GB2404074A

GB2404074A - Steel guitar changer

Info

Publication number: GB2404074A
Application number: GB0316717A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edward Thomas Harvey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-07-17
Filing date: 2003-07-17
Publication date: 2005-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 2023-07-17
Also published as: GB2404074B; GB0316717D0

Abstract

A steel or pedal guitar changer having a large C-shaped spring A attached between the base of the changer and a point on the opposite side of the changer, such that a line between the two attachment points also passes through the central pivot point F of the changer. The C-shaped spring can be adjusted from the top of the guitar by adjustor screw B, and in use causes backwards or forwards motion of the changer, thereby raising or lowering the strings C of the guitar. The changer may be one of a series of changers arranged on the surface of the guitar. Use of the changer results in easier and lighter movement of the strings, and reduces stresses on the guitar body D and pedals.

Description

THE DESCRIPTION

STEEL GUITAR CHANGER

The invention relates to a steel guitar changer based on an excentric mechanism utilising a system of levers and cam which enables a smoother and quicker changing facility, by reducing pressure on the strings and thereby improving the action. The invention relates to a series of steel guitar changers including levers which alter the tension of the strings.

Such steel guitar changers are well-known, but suffer from the disadvantage of requiring a higher level of pressure on the changers which is transferred to the strings. On an existing, standard changer there is a spring needed at the base of the changer to return and retain the adjustor against a stop (at the end plate of the guitar). This stops the pressure or pull of the string. The existing changer raises the string by requiring an often added spring to assist in the raising of the string to make the level of pressure needed lighter.

The invention removes the need for return springs and also the need for those additional springs which are sometimes inserted to assist in the raising of the strings. This invention reduces the pressure on the steel guitar cabinet, it assists in keeping the steel guitar strings in tune by reducing cabinet drop. It reduces the need for pressure on the pedals and subsequent levers and quickens the ability to play i.e. the action. It is preferable for the changer to be made of steel or similar material for strength. The invention also allows for adjustment of the spring from the top of the mechanism, whereas on an existing guitar adjustment can only be made from the end at the back.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 shows the side view of the central or neutral position FIGURE 2 shows an "exploded" view of the assembly of parts FIGURE 3 shows the position of the changer raising strings FIGURE 4 shows the position on the changer lowering strings As shown in Figure 1, the essential feature of the changer is a large C-shaped spring marked "A"; the point marked "B" is an adjustor screw to alter the tension of the string; "C" is the string; "D" is the return stop which usually forms part of the guitar body; "E" shows a dotted line which is the central excentric base line; "F" denotes the central pivot point; "G" and "H" are connecting rods; As shown in Figure 2, the "exploded" view; and in addition to those parts referred to above "I" is the pivot plate; "J" is the pull lever; "K" is the connecting pull lever; "L" is the connecting pivet plate; "M" is the cam.

Adjusting "B" puts tension on "A" which will assist in the raising of the string marked "C" and in the return to "D" (the return stop).

The excentric mechanism (which produces a backward and forward motion) central point is marked "E" in Figure 1. Figure 1 also shows the excentric base line of the backwards/forwards movement that enables the changer to be different from existing ones. On Figure 3 the connecting rod marked "G" when pulled pulls the lever forward which raises the string, during this time the point marked "H" remains stationary. On Figure 4 when "H" is pulled the lever lowers the string and the point marked "G" remains stationary. At the base of the pivet plate there are 3 notches which allows by repositioning manually the spring marked "A" to alter the pivot point during the initial setting up.

Claims

1. An excentric steel guitar changer using a spring device related to a pivet point and utilitising a system of levers and cam mechanism which results in an easier and lighter movement. The tension of the strings is adjustable from the top of the guitar case. The system can be placed as a series of changers in a guitar.

2. An excentric changer using a spring device relating to a pivot point.

3. A changer as claimed in any preceding claim being a device for stretching and lowering a string or series of strings.

4. A changer as claimed in any preceding claim being a device for lifting and lowering strings at different tensions.

5. A series of steel guitar changers as claimed in claim 1, arranged on a guitar body whereby each changer is operable to adjust the tension of an individual string.

5. A changer as claimed in any preceding claim being a device for raising and lowering a combination of strings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A steel guitar changer(s) having a central pivot point about which backwards and forwards motion is produced, the changer(s) comprising means for raising and lowering a string as a result of said backwards and forwards motion, and a C-shaped spring attached between the base of the raising and lowering means and a point on the opposite side of the raising and lowering means, whereby adjusting the tension in the C-shaped spring results in said backwards and forwards motion.

2. A steel guitar changer(s) as claimed in claim 1 where the C-shaped spring is adjustable from the top of the guitar body.

3. A steel guitar changer(s) as claimed in any preceding claim whereby the changer can adjust strings of different tensions.

4. A s.ee' guitar changer(s) as claimed in any preceding claim whereby combinations of strings are adjustable.