GB1046360A - Musical instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

1,046,360. Musical instrument using prerecorded tapes. H. C. CHAMBERLIN. Dec. 7, 1964 [Feb. 3, 1964], No. 49657/64. Headings G5J and G5R. A keyboard instrument, Fig. 1, has three sets of keys, depression of any one of which causes one of a set of corresponding tapes 10, Fig. 2, to produce desired melody, harmony or rhythmic tones. Each tape contains eighteen different tonepatterns, six consecutively on each of three tracks but related in pitch to the key pressed. Stop-tabs 79, in three sets for the three sets of keys, in conjunction with a slotted control tape (Fig. 7, not shown) forward- or back-space the related set of tapes to select a desired tone-colour for the corresponding set of keys in conjunction with knobs 59 which select the desired one, or two adjacent, tracks. The rhythm keys produce either incomplete chords (first, fifth and octave) usable in both major and minor modes or the three diminished triads, all in a selection of rhythms and tempi, to which the player adds harmony and melody. The harmony and melody keys produce notes of selected tone-colours corresponding to solo or grouped orchestral instruments. Pedal keys 43, Fig. 2, may be linked 46, to pull down the rhythm set of manual keys. Knobs 156, Fig. 1, control the volume of each department. Tape mechanism. Depression of playing key 11 (or 43) advances corresponding pinch-roller 40 and head pad 42 into engagement with its tape, the tape being driven by a capstan 28 common to all the tapes and drawn from reservoir 53, which allows 8 seconds of play. Release of the key frees the tape for rapid return by the spring 30 ready for re-use. The guide 24 is so placed that the tape is withdrawn from the head 25 during return to obviate " monkey-chatter." Reels 12, 13, when energized continuously draw the tapes to and fro until a slot in the control tape is engaged to locate the desired tape-sections in the reservoir 53, with the start of the section adjacent the head. An indicator lamp lights when a desired section is located (circuit, Fig. 8, not shown) in the reservoir to show that the set of tapes can then be played.