting edges of the individual material layers are offset relative to each other in circumferential direction of the hollow cylinder. In order to ensure that the abutting edges are permanently and securely held together, the abutting edges of at least the outer material layer, preferably of all material layers, have contours which are toothed and complementary relative to each other and inter-engage in circumferential direction of the hollow cylinder.

Abstract: A highly ergonomic keyboard system provides a unified fingering system for both right and left hands in which the fingering is the same in all key signatures with more natural and comfortable thumb and finger positioning than with conventional piano keys, while maintaining hand span capability comparable to that of the conventional keyboard, i.e. at least one octave, and maintaining the convention method of "thumb tuck" to play extended scales and arpeggios. Three or more parallel horizontal one-octave rows of monolithic keys in half-tone increments are offset from each other in a uniform parallelogram-shaped tiered array with a note duplication offset which facilitates an octave span. All keys are made to have a uniform optimal complementary shape and are retained in a novel integrated pivot matrix configuration. Note/key association is visually indicated by white, black and (optionally) gray and/or other colors.

Abstract: A solenoid mounting system for attaching keyboard striking solenoid assemblies to a keyboard musical instrument is disclosed. Provided is a mounting rail having a top border, a bottom border, a front mounting rail surface, a back mounting rail surface, and two opposing end borders. Adjustably clamped to the top and bottom borders of the mounting rail are solenoid assemblies. The rail and associated solenoid assemblies are adjustably secured to the instrument proximate the keyboard.

Abstract: A universal keyboard for hand in which the keys are composed of main keys for natural tones and subkeys for derivative tones, the keys being arranged in the order of musical scale of half tones and in equidistance, the upper operation surfaces of the subkeys being lower than the upper operation surfaces of the adjacent main keys, and further there being provided intervals between the side and upper portions of the adjacent keys respectively. By this arrangement, it becomes easy to play the natural tones and to enable a transposition.

Abstract: A method of adapting a keyboard musical instrument to produce sound in response to the activation of keys included in a typewriter keyboard is disclosed. A standard typewriter keyboard is coupled to a conventional electronic sound generation platform in lieu of or in addition to a standard piano keyboard. Musical chords are assigned to keys typically operated by a user's left hand. Forty-eight chords are producible by multiplexing each of 24 keys located on the left side of the keyboard to produce one of two possible chords. The selection of the one of two possible chords is performed in response to manipulation of the left shift key. Melody notes are assigned to keys typically operated by a user's right hand. Thirty-one melody notes are assigned to 26 keys located on the right side of the typewriter keyboard. Thus, five of the 26 keys are multiplexed to produce one of two possible melody notes, selectable through operation of the right shift key.

Abstract: An improved percussive action electronic keyboard for play as a musical instrument of the type having pivoted playing keys having camming surfaces distal from finger contact surfaces thereof, pivoted hammers having cam follower surfaces for following the playing key camming surfaces, hammer stop for stopping the swing of the hammer in response to depression of its associated key, includes an electronic sensor for generating an electrical signal for each key which is related in amplitude to the pressure with which the key is depressed during play of the keyboard, and a scanning keyboard state monitor connected to said sensor including a keyboard scanner for scanning each of the keys of the keyboard to determine if a key event has occurred, an amplitude comparator for determining when a key depression causes a said key depression signal amplitude to pass predetermined minimum and maximum amplitude threshold values, a scan counter for counting the number of scans occurring between the scans when the key depressi

Abstract: A microtonal key module includes a central key and a number of surrounding keys clustered about the central key. The central key and the surrounding keys establish among each other a progression of successive microtonal increments. A plurality of such microtonal key modules are arranged to form a microtonal keyboard system.

