Abstract: The present invention is a chromatic-emphasis hybrid-diatonic leverless keyboard configured to provide an extension, duplication, or representation of both heptatonic and pentatonic keys on the leverless keyboard. The extension enables the user to shift the physiological center of gravity for the keyboard to the area where pentatonic and heptatonic keys share space and are more isomorphic, thus assisting in gaining and applying understanding of the chromatic equality of the twelve tonalities in standard equal temperament, and in gaining and applying understanding of the one-dimensional nature of music.

Abstract: A touch weight adjustment mechanism for a keyboard device, which is capable of adjusting a touch weight of a key easily and appropriately by using a coil spring and changing the urging force of the spring. An adjustment spring is formed by a coil spring for causing a tensile force thereof to act on the key, thereby increasing the touch weight of the key. An adjustment shaft is formed in a rod shape and is movable in a lengthwise direction by being operated for rotation. A rotary connection member connects between one end of the adjustment spring and one end of the adjustment shaft, which are closest to each other, and a spring-side connecting portion thereof connected to the adjustment spring and a shaft-side connecting portion thereof connected to the adjustment shaft are rotatable relative to each other.

Abstract: A keyboard device includes at least one key and an action mechanism corresponding to the at least one key. The action mechanism includes a transmitter which moves in response to key depression to the at least one key, a hammer member which operates, in response to movement of the transmitter, to apply a load to the depressed key, a first abutting part which is arranged on one of the hammer member and a member which the hammer member abuts, and an elastic part which is arranged on another of the hammer member and the member which the hammer member abuts. At least one part of the elastic part gets over the first abutting part in a process of deforming of the elastic part, thereby a let-off feeling is given to the depressed key.

Abstract: A keyboard device where at least one of a transmission rail and a hammer rail is favorably supported, and a keyboard instrument including the keyboard device are provided. A transmission support pole for supporting the transmission rail and a hammer support pole for supporting the hammer rail are each arranged in a gap between two keys adjacent to each other among a plurality of keys, arranged in a hole provided in at least one of the plurality of keys, or arranged at a position corresponding to a key support shaft which supports at least one of the plurality of keys. As a result, at least one of the transmission support rail and the hammer support rail is favorably supported.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus is provided, which is provided with plural keys 2 disposed in parallel, plural transmission members 10 rotating in response to a key pressing operation on the plural keys, and plural hammer members 11 rotating in accordance with rotation of the transmission member to give an action load to the key. The weights of the transmission members together with the weights of the hammer members bring the plural keys to the initial positions and initial loads of the keys are adjusted by the weights of the hammer members. Even if the weight of the hammer member is changed, the initial load of the key can be adjusted based on the weight of the transmission member. Therefore, when the weights of the hammer members are changed, the initial loads of the keys can be kept constant on the high-pitched tone side and the low-pitched tone side.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to music devices. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a musical instrument keyboard including a keyboard body and a key. The key is operable by a user to cause movement of the key. The apparatus also includes one or more magnets positioned to affect the movement of the key.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a finger position on the playing surface of an instrument are described. A sensor module located at a selected location of the playing surface emits light that is reflected or diffused by a finger or an object near the selected location. The reflected or diffused light is sensed by the sensor module, which generates a signal indicative of the amount of light detected. Based on the signal, a location of the finger or object is determined. When the finger placement corresponds to a specific note or effect, a digital signal is generated indicating the note or effect.

Abstract: A series of adjustable springs, rigidly suspended above the keys of a piano, provides a downward force which reduces the effort needed to depress the keys. Precise adjustment of the series, and its attachment to the piano are facilitated through the use of existing fastener hardware within the conventional piano architecture.

Abstract: A series of adjustable springs, rigidly suspended above the keys of a piano, provides a downward force which reduces the effort needed to depress the keys. Precise adjustment of the series, and its attachment to the piano are facilitated through the use of existing fastener hardware within the conventional piano architecture.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard that includes a plurality of keys including a first key. The keyboard further includes a key support supporting the first key for movement between a rest position and a depressed position. The keyboard also includes a first key return spring configured to apply a return force to the first key to bias the first key toward the rest position. In the keyboard, the first key return spring is configured such that the return force has a substantially constant magnitude throughout the movement of the first key between the rest position and the depressed position.

