DE4311209A1 - Master tremolo system with stepless tuning for stringed instrument - has strings guided at tremolo block so that radii of all attachment points from block hinge axis are identical - Google Patents

Abstract

The block (8) hinges on the body of the instrument, securing the string ends and holding them taut. At the block, the strings (2) are so guided over a set of rollers (28,29, 23,24) that the master radii of their attachment points from the hinge axis are the same for all of them in relation to their coefficients of expansion. The attachment points of the strings are at different heights in a direction at right angles to the instrument surface, to determine the effective master radius. One or more adjustments are provided for the positions of these points. USE/ADVANTAGE - Good contact between strings and body for transmission of vibration in musical instrument with tremolo effect.

Description

Fig. 1A shows a vintage tremolo system in which all six strings (2) in the tremolo block (8) were suspended identical (15). The master radius in the following only MR. is the same for all strings. When the tremolo lever ( 6 ) is actuated, the electric bass string is first detuned on 6-string guitars, while the high electric string can only be detuned slightly. The greatest detuning difference occurs between the low and the high E string. As is known, the deep E string is stretched from the relaxed to the tuned state by about 1.5 mm, while the high string has to be stretched by about 4.5 mm to be tuned. The difference is about 3 mm between the high and the low E string. In order to compensate for this greatest detuning difference, the suspension bore ( 14 ) in the tremolo block ( 8 ) can be deepened in the thick E string ( FIG. 1B), or the MR. the high E string can be enlarged ( Fig. 1C and Fig. 1D). The MR. the z. B. E bass string is preferably reduced in size with conventional vintage tremolo systems. An enlargement of the MR. can be achieved by inserting a piece of pipe.

The depths of all 6 string suspension holes are preferably of different depths in order to compensate for the differences in stretch of all strings among themselves. This prevents different detuning of the strings when the tremolo lever is actuated. All tunings between the strings remain intact. By adjusting the spring force, all strings can be changed continuously at the same time. A disadvantage of these different deep holes ( 14 ) is that the deep holes have been tuned to a specific set of strings or strengths. Other string sets can only be used if the master voice effect is lost.

One of the few advantages of vintage knife edge tremolos:
The string and the string support area ( 9 ) are levered upwards when the tremolo lever is pressed. An increase in the amplitude of the string, which was caused by the relaxation of the string, does not then cause the string to hit the frets so easily and thus clink.

One of the disadvantages of vintage knife edge tremolos:
A known disadvantage of vintage tremolo systems is that the string gets relatively poor contact with the body, since only two knife edges, or even 6 or fewer screws, are available as vibration transmitters.

Fig. 1E shows a tremolo effect system in which an adaptation of the MR. can be made on different strings and string sets. With this tremolo system, the MR. can be changed and adjusted by a screw adjustment ( 19 ).

Thus, the tremolo system, as a master (voice) tremolo system, with all strings can be continuously adjusted at the same time, and all of them when the tremolo lever is actuated Strings stay tuned to each other, can be used. You can also adjust how strong the strings are be detuned when the tremolo lever is actuated. A more complex spring system is used (not shown) which moves the tremolo continuously from the 0 position to another Starting position tilts and thus enables tuning of all 6 strings.

With the active tremolo system, you can only set how strong the strings are when the Tremolo lever can be detuned (without complex spring system see drawing).  

For this purpose, in order to enable the strings to be passed through, a groove ( 17 ) was inserted in the tremolo block ( 8 A). A string attachment tab ( 18 ) can be set at a right angle to the tremolo base plate ( 7 ) by adjusting the screw ( 19 ) which is held in the area of the tremolo block ( 8 ), by rotating the screw in the direction of the base plate, or in the opposite direction move. Thus the MR. enlarged or reduced. The screws ( 19 ) are held by the bracket ( 22 ) and by locking washers ( 21 ), and easily held by a number of washers ( 20 ) so that they can rotate, or even if the riders ( 18 ) are designed as slide guide parts, only by the riders themselves and the corresponding groove and the holder ( 22 a), held and aligned (see also Fig. 3 section 2 ). The MR. Adjustment element assembly can also be designed as an individual part (not shown) and attached to the block ( 8 a).

