GB2264191A

GB2264191A - A chinrest for a musical instrument

Info

Publication number: GB2264191A
Application number: GB9202668A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William John Prescott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-02-08
Filing date: 1992-02-08
Publication date: 1993-08-18
Anticipated expiration: 2012-02-08
Also published as: GB9202668D0; GB2264191B

Abstract

Certain stringed musical instruments such as the violin and viola, are held under the chin of the player so as to leave both hands free. This clamping with the neck can cause major problems in muscular tension and distortion of the neck and shoulder and may not hold the instrument very securely. A step 6 is provided on the chinrest 5 which engages inside and behind the jawbone 8 of the player giving a positive location and minimising the pressures needed to hold the instrument in position - particularly in conjunction with existing designs of shoulder rests. The step 6 may be integrally moulded or machined with the chinrest but having a detachable face piece (see also figure 6), or it may be separately fixed and detachable (Figure 5). <IMAGE>

Description

A CHINREST FOR A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

This invention relates to a chinrest with special features, for a stringed musical instrument.

It is common practice to hold certain stringed musical instruments such as violins or violas, under the chin. In order to hold the instrument without damping the top or bottom of the instrument, various chinrests and shoulder rests have been designed and used. Most of these chinrests rely on strong downward pressure from the chin in order to hold the instrument securely and leave the playing hand free to finger the strings.

This can lead to discomfort and distortion of the neck and bring long term posture problems and injuries.

This invention relates to a specific step feature of a chinrest which provides positive location and support whilst ensuring the minimum deflection of the neck and smallest requirement of neck muscle pressure so providing less fatigue and minimising longer term damage to the body through poor posture. This is coupled with various ways of ensuring that compensation can be provided to give an individual fit for particular neck, chin and shoulder dimensions.

I propose a chinrest for a stringed musical instrument comprising a platform having a dished surface on which the player's chin rests, and means for securing the platform to the instrument in a position spaced above the body of the instrument, whereon, on the periphery of the platform adjacent to the securing means, there is provided a step which.

in the playing position of the instrument, extends upwardly from the platform to engage inside and behind the jawbone of the player.

The invention is particularly described and shown in accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a plan view of part of the top of a stringed musical instrument 1 showing the instrument tailpiece 2 and adjacent to this the chinrest platform 5 with securing clamp screws 7. Onto the dished platform is positioned the step 6 wherethe actual shape and dimensions will be varied to match the personal shape of the player's jawbone which is shown as dotted line 8.

Figure 2 is an end elevation from Figure 1 showing the platform 5 over the top of the instrument 1 with the securing clamp screws 7 spanning the ribs 3 and clamping the underside. The height of the dished platform 5 and the step 6 will be varied to match individual players.

Figure 3 is a section on the Line 7 m indicated on Figure 1 showing the platform 5 and the screws 7 clamping between the edge pf the instrument top 1 and bottom 4. The near vertical edge of the step 6 is more clearly shown in this Figure.

Figure 4 shows a variation where the platform 5 is clamped to the instrument by similar clamp screws 7 but positioned astride of the tailpiece 2 whilst the platform 5 is still positioned to the side of the tailpiece 2. In the construction of the musical instrument there is a wooden block inside under the tailpiece, so providing a more secure clamping base.

In this invention the step 6 can be moulded or machined integrally with the platform 5. Alternatively, it can be a separate detachable piece as shown in Figure 5, with locating pins 9 or similar. Being detachable it is easier to shape the step 6 to fit the indivdual jawbone of the player.

Another variant is shown in Figure 6 where a small step 6 is moulded or machined in the platform 5 and the face of this fitted with a deeper removable step face 10 which can be made to fit the jawbone of the player.

Claims

CLAIMS.

1 A chinrest for a stringed musical instrument comprising a platform having a dished surface on which the player's chin rests and a means for securing the platform to the instrument in a position spaced above the body of the instrument whereon, on the periphery of the platform adjacent to the securing means, there is provided a step which, in the playing position of the instrument, extends upwardly from the platform to engage inside and behind the jawbone of the player.

2 A chinrest as in Claim 1 where the step is moulded or machined in one piece with the platform but to which is secured a detachable face piece which can be finished to match the individual size and shape of the player's jawbone.

3 A chinrest as in Claim 1 where the step is separately fixed and detachable so that it can be finished to match the individual size and shape of the player's jawbone.

4 A chinrest for a stringed musical instrument, substantially as herein described with reference to, and as illustrated in, Figures

1 to 3, Figure 4, Figure 5 or Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings.