GB2462119A

GB2462119A - Guitar tremolo arm with variable frictional resistance

Info

Publication number: GB2462119A
Application number: GB0813643A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Moore
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-25
Filing date: 2008-07-25
Publication date: 2010-01-27
Also published as: GB0813643D0

Abstract

A guitar tremolo arm A may be affixed to a tremolo bridge L via a threaded hole on said bridge. Said arm may be attached via a thread into a swivel C and locked into a desired position via a locknut B. Said arm and swivel are located on a post G and their position may be determined via the use of two friction washers E and F and a corresponding locknut D which as it is tightened onto a threaded portion K of said post, clamps said tremolo arm in position increasing its frictional resistance to turning, via the use of serrations and projections provided on locknut D and top washer E. Said post locates into said bridge via a threaded portion J.

Description

Fully adjustable arm for guitar tremolo devices

Background.

Many electric guitars are fitted with a tremolo device with the purpose of being able to temporarily lengthen or shorten the strings during playing in order to change the pitch of the notes. This is sometimes achieved by the use of a pivoting bridge. The bridge is the part fitted to the body of the guitar that retains the strings.

Referring to drawing 1: -Key to drawing I showing standard fitment tremolo arm I -Standard tremolo arm 2 -Strings 3-Chrome plate 4 -Tremolo block -Guitar body 6 -Reaction spring 7-Position of arm tension spring The standard arm (1), which the present invention is designed to replace, consists of a piece of steel rod approximately 5 to 6 mm diameter bent at one end and threaded in order to screw into the tremolo block (4) fitted to the guitar. Once in place the height of this arm above the face of the guitar body is set and cannot be adjusted. Also it will swing down when released leaving it in an inconvenient position in relation to the musician's hand. Sometimes a small spring is put into the threaded hole at position (7) in the tremolo block to apply rotational resistance to the arm. This in not particularly effective and there is no adjustment of the tension applied by the spring, also this very often results in the thread in the block (4) becoming damaged after continual use of the tremolo unit. The tremolo block (4) then has to be replaced which can be very costly.

The present invention is specifically designed to fit to tremolo devices that have a screw in arm to operate them, It will be a direct replacement of the existing arm and will be adjustable for height and rotational resistance.

Fully adiustable arm for guitar tremolo devices Operation.

Referring to drawings 2 and 3: -Key to drawings 2 and 3 showing the present invention A -Tremolo arm B -Arm locking nut C -Swivel o -Knurled nut E -Top friction washer F -Lower friction washer G Post H -Protective washer J -5mm or 6mm male thread K -4mm male thread L -Typical tremolo bridge The present invention consists of a small stainless steel post (G), one end of which is threaded up to a shoulder in order to screw into the tremolo block. There is a nylon washer (H) at the shoulder to prevent any damage to the chrome on the face of the tremolo device.

Attached to this post is a short swivelling stainless steel rod (C) with a hole at one end and an internal thread at the other end for the arm (A) to attach. The swivel is trapped between two nylon washers (E & F), which are used to apply friction by means of hand tightened stainless steel knurled nut (D). There is a square on the post (G) and in the top nylon washer (E).

These engage with each other preventing the washer from turning and loosening the nut (D) when the tremolo is in use. A stainless steel arm (A) with a 45° bend and a thread at one end screws into the swivel and is locked in place by a hexagon nut (B).

Once fitted to the guitar the musician can, by slackening the locking nut (B), adjust the height of the tremolo-operating arm to a convenient height above the body of the guitar. Then the locking nut (B) is tightened with a spanner.

The arm assembly will rotate about the axis of post (G). Tightening or slackening the knurled nut (D), by hand, can adjust the rotational resistance to the tremolo arm. As the knurled nut (0) is turned, the v shaped protrusions engage and disengage with the grooves in the top washer (F). The v's are very small and there is sufficient flexibility in the material of the washer to allow these to bump' into the next position until the desired adjustment is attained.

The knurled nut (D) will not vibrate loose due to the engagement of the v's. The top of the knurled nut (0) is rounded in order to protect the musicians hand should it come into contact during playing.

If the moving parts of the present invention start to wear with use, the knurled nut (D) can be tightened to compensate for this.

Fully adjustable arm for guitar tremolo devices Advantages.

1. There are many aftermarket tremolos available but these require removal and replacement of the existing tremolo bridge, this can be costly. The present invention can be fitted in seconds without the need for specialist tools or knowledge.

2. The standard arm, when released, will swing downwards leaving it in an inconvenient position in relation to the musician's hand. The present invention will stay in place when released, if required.

3. By being adjustable this invention will greatly improve the playability of the guitar for any musician who makes use of the tremolo device.

4. Constant use of the standard tremolo arm will eventually result in the thread of the tremolo block becoming worn and ultimately this will need to be replaced. The present invention will not cause any wear or deterioration to any part of the guitar.

Claims

Fully adjustable arm for guitar tremolo devices Claims 1. A guitar tremolo operating arm to attach to existing guitar tremolo bridges of the type where attachment is made by screwing the arm into a single threaded hole in the bridge.
2. A guitar tremolo operating arm according to claim I with unique rotational resistance adjustment.
3. A guitar tremolo operating arm according to claim I where the height the arm above the guitar body can be adjusted.
4. A guitar tremolo operating arm according to claim 2 where the rotational resistance can be adjusted to compensate for wear.