To the MR. to enlarge, string material is processed in the area of mechanics, otherwise the MR. adjustment on the tremolo block would only be used as a fine tuning.

In the field of mechanics, known string clamping devices are used after the adjustment process in order to maintain tuning precision. The rider support area ( 9 ), which also moves in an arc around the tremolo attachment area ( 10 ), is computationally less important when operating the tremolo lever than the MR. which significantly stretches the string along the circular arc. Knife recognizers, roller riders and other spring systems also improve voice precision.

Should it be necessary to use the MR. To enlarge even more, in order to achieve a stronger tremolo effect and a stronger response of the tremolo, z. B. as was shown with reference to 1C, a tremolo block ( 8 B) attached obliquely to the base plate ( 7 ). An angular tremolo block ( 8 C) ( FIG. 1D) or other shaped parts are also used to mount the MR. to enlarge. Of course, also come as reindeer in the Figu 1 C, and Fig. 1D have not been shown, adjusting devices for adjusting the MR. , as well as special spring systems for setting the master mood.

Fig. 2 shows a two-part tremolo system in which a known two-roll web element (A) on the left, as well as a converted vintage or knife edge tremolo (not shown), has been inserted.

As is known, the pitch changes in known vintage tremos by adjusting each individual rider, which in principle makes it possible to tune the strings. For this purpose, 6 identical riders are used for each string, which have no height adjustment grub screws. These riders only have a lower contact roller ( 24 ), with which the riders can be rolled back and forth on the base plate ( 7 a) with reduced friction, and an upper string support roller ( 23 ). The fine knurled thumb screws ( 25 ) with washers ( 26 ) can be used to change the positions of the riders according to the known principle and to tune all the strings with each other. A change in the MR. as well as an additional master vote is also possible (not shown). The roller ( 24 ) reduce the friction between the base plate ( 7 a) and the rider ( 9 ) and allows easier adjustment with the knurled screw ( 25 ).

The washers ( 26 ) reduce the friction between the base plate and the screw head. The springs ( 27 ) are preferably dispensed with. The roller ( 24 ) and discs ( 26 ) are not absolutely necessary.

Due to this minor modification, the strings have in the area of the double roller bridge part (A) a good connection to the body (sound advantage over other vintage Tre molos) and can be fine-tuned in a simple way in the area of the tremolo system.

When using a single roller bridge, only an acceptable string contact pressure is achieved, when the tremolo is sunk deep into the body.  

Disturbing areas such. B. the tremolo lever edge ( 16 ) ( Fig. 1A), which should preferably be bent ( 16 a) (drawn in dashed lines), and the easily adjustable knurled screws ( 25 ) are then out of the way and cannot be touched by accidental contact be put. Guitarists have a habit of laying on the tremolo to get better hand guidance and to dampen the strings. All protrusions and edges would interfere. The screws as well as the riders protrude non-parallel over the body ( 1 ) in order to be easily accessible even when the tremolo is on (not shown). The MR too. Adjusting screws ( 19 ) and rider ( 18 ) are easily accessible from the back of the body, uncovered ( 30 ). Rear millings have been enlarged depending on the space requirements.

Fig. 3 shows a tremolo system that also an adjustment device for changing the MR. having. This manufacturing device can either change the MR. or tune the string.

Fig. 3 shows only the high low E string.

In one of my registrations (tremolo part P 4019 378.0-51) the use of under different roles described. In the old application, these should be different large rolls only specify the contact pressure on the roller web element. How to pointed out, by using roles of different sizes, there will be a slight change the tremolo's voice effect (unwanted approach to the master tremolo).

