GB2238645A - Instrument pitch changer - Google Patents

Abstract

A rear-mounting and self-positioning detachable, or permanently fixed, pitch changer for any musical instrument which has strings fed through the body. Any permutation of the fitted strings may be anchored to the base section 10 or lever section 12. The leverage is body-operable and the lever section 12 is counter sprung or otherwise resistant at the hinge or fulcrum connecting section 14. Together with inherent string tension this is sufficient to gain sensitivity of movement and return the assembly to its at rest position. Different modes of wide and limited pitch variation may be produced as well as convertibility one to the other to obtain differing musical effects. A range of materials and shapes is suitable for its construction. Secured by string tension, it may be further reasonably secured without detriment to its operation. Recessing or building into or onto a host instrument may render inessential certain parts hitherto specified. <IMAGE>

Description

INSTRUMENT PITCH CHANGER This invention relates to an instrument pitch changer.

Pitch changers which operate by mainly mechanical means are well-known features or retroactively fitted accessories of certain musical instruments. At the players wilful movement they produce impressive sonic effects by altering the length-to-tension ratio of a played string. There are two distinct groups of known types. The first group are known by such names as 'tremolo', 'wang bar' and 'whammy arm'. This first group may be played instinctively and also melodically over a characteristically wide range of uninterrupted pitch variation, actIng with one movement upon all of the stings mounted on the musical instrument.The second distinct grout are on bv such names as string bender' or 'b-bencer'.

This second group consists of types which operate upon a chosen string. They achieve, at full movement, a character istically limited, fixed scale intervalllc note change such as provides limIted embellishment or alters the logic of a chord.

The first group types are, however, visibly mounted on tne front of the instrument where they occupy a space in the wav of the players hand and that hand is disabled to a greater or lesser extent whilst the device is in use; they permanently define the bridge and string anchor points thereby requiring a skIlled person such as a luthier to position, fit or re-rit.

Both distinct groups are, however, relatively expensive; they are of copies and preponderantly metal construction, not matcing, say, a wood-bodied instrument In appear2ncL Ur tone. The first and second group types are, however, not convertible ona to the other and will not accord upon the same instrument. Moreover, no type of either group accommodates, of itself, fully variable, or any, multiple permutations of strings to be selected.

According to the present invention there is provided an instrument pitch changer comprising a variable amount of pieces made up according to the mode into the following sections; a lever section provided with guide openings and string anchor points to match certain string spacings of the intended hosc musical instrument; a base section provided with the same; a compressible section, such as a spring coil, that adequately increases the resistance between the lever section and the instrument's own string tension and which serves to connect the base section and lever section in the manner of a hinge or fulcrum; the whole assembly to be pulled into place and held to the rear of the host instrument by that instrument 5 own string tens ion and- further reasonable securing as desired.

Some specIfic embodiments of the invention will now be descrIbed by way of examples with reference to the accompanyng drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective the instrument pitch charter in the mode of hinged at one end.

Figure 2 shows in perspective the instrument pitch changer in the mode of hinged toward the centre.

Figure 3 illustrates the placing of the instrument pitch changer to the rear of an appropriate instrument.

Figure - illustrates the placing of the instrument pitch clanger to the rear of an instrument equipped with a Sr mounted ',remalo'.

Figure 5 shows â built-in example.

Referring to the drawing the instrument pitch changer comprises a base section 10, a lever section 12 and a connector as hinge or fulcrum 14 which generally offers resistance adequate, with allowance for string tension, to return the lever to the at rest position.

In order to commence operation af the pitch changer the host instrument may be squeezed and pulled to the player's body.

The range of pitch variation reaches a limit which is predetermined by the lever movement available. This may be governed by the positioning of the lever section 12 and hinge or fulcrum section 14 about the base section 10 as shown by examples in Fig 1 and Fig 2.

Simple placing on an ideal host instrument such as the wellknown string-through- bod manner of guitar constructton is illustrated bv Fig 3. hen the strings are reasonabl tunedup the pitch changer is held by them to its correct posItIon where it may be reasonably further secured either temporarily or permanently without detriment to its operation. Removal is facilitated by slackening-off the strings and reversing the procedure.

The instrument pitch changer is rear-mount-ng as sr.c.n in Fig 3 and Fig 4. It may be placed on a host instrument in addition to the well-known front-mounting 'tremold' as shown in Fig 4.

Recessing or building into or onto a host instrument may render inessential certain parts hitherto specified as shown by example in Fig 5. Here the host of itself forms a base; the lever section 12, being detachable, connects in the sense ct rocks on an edgepivotl5; provision and positIoning of limiters 16 determines travel.

Claims (8)

1 An instrument pitch changer comprising a variable amount of pieces made up according to the mode into the following sections; a lever section provided with guide openings and string anchor points to match certain string spacings of the intended host musical instrument; a base section provided with the same; a compressible section, such as a spring coil, that adequately increases the resistance between the lever section and the instrument's own string tension and which serves to connect the base section and lever section in the manner of a hinge or fulcrum; the whole assembly to be pulled into place and held to the rear of the host instrument by that instrument's own string tension and further reasonable securing as desired.

2 An instrument pitch changer as claimed in Claim 1 wherein it is incorporated into or onto the build of a musical instrument or other device during construction with the intention of offering same for sale or use.

3 An instrument pitch changer as claimed in Claim i or Claim 2 wherein it is preponderantly made from wood and other materials selected for appearance and tone.

4 An instrument pitch changer as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein it is provided with limited travel of the lever to achieve fixed pitch musical integrals at full movement or points in movement.

5 An instrument pitch changer as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein it is convertible by way of attachment to it of limiters or brakes or similar attachments to reduce a wider ranges of available. pitch variation to a more limited range of availabie pitch variation and the reverse achieved b disabling of same.

6 An instrument pitch cranf7er as cli ez ir. C -i or Claim 2 or Claim 3 or Claim 4 or Claim 5 wherein it is variable in contours, shapes, positioning of sections, construction of sections, angles and dimensions and may, also, therefore, be personalised to a particular user.

7 An instrument pitch changer as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3 or Claim 4 or Claim 5 or Claim 6 which is modified or amended in construction from the description herein but linked by the same inventive concept.

8 An instrument pitch changer substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-5 of the accompanying drawing.