GB2479224A

GB2479224A - A compact guitar with tuning keys mounted in the rear of the guitar body

Info

Publication number: GB2479224A
Application number: GB1022091A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Weatherill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-08-17
Filing date: 2010-12-30
Publication date: 2011-10-05
Anticipated expiration: 2030-12-30
Also published as: GB201013760D0; EP2606486A2; WO2012022969A2; GB2479224B; WO2012022969A3; GB2479224A8; GB201022091D0

Abstract

A compact guitar comprises a body 1, a neck 2, a saddle 7, and a tuning mechanism 3 including a plurality of tuning posts 10 mounted for rotation about their own axes and adapted to receive a guitar string extending there-from to a string keeper mounted on the end of the neck 2 distal from the body 1. The tuning mechanism 3 is mounted in the body 1, and the saddle 7 is situated between the tuning posts 10 and the end of the neck 2 attached to the body Associated with each tuning post 10 is a tuning key (15), which are located in groups in a recess 11 in the body 1 open to the rear thereof and bounded by walls of the body 1.

Description

COMPACT GUITAR WITH A PROTECTED TUNING MECHANISM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to guitars, and in particular to compact guitars where the tuning mechanism is situated on the body of the guitar rather than at the free end of the fret board.

Background of the Invention

The guitar is a musical instrument of longstanding design and is known in a number of types, namely: the classical guitar, the acoustic guitar and the electric guitar. Each type of guitar has a body, a fret board, strings and a tuning mechanism. Different types of guitar have different numbers of strings.

For example bass electric guitars have four strings, whereas some classical and acoustic guitars may have ten or twelve strings.

Traditionally, the tuning mechanism is mounted on the free end of the fret board. However, it is known to mount the tuning mechanism on the body of the guitar, which provides the advantage of reducing the guitar's overall length. In one known guitar where the tuning mechanism is mounted on the body, the overall length of the guitar is reduced by approximately 300mm to around 700mm.

By reducing the overall length of the guitar the instrument becomes more compact which facilitates easier transportation, for example, such a guitar of reduced dimensions may be carried in a medium sized travel bag, suitcase or sports bag, or a comparatively small instrument carrying case.

Hence, reducing the size of the instrument increases its portability, which in turn allows for the instrument to be taken to more places. For example, a guitar player may take such a guitar away on business or holiday, whereas the same player may not take a guitar of traditional dimensions on such a trip due to its size.

A problem that is associated with some traditional guitars and compact guitars relates to the tuning mechanism. In a typical tuning mechanism, the tuning keys are exposed. Exposure of the tuning keys often results in these keys being knocked, which dc-tunes the guitar. (There the guitar is stored in a soft case, the tuning keys may be knocked and the guitar dc-tuned even when it is in the case.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a guitar where the tuning keys of the tuning mechanism are protected from inadvertent interference.

Another problem associated with compact guitars of the prior art relates to the manner of tuning such instruments. When a guitar is tuned in the traditional manner, typically the guitarist will place the guitar in a normal playing position and pluck the string he intends to tune using one hand and then turn the associated tuning key to bring the particular string into tune with his other hand. The guitarist will repeat the process until satisfied that the particular string is in tune. Some compact guitars of the prior art do not facilitate this manner of tuning because the tuning mechanism is at the same end of the guitar as the region in which the strings are plucked. Hence, whereas with a traditional guitar a right-handed player would pluck the strings with his right hand and turn the tuning keys with his left, with the compact guitars of the prior art he would still pluck the strings with his right hand, but would have to turn the tuning keys with his right hand as well.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a compact guitar which can be tuned in the same manner as a traditional guitar.

Another problem associated with compact guitars of the prior art is related to the passing of strings over, through or around obstacles, such as pulley wheels, deflector posts or string spreaders often mounted between the saddle and the tuning post of the tuning mechanism (that is the capstan around which the string is wound and held in place). Such an extra obstacle frequently causes strings to snap during tuning due to the increased angle of string deflection and frictional resistance as the strings are tensioned.

In a guitar of traditional design, it is uncommon for there to be any obstacle between the nut and the tuning post, and in those where a string deflector for example is present, there is a relatively long distance between the deflector and the nut and the angle through which the strings are deflected is shallow.

String deflectors are used to deflect strings so that they wind on to the tuning posts at 90 degrees.

It would be desirable to provide a compact guitar which does not suffer from the problems of string failure associated with compact guitars of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention there is provided a compact guitar comprising a body, a neck, a tuning mechanism including a plurality of tuning posts mounted for rotation about their own axes and adapted to receive a guitar string extending therefrom to a string keeper mounted on the end of the neck distal from the body, and a saddle, wherein the neck is attached to the body and the tuning mechanism is mounted in the body, and wherein the saddle is situated between the tuning posts and the end of the neck attached to the body, and associated with each tuning post a tuning key, wherein the tuning keys are located in groups in a recess in the body open to the rear thereof and bounded by walls of the body.

At least some of the tuning keys may be situated between the tuning posts and the neck.

Preferably, each of the tuning keys is situated between the tuning posts most proximate the neck and the neck. Still more preferably, the tuning keys are situated to the side of the saddle proximate the neck.

Preferably, the tuning posts are adjacent the saddle.

Preferably, the guitar string is substantially undeflected between the saddle and tuning post in the axial direction of the neck, in particular in plan view, and advantageously, the tuning posts are situated in the body so that the surface of the tuning post on to which the string winds is substantially aligned with a groove in the string keeper and/or the saddle.