In the tremolo system shown, the area ( 37 ) to the left of the axis has been enlarged. There are then adjustment screws ( 31 ) which are rotatably held by elevations ( 45 , 42 ), whereby a movement of the attachment rider ( 40 ) can be achieved when the knurled screw rotates. These screws ( 31 ) are held by locking washers and easily rotatably held with washers.

Possibility Number 1

There is a longer groove ( 44 ) in the base plate ( 37 ) for the passage of the string ( 46 ) to the reel ( 32 , 35 ). The string attachment rider area ( 36 ) is guided in this groove. The front fastening area ( 42 ) for the adjusting screw is then omitted.

Possibility 2

If the area ( 36 ) on the rider is omitted, the area ( 42 ) serves to hold the adjusting screw ( 31 ) and to align the parts ( 31 , 40 ).

In the drawing Fig. 3, the MR. -Adjusting screw ( 31 ) held by two brackets ( 45 and 43 ). One of these brackets can be omitted because the screw is held by the shape of the MR adjustment element ( 40 ).

Due to the limiting or blocking screws ( 31 b) a master part is also possible. However, the tremolo system is then blocked in at least one direction. Kinking the base plate in the direction of the body can also enlarge the MR. make possible. It may be advantageous to downsize the flat base plate.

As with FIG. 1c, either each string can be fine-tuned, or the MR can also be used to unwind string material in the area of the mechanics. enlarge or reduce. As is known, there are now electrical fine tuning devices that independently wind up the string material with a small motor in the area of the mechanics and keep the string tuned using special electronics. With these fine tuning devices, a better alignment of the master radius with the corresponding string can be achieved.

The MR. Set screws ( 31 ) are also preferably radiating and directed upwards on the tremolo base plate ( 37 ). The screws ( 31 ) then have no parallel and not nearly the same alignment as the string course.

The use of knife edges is also possible and sensible with the tremolo. The knife edge or knife edge pin contact area is attached directly in the center of the axis ( 47 ).

As is already known, my tremolo system increases or decreases the string tension by winding or unwinding the string on a reel. The left ke area ( 37 ), to which the string is to be fastened in different ways, winds the string onto the reel ( 32 , 35 ) when the tremolo lever is pressed. In the normal vintage system, the tremolo effect is more likely to be achieved by a lifting effect. In order to minimize the area of the tremolo system, area A is also omitted. The tremolo arm is then attached to the left of the axle. Instead of a window opening ( 48 ), an area ( 41 ) which is open on one side is also used for the rollers. In order to enable the string ( 46 ) to be hooked into and through the holder ( 40 ), there is a slot ( 39 ) or a bore in the holder ( 40 ). The roller end ( 38 ) of the string is housed in the holder ( 40 ) before being sunk. All moving parts in Fig. 3 who covered with a cover (not shown). This larger area cover is attached to the base plate ( 37 ). This means that all functional parts are easy to lubricate.

FIG. 4a through FIG. 4d shows different strings stretch ratios during tremolo systems. The greatest detuning effect can be with a large role and a large MR. accomplish ( Fig. 4d).

The smallest vocal effect can be achieved with a small role and a small MR. according to the example ( Fig. 4b).

Fig. 4a and Fig. 4c shows Kompromislösungen.

The voice effects in these figures are in the intermediate range. To the voice effect ( Fig. 4d) with a large role and with a large MR. to enlarge, a lifting roller is attached to the right of the axis according to the example ( Fig. 4e, f, g). This stretches the string even more when the tremolo is moved.

Fig. 4h shows another string guide. From the fastening area, the string is guided over the large reel and under a lever roller to the right of the axis to the bridge part.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 1E show tremolo systems in which either a fine tuning can be achieved, or a setting of the MR. With these figures you have to choose between these two options. Fine tuners are used to overcome this disadvantage. These fine tuners are known from my patent application P 40 193 70.-51.