Abstract: A black key for a keyboard instrument, in which a black key cover incorporating a weight can be manufactured at low costs, and the black key cover can be firmly mounted on a key body, in a state stably holding the weight in a black key cover body. A swingable key body extends in a front-rear direction. A black key cover body has a hollow shape opening downward, and is mounted on a front portion of the upper surface of the key body in a manner covering the front portion. A weight is received within the black key cover body. The black key cover body has at least one of lower walls protruding inward from lower portions of left and right side walls, for holding the weight from below. The lower surfaces of the lower walls are bonded to the key body.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus which is capable of imparting a natural key depression feeling with a definite and positive load change, with a simplified construction. A key touch feeling-imparting mechanism imparts a predetermined key touch feeling to a key when it is depressed. The key touch feeling-imparting mechanism is comprised of a receiving part provided on a support member, and an elastic engaging unit that has one end thereof held by a key operating part of an associated key and another end thereof slidably engaged with the receiving part.

Abstract: An approach of a finger of a player to a key in order to conduct an operation for playing music is sensed to exert an external force which resists a depression of the key before the finger whose approach has been sensed touches the key. As a result, the touch feeling of keys of an acoustic piano perceived by a player right after depressions of the keys is realized.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus for musical instruments such as pianos, organs, clavichords, and harpsichords, and methods for making and using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, a plurality of keys, a plurality of lever assemblies each operably connected with its corresponding key, and a main fulcrum that together replicate the touch of an acoustic piano keyboard. It can be used in electronic and acoustic instruments, can be adjusted to simulate the feel of a selected type of keyboard instrument, and is simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

Abstract: A key for a musical instrument is provided for facilitating the attachment of a weight, and adjustments of a touch load, while using an alternative material for substitution for lead as a material for the weight. The key comprises a swingable key body formed with embedding holes, and weights each made of a material other than lead and having a threaded outer peripheral surface. The weight is screwed into the embedding hole for removable fit into the key body to give a load to the key body. A plurality of types of weights different in load from one another are provided for selecting one having an appropriate load therefrom to adjust the touch load.

Abstract: An operation apparatus is responsive to a physical action for inputting a control parameter of a musical sound into an electronic musical instrument. The operation apparatus is provided with a plurality of movable members individually responsive to the physical action to undergo a reciprocal movement. A frame mounts the plurality of the movable members in aligned manner. A tension member having a length is supported at both ends thereof by the frame to extend along the movable members such that each movable member may come into contact with the tension member during the course of the reciprocal movement of each movable member. A detector is connected to the tension member for detecting a deflection of the tension member caused by the contact of the movable member, and generates a signal corresponding to the detected deflection as the control parameter.

Abstract: A key is provided for permitting simple attachment of a weight and easy adjustment of a touch load, while using an alternative material for substitution for lead as a material for the weight, to thereby reduce the manufacturing cost. A swingable key body is formed with an embedding hole. The weight is made of a composite material produced by blending a plurality of kinds of materials except for lead in a predetermined blending proportion to have a predetermined specific gravity, and is removably attached to the embedding hole of the key body.

Abstract: A method for eliminating or reducing noise created by the action mechanisms of piano keys during its return stroke after striking a string, by regulating the amount of time for the mechanism to return to rest. The method comprises the steps of sequentially initiating a pair of braking pulses by the actuator solenoid to slow the action mechanism during its return stroke. Each braking pulse is of a specified duration and magnitude such that the mechanism's return time is maximized while eliminating the possibility of double hits on the string.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly for a keyboard instrument such as an electronic piano is constructed using a key, a first moving member, a second moving member and a key-depression switch. Herein, the key is supported by a keyboard frame to have a capability of rotating up and down about a rotation center. The first moving member is arranged beneath the key and is subjected to rotary motion about a first rotation center. The second moving member incorporating a deadweight has a larger weight and a longer moving distance as compared with the key and first moving member respectively. At the key depression, mode a back portion of the first moving member rotates upwardly so that the second moving member normally located at a rest position is subjected to rotary motion about a second rotation center. Thus, the second moving member rotates backwardly, and, it is stopped at a contact position defined by a back portion of the keyboard frame.