In another embodiment the tuning posts are distal from the saddle and the compact guitar further includes a string deflector between the saddle and the tuning posts, adjacent to the tuning posts.

Advantageously, the string deflector is closer to the tuning posts than to the saddle. More advantageously the ratio of the distance between the saddle and the string deflector and the distance through which the strings are deflected is 7:1 or greater, preferably 8:1 or greater. The presence of a string deflector eliminates the requirement for the part of the body below the saddle to be inclined and therefore the depth of the body can be reduced. However, this is at the expense of a slight increase in the length of the guitar.

The recess may be provided with a cover.

Advantageously, the tuning posts extend through the body. The tuning posts may be further supported on a tuning post support member attached to the body, preferably in the recess. The tuning post support member may be configured to support a plurality of tuning posts.

The tuning mechanism advantageously includes a worm shaft and a worm wheel for each tuning post. The worm wheel is associated with a tuning post and a worm shaft is mounted to engage with the worm wheel, whereby turning the worm shaft causes the worm wheel and hence the tuning post to rotate.

Preferably, the tuning mechanism further comprises a spindle configured to allow the worm shaft to be rotated. The spindle may be supported in a spindle support member attached to the body, preferably in the recess. Advantageously, a tuning key is mounted on one end of the spindle.

The spindle may comprise two spindle elements drivingly connected by a gear arrangement, preferably two inter-meshing bevel gears. Preferably, a spindle end support member is provided to support a free end of a spindle element. The said support member preferably includes a circular housing adapted to receive the free end of a spindle element. The spindle end support member may include a plurality of such circular housings. The spindle end support member may include a stiffener, such as a plate. Advantageously, the spindle end support member and the stiffener are so shaped and dimensioned as to fit into and engage with a part of the recess in the body.

S

One of the two spindle elements may be provided with a bush. The bush may be adapted to position one of the bevel gears correctly with respect to the other, and may be supported on a spindle support member.

The spindle end support member and the tuning post support member may both be part of a single component. The said single component may include the stiffener.

The spindle support member may be adapted to support a plurality of spindles, some of the spindles lying in a different plane to other spindles. For example, the spindle support member may support two spindles the axes of which lie substantially perpendicular to one another. Moreover, the spindle support member may support two groups of spindles the axes of one group of spindles lying substantially perpendicular to the axes of the other.

The spindle support member may include openings adapted to receive and support the said spindles. The openings may be U-shaped.

All the spindles may be supported on a common spindle support. Alternatively, a group of spindles may be supported on a common spindle support.

The tuning posts and tuning spindles may be supported on a common support member, which may be of any desired shape, for example circular.

In one embodiment of the invention the tuning posts and the tuning spindles are supported on the body, the tuning keys being accessed through the recess in the body.

The tuning keys or parts thereof may be pivotable with respect to the spindle. The tuning key may be pivotally attached to the spindle, or the tuning key may comprise two parts connected together by a hinge.

The compact guitar may further include removable body extensions. By providing such removable body extensions the guitarist may use the guitar in its compact guise where this is advantageous, or as a full sized guitar when this suits, or example when performing.

The compact guitar of the invention in its various embodiments provides numerous advantages.

First, the tuning keys are housed in a recess in the body and are hence protected from inadvertent adjustment. This protection is enhanced when a cover is provided. Second, the guitar may be tuned in the same manner as a guitarist would tune a traditional guitar. Third, the embodiments described allow the length and depth of the body of the guitar to be optimised. Four, string spreaders and deflectors may either be dispensed with, or located in such a manner that string breakage is unlikely to occur, whilst nevertheless presenting the string on to the tuning post at substantially 90 degrees.