The rotatable fine tuning elements are located in a groove or slot. These fine tuner elements are similar to chain links and can be adjusted using an adjusting screw (fine tuning screw) that was attached above the chain link. The string is stretched by a lever movement. The fine tuner elements are either to the right ( Fig. 4g, 4f) next to the axis, or to the left of the axis ( Fig. 5b). However, in FIGS. 4g, 4f, a leverage effect is also generated by the fine tuner when the tremolo is moved (see also FIG. 4e).

Instead of the larger rollers, eccentric, movable, or other parts may also be permanently attached to the large axis ( 50 ) or the base plate ( 37 ). However, friction occurs in the area of these eccentric parts when the tre molosystem moves. In order to keep this friction as low as possible, the eccentric parts made of possibly lubricable Delrin or Tefflon etc. . These eccentric parts can then, for. B. cause different increasing string expansions occur when the tremolo system is actuated.

FIG. 5 shows a tremolo system in which the fine tuning is achieved by a rider-like principle that has already been shown in a similar manner in FIG. 2. The string is also stretched by the movement of the roller rider. The rider himself is preferably guided in the base plate in the manner of a slide. This prevents the rider from tilting. The adjusting screw ( 51 ) only engages in a bore in the slide ( 52 ) and is located in a thread of the base plate area. Falling out of the rider is also caused by the string tension.

Fig. 5f shows a tremolo system with fine tuning, in which the chain link-like fine tuner was attached to the basic axis ( 50 ). By adjusting the screw, the string is tuned by a stretching process.

Fig. 5f also illustrates that when the tremolo lever is pressed, the string is tuned upwards, that is, the string is stretched. The tremolo system thus works in contrast to a normal vintage tremolo, i.e. pressure on the tremolo lever detuning downwards. In my application P 40 193 78.0-51 an example was shown how an additional tremolo lever and a translation mechanism can be used to detune the string downwards when the other tremolo lever is pressed.

Fig. 5a illustrates how a normal vintage tremolo effect is achieved by using a double roller bridge, as well as the string guide via the roller ( 32 ), namely when the tremolo lever is pressed, the strings are tuned down. It is also possible (shown in dashed lines) that there is no need for rollers if the string is attached far enough over the axis. When pulling the tremolo lever upwards, the strings should not hit the base plate in the right area of the axis. For this purpose the front area of the base plate is milled away in the string area (see also Fig. 3 area ( 41 ). The tremolo system shown in Fig. 5a is a compromise between a vintage tremolo system and my tremolo system. If the tremolo lever is attached to the left of the axis, it is fastened It is clear that the system then becomes more and more similar to a vintage tremolo system. Adjustment mechanisms for changing the MR. and fine tuners can also be used according to the examples shown in the figures.

Fig. 4g shows a similar tremolo system, as it was already shown in Fig. 3, with the difference that the base plate was assembled from individual parts. For this purpose, elongated, rectangular metal rods ( 53 ) are placed on the axis ( 50 ), on which the rollers are also attached. The insertion of the chain link-like fine tuners, which are inserted between two rods, is further simplified. A slot milling of the base plate is no longer necessary. There is also a problem with inserting a long hole through the entire base plate. A common axis ( 55 ) for the six fine tuner chain links is to be inserted into this small hole. It is almost impossible to produce such a long hole with a relatively thin drill. For this purpose, the individual rods ( 53 ) are then individually provided with bores, into which the axis ( 55 ) for the fine tuner chain links is then inserted.

All component parts are held together by a connecting element ( 56 ) which is comb-like and is inserted from above or below, either left or right, or on both sides on and between the bars (front view). The fine-tuning screws ( 57 ) are then positioned within this connecting element, which then move the fine-tuners downwards and upwards. The tremolo lever ( 6 ) is then attached to a further rod ( 59 ) or also to this connecting element ( 56 ). Of course, the fine tuners must also be attached to the right of the axis (not shown in the drawing). The master radius adjustment elements are attached to the rods ( 53 ) in a manner similar to that in FIG. 3. Good storage for all rotating parts and string contact parts is of particular importance. Delrin and Teflon inserts for the rollers ( 35 ), as well as discs ( 58 ) and preferred tip bearings ( 60 , 60 a) instead of the axes ( 50 , 55 ), as well as knife edges in the area ( 61 ) are used.

