Music – Instruments – Stringed
Patent
1984-04-27
1985-11-26
Franklin, Lawrence R.
Music
Instruments
Stringed
G10G 700
Patent
active
045548595
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to a bow stroke simulator for training students to use the correct bowing action on stringed musical instruments such as the violin, the viola and the violoncello.
The movement of the right arm in bowing a stringed instrument is a complex one which requires repeated practice before a student acquires the flexible and smooth movement needed for good tone production. Many beginners form incorrect habits whilst practising during the period between their regular lessons and in consequence progress is retarded. It is desirable that the bow move in a straight line parallel to the bridge of the instrument.
The object of this invention is to provide a bow stroke simulator which can be fitted to an instrument or a simulated instrument or incorporated therein to enable the student to learn the correct bowing action without any discordant noise which may be produced when the student practises with a normal bow on an actual instrument and reduces the need for constant supervision.
In one form the invention resides in a bow stroke simulator for a stringed musical instrument comprising a short length of tube and means for fastening the tube to the top plate of the musical instrument between the bridge and finger board below the strings with the axis of the tube parallel to the bridge, said tube being adapted to receive a length of rod or dowel simulating a bow for the instrument.
The diameter of the tube in relation to the diameter of the length of rod used as a simulated bow should be such that the rod has sufficient clearance to slide freely with a minimum of deviation from the longitudinal axis of the tube and thus maintain the simulated bow substantially parallel to the bridge of the instruments.
The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of one specific embodiment thereof shown in the accompanying drawings wherein;
FIG. 1 is a perspective view;
FIG. 2 is a section on line 2--2 of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the simulator attached to a violin which is shown in broken lines.
As shown in the drawings the simulator comprises a short length of tube 11 which is formed integral with or welded to a strap 12 provided with a buckle or like fastening means 13. The diameter of the tube is such that a length of wooden rod or dowel 14 can slide freely therein and be used to simulate a bow. For the range of instruments used by the majority of students a rod or dowel of the order of 8 mm diameter and a tube of a diameter of the order of 9.2 mm is satisfactory.
The strap is positioned around the waist of the violin 15 as shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, the strap passing under the strings and the buckle being located on the underside of the instrument. The stick, or rod 14 with one end held in the manner of bowing, is moved back and forth through the tube. Because the tube is not free to move the stick must remain substantially parallel to the bridge and the correct flexing of the student's wrist and elbow joint is induced. A straight line drawn along the length of the stick can also indicate to the student the extent of any alteration in the angle cause by lifting and/or dropping of the wrists during the simulated bow stroke.
Whilst the invention has been described with particular reference to one specific embodiment thereof it should be appreciated that other embodiments are possible, for example the tube 11 may be formed separate from the strap and may be fastened thereto by any suitable means such as a dovetail joint or a press stud type of arrangement. Alternatively, the strap may be replaced by clips to fit over the appropriate part of the instrument. A fastener of the type such as that marketed under the trade mark "Velcro" may be used in place of the buckle for fastening the strap in position.
In the case of very small violins the space between the top plate and the strings is very restricted, and in such cases it may be desirable to replace the violin by a simulated instrument constructed to represent a violin. In this case the tube is permanently
REFERENCES:
patent: 88423 (1869-03-01), Upson
patent: 2239579 (1941-04-01), Solodar
"Principles of Violin Playing and Teaching"-Ivan Galamian, Prentice-Hall, pp. 49, 58, 59 and 61.
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