The concepts of the invention may be applied to guitars of different scale, such as full size guitars, 3/4 size guitars, children's guitars, etc.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of compact guitars according to the invention: Figure 1 illustrates top plan and cross-sectional side views of compact guitars according to one aspect of the invention; Figure 2 illustrates bottom plan and cross-sectional side views of the tuning mechanism of the compact guitar illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 2a is a cross-sectional elevation of a part of a tuning mechanism; Figure 3 illustrates top plan, side and end views of part of the fret board of the guitar illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 4 illustrates a component of the tuning mechanism illustrated in Figure 2; Figure 4a illustrates an alternative configuration of the component illustrated in Figure 4; Figure 5 illustrates end, bottom plan and cross-sectional side views of a variant of the compact guitar illustrated in Figure 1; Figure 6 illustrates end, top plan and cross-sectional side views of a compact guitar according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 illustrates bottom plan and cross-sectional side views of a compact guitar according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 illustrates bottom plan and cross-sectional side views of a compact guitar according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 8a illustrates top and bottom plan and cross-sectional side views of a compact guitar according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 8b illustrates bottom plan and cross-sectional side views of a compact guitar according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 8c illustrates bottom plan and cross-sectional side views of a compact guitar according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 illustrates top and bottom plan and cross-sectional side views of a compact guitar according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 illustrates top and bottom plan and cross-sectional side and end views of a compact guitar according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 illustrates the cross-sectional end view of Figure 10 in greater detail; Figure 12 illustrates top plan and cross-sectional side views of a compact guitar according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 13 illustrates top plan, end and cross-sectional side views of a compact acoustic guitar according to a further alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment compact guitar having a first type of cover for the tuning keys; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a compact guitar having a second type of cover for the tuning keys; Figure ISa is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a compact guitar having a third type of cover for the tuning keys; Figure 16 illustrates top plan views of a compact guitar according to the invention having body extensions; Figure 17 illustrates a first type of tuning key of a compact guitar according to the invention; Figure 18 illustrates a second type of tuning key of a compact guitar according to the invention; Figure 19 illustrates a tuning spindle support; Figure 1 9a illustrates an alternative tuning spindle support; Figure 20 illustrates a support for a free end of a tuning spindle; Figure 21 illustrates top plan and cross-sectional side views of a compact guitar according to a further embodiment of the invention; Figure 22 illustrates top plan, side and end elevations of one configuration of tuning spindle and tuning key; Figure 23 illustrates top plan, side and end elevations of another configuration of tuning spindle and tuning key; Figure 24 is cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 25 is a schematic representation of a tuning spindle of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 24; Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 27 illustrates front and end views, exploded front and end views and a partial top plan view of a spindle support of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 26; Figure 28 is a cross-sectional side view of another alternative embodiment of a spindle support of the invention; Figure 29 illustrates front and end views, exploded front and end views and a partial top plan view of a spindle support of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 28; Figure 30 illustrates a cross-sectional side view and a bottom plan view of an alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 31 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 30; Figure 32 illustrates a cross-sectional side view and a bottom plan view of another alternative embodiment of the invention; Figure 33 illustrates a cross-sectional side elevation of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 32; Figure 34 illustrates a front, end and plan views of a component used in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 30 to 34; Figure 35 illustrates a side cross-sectional elevation of a guitar of the type illustrated in Figures 32 to 34 with an alternative tuning spindle arrangement; Figure 36 is a side cross-sectional elevation of a guitar of the type illustrated in Figure 35 with a further alternative arrangement of tuning spindle; Figure 37 illustrates end and bottom plan views of a guitar according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; and Figure 38 illustrates a cross-sectional side view and a top plan view of the guitar illustrated in Figure 37; Figure 39 is a bottom plan view of the guitar illustrated in Figures 37 and 38 with lower plate removed for clarity.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring now to Figure 1 and 3, there is shown a compact guitar comprising a body 1, a neck 2 extending from the body 1, a tuning mechanism 3 situated in the body 1, and a plurality of strings 4 extending between the tuning mechanism and a string keeper 5. The strings are supported on and tensioned over a nut 6 mounted on the neck 2 in front of the string keeper 5, and a saddle 7 mounted on the body 1.

The strings 4 are held fixed in respective slots 5' of the string keeper 5, located behind the nut 6 at the top of the neck 2. The other ends of the strings are threaded through and wound around the tuning posts 10 mounted through the body 1. The tuning posts 10 are supported in bores extending through the guitar body 1 and connect to the rest of the tuning mechanism 3 mounted in a recess 11 in the back of the body 1, and which comprises a number of components described in more detail in Figure 2. The tuning posts 10 include a string winding portion lOa bounded by a top cap lOb and a bottom cap lOc.

Figure 2a illustrates a tuning post 10 mounted in the upper cap lOc, which provides a bush extending into the hole through which the tuning post 10 passes and a lower bush lOd. The bush of the bottom cap lOc and the bush lOd are inserted into the hole formed in the body I prior to insertion of the tuning post 10. The bush lOd could form part of the plates 19, 19'.

The overall length of the guitar illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is determined by the standard scale length of the strings from the nut 6 to the saddle 7, which is approximately 645 mm, plus extra length in the body to accommodate the tuning posts 10 and the slight extension at the top of the neck 2 to the string keeper 5. The position of the guitar pick-ups 8 is selected by the manufacturer. Various alternative configurations for the string keeper 5 are possible without departing from the invention. One arrangement is shown in greater detail in Figure 3.

An important feature employed in this invention is that the positions of the tuning posts 10 are such that the strings can be directly tensioned over the saddle 7, without being further deflected around any intermediate anchor/bearing point or pulley. In plan elevation, as each string winds onto its respective tuning post 10, there is relatively little deviation from the straight line formed between the points at which the string passes over the saddle 7 and the nut 6. There is a slight deflection of the string down from the saddle 7 to the tuning post 10, which is necessary to keep the string 4 anchored over the saddle 7, just as it is in the traditional guitar from the saddle to the string keeper mounted in the body and similarly from the nut to the tuning post on the head. Thus with this design, the risk of strings snapping during tuning is no greater than with traditional tuning machines mounted on the head.

The part of the body which mounts the tuning posts 10 is inclined so that the strings 4 wind onto the tuning posts 10 at a 90 degree trajectory, since this is the most efficient mechanically and the tensioned strings 4 will coil onto the tuning posts 10 in a stable position. The inclination angle of this part of the body I needs to be sufficient to ensure that the strings remain stable as they pass over the saddle 7 as described in the previous paragraph. For purposes of illustration in this description, an angle of between 7 and 12 degrees has been used in the drawings (12 degrees being typically used as the string deflection angle at the top of the neck from the nut onto the tuning posts in a traditional guitar).

However, the aforementioned angle is not limited to the range 7 to 12 degrees.

Several alternative arrangements for rotating the tuning posts 10 are proposed. Variations in arrangement relate to the mechanisms by which tuning adjustment is transmitted to turn the tuning posts, the orientation of the posts and also the relative positions of the tuning posts and adjusters.