Abstract: A graphic/tactile musical instruction system includes a three-row equal temperament whole tone graphic/tactile keyboard and a nomographic system of music notation. In a first embodiment of the keyboard, an upper row of keys produces the notes C.sup.# /D.sub.b, D.sup.# /E.sub.b, F, G, A and B, with the C.sup.# /D.sub.b and D.sup.# /E.sub.b keys being extended forward. The upper row keys are narrower in the highest octaves. The middle row produces the notes C, D, E, F.sup.# /G.sub.b, G.sup.# /A.sub.b and A.sup.# /B.sub.b, with the F.sup.# /G.sub.b, G.sup.# /A.sub.b, and A.sup.# /B.sub.b keys extended forward. The lower row keys are aligned with and play the same notes as the upper row keys. In a second embodiment of the keyboard, the upper row keys are narrower in the upper octaves. The F and G upper row keys have raised top surfaces, extended and beveled front ends, and darkened surfaces. The middle row C keys have extended and beveled front ends, raised top surfaces, and darkened surfaces.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly for forming a keyboard apparatus of an electronic musical instrument, including a combination of at least two key units each having a plurality of key members and an elongated bracket portion connecting the key members together, a frame structure to which the key units are assembled together in such a manner that each of the individual key members of the key units is allowed to rock independently of each other about an axis fixed with respect to the frame structure and parallel with the bracket portion of each key unit, and plural combinations of a concavity formed in the bracket portion of one of the key units and a projection formed in the bracket portion of the other of the key units and received in the concavity for establishing a first predetermined positional relationship between each of the key units before the key units are assembled to the frame structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a keyboard structure incorporated in an electronic keyboard instrument the keyboard structure including; a plurality of key members each having a depressible front end portion and a rear end portion; a plurality of flexible connecting members each merged with the rear end portion of each key member; a retainer member merged with the flexible connecting members for retaining a circuit board which carries a plurality of key switches; and a plurality of coupling members each having a first element merged with the rear end portion of each key member and a second element merged with the retainer member, and the first element is snapped into the second element, so that major members are simultaneously formed by a molding, thereby enhancing the assembling efficiency.

Abstract: An improved keyboard includes the replacement or substitution of the original, conventional flat/sharp or black keys with a more narrower key having a width factor substantially within the range of 0.55 to 0.85 of the width of a standard or original black key such that the players having hands and/or fingers larger than normal may more easily reach the adjacent shank portion of the intermediate white keys.

Abstract: A new type of musical instrument and performance apparatus is disclosed and is used with the special performing art called "Instrument dance", "instrument exercise" or "instrument boxing" etc. The instrument comprises a floor keyboard, on which the performer can either dance and produce switching signals with his or her feet, hand or hand hammer in accordance with the intention of the performer. In addition, a similar wall keyboard is provided along with a multi-color system and an electronic organ circuit. The performer can play on the floor keyboard while at the same time adjusting with ease the tone, timbre, volume and color, to thereby achieve the multiple artistic effect of a single performer producing the shape, sound, light and color of the performance.

Abstract: A membrane keyboard for e.g. a low cost electronic tone generator of the type affixed to the binding of a songbook is disclosed. The keyboard includes a base carrying a set of interdigital upwardly facing printed circuit contacts for each key. A membrane overlay is vacuum formed of a thin plastic sheet to define a horizontal row of playing keys, each key being formed as a plateau area, with a vertical depression spring rib separating each key. Each key includes an elastomeric foam pad affixed to its underside area which carries a conductive lower surface aligned with with the interdigital traces of the key. The conductive surface bridges the traces to complete an electrical circuit when the membrane is depressed downwardly from its top surface.

Abstract: A device adapted to be removably placed over a computer keyboard which converts the keyboard to the format of a muscial instrument. The computer is programmed such that selected computer keys of the keyboard will synthesize different musical sounds. The device includes a housing and a plurality of first keys and second keys which are pivotally mounted to the housing. The first and second keys are arranged in a row and are accessible through a cutout in the housing. The first and second keys are shaped to simulate piano or organ keys (white and black). The first and second keys are positioned to register with the selected computer keys. Depressing the first and second keys respectfully depresses corresponding computer keys such that playing of a piano or organ is simulated. The device can also employ a second row of keys.

Abstract: A pedal keyboard for an electronic musical instrument, includes a pedal key vertically pivotal about a pivot mechanism mounted on a frame of a housing for the electronic musical instrument, a spring for biasing the pedal key so as to cause the pedal key to return to an initial position, and a stopper for limiting pivotal movement of the pedal key. The spring is arranged behind the pivot mechanism of the pedal key, and the stopper is arranged behind the spring, thereby improving key depression feeling and forming a gap in the pivot mechanism to achieve smooth pivotal movement of the key.

Abstract: A keyboard for a musical instrument includes at least one series of keys wherein seven keys in the series and five keys correspond to the typical piano or synthesizer white and black keys, respectively. Twelve narrow keys at a third level raised from the level of the black keys, each coupled to switches for producing a respective pitch and wherein the narrow keys are arranged with respect to the white and black keys such that a narrow key comprises every other key.

