Music – Instruments – Stringed
Patent
1980-06-25
1982-09-14
Franklin, Lawrence R.
Music
Instruments
Stringed
84297R, 84312R, G10D 314
Patent
active
043489346
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a tuning device which is adapted for use in guitars, violins and other stringed musical instruments having strings for producing tones and by which all the strings in a tuned state can be loosened at the same time and can thereafter be returned to the original tuned tensioned state at the same time. More particularly in connection with the tuning device, the invention relates to means for reliably holding the string to a string winding assembly, an assembly for indicating the degree of tension of the strings and an assembly for holding all the strings tensioned.
BACKGROUND ART
The strings of a stringed musical instrument are provided on the frame of the instrument all under fairly high tension. If the instrument is allowed to stand with the strings held tensioned, various objections could result. For example, the strings would be elongated or broken due to fatigue, or the members holding the strings under tension would be deformed or damaged. Accordingly it is desirable to loosen all the strings after playing, but if loosened, the strings must be tensioned and tuned one by one with use of a pitch pipe or the like before playing the instrument. The tuning procedure requires much labor and is very cumbersome especially for beginners.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
According to the present invention, the head 10 of a stringed instrument is provided with a movable support 4 which is reciprocally movable along the strings and which is equipped with string winding assemblies 5 for the strings. The movable support 4 is forcibly shiftable back and forth by a reciprocating assembly 6, whereby the strings can be loosened all at the same time after tuning or can be returned to the original tuned state under tension at the same time. This serves to eliminate the tuning procedure conventionally needed every time the instrument is to be played, greatly alleviating the burden on the player.
Further according to the invention, a holder 15 is attached to one end of each string, and the holder 15 is engaged in a holding portion 55 formed in an insertion bore 54 of a string winding pin 50 to reliably hold the string end to the pin 50. While the string is liable to slip on or disengage from the winding pin 50, such an objection can be completely avoided to reduce the necessity of tuning and assure the advantages of the invention.
Further according to the invention, there is provided an assembly 7 for indicating the shift of the movable support 4 on a scale with an indicator 70 which is shiftable with the travel of the movable support 4 so that the instrument can be tuned visually while watching the indicating assembly 7 instead of resorting to the hearing sense conventionally used for tuning. Thus the instrument can be tuned more easily, rapidly and accurately.
Further according to the invention, the device is provided with means 9 for restraining the return of the movable support 4 due to the tension of the strings to completely prevent all the strings from loosening at the same time and thereby enable the device to exhibit improved performance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a folk guitar equipped with a tuning device of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view partly broken away and showing the construction of a head;
FIG. 3 is a view showing the construction of the head as it is seen from therebelow;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view partly broken away and showing a winding pin with a string held thereto;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view partly broken away and showing another embodiment for holding the string to the winding pin;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a holder with a string end attached thereto;
FIG. 7 is a view illustrating the construction of an indicating assembly;
FIG. 8 is a front view partly broken away and showing the construction of a head embodying the invention for a classic guitar;
FIG. 9 is a view showing the construction of the head as it is seen from therebelow;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view partly broken away and showing
REFERENCES:
patent: 69259 (1867-09-01), Seehausen
patent: 1363902 (1920-12-01), Muller
patent: 2453572 (1948-11-01), Ferrier
patent: 3403588 (1968-10-01), Downing
patent: 3695137 (1972-10-01), Eurich
patent: 3834266 (1974-09-01), Robinson
LandOfFree
Tuning device for stringed musical instruments does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Tuning device for stringed musical instruments, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Tuning device for stringed musical instruments will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2150587