The first arrangement of tuning post is now described with reference to Figure 2. This gives a view of the tuning mechanism in plan from the back of the guitar body I and also in a side sectional elevation. Figure 2 is not fully detailed but shows sufficient detail to explain the concept. To aid clarity, certain parts have been left out in one or other of the elevations.

Three of the six tuning posts 10 are located nearest the lower end of the guitar body (i.e. left hand side in Figure 2), and are adjusted by turning tuning key 15 mounted on the end of a tuning spindle 16. This is similar to a conventional tuning machine arrangement. In the present embodiment the tuning spindle 16 operates a worm shaft 17, which may form part of the tuning spindle 16. Rotation of the tuning post 10 is transmitted to the tuning post via the worm wheel 18, which is driven by worm shaft 17, to tension the string. It should be noted that to simplify drafting, the worm wheel as depicted in Figure 2 has been drawn with the gear teeth parallel with the axis of the worm wheel, whereas advantageously the gear teeth are slightly angled to mesh smoothly with the screw thread on the worm shaft 17. The worm shaft 17 is held in position on a mounting plate 19 by metal brackets 20 at either end of the worm shaft 17. This is similar to a traditional tuning machine, where often the whole arrangement for a bank of three tuners is mounted in tandem on the back of one side of the guitar head. Alternatively, each string may be provided with an individually mounted tuning mechanism. The main difference between these three tuning spindles 16 and those used on the traditional guitar is that the tuning spindles 16 are longer on these three strings. The axes of these three tuning spindles 16 are orientated at 90 degrees to the tuning posts 10. The other three tuning spindles are made up in two length sections 21 and 22 at 90 degrees to each other, connected by bevel gears 23. The axes of the three tuning spindles sections 21 on which the tuning keys 15 are mounted, are parallel to the axes of the respective tuning posts 10.

The tuning keys 15 on the end of these tuning spindles 21, rotate bevel gears 23 which turn the second length of tuning spindle 22. Rotation of the second length tuning spindle 22 turns the worm shaft 17' which turns the worm wheel 18' thus rotating the tuning posts 10 and tensioning or slackening these three strings 4.

As for conventional guitar tuning machines, the worm shaft and worm wheel arrangement 17, 18 and 17', 18' are used where a large reduction is needed and the worm wheel cannot turn the worm shaft, so that the rotational torque exerted by the string on the tuning post 10 cannot turn the worm shaft and thus release the string tension.

The second three tuning mechanisms described above employ the bevel gear arrangement 23 to turn the tuner spindle.21, 22 through 90 degrees and this arrangement ensures that these three tuning spindles 21, 22 and tuning keys 15 are clear of the other three tuning spindles and tuning keys, thus improving finger access, since interference when adjusting the different tuning keys is minimised. The bevel gears 23 provide smooth transmission of torque with a 1:1 gear ratio. That is, one turn of the tuning spindle 21 turns the transmitting tuning spindle 22 by one turn. Hence there is no difference in overall gearing between each of the six strings 4. It is important that the bevel gear arrangement is securely fitted such that the appropriate tolerance and fit between the two bevel gears may be provided.

If required therefore, extra support can be provided to the tuning spindle 22 by guide holes in a plate 24 attached to a vertical face 13' of the recess 11 in the guitar body. For extra rigidity, this plate 24 could also be part of the plate 19' on which the worm gear arrangements 17', 18' are mounted and secured to the guitar body. That is, the plate 24 would be contiguous with and at 90 degrees to, the mounting plate 19' for the worm gear arrangements 17', 18' used on these three tuning machines. The bevel gear arrangement 23 in Figure 2 shows a straight bevel gear. Alternatively, a spiral bevel gear arrangement could be applied, depending upon engineering preference.

This type of tuning machine arrangement increases the overall depth of the guitar body since the recess 11 in which the tuning machine arrangement is housed needs to be slightly deeper than the alternatives described below. However, the dimensions of the tuning machine components, body thickness and spacing described in Figure 2 can be reduced substantially to minimise the overall depth of the guitar body.

Referring also to Figure 4, the tuning spindles 21, 22 of the three 90 degree' tuners need to be securely supported and this is achieved in this particular arrangement by a locating plate 25 which is braced at the two walls 13 of the recess 11, and also a back plate 26 which has three circular recesses 27 which locate, house and provide a bearing for the end of the outer tuning spindles 21. The backplate 26 is shown with the orientation of its circular recesses 27 at an angle to the plate in order to compensate for the angled inside back face of the guitar body. A simpler back plate with the recesses 27 vertical could alternatively be used provided that the inside face of the guitar was machined at 90 degrees to the axis of the tuning spindle 21 along this section. This support arrangement for the tuning spindles 21 also uses a circular spacer bush 28, which is free to rotate against the inside face 25' of the locating plate 25 on one side and against the bottom face of the bevel gear 23 on the other side. The locating plate 25 may be fixed to the body I at the two walls 13 by screws or other suitable fasteners, which for the sake of clarity in the drawings are not shown in Figure 2. However, to improve understanding a simple arrangement for this locating plate 25 is shown in Figure 4. The plate 25 includes upright elements 25a at each end with screw holes 25b therein to secure the plate 25 to the walls 13 of the recess 11. The locating plate in this arrangement includes U-shaped slots 25d in side walls 25c through which the tuning spindles 16 extend.