In Fig. 3, section 2 , a master radius adjusting element was only MR in the following. Called adjusting element, shown.

A further possibility for a Mr. adjusting element, Fig. 3A. There, the string in area ( 71 ) is either hooked in, threaded in or also clamped. The double T-beam ( 75 ) is in the groove ( 44 ) and is clamped and fixed with screws ( 70 ). The master wheel is adjusted after loosening the screws ( 70 ) and moving the MR adjustment element ( 75 ).

Fig. 3B shows a similar MR adjusting element, which clamps itself by tightening the screw ( 70 ) within half of the T-slot. Here, a flat clamping pressure in the loading area ( 73 a) is generated by the screw ( 72 ).

Fig. 3E shows a double-T Mr. adjusting element, which is to be adjusted by a screw (77) which was unilaterally rotatably mounted beneath the base plate, and by adjusting the screw (77) in a position. Clamping is also possible in accordance with Example Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B.

Fig. 3C, FIG. 3D, Fig. 3F and Fig. 3G show further possibilities of securing the MR.- adjustment element. In Fig. 3C, a V-shaped MR. Part inserted into the V-shape groove. Likewise, a T-like component in FIG. 3 D, and also a round component ( 78 ) in the bore in FIG. 3F. The area ( 79 ) leaves space for the clamping screw ( 80 ). The area ( 76 ) enables the string ( 46 ) to be passed through to the reel ( 35 ) or (32) ( FIG. 3).

Once the position for the MR adjustment element ( 78 ) has been found, the screw ( 80 ) secures its position within the cavity of the base plate by clamping the MR adjustment element. Within the receiving cavities for the MR adjustment elements there are also preferably set screws according to the example in FIG. 6. The MR adjustment screws ( 31 , 77 ) are either located above the base plate ( FIG. 3) or below half the base plate FIG . 3E, or even within the cavity Fig. 6, 6A to 6E.

Fig. 6 shows a more compact version of a Mr.-adjustment element, which has been provided with a fine tuning. For this purpose, a groove ( 89 ) is located within the rectangular MR adjusting element ( 84 ). Within this groove is, rotatably supported by an axis ( 87 ), a lever element ( 85 ) which is pressed down by the screw ( 81 ) and thus stretches the string. With this stretching of the string, the roller ( 88 ) serves as a friction-reducing contact surface. The axis ( 87 ) serves as the fulcrum for the lever ( 85 ) and the preferred notched roller ( 88 ).

The bore ( 83 ), inside the part ( 84 ), facilitates the threading and hanging of the string ( 46 ) in the area ( 86 ) of the fine tuning lever. In the side area of the part ( 84 ) there are one or two setscrews ( 31 ). With these grub screws is the change of the MR. possible. Was the optimal location for the MR. Adjusting elements found, the position is fixed by clamping with the screws ( 80 ). For this purpose, the set screw ( 80 ) is provided with a slight slope ( 80 a) at the bottom. The area ( 80 b) serves as a guide within the groove ( 76 ). The clamping screw ( 80 ) or the set screws ( 31 ) can also be dispensed with.

Fig. 6A shows the removed fine tuning lever (85) with the Einhängnut (90) for the string.

Fig. 6D shows the Mr. adjusting element with its insert parts from the front view.

Fig. 6C shows the Mr. adjusting element from the bottom view.

Fig. 6B shows a lever member (85) in which the string is threaded by threading into a bore (91) and in a smaller bore (92) and mounted.

