Abstract: A musical instrument tuner includes a means for measuring the frequency of a note played on an instrument, a minimal display means, a means for powering and depowering the tuner, and a means for collecting the signal to be measured. The tuner displays sharp and flat indications to the user, eliminating the ambiguous finite width “in-tune” window.

Abstract: A computer-aided learning system to facilitate a human to control the pitch and rhythm of their voice. In a preferred embodiment for learning how to sing a song in tune, a display provides visual, real-time depiction of the singer's actual pitch compared to the “target” pitch they should be singing, thereby allowing the singer to interactively raise or lower the pitch of their voice.

Abstract: Methods for assisting a technician in tuning a musical instrument exhibiting inharmonicity, such as a piano. If one aspect, a plurality of target frequencies are calculated using a table of preferred stretch values. In another aspect, target frequencies are calculated from multiple inharmonicity measurements during the time a tone generator is sounding.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal provided with a tuning function, which saves a player the trouble of carrying around a tuning meter or the like and facilitates the tuning of instruments. A user designates a reference pitch stored in a memory, and inputs the sound of an instrument or a voice into a microphone. A synthesizer generates a sound that most approximates the sound input through the microphone according to the reference pitch designated by the user. The sound generated by the synthesizer is compared with the sound input through the microphone, and the result of the comparison is displayed on a display.

Abstract: A sound intensity display system for use by performers. The invention is a system which displays indications of sound intensity on a display large enough to be viewed by performers distant from the display. This invention allows indication of a sufficient number of different sound intensity ranges to make the system useful for performers including, but not limited to, musical performers. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the display face is permanently marked with “ppp” and “fff.” In that embodiment, vertical variable display elements styled as line segments can be selectively illuminated by light emitting diodes based on the sound intensity. This embodiment includes a built in microphone and a female jack connection to allow the optional use of an external microphone. That embodiment can be battery powered or powered by an external power supply through a jack-connection, at the option of the user. Other embodiments include ones capable of receiving and displaying inputs from multiple channels.

Abstract: A teaching aid for instructing proper finger position on a “fret-less” stringed instrument (for example, violin, viola, cello, bass) comprises a template that is positioned along the fingerboard at the proper finger position location (i.e., “first position”) for the first four half-steps associated with each string. A set of raised, “Braille-like” features is formed as a grid pattern on the surface of the template, with each row of features associated with each tone half step. Each “row” contains a set of three raised features—a separate feature located between an adjacent pair of strings. Once the template is properly positioned, the raised features are pressed out of the template and transferred to adhere to the fingerboard. By locating the raised features between the strings, the teaching aid does not interfere with sound quality or the ability to induce vibrato to the playing, while still providing a tactile clue for the proper note location for intonation purposes.

Abstract: The tone pitch of a given tone waveform is detected by forming an envelope waveform of the given tone waveform, holding the level of the envelope waveform at each of the zero cross times of the given tone waveform and releasing such holding starting new holding when the level of the given tone waveform exceeds the held level of the envelope waveform, and determining the pitch of the given tone waveform based on the period between the adjacent zero cross times, A correction target note pitch is provided, to which the detected tone pitch of the given tone waveform is corrected. The detected tone pitch, the correction target note pitch and the amount of correction are exhibited for the user to visually understand the pitch correction.

Abstract: An innovative music instrument (101) comprises at least one tunable string (102), a holding device (106) for holding the at least one string (102), an electrically or electronically operated exciting device (116,116?) for contactlessly exciting of the at least one string (102), a sounding body (108) for acoustically radiating oscillations of the string and an interface (113) for supplying a signal to the exciting device (116, 116?), wherein the signal is produced independently from the at least one string (102). The exciting device (116, 116?) enables exciting oscillations of the string of a sufficiently large amplitude so that the sounding body (108) can radiate tones of a loudness which is at least in the range of known acoustical string instruments. For transferring the string's oscillations to the sounding body (108), a bridge (112) is arranged between the sounding body (108) and the at least one string (102) .