Alternatively, the locating plate 25 may be made of a stronger and more rigid flat plate material, bent at each end to provide the upright elements 25a, but without the side walls 25c, and hence avoiding the requirement for U-shaped slots 25d The arrangement illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 provides a number of advantages. First, the guitar may be tuned in the same fashion as a traditional guitar, that is, the guitarist may pluck the strings 4 with his right hand and adjust the tuning mechanism with his left hand (for a right handed guitarist). Second, the tuning mechanism is protected from inadvertent interference because it is mounted in the recess 11.

Third, the strings 4 are not caused to deviate sideways between the saddle 7 and the tuning posts 10, and hence string breakage due to significant frictional forces associated with string spreader devices, deflectors, pulley wheels and so forth is avoided.

Figure 4a illustrates an alternative form of locating plate 25' which is formed of two halves, which facilitates assembly of the tuning mechanism.

Figure 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which increases the space around the tuning keys 15, which further improves finger access, various methods can be used to achieve this. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, the outer two tuner spindles 16 in each set of three are splayed outwards at a slight angle to provide greater spacing between the keys. As can be seen, the plates 19, 19' on which the worm shafts 17, 17' and worm wheels 18, 18' are mounted and the geometry of the fixing arrangements need to be slightly modified compared to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 to accommodate this variation. For uniformity the tuning spindle lengths might also be varied so that the tuning keys 15 in each bank of three, all line up. Screws 29 for fixing the locating plate 25 at the walls of the recess are shown in Figure 5. It will be noted that the recess 11 includes a portion 11' which provides additional space around one of the tuning keys 15.

The arrangement illustrated in Figure 5 provides all the advantages mentioned with respect to Figures 1 to 4 above, and also provides additional finger space around the tuning keys 15, hence facilitating tuning of the guitar.

Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention where each tuning post 10 is driven by spindles 21, 22 connected by bevel gears 23. The spindles 21, 22, bevel gears 23 and worm gear drives are supported on plates 19' and include spacer bushes 28 substantially the same those illustrated in Figure 2, save that the support plates are the same for both groups of three tuning posts 10.

The advantage provided by the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 in addition to the advantages provided by the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 is that all the tuning keys 15 lie in the same plane, which some guitarists may consider convenient. Again, there is very little deviation of the direction of the strings between the saddle 7 and the tuning posts 10.

Referring now to Figure 7, the tuning keys and spindles 16 associated with the outer tuning posts are splayed outward. The recess 11 includes a portion 11' which provides better access to two of the tuning keys 15. The plate supporting the tuning posts 10 and spindles 16 are substantially the same as the plates 19 illustrated in and described with reference to Figure 2. Again, this embodiment protects the tuning keys from inadvertent operation, and the tuning keys 15 are situated such that they may be turned easily by the left hand whilst the guitarist plucks the strings with his right hand. Further, all the tuning keys 15 are oriented in the same manner, which may be preferable to some guitarists. Also, there is no significant deviation of the strings 4 as they pass over the saddle 7.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment one group of spindles face in one direction and the other group of spindles face in a substantially opposite direction. The tuning posts 10 pass through bores in the body 1 of the guitar. The tuning posts 10 are provided with a worm wheel which is driven by a worm shaft which forms part of a spindle 16 having a tuning key 15 at one end thereof. The spindles 16 and worm wheels are attached to the body I by plates of the same type as plates 19 described with reference to Figure 2. However, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, a single plate 19 may mount both groups of spindles 16. Also, the worm shafts and wheels of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8 are of the same type as those illustrated in Figure 2.

The tuning keys 15 are protected from inadvertent adjustment by virtue of being situated in a recess ii in the body 1. The outer spindles 16 of each group are splayed outwards to increase the space around the tuning keys, thereby making finger access easier. Also, because spindles face in two directions they can lie in the same plane and therefore the depth of the recess and the body can be reduced.

Figure 8a illustrates a similar arrangement to that illustrated in Figure 8, but rather than the spindles 16 being arranged in two groups facing in opposite directions, the tuning mechanisms are mounted on a plate equally spaced about a central axis. Again, the spindles 16 and tuning keys 15 aU lie in the same plane, which allows the depth of the body 1 and recess 11 to be reduced.

Figures 8b and 8c illustrate variations of the embodiments illustrated in Figures 8 and 8a where the tuning spindles are turned through an angle, which in the example is 90 degrees. This improves access to the tuning keys.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 9, the tuning posts 10 are laid out such that each tuning spindle 16 and associated key 15 lies at approximately 90 degrees to the axis of the strings 4 and neck 2. As will be appreciated, the length of the guitar body I occupied by the tuning mechanism is greater in this embodiment than is the case for the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 8a. However, this particular embodiment provides the advantage that the overall depth of the body may be reduced and provides good access to the tuning keys 15. Further, the angle of deflection of the strings 4 between the saddle 7 and the tuning posts 10 is minimal. However, access to the tuning keys 15 whilst simultaneously plucking the strings, as a guitarist would do to tune a traditional guitar, is not as convenient as with the embodiments described previously.

Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment of the invention based on the embodiment illustrated in Figure 9, but providing for more convenient access to the tuning keys 15, which is achieved by incorporating a bevel gear 23 into the tuning mechanism, thereby presenting the keys 15 to the rear of the body 1. The bevel gears are carried on spindles 21, 22, with each associated tuning post 10 being mounted in the body I. The spindles 21 are supported in bushes attached to a locating plate 30 and are described in greater detail in Figure 11.

