Music – Instruments – Electrical musical tone generation
Patent
1988-10-05
1990-08-21
Witkowski, Stanley J.
Music
Instruments
Electrical musical tone generation
84743, G10H 318
Patent
active
049496190
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to sound pickup devices for acoustic stringed instruments. The present invention constitutes a further development of the pickup device disclosed in W. German Utility Model No. G 84 31 266.1, which corresponds to U.S. Pat. No. 4,748,886, the so-called De Byl pickup, which includes a foam body for insertion into the soundbox. Microphones are mounted in the foam body for sound pickup.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
On the basis of the vibration and resonance conditions underlying and discussed in W. German Utility Model No. G 84 31 266.1, it is the object of the invention to substantially improve on the acoustic conditions governing the pickup of sound in an acoustic stringed instrument, in particular an acoustic guitar. Thus it is sought to enhance the so-called De Byl effect by means of a particular design of the present pickup device and at the same time obtain a pickup device which is easier to handle and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
The above objects are achieved by a sound pickup device having the following features. This invention uses a body of open-cell foam material which, because of its pore size and standard hardness, has specific acoustic properties and shields against the ingress of external sound through the sound hole.
A first embodiment includes concentric ridges, which are tapered in cross section, at the top and at the bottom of the foam body which result in line engagement with the soundbox so that the wall radiating sound into the air advantageously experiences less damping. Thus, any impairment of the natural tone of the soundbox by the use of the device is minimized as far as possible.
The foam body comprises two sections (a horizontal division) of which the upper one includes a central opening intended to receive a metal case housing the electronics. After this case and microphone capsules, connected thereto through leads, have been inserted into recesses provided therefor, the two sections are adhesively bonded to each other to create a closed-surface body from which only the leads protrude, i.e. the microphone capsules are not visible.
A second embodiment has an annular configuration for the foam body. The assembly of two microphones in the annular foam body at a mutual opening angle of 90.degree. creates a stereo effect which is enhanced by the bisector of that angle extending in parallel with and between the two center strings of the guitar. The microphones lie symmetrically with respect to the bisector and are at the same time directed into the major portion of the soundbox.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following explanation of the invention is best understood when taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a cross section of the foam body in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a centered device;
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the foam body with a centering aid;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the foam body of a second embodiment of the device secured in place in the soundbox of a stringed instrument;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the foam material body of the second embodiment, depicting the 90.degree. relationship of the two microphones;
FIG. 6 is a side view of the foam body of the second embodiment having an elastic skin applied to the outer surface thereof;
FIG. 7a is a partial longitudinal section showing a plug of a fine-pore foam material introduced in the top of the centered opening in the annular foam body;
FIG. 7b is a plan view of the foam body of FIG. 7a;
FIG. 8a is a side view of a pedestal-like open-cell foam member adapted to have the annular foam body seated thereon in a flush manner;
FIG. 8b is a plan view of the annular foam body in association with the pedestal-like base member of FIG. 8a;
FIG. 9a is a plan view of the case housing the electronic components;
FIG. 9b is a side view of the case of FIG. 9a; and
FIG. 10 is the circuit diagram of the electronic system, including the alternate power supply schemes for the device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF
REFERENCES:
patent: 4018127 (1977-04-01), Biro
patent: 4182214 (1980-01-01), Wakeman
patent: 4748886 (1988-06-01), De Byl
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