Abstract: A tuner holder for stringed instruments. A first embodiment includes (i) a strut, (ii) a shelf extending substantially perpendicular in a first longitudinal direction from the distal edge of the strut, (iii) a hook extending in a second longitudinal direction from the proximal edge of the strut, and (iv) a means for securing a tuner to the holder. A second embodiment includes (i) an enclosure defining a retention chamber with a first access opening into the retention chamber through the top of the enclosure and a second access opening into the retention chamber through the front of the enclosure, and (ii) a hook longitudinally extending from the back of the enclosure away from the retention chamber.

Abstract: A music tuner having both a contact sensing device and a non-contact sensing device to pick up the sound from a music instrument is so designed that it can automatically or manually select one of the sensing devices that is most suitable to the situation where the music tuner is used. The display screen of the music tuner is freely rotatable and pivotable, thereby allowing optimum view angle wherever the music tuner is placed. The display screen is configured to graphically represent the tune of the music instrument so that the user can easily and intuitively grasp the pitch of the sound as compared with a standard pitch. The music tuner is able to display the result by a normal display mode, a mirror display mode, or a combination of both modes.

Abstract: Provided is a guitar tuner that is capable of tuning each string of a guitar with a capotasto being attached thereto to a specified pitch. The guitar tuner includes attachment position setting means for, when the capotasto is attached to the guitar, setting an attachment position of the capotasto to the tuner, and a pitch of each string can be automatically set to a pitch that is specified in the attachment position of the capo.

Abstract: A tuning device measures and displays a deviation between a fundamental frequency of a music signal and a standard reference frequency. The tuning device has a meter having a graduated display and a movable needle, one or both of which are provided with a fluorescent substance. An LED emits energy effective to cause the fluorescent substance to emit light to illuminate the meter display thereby making it easy to tune a musical instrument in poorly lighted or dark locations. The fluorescent substance of the graduated display may emit light of the same or a different color from that emitted by the fluorescent substance of the needle indicator.

Abstract: A method for the algorithmic expressive intonation tuning (EIT) and performance of electronic, computer and MIDI musical works relies on melodic intervals, rather than on chordal harmony, and acts by desirably modifying the pitch of a note slightly (compared to equal temperament tuning), depending on the next melodic note. This dynamic, non static, melodic tuning emulates, and can even possibly augment, aspects of outstanding live human musical performance achieved with regard to pitch subtleties, as it enhances the living sounding, real aspects of the performance of electronic, computer and MIDI music, by sensibly causing a slightly different pitch of particular notes, depending on the size of an interval and on whether an interval is ascending or descending, with the same note subtly having more than one pitch often, depending on melodic context.

Abstract: A wrist mounted electronic tuning device for use in tuning an acoustic musical instrument which includes a self-adapting wristband to automatically accommodate to a wide range of wrist sizes. Additionally, the tuning device includes sensing means operable for sensing an acoustic musical tone produced by the musical instrument and producing a representative electrical signal, conditioning means operable for amplifying, pre-filtering, and shaping the electrical signal into a representative pulse train, input means for selecting a musical note to tune to, computing means for receiving the pulse train and selected musical note and utilizing pre-programmed algorithms to determine the instrument's tuning condition, an output means to annunciate the tuning condition, and a power level switching means to permit the tuner to function in either a fully powered signal acquisition state or low power sleep state.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for lifting and setting a piano string coil (16) is provided for improving tuning stability. Preferably, the apparatus (10) includes an internal slide hammer portion (12) and a string engaging portion (14) extending from the internal slide hammer portion (12). The string engaging portion (14) is intended to engage a piano string coil (16) wrapped around a tuning pin (18) and transmit an upward or downward force from the internal slide hammer portion (12) to the piano string coil (16).

Abstract: The present invention involves a tempering formula which utilizes specific pitch offsets, which when applied to the guitar, result in extraordinarily pleasing intonation.

Abstract: In a tunable drum, a connector member in the drum is attached by linkages to a tuning ring, and is threadedly coupled by a tuning linkage to a retaining member fixed to the drum. Rotation of the tuning linkage with respect to the drum moves the connector member longitudinally and, as a result, adjusts the tension of the drumhead. In one embodiment, a motor is coupled to the tuning linkage such that an operator can manually adjust the tuning via a motor. In another embodiment, a transducer and tuning circuit can automatically provide control signals to the motor based on a difference between a desired frequency and a determined frequency.