Figure 11 shows the locating plate 30 in greater detail. The plate 30 is attached to the horizontal surface 13" of the recess 11 by fasteners 31, which in the example are screws. In the example, where the guitar has six strings 4, the plate 30 includes six holes, each adapted to receive a spindle 21. The free ends of the spindles 21 are supported in a recess 27 of a plate 26, of the type illustrated in and described with reference to Figure 2. The tuning keys 15 may be hinged as shown in Figure 17, or mounted on a pivot as shown in Figure 18. Alternatively, the tuning keys 15 may be of conventional design, or as illustrated in Figures 22 and 23.

Referring now to Figure 12, a further alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated, which uses the type of tuning mechanism as used on traditional classical guitar, where tuning posts 10 extend laterally with respect to the neck 2 and substantially parallel with the body 1, with the tuning keys and spindles extending substantially perpendicular thereto. This provides the advantage that the keys extend toward the guitarist and therefore facilitate tuning of the guitar in the same manner as a traditional guitar. In this embodiment, the depth of the body I is kept to a minimum, and there are no tuning posts protruding through the surface of the body 1. It can be seen that there is some deviation of the path of the strings 4 between the saddle 7 and the tuning posts 10. However, the angle of deflection and hence the friction forces exerted thereon may be minimised by attaching the strings that must deviate most to the posts 10 distal from the saddle 7. This arrangement is comparable with the strings passing over the nut on a classical guitar on to the tuner posts mounted on the head.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 13 uses the same tuning mechanism as illustrated in Figure 12, but on an acoustic guitar rather than the electric guitar illustrated in Figure 12. As can be seen in the cross-sectional elevation, the body 1 includes a recess 11 in which the tuning mechanism is situated. The resonant cavity 1' of the body I extends around the recess 11.

Figure 13 shows an acoustic guitar with tuning mechanisms as used in classical guitars (and the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 12). However, tuning mechanisms of the type described with reference to other figures herein may also be used with an acoustic guitar. Also, it should be noted that due to the depth of the recess 11 it is unlikely that the keys 15 will be contacted inadvertently, and hence it is likely that there would be no requirement for a cover for the recess.

Figures 14, 15 and 15a illustrate guitars according to the invention where the recess 11 is provided with a cover 40, 42 moveable between a position which provides access to the tuning keys 15 and a position where access to the tuning keys 15 is prevented (shown in broken lines). In Figure 14 the cover is attached to the body 1 of the guitar by a hinge 41, the cover 40 moving about the hinge between its two positions. In Figure 15, the cover 42 is mounted on the body 1 to slide between its two positions, sliding along the back of the body I to its open position. In Figure 1 5a, the cover 42 is mounted on the body I to slide between its two positions, but slides past the lower end of the body I to its open position.

Figure 16 illustrates a compact guitar according to the invention which includes elements for attachment to the body I, which when attached make the compact guitar have same shape as a full sized guitar. This provides the advantage that a guitarist may use the instrument as a compact guitar when travelling, but may make the guitar up to a full sized instrument when he no longer has a requirement for the guitar to be small in size. The additional shape elements may be of any desired shape.

The saddle may include guide slots to guide the strings to their respective tuning posts 10. The guide slots may be curved on their leading edges facing the tuning posts 10 to increase the surface area over which forces due to the change in direction of the strings are applied.

Figure 17 illustrates a tuning key 15 attached to a tuning post 10, the tuning key being provided with a hinge in order that it may be folded about the hinge.

Figure 18 illustrates a tuning key 15 which is pivotally attached to a tuning post 10.

Figures 19 and 19a illustrate the stiffening plate 24 which provides holes 24a through which tuning spindles 22 pass. In Figure 19a, the plate 24 is formed of two parts 24' and 24" which co-operate to form apertures 24a. The two parts may each be provided with lugs 24b to allow the two parts 24', 24" to be attached together by screws 24c (the lugs 24b may be threaded for engagement by the screws 24c).

Figure 20 illustrates the plate 26 which includes recesses 27.

Referring now to Figure 21, there is shown a guitar of the type illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

However, this guitar includes a string deflector 50 situated between the saddle 7 and the tuning mechanism. As can be seen from the cross-sectional elevation, the string deflector 50 changes the direction of the strings 4 so that they meet the tuning posts 10 at a right angle, which is preferable to ensure that the strings 4 wind evenly on to the posts 10. It will be noted from Figure 21 that the distance between the saddle 7 and the string deflector 50 is many times greater than the difference between the height of the saddle and the height of the part of the string deflector 50 engaged by the strings 4. Hence, the angle of deflection of the strings 4 caused by the deflector 50 is minimal. This arrangement minimises the risk of string breakage.

Referring now to Figures 22 and 23, two different types of tuner keys 15. In Figure 22 the tuner keys 15 are essentially flat, whereas in Figure 23 the tuner key 15 is essentially flat with four flat spokes 15" protruding therefrom. The tuning keys 15" illustrated in Figure 23 are particularly useful where the tuning spindles lie substantially parallel with the face of the guitar body, as they make it easier for the guitarist to rotate the tuning spindle.

Referring now to Figures 24 and 25, the dismantled components are shown in Figure 25 and include the solid piece tuning spindle 21 with its circular stop flange 71 approximately half way along its length and the end narrowed section 72 for receiving the washer 74 and collet fixing 73. The washer 74 and collet 73 would be installed after inserting the spindle end shaft 72 through the cylindrical sleeve 75 positioned through the guitar body 1, as can be appreciated from Figure 24.