Abstract: In a carillon or chimes keyboard, which may be a manual or a pedal set, the eys (sticks or pedals) and the frame for taking them up pivotally are provided with cooperating surfaces, one surface on the key hitting the other surface on the frame at the end of the upward release movement of the key after it has been depressed for operating a bell.For dampening the clattering noise caused by this hitting, the invention provides for such cooperating surfaces on the keys and the frame, which are inclined, preferably at about 30.degree., to the upward direction of movement of the keys just before they hit on the frame during this release movement.

Abstract: A key action for an electronic musical instrument for simulating a mechanical-type tracker action having a single means embodying an electrical contact means and a motion retarding means to cause a toggling of the key while the electrical contact is maintained.

Abstract: Keyboard instrument, in particular a piano or similar instrument that has keys and that can be used in conjunction with aids to learning in the form of templates, characterized in that, of the white keys (long keys 2) that form the C-major scale, the width (b) of the keys that produce the notes B, C, E, and R is 1/4 less than the width (B) of the remaining keys, which produce the notes D, G, and A, so that the ratio of the width of the equally wide keys for B, C, E, and F to the width of the equally wide keys for D, G, and A is 3:4. Templates that are separated into a number of adjacent divisions (5) that are equally wide, each division (5) being 1/2 the width (b) of one D, G, or A key, so that three adjacent divisions (5) will be as wide as two B, C, E, or F keys and two divisions (5) will be as wide as one D, G, or A key can be placed over the keyboard to represent all possible scales, thirds, triads, and tetrads with their inversions, major and minor intervals, cadenzas, transpositions, etc.

Abstract: A musical synthesizer keyboard has a plurality of keys mounted so that each key may be displaced along and return along a locus of movement and where during travel in either direction along said locus a key causes a change of state in each of two corresponding optical detectors at spaced locations along said locus. Means are provided for signalling the states of the detectors to other equipment.

Abstract: This is an electrical switch mechanism actuated by a piano-style key of a musical instrument. The switch consists of a pair of cross-bar contacts, at least one of which is resiliently flexible. This resilience permits a moveable contact member to be driven into engagement with a fixed contact member, and also keeps it firmly biased against the fixed contact member for electrical communication therewith whenever the key is in its actuated position. When the key is released, an actuator member on the key captures the moveable contact and moves it away from the fixed contact. Upon actuation, the key over-travels beyond the point of contact engagement, but the actuator decouples from the contact so as to avoid any increase in contact pressure and prevent double-keying. Various techniques for minimizing impact noise during contact recapture, and for mounting the contacts upon a circuit board, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable electronic keyboard musical instrument comprises a casing comprising a pair of plastic-molded upper and lower shells coupled together. A plurality of keys are mounted on the upper shell in juxtaposed relation. The upper shell includes an integral fulcrum portion formed internally thereof and pivotally supporting each key, an integral stop means for limiting the downward and upward movements of the keys, an integral guide means for guiding the downward and upward movements of the keys, and an integral mounting portion for supporting a key switch structure. The stop means, the guide means and the mounting portion are disposed in underlying relation to the juxtaposed keys.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly for electronic musical instruments such as electronic pianos is constructed from a key switch unit and a resilient holder block for mounting the key switch unit to a key frame via simple snap coupling. The key switch unit includes a resiliently deformable movable contact common to all keys in combination with given printed circuits including a plurality of fixed contacts so that, when any key is depressed, the movable contact is locally depressed by an actuator accompanying the key and brought into provisional contact with a corresponding fixed contact in order to selectively switch on a corresponding printed circuit for generation of a musical tone.

Abstract: An arrangement for chromatic and diatonic keys for a carillon keyboard is provided. A guide plate has key receiving slots located such that the natural, or diatonic, keys are in a lower row and the accidental, or chromatic, keys are in an upper row, the chromatic keys being placed between the diatonic keys. The pivots for the keys are staggered axially of the keys with the diatonic key pivots being behind the chromatic key pivots. The carillon actuating wires are connected to the keys in a staggered relationship, also, with the diatonic key wires being connected forwardly of the chromatic key wires. This arrangement provides a balance of force for all of the keys.

Abstract: Stemware of goblets secured in adjoining positions on a mounting board in vertical and horizontal rows, with adjacent goblets rim rubable by one hand, with the goblets in the horizontal rows arranged in tones for basic chords; for example, a first row in IV chord (subdominant), the next row is V.sub.7 chord (dominant) and the third row is I chord (tonic). The goblets are tuned by a partial filling of water, and the water level and the produced note are marked on the glass. The sounding board is marked for the positioning of the tuned goblets to permit the forming of the chords and easy playing by rim rubbing the stemware glasses.