Abstract: The invention is a microtuner, for stringed musical instruments with a headstock and individual strings, that includes a roller cam assembly which receives an individual string, and a tuner assembly, which receives the individual string from the roller cam assembly and adjustably presses down onto the individual string. There is also a lever lock string system assembly that pinches down onto the individual string and releasably locks it into position. A clamp or screw assembly secures the microtuner to the headstock. The cam of the microtuner can also be made of a variety of materials to produce an overall sharper sound or an overall softer sound.

Abstract: The invention is a microtuner, for stringed musical instruments with a headstock and individual strings, that includes a roller cam assembly which receives an individual string, and a tuner assembly, which receives the individual string from the roller cam assembly and adjustably presses down onto the individual string. There is also a lever lock string system assembly that pinches down onto the individual string and releasably locks it into position. A clamp or screw assembly secures the microtuner to the headstock. The cam of the microtuner can also be made of a variety of materials to produce an overall sharper sound or an overall softer sound.

Abstract: An electronic tuner for tuning a musical instrument has a tuner housing in which electronic circuitry for tuning the instrument is situated, and a multi-positional and multi-functional bracket which is reciprocatingly slidable and pivotally mounted on the tuner housing. The bracket is positionable in a closed position, where it rests closely against the tuner housing, as a stand, where it supports the electronic tuner in an upright or a slightly angled position, and in a position where the electronic tuner may be suspended from the musical instrument being tuned.

Abstract: An electronic tuner for tuning a musical instrument has a tuner housing in which electronic circuitry for tuning the instrument is situated, and a multi-positional and multi-functional bracket which is reciprocatingly slidable and pivotally mounted on the tuner housing. The bracket is positionable in a closed position, where it rests closely against the tuner housing, as a stand, where it supports the electronic tuner in an upright or a slightly angled position, and in a position where the electronic tuner may be suspended from the musical instrument being tuned.

Abstract: A musical instrument stringer/tuner device for replacing the tuning pegs on guitars. The musical instrument stringer/tuner device includes a housing member being adapted to be attachable to a musical instrument and having top, side, end, and bottom walls with a plurality of openings being disposed through the top wall and a plurality of holes being disposed through the side walls through which is adapted to receive strings of the musical instrument; and also includes string holding/releasing assemblies including string clamping members being movably disposed in the housing member; and further includes drive assemblies for moving the string clamping members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tuning tool for a stringed instrument and methods for tuning a stringed instrument. The tuning tool comprises a knob and a recess in the knob adapted to accept a tuning peg of the stringed instrument. The knob provides increased leverage for tuning the stringed instrument. The recess enables the tuning tool to be temporarily fitted over the tuning peg.

Abstract: In a tuner that measures a frequency of a tone of a musical instrument to be tuned, and displays a pitch name of the tone of the musical instrument and a difference of pitch of the pitch name from the standard pitch, thereby to tune the musical instrument, even during a time duration of measuring a frequency of the tone of the musical instrument, sampling of an electric signal corresponding to the tone of the musical instrument is carried out in succession, and a number of sample data that is required to measure the frequency are always stored in a memory of a data storage part. When the computation process for measurement of the frequency is completed, the next computation process for measurement of the frequency is started at once so that the contents of displays of a pitch name and a difference of pitch can be updated substantially at intervals of the period of a time duration of performing the computation process for measurement of the frequency.

Abstract: A wrist mounted electronic tuning device for use in tuning an acoustic musical instrument which includes a self-adapting wristband to automatically accommodate to a wide range of wrist sizes. Additionally, the tuning device includes sensing means operable for sensing an acoustic musical tone produced by the musical instrument and producing a representative electrical signal, conditioning means operable for amplifying, pre-filtering, and shaping the electrical signal into a representative pulse train, input means for selecting a musical note to tune to, computing means for receiving the pulse train and selected musical note and utilizing pre-programmed algorithms to determine the instrument's tuning condition, an output means to annunciate the tuning condition, and a power level switching means to permit the tuner to function in either a fully powered signal acquisition state or low power sleep state.

Abstract: A tuner holder for stringed instruments. A first embodiment includes (i) a strut, (ii) a shelf extending substantially perpendicular in a first longitudinal direction from the distal edge of the strut, (iii) a hook extending in a second longitudinal direction from the proximal edge of the strut, and (iv) a means for securing a tuner to the holder. A second embodiment includes (i) an enclosure defining a retention chamber with a first access opening into the retention chamber through the top of the enclosure and a second access opening into the retention chamber through the front of the enclosure, and (ii) a hook longitudinally extending from the back of the enclosure away from the retention chamber.

Abstract: When performing tuning in a dark location with a conventional method of lighting a meter by using an LED light, expression can only be performed by a single color of light. Further, there is a problem in that the behavior of a needle indicator is difficult to verify. Provided is a tuning device with which tuning can be performed easily, even in a dark location. By providing a meter in which a fluorescent coating is applied to a needle indicator portion or a graduated scale portion, and providing an LED capable of emitting sufficient energy to cause a fluorescent material to emit light, the needle indicator portion or the graduated scale portion can be made to emit light. Tuning in a dark location thus becomes easy.

Abstract: Provided is a guitar tuner that is capable of tuning each string of a guitar with a capotasto being attached thereto to a specified pitch. The guitar tuner includes attachment position setting means for, when the capotasto is attached to the guitar, setting an attachment position of the capotasto to the tuner, and a pitch of each string can be automatically set to a pitch that is specified in the attachment position of the capo.

Abstract: A musical instrument tuner includes a display screen. A user can select predetermined configurations such as for guitar, bass guitar, violin, cello, etc. Popular detuned settings for guitars, such as “drop-D,” one half-step down, etc. can be provided as selectable presets with the display configuration changing to provide appropriate indicators. Bass guitars or other instruments that come in models having different numbers of strings can easily be accommodated with presets or through user customization. A user can also create a customized tuner with arbitrary note detection so that any instrument or user preference can be configured after the point of sale with a single manufactured device. In one embodiment, the tuner mounts adjacent to an instrument, such as a guitar, by using a standard ¼″ plug. The tuner has a display screen that pivots to permit viewing on different types of guitars. A model is disclosed that is suitable for both left and right handed guitar players.

Abstract: A system and methods for assisting a technician in tuning a musical instrument exhibiting inharmonicity, such as a piano. A display informs the technician of one or more beat rates associated with respective intervals of a note being tuned and other notes. A second display informs the technician of the phase difference between the note being adjusted and a reference signal. The note being tuned is detected automatically, thereby allowing the technician to work without constantly touching the system. The wavelengths emanating from the notes are determined accurately, and the corresponding frequencies are tested for their quality before being used in calculations used for providing the information for the displays. A tuning frequency is calculated for each note after measurement of a first note, and the calculation is updated as more measurements are taken. If desired, the technician may visit each note only once in the tuning of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A musical instrument tuner includes a display screen. A user can select predetermined configurations such as for guitar, bass guitar, violin, cello, etc. Popular detuned settings for guitars, such as “drop-D,” one half-step down, etc. can be provided as selectable presets with the display configuration changing to provide appropriate indicators. Bass guitars or other instruments that come in models having different numbers of strings can easily be accommodated with presets or through user customization. A user can also create a customized tuner with arbitrary note detection so that any instrument or user preference can be configured after the point of sale with a single manufactured device. In one embodiment, the tuner mounts adjacent to an instrument, such as a guitar, by using a standard ¼″ plug. The tuner has a display screen that pivots to permit viewing on different types of guitars. A model is disclosed that is suitable for both left and right handed guitar players.

Abstract: A system and methods for assisting a technician in tuning a musical instrument exhibiting inharmonicity, such as a piano. A display informs the technician of one or more beat rates associated with respective intervals of a note being tuned and other notes. A second display informs the technician of the phase difference between the note being adjusted and a reference signal. The note being tuned is detected automatically, thereby allowing the technician to work without constantly touching the system. The wavelengths emanating from the notes are determined accurately, and the corresponding frequencies are tested for their quality before being used in calculations used for providing the information for the displays. A tuning frequency is calculated for each note after measurement of a first note, and the calculation is updated as more measurements are taken. If desired, the technician may visit each note only once in the tuning of the musical instrument.

