GB2348536A

GB2348536A - Multi-edge plectrum

Info

Publication number: GB2348536A
Application number: GB9908714A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Steven John Dean
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-03-29
Filing date: 1999-04-19
Publication date: 2000-10-04
Also published as: GB9907060D0; GB9908714D0

Abstract

The groove 1 within the playing edge of this plectrum produces two playing edges 2 which are capable of striking two strings instantaneously, yielding a far more resonant and fuller tone than a conventional plectrum can produce. To the extent that a six-stringed guitar, for example, can take on a timbre and resonance very close to that of a twelve-stringed guitar. The double edges 2 can be pressed together to produce the sound of a conventional plectrum, thus vastly increasing the scope and range of the stringed musical instrument. The depth and width of the groove 1 can be varied to produce various grooved double-edged plectrums, capable of yielding many different resonances and tones. Extra grooves will produce further varieties.

Description

PLECTRUMUPLECTRON/PICK This invention relates to a stringed musical instrument plectrum/plectron/pick.

Conventional plectrums/plectrons/picks (they are known by all three terms; I shall henceforth refer to the plectrum/ plectron/pick simply as a'plectrum') are well known devices used for picking and strumming the strings of certain stringed musical instruments; i. e. both electric and acoustic guitars, mandolins and related instruments. They are usually constructed of plastics or polyamides ; although plectrums made of wood, felt, metal, tortoiseshell and other materials, composite or otherwise, are not unknown. As long as they feature a projecting, usually bevelled, edge or tip with which to pick or strum the strings of the musical instrument, plectrums can be of any reasonable size or shape, thinness (less than 0. 50mm) or thickness (usually up to 1.5mm; although even thicker plectrums are not uncommon). Most popular are those of an oval design. The dimensions of an average plectrum of this shape would be 30. mm in length and 25.00mm at its widest point; varyingly tapering to an apex, usually rounded, on the playing edge of the plectrums bevelled edges. Intrinsically, they are flattened and individually of varying thicknesses ; different plectrum thicknesses producing different tones on the strummed or picked instrument. However, a conventional plectrum in any shape or form can only carry out its limited ability to strum or pick one note at a time, no matter how fast a guitar solo is picked or a chord sequence strummed.

The object of this invention is to greatly enlarge on the potential offered by the conventional plectrum.

Accordingly, the split, slit, or grooved plectrum (all three terms are suitable descriptions. I shall henceforth refer to the split, slit or grooved plectrum simply as a'grooved plectrum') is capable of striking two strings simultaneously without detracting from the dexterity of the player. As a sixstring guitar chord, for instance, is strummed, the second playing edge on the grooved double plectrum instantaneously follows onto the first edge's stroke, creating an effect not unlike a twelve-stringed guitar. As a twelve-stringed guitar has paired strings, here we have paired playing edges. Pro rata, the plectrum also'doubles up'the sound of a twelvestringed guitar itself. The double-edges of the grooved plectrum can also be pressed together with the fingers and thumb so that the plectrum also functions as a conventional plectrum. Overall, the action of the grooved double-edged plectrum greatly enhances clarity and resonance of sound.

In the action of pressing the double-edges together, the player finds the grooved plectrum to be more or less projecting the apex to a very close to ideal distance for conventional plectrum work.

Ideally, the grooved double-edged plectrum should be made from polyamides or plastics. But, as described previously, plectrums, with no reason to exclude a grooved plectrum, can come in a large variety of shapes and materials and combinations of materials. The groove itself is the invention. More than one groove can produce more playing edges, yielding a large variety of grooved plectrums.

The grooved plectrums double playing edges also make playing a relevent stringed musical instrument, in general, considerably easier; as a missed note will, to a great degree, be picked up by the second playing edge.

A prefered embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective, the grooved plectrum.

Referring to figure 1 the example plectrum demonstrates an oval one-piece plectrum of these dimensions, 30. 00mm x 25.00mm x 2.00mm. The groove 1 has a gap of 1.00mu, creating two 0. 50mm thick bevelled playing edges 2. As a guide, a groove 1 8.00mm deep will produce a very clear, cutting tone; whereas a groove 1 15. mm deep will produce a twelve-string guitar-like, very resonant quality. The depth of the groove 1 plays a great part in deciding the sound. Variations on the width of the groove 1 and also the thicknesses of the double-edges 2 can also offer different resonances and tones.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 A plectrum comprising a horizontal groove within the playing edge of the said plectrum. The groove bringing about two playing edges.
2 A grooved plectrum as claimed in claim 1 with two horizontal grooves will produce three playing edges; and so on.