Referring now to Figures 26 and 27, the tuning spindle 21 is provided with a circular stop flange 51 on the free end thereof which sits in a circular recess formed in the inner face of the body. The spindles 21 are mounted in a housing 50, which consists of the various components drawn in Figure 27.

The housing 50 comprises a back housing 61, which has semi-circular holes 53 on its lower edge to take the three tuning spindles 22 (fitted at the same time as the installation of the housing 50), and also semi-circular holes 52 on its two forward edges to take the three tuning spindles 21. After the three tuning spindles 21 are fitted into the semi-circular recesses 52 of the back housing 61, the front housing 62 which also has matching semi-circular recesses 52 is coupled against 61 and fixed with screws 56, so that the spindles 21 are then captured within the housing 50. Screws 56 secure the front and rear housings 61 and 62 together by threaded holes in lugs 55 attached to 61 and 62. The screws 56 in the upper lugs 55 are accessed with a screwdriver via holes 59 in the upper face of the front housing 62. As can be seen from Figure 26, the housing 50 is located into the recess in the rear of the guitar body 1 as shown and secured with screws 64 through holes 60 and 65. Holes 65 are in the flange 63 of the front housing 62.

Holes 60 are in the back housing 61. The tuning spindles 22 are also be fitted at the same time as the housing 50 so that the bevel gears 23 are meshed together. The stiffening plate 57 for the tuning spindles 22 is fastened to the back housing 61 via lugs 54 using screws 56 so that the spindle 22 is supported in the semi-circular recesses 53. The lower left hand drawing of Figure 27 shows the back of the back housing 61 and stiffening plate 57 separated, and the upper left hand drawing of Figure 27 shows the reverse side with the back housing 61 and the stiffening plate 57 coupled (the screws 56 are on the reverse side of this drawing and therefore are not seen).

Figures 28 and 29 illustrate an alternative embodiment of a spindle support. Referring first to Figure 28, the tuning spindle 21 is provided with a circular stop flange 51 on the free end thereof, which sits in a circular recess formed in the inner face of the body. The spindles 21 are mounted in a housing 50, which consists of the various components drawn in Figure 29. The housing 50 comprises a back housing 61, which has semi-circular holes 53 on its lower edge to take the three tuning spindles 22 (fitted at the same time as the installation of the housing 50), and also semi-circular holes 52 on its two forward edges to take the three tuning spindles 21. After the three tuning spindles 21 are fitted into the semi-circular recesses 52 of the back housing 61, the front housing 62 which also has matching semi-circular recesses 52 is coupled against 61 and fixed with screws 56, so that the spindles 21 are then captured within the housing 50. Screws 56 secure the front and rear housings 61 and 62 together by threaded holes in lugs 55 attached to 61 and 62. The screws 56 in the upper lugs 55 are accessed with a screwdriver via holes 59 in the upper face of the front housing 62. As can be seen from Figure 28, the housing 50 is located into the recess in the rear of the guitar body I as shown and secured with screws 64 through holes and 65. Holes 65 are in the flange 63 of the front housing 62. Holes 60 are in the back housing 61.

The tuning spindles 22 are also be fitted at the same time as the housing 50 so that the bevel gears 23 are meshed together. The stiffening plate 57 for the tuning spindles 22 is fastened to the back housing 61 via lugs 54 using screws 56 so that the spindle 22 is supported in the semi-circular recesses 53. The lower left hand drawing of Figure 29 shows the back of the back housing 61 and stiffening plate 57 separated, and the upper left hand drawing of Figure 29 shows the reverse side with the back housing 61 and the stiffening plate 57 coupled (the screws 56 are on the reverse side of this drawing and therefore are not seen).

The lowest left hand drawing of Figure 29 shows part 66, which is one half of the locating plate 25, now split into two mating parts 66 and 67. Part 66 is connected to the stiffening plate 57 by screws 56 through holes in lugs 69, thus stiffening the support for tuning spindle 16, which is then supported and enclosed by semi-circular recesses 68. Parts 66 and 67 are also fixed to the inner walls of the body recess by screws passing through holes 25b and 25a as previously shown in Figure 5 and Figure 4, though the screw holes are in slightly different positions. When fitted these parts 66 and 67 also enclose/locate the tuning spindle 21 in semi-circular recesses 70, adding further support for spindle 21, which is useful in providing the engineering tolerance required by the inter-meshing bevel gears 23. If extra rigidity is required, the two halves 66 and 67 of the locating plate could also be coupled together via lugs, which are not visible in this figure because they are concealed in these particular sections.

Figures 30 and 31 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention in which the tuning spindles 16 are formed of elongate flexible members. By virtue of their flexibility the tuning keys may be presented to the guitarist in a more ergonomically efficient manner. The flexible spindles 16 are each connected to a worm shaft 17 at one end and a tuning key 15 at the other. The tuning key 15 includes a shaft ISa which is rotatably mounted in a housing 80 (described in greater detail with reference to Figure 34). Extending from the shaft ISa is a rod 15b which extends into an end of the flexible element 16. A pin extends through the wall of the flexible spindle 16 and into a bore 1 5c to attach the tuning key 15 to the flexible spindle 16. The spindle 16 is attached to the worm shaft 17 in a similar manner, that is, a rod 17a extends from the worm shaft 17 into the flexible spindle 16 and is attached thereto by a pin passing through the wall of the spindle and through a bore 17b in rod 17a.