Abstract: There is provided a thin tuning device equipped with jacks for inputting or outputting a signal, the tuning device employs a main body case, a back case, and a printed board as parts of the components of the jacks so that the thickness of the jacks and of the tuning device can be reduced.

Abstract: A tuning device is provided, which allows comfortable tuning operation and easy storage and efficiently samples only a target sound to be tuned. The tuning device is structured such that a vibration sensor is provided to a clip and the clip and a tuning state display portion are connected through a flexible joint. A piezoelectric element is used as the vibration sensor and also serves as a reference sound generator.

Abstract: A musical instrument tuning and intonation aid employs a novel concept and method, which closely approximates a desirable mechanical stroboscopic effect—but without mechanical moving parts. A suitable image pattern is displayed on an electronically controlled, visual display screen of any available type (Liquid Crystal Display, Organic LED Display, Electro-Luminescent Display, Cathode Ray Tube display, etc.) in direct and immediate response to the detection of a unique phase of the fundamental pitch periods in arbitrary acoustic or electrical signals. The displaced position of the pattern at these instants is determined by a pre-calculated reference frequency.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is provided with a fulcrum tremolo with a plurality of intonation modules that are adjustably mounted on the base plate of the tremolo. Each intonation module incorporates the bridge element and the tailpiece. Positioned between a novel macro-tuning invention, which provides for the anchoring of the string to the base plate, and the bridge element is a string gripping portion called a StringClip. The string passes over the bridge element and under the StringClip before connecting to the macro-tuner. An adjustment knob is threadedly engaged with a pin-like string holder for positioning the string holder for macro-tuning. Additionally, the string holder has a first creative position closer to the bridge element when the string is in a low or no tensioned condition so the string can be threaded through the intonation module without significantly engaging the gripping element.

Abstract: A system and methods for assisting a technician in tuning a musical instrument exhibiting inharmonicity, such as a piano. A display informs the technician of one or more beat rates associated with respective intervals of a note being tuned and other notes. A second display informs the technician of the phase difference between the note being adjusted and a reference signal. The note being tuned is detected automatically, thereby allowing the technician to work without constantly touching the system. The wavelengths emanating from the notes are determined accurately, and the corresponding frequencies are tested for their quality before being used in calculations used for providing the information for the displays. A tuning frequency is calculated for each note after measurement of a first note, and the calculation is updated as more measurements are taken. If desired, the technician may visit each note only once in the tuning of the musical instrument.

Abstract: An adjustable string tree provides selectable adjustment for tension on a stringed musical instrument. A back plate is fixed to a base plate, which in turn is fixed to the musical instrument. A top plate adjustably and slidably engages the back plate in order to exert tension on a string. Adjustment may be provided by an adjustment bolt in opposition to a compression spring. In a preferred embodiment, an indentation is provided in the top plate in alignment with the string to better hold the string in association with the top plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a constructive arrangement disposed in a tuning mechanism for percussion instruments having a substantially parallel-shaped body (10) having a front face and an upper portion, the front face (1) of said body defining a lower quadrangular recess (2) extending through the parallel-shaped piece (10), said upper portion of said body defining an inverted “T” recess (3), said inverted “T” recess having a horizontal part and a lower part, said lower part of said recess having the same depth of the lower quadrangular recess (2), the vertical and upper part of the inverted “T” recess (3) has a depth which is equivalent to half the depth of the parallel-shaped piece (10).

Abstract: A string assist apparatus and method (10) includes a support (12) and a resilient extension (14) connected to the support (12). When placed in position on an instrument (20), one end (18) of a string (16) is connected to a bridge (22). The string (16) is passed over the top of resilient extension (14) and connected to tuning post (26). As string (16) is wound around tuning post (26) tension is applied by resilient extension (14) keeping the end (18) of string (16) in place on bridge (22) and freeing both user's hands to attend to the winding process. A connector (42) for removably attaching the invention to the instrument (20) and a height adjuster (62) for adjusting the height of the resilient extension (14) are also provided.