Abstract: A keyboard assembly for an electronic musical instrument comprises at least a plurality of keys, a key support member and a plurality of key-return springs. The key support member rotatably supports the keys; and the key-return spring is provided between the key and key support member so as to press up the key to a normal position. Mechanical parameters which affect a key scaling to key-touch responses of the keys are sizes, shapes and locations of parts of the keyboard assembly, which are set by analyzing motions of an action mechanism of an acoustic piano. For example, weight of the key is adjusted using a deadweight member so as to provide a specific key-touch response for the key. An amount of elastic resilience, made by the key-return spring, is adjusted by changing at least one location, at which one end of the key-return spring is terminated, so as to provide a specific key-touch response for the key.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard musical instrument includes a plurality of keys turnable between a rest position and an end position, an electronic sound generating system responsive to the motion of the key so as to generate an electronic sound and a key touch generator for offering resistance against the motion of the key, and the key touch generator has a magnetic plate attached to a side surface of each key, a stationary electromagnetic actuator generating electromagnetic force so as to attract the magnetic plate thereto and a controller responsive to a key position signal representative of a current key position so as to change the magnitude of a driving signal supplied to the electromagnetic actuator, thereby varying the resistance like the key of an acoustic piano.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard key apparatus includes a longitudinally extending key pivotally mounted on a supporting base and a simulated hammer assembly including a simulated hammer mounted on a hammer shank that is independently pivotally mounted with respect to the key on the base. A jack means is mounted on the key for striking and pivoting the hammer assembly when the key is struck and a preferably flexible bridle for controlling the hammer assembly connects the hammer assembly to the key. A spring is connected between a back end of the key and the base for quickly returning the key to its at rest position. The bridle may be a flexible strap. The simulated hammer may be a metallic cylinder disposed about a first distal end of the hammer shank. A butt is attached to a second distal end of the shank and the butt has a butt end that is bifurcated to form two hinge lugs that are hinged to a single hinge lug of a lug mount fixedly connected to the base.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus having keys and mass members that are relatively light in weight and low in cost and yet provide a good key touch feeling that is comparable to the key touch feeling of a keyboard apparatus of an acoustic grand piano. A keyboard apparatus for an electronic musical instrument includes a support member including a first fulcrum section and a second fulcrum section. A key is movably supported about the first fulcrum section of the support member, and a mass member is movably supported on the support member and coupled to the key. The mass member has a mass concentration section made of an elongated metal bar and a resin section connected to the mass concentration section. The resin section has a pivotal fulcrum receiving section to be pivotally supported about the second fulcrum of the support member.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus for a musical instrument which includes a laterally elongated frame structure made of synthetic resin, a plurality of keys arranged in parallel on the frame structure and pivoted at their proximal ends on a rear end portion of the frame structure to be depressed at their front portions, and a laterally elongated printed circuit board mounted on the frame structure and provided thereon with a plurality of detection switches which are arranged to detect depression of the keys.

Abstract: Improvements to keyboards for electronic pianos and the like, wherein a support, preferably made of sheet metal, with a U-shaped section and a flat section and provided with a number of hammers equal to the number of keys, which hammers are made integral with the support by means of specific pivoting elements. These hammers are preferably made of metal and suitably shaped and balanced for actuation by the keys. An elastic escapement member is carried by the portion of the hammer making contact with the key typically by coated with a rubber element provided little step which, when the key is depressed and the thrust element inside the key comes into contact with the step, produces a slight release, similar to the feeling of escapement one perceives when playing a conventional piano.

Abstract: Disclosed is a keyboard device of an electronic keyboard instrument generating a sound upon actuation of a switch disposed on a main plate by a pushing operation of a keyboard; the device includes a touch element varying in position according to the operation of the keyboard and a guide element for guiding the touch element, so that pushing force of the keyboard may be regulated. Therefore, this device enables a player to feel the same sense of touch as that in a common piano by eliminating a sense of friction which may be exerted upon his finger when pushing down the keyboard.

Abstract: A tracker touch apparatus used with a keyboard apparatus having a plurality of selectively depressed keys includes at least one strip magnet support by the apparatus in a position transversing over the tops of the keys. A metal plate is secured to the top of each key of the keyboard in a position just below the strip magnet. Initial depression of a keyboard key is resisted by the magnetic attractive force of the strip magnet for the metal plate secured to the depressed key. The magnetic resistance to keyboard key depression imparts to the keys a desired "feel" of depression.

Abstract: A piano action device for electronic keyboard musical instruments includes a key arranged on a keyboard chassis so as to be swingable up and down, a first hammer arm swung in response to the depression of the key, switch unit for indicating a start of generating musical sounds to be generated when it is pushed, and a second hammer arm swung in response to the swinging of the first hammer arm to push the switch unit.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus of an electronic musical instrument includes keys, mass members, and springs. Each key can pivot about a first pivot fulcrum. Each mass member can pivot about a second pivot fulcrum. Each spring supplies a biasing force to at least the corresponding mass member so that the mass member returns to an initial state. In this apparatus, each key has a point of application for pivoting the corresponding mass member in the same direction as a pivoting direction of each key when each key is depressed.

