GB2423623A

GB2423623A - Acoustic guitar maintenance protective cover

Info

Publication number: GB2423623A
Application number: GB0504085A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Suzanna Capella
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-02-28
Filing date: 2005-02-28
Publication date: 2006-08-30
Also published as: GB0504085D0

Abstract

A cover to protect the front face only of the sound box of an acoustic guitar is made from a single piece of cushioned waterproof fabric with felt backing which is cut to follow the contours of the sound box. The cover slides under the strings and covers the whole of the front face of the sound box, including the sound hole. Slits are provided to allow the cover to be fitted around the bridge and fretboard. Two straps which can be fastened by means of hook and loop fasteners secure the cover to the instrument around the neck of the guitar. Six slots may be provided in the upper surface of the cover to store pins used to secure the strings and a pocket may be provided to store plectrums. The cover is intended to be used while maintenance, such as string changing, is being performed or during periods of non-use, for example, when the guitar is supported on a stand or is stored in a case.

Description

Acoustic Guitar Maintenance protective cover This invention relates to the

protection of the surface an acoustic Guitar.

Guitars are most susceptible to accidental damage to the fragile and aesthetically prized playing surface during string changing and routine care and maintenance to frets, saddle and bridge.

Pins which are used for holding in the strings at the bridge are removed during string changing and often lost or fall down inside the sound hole.

Guitars left on a stand are vulnerable to knocks and chips and sunlight damage which can cause fading and cracking lacquer.

Lids on Guitar cases do often fall on the guitar whilst it is being put away and heavily damage the surface. If a guitar is left in its case for long periods of time some transference of colour can bleed into the lacquer coating of the guitar from the interior fabric of the case.

To overcome these problems the present invention proposes a protective cover to be mounted upon the guitar top only. It is in one complete piece and slides carefully under the strings and mto place and is tailored to the precise shape of the playing surface. It is made from a cushioned waterproof fabric with felt backing, in various colours and visual finishes. The cover fits snugly under the strings between the strings and the sound hole but covering the sound hole. It fits around the bridge and the fret board of the guitar where it is fitted to the body. It is held in place by two straps affixed to either side of the upper section of the cover. These thread behind the base of the arm of the instrument (where the body of the instrument joins the arm) and are secured by Velcro* Upon the surface of the cover is mounted a section of six slots for storage of the 6 pins used to secure the strings. There is also a small mounted pocket for storage of plectrums (which are used play the strings). The bottom of the cover has a slit cut into it between the exact centre of its base and the centre of the space for the bridge enabling it to open and slide into place The Advantages of the cover are that it protects the face of the guitar whilst in it stand against nocks and chips and sunlight damage. It protects the surface whilst routine care and maintenance such as string changing. And can be left on the guitar in its case for protection against transference of colour from the interior of the case and accidental damage when handling. It is envisaged that the cover will be left in place when the guitar is not being played The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 (a) Shows the cover as it is not fitted to the guitar (b) Shows the slit cut which allows it to be fitted.

Figure 2 (a) Shows the cover fitted to a guitar under the strings between the strings and sound hole, but covering the sound hole.

(b) Shows the cover fits only on the face of the Guitar Figure 3 (a) Shows the strap fitted in place around the arm of the guitar (b) Shows the strap unfastened of the guitar (c) Shows how the strap is fastened with velcrotT Figure 4 a) Shows the six storage slots for pins and the plectrum pocket.

b) shows the pins and plectrum in place.

Claims

Claims I. An acoustic guitar maintenance protective cover which slides

onto the front face of guitar only in one complete piece, which is cut to follow the contour of the guitars body.
2. An acoustic guitar maintenance protective cover according to claim 1, which When fitted goes under the strings between the body and the strings and covers the sound hole.
3. An acoustic guitar maintenance protective cover according to claim 1, which is tailor fitted to fit snugly around the bridge and fret board, with one slit in the fabric to allow fitting.
4. An acoustic guitar maintenance protective cover acding to claim 1, which Is secured by two straps joined together with Velcro that rap around the arm of the guitar where the arm meets the body.
5. An acoustic guitar maintenance protective cover according to claim 1, Houses storage for pins and plectrum