Fig. 6E shows another String adjuster lever element within the Mr-adjustment element (84). Here, a groove ( 89 ) is again inserted within the MR adjustment element. Within this groove, the fine tuning lever part is rotatably held in the area ( 95 ) by an axis. A roller ( 98 ) is attached to an axis ( 99 ) on the fine tuning element. The fine tuning lever itself has been provided with groove areas ( 94 ) and ( 97 ), so that a jagged shaped area is created in area ( 96 ). This section ( 96 ) makes it easier to insert the string and prevents the string from jamming in the area ( 97 ). The fine tuning screw ( 81 ) can be used to move the lever element up and down, thus either stretching or shortening the string.

In the drawings Fig. 6 and Fig. 6E, the string runs below the roller ( 35 ). It is also possible to guide the string over the roller (shown in dashed lines). When the tremolo lever is actuated, the strings can be detuned downward when the tremolo lever is pressed, and the frequency of the string is increased when the tremolo lever is pressed.

Likewise, as has been illustrated in Fig. 6, can be in Fig. 3 C, E, D, G, F, threaded pins are running within the cavity (in the drawings not shown).

Each tremolo should be designed to be as user-friendly as possible, which means that all threading processes for the strings should be simplified as much as possible. The threading in Fig. 4f and Fig. 5b could cause problems, since the string must be carried out between the two rollers below the base plate. For this purpose there are larger groove cuts in the back of the body. Hook-shaped tools are also used to thread the strings. Larger millings in the back of the instrument body, which are used to thread the strings, are then preferably covered.

Fig. 6, Fig. 6B and Fig. 6E show elegant solutions in relation to the threading of the string in the field of fine tuner.

The area ( 100 ) would actually be visible in Fig. 6D. This area serves to stabilize the base plate, which would otherwise only be held together in the area ( 37 , 37 a). Otherwise the base plate would be unfavorably bent apart by clamping the screw ( 80 ).

Claims (12)

1. tremolo device for stringed instruments with a tremoloblock pivotally mounted in the area of a body of the instrument, which holds ends of strings of the instrument and the strings can be predetermined, characterized in that a deflection of the strings ( 2 ) in the area of the tremoloblock ( 8 ) is designed in this way is that master radii, which extend between a pivot line of the tremolo block ( 8 ) and articulation points of the strings ( 2 ), are dimensioned equally for all strings ( 2 ) in relation to string expansion coefficients and that the strings ( 2 ) are fastened in the area of the tremolo block ( 8 ) in a direction substantially transverse to an instrument surface for specifying the effective master radius at different heights of the articulation points and at least one adjusting element is provided for specifying the respective positioning of the articulation points. 2. tremolo device according to claim 1, characterized in that the strings ( 2 ) in bores of the tremo loblockes ( 8 ) are guided. 3. tremolo device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized characterized in that the holes with difference depths are provided. 4. tremolo device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tremolo block ( 8 ) is provided with a string support collar ( 9 ). 5. tremolo device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the tremolo block ( 8 ) is formed from segments arranged at an angle to one another. 6. tremolo device claim 5, characterized in that the instrument surface arranged abge facing segment extends in a direction away from the course of the strings ( 2 ). 7. tremolo device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that for different strings ( 2 ) holes with different inclination angles are provided by the mutually arranged Seg elements. 8. tremolo device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a string support roller ( 28 ) and a string pressure roller ( 29 ) are provided as part of the strings. 9. tremolo device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a deflection roller ( 23 ) is arranged in the region of the tremolo block ( 8 ) for string deflection. 10. tremolo device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a screw adjustment ( 19 ) is provided for positioning the articulation points. 11. tremolo device according to claim 10, characterized in that the screw adjustment ( 19 ) extends substantially transversely to the upper surface of the instrument. 12. tremolo device according to claim 10, characterized in that the screw adjustment ( 19 ) extends substantially parallel to the upper surface of the instrument.