Abstract: A device for tuning a piano that attaches to adjacent strings of the piano and positions magnetic pickups over the strings with the magnetic pickups detecting the vibration of the strings without interference with them.

Abstract: A mimic filter which can be implemented in analog or digital circuitry, and which removes dc offset or other noise from an input signal using a pseudo-differentiation technique. The input signal is adjusted by a feedback value, and the adjusted signal is amplified by a proportional gain factor to generate an output signal. The feedback value is determined by integrating the output signal and multiplying the integration by an integration gain factor. The mimic filter avoids the generation of false signal spikes.

Abstract: A kit for automatically tuning a string musical instrument such as a guitar, violin, cello, viola, etc., includes a controller, a tail piece for attachment to the string musical instrument, a string tension adjustment mechanism, a pickup for detecting the vibration frequency of the string and producing a pickup signal corresponding to the vibration frequency, and a motorized wrench controlled by a control signal received from the controller, the motorized wrench being engageable with the string tension adjustment mechanism. The pickup signal is communicated to the controller, which sends a signal to the motorized wrench to adjust the tension of the string.

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: The present invention provides a method for automatically tuning a stringed instrument including the steps of inducing a signal on a string under tension to generate a resonance signal having an amplitude from the string and adjusting tension of the string in response to the amplitude of the resonance signal. The present invention also provides a system for automatically tuning a stringed instrument including a string, tensioning means operably attached to one end of the string for tensioning the string, and a processor for driving the tensioning means to induce a signal on the string and generate a resonance signal having an amplitude from the string and for adjusting tension of the string in response to the amplitude of the resonance signal.

Abstract: A kit for automatically tuning a string musical instrument such as a guitar, violin, cello, viola, etc., includes a controller, a tail piece for attachment to the string musical instrument, a string tension adjustment mechanism, a pickup for detecting the vibration frequency of the string and producing a pickup signal corresponding said vibration frequency, means for communicating the pickup signal to the controller, a motorized wrench controlled by a control signal received from the controller, the motorized wrench being engageable with the string tension adjustment mechanism, and means for communicating the control signal to the motorized wrench.

Abstract: A tuning means for a stringed instrument having one or more strings comprising detection means to provide a signal in response to vibration of the or each string and actuating means to vary the tension of the or each string under the control of an analysis means in response to said signal.

Abstract: Templates are used in methods of improving the perceived intonation of musical notes by modifying each note to provide certain frequencies between adjacent pairs of notes. The template modifications provide, in a sequence of twelve notes per octave, or extended octave, that each note is separated from an adjacent note according to one of frequency ratios of 25/24 (h), 16/15 (m) and 27/25 (s). The templates can be used with keyboards and virtual keyboards and applied to recorded music, musical input signals, or data, as required.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for automatically tuning a stringed instrument including the steps of inducing a signal on a string under tension to generate a resonance signal having an amplitude from the string and adjusting tension of the string in response to the amplitude of the resonance signal. The present invention also provides a system for automatically tuning a stringed instrument including a string, tensioning means operably attached to one end of the string for tensioning the string, and a processor for driving the tensioning means to induce a signal on the string and generate a resonance signal having an amplitude from the string and for adjusting tension of the string in response to the amplitude of the resonance signal.

Abstract: A string winding device for winding and unwinding the string on a peg of a stringed instrument has a generally cylindrical body with a slot extending inward from one end thereof. The slot has a plurality of sections, which are configured to engage different size and shape pegs on stringed instruments. The slot has a shallow and wide section, a deep and narrow section and a middle section of medium depth and width. A fourth section is located perpendicular to the other three sections and is configured for specialty tuning pegs. Extending from the top of the string winder body is a hexagonal shaft for engagement with a cordless screwdriver, drill or one of the hubs or cranks disclosed herein. A manual hub or crank with a handle may be used to turn the string winder body. The hub of the crank for the manual hub may utilize a flexible tab within the hub to interlock with a recess in the hexagonal shaft to hold the parts together during use.