Abstract: A keyboard system for an electronic musical instrument of the keyboard type, such as a synthesizer, electronic piano, organ or controller keyboard. The keyboard includes an electromechanical key actuation and sensing element that in combination with electronic processing allows the performer to adjust both tactile and tone control parameters associated with keyboard touch response. The tactile response can be tuned over a broad range and is capable of simulating a light organ touch, heavier "piano key feel" or stiff percussive action. Since any of these features can be selected and adjusted while the performer is playing the keyboard, the keyboard system also has a desirable "real time" capability that does not interfere with musical performance.

Abstract: In construction of a key musical instrument such as a piano, a swingable element such as a hammer is accompanied with a pneumatic damper having an air vent so that, when impulsive load is applied by motion of the swingable element, fluid viscous resistance caused by flow of air in the pneumatic damper well absorbs shock, thereby greatly suppressing undesirable bound of said swingable element on return to its initial rest position.

Abstract: For easy and free adjustment of key touch on a keyboard musical instrument, a balancer made of an elongated leaf spring has a pair of opposed leg sections suited for elastically clamping hammer shank or hammer wood of the action assembly. Preferably, the balancer is provided with pawls for stable attachment by encroachment on the objective.

Abstract: Each key of a keyboard of an electronic musical instrument is mounted on a frame to be tiltable in the vertical direction and biased to a normal position by a return spring. Each key is incorporated with a weight member embedded in a cushion member. Preferably the cushioned weight member is mounted on the front end of each key and the cushion member is made of rubber. The cushioned weight member provides a refined responsive key touch sensation.

Abstract: Each key of a keyboard of an electronic musical instrument is mounted on a frame to be tiltable in the vertical direction and biased to a normal position by a return spring. Each key is incorporated with a weight member embedded in a cushion member. Preferably the cushioned weight member is mounted on the front end of each key and the cushion member is made of rubber. The cushioned weight member provides a refined responsive key touch sensation.

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: A keyboard apparatus for an electronic musical instrument is arranged that a return spring provided on each key for imparting the key a returning habit from a depressed state is comprised of either a leaf spring, a coil spring or a rod-like spring which is compressed lengthwise to be used in a buckling-deformed state, whereby warping of the spring is minimized, and the spring is allowed to progressively increase its curving after once developing the buckling without the need of increasing the compression load, thereby progressively reducing the reaction force of the spring. Thus, as the key is depressed deeper, there is obtained a lighter sense of key touch, and thereby a key touch resembling that of a piano is obtained.

Abstract: Means for adjusting the touch force required to depress the keys of a piano within the range normally preferred by pianists, comprising a plurality of spring member means having a relatively small spring constant (low stiffness). Each spring member means is connected at one of its ends to one of piano keys near the fulcrum thereof. Each spring member means is connected at its other end to a beam located above the keys and extending transversely thereof the full length of the keyboard. At least one of the connections of each spring member means is adjustable. The beam may be a single continuous member, or it may be made up of segments corresponding to groups of adjacent keys. In the initial adjustment each spring member means is typically prestressed by means of its adjustable connection to set the static touch force of its respective key to the desired value.

Abstract: An organ key assembly having a loosely mounted switch actuator providing self-aligning movement of the actuator relative to the switch. The switch, in the illustrated embodiment, is a membrane switch. The actuator is arranged to slide across the switch in effecting the operation thereof. The actuator is associated with the key in such a manner as to permit the key to be moved from an undepressed, normal position to the fully depressed position, with a substantially constant force. The actuator defines a novel configuration for providing the self-aligning function and switch wiping operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch is provided as a portion of a printed circuit board. A support structure is provided for preventing deformation of the printed circuit board by the actuator biasing forces.

Abstract: A keyboard mechanism for musical instruments which includes a key return spring made from resilient wire bent to form a pair of flexure spring arms connected by a bight. The arms have elbow bends. The ends of the arms have wrist bends, and are trapped in apertures formed in the frame of the instrument. The bight is trapped in one of a plurality of notches on the outer surface of the key. The spring is located close to the fulcrum of the key, in order to reduce the moment arm and spring deflection, both of which contribute to undesirable force build-up.

Abstract: An action for a piano type musical instrument in which the hammer striking force is produced by the reaction of a pneumatic piston. For the grand piano embodiment, the hammer pivot is carried by the key-lever and the piston is connected to the hammer butt such that when the instrument is played the resistance of the piston raises the hammer into the musical string. A similar action is shown for the upright piano. In each case the hammer is propelled into the string with a velocity proportional to key-lever velocity and the escape, check and repetition parts of conventional actions are made unnecessary by the inherent properties of the pneumatic piston.