Figures 32 and 33 illustrate an alternative arrangement of tuning spindles 16, which instead of being formed from an elongate flexible member are formed from two components I 6a, I 6b linked together by a universal joint 16c. Tuning keys 15 include a shaft iSa which is rotatably mounted in a housing 80. Extending from the shaft 15a is a rod 15b which extends into an end of the component 16a.

A pin 15d extends through a bore 15c in the wall of the component lGa and engages with the rod 15b to attach the tuning key 15 to the spindle 16. The component 16b is attached to the worm shaft 17 in a similar manner, that is, a rod 17a extends from the worm shaft 17, extends into the component 16b and is attached thereto by a pin passing through a bore in the wall of the component and engaging with the rod 17a. Any fastener providing the same function as the pin may be used. For example, a grub screw may be deployed. The fastener may either engage the surface of the rod 1 7a, or a bore may be provided in the rod and the fastener engage with the bore.

Figure 34 illustrates the housing 80, which comprises upper and lower housing elements 80a, 80b. Each element 80a, 80b comprising upper and lower bush members 81a, 81b of a bush 81 which mounts the shaft ISa of the tuning key 15. Extending from the edges of the bush members 81a, 81b are flanges 81c. The elements 80a and 80b are fastened together by means of screws 82 passing through bores 81d in the flanges 81c. The elements 80a, BOb each include return plates 80c extending at right angles to the main axis of the housing 80. Each of these return plates 80c includes a bore 83 through which a fastener, such as a screw, is passed to attach the housing 80 to a side wall of the recess 11 in the body I of the guitar.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 35 is similar to that shown in Figures 32 and 33, differing in that the shaft 15a of the tuning key 15 and the component 16a are formed in a single piece. In such a case the type of tuning key 15 used is of the type which may be attached to the shaft iSa post assembly of the tuning key shaft ISa in the housing 80. Further, the worm shaft 17 and the component 1Gb are similarly formed in a single piece.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the use of a spindle shaft to which the tuning key is attachable, rather than forming an integral part thereof may be applied to other embodiments of the present invention.

The embodiment illustrated in Figure 36 differs from that illustrated in Figure 35 in that the components 16b associated with the set of tuning posts proximate the bridge are longer than the components 16b associated with the tuning posts distal from the bridge. This provides more space between the tuning keys, making their use easier.

Figures 37 and 38 illustrate another embodiment of the invention. This particular embodiment provides for the guitar body to be shorter, since the tuning posts 10 are aligned on a common ads. This is achieved by stacking one group of three tuning mechanisms on top of another group of three tuning mechanisms. As can be seen from the crosssectional end and the bottom plan views in Figure 37, the tuning mechanisms 3 of the upper group are situated to one side of the tuning mechanisms 3 of the lower group.

The tuning mechanisms 3, and the arrangement of the tuning spindles 21, 22 and bevel gears 23, and the tuning spindles 16 is similar to that illustrated in Figure 2, and will therefore not be described in detail here. However, the element that distinguishes the embodiment now described from that illustrated in Figure 2 is the mounting bracket 100 which includes a lower plate 101 which supports the worm wheels and worm shafts of the lower tuning mechanisms 3 and an upper plate 102 which supports the worm wheels and worm shafts of the upper tuning mechanisms 3. The upper plate 102 forms a right angle with a back plate 104 of the bracket 100, these two plates of the bracket abutting against walls 105, 106 of the recess 11. The back plate 104 is fastened to the wall 105 by means of screws 107. Whilst the lower plate 101 is provided with only three holes through which tuning posts 10 pass, the upper plate is provided with six holes, since the tuning posts of the lower group of tuning mechanisms must pass through the upper plate in addition to the tuning posts of the upper group. Whereas the upper plate 102 is supported by its abutment against wall 106 of the recess 11 to which it is fastened as in previous embodiments such as is shown in Figure 2, the lower plate 101 is not. Hence, stanchions 103 are situated between the upper and lower plates 101, 102, giving rigidity to both plates. In the present embodiment the stanchions extend from the front of the plates 101, 102 to the back thereof.

The bracket 100 may be formed as a single component, or from separate upper and lower components, which facilitates easier construction. In such a case the upper component would typically include the upper plate 102, a back plate 104 and the stanchions 103. The lower component would include the lower plate 101 and a back plate 104', and be positioned such that the upper surface of the lower plate abuts against the stanchions 103 and possibly the underside of back plate 104. The back plate 104' is attached to the wall 105 by fixings (such as screws) 107.

Figure 39 illustrates a bottom plan view of the guitar illustrated in Figures 37 and 38 with the lower plate 101 removed in order to provide a view of the location of the six equally spaced tuner post holes and also to provided details of the support stanchioris 103 and fixings for plate 101. The back plate 104 is attached to the wall 105 by fixings 107. Upper plate 102 is attached to wall 106 by fixings 108.

The lower plate 101 abuts against and is attached to the stanchions 103, two of the stanchions 103 including bores through which suitable fixings may pass to attach the lower plate 101 to the upper plate stanchions 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower plate rests against the underside of back plate 104 providing further support.

It will be appreciated from side cross-sectional elevation of Figure 38 that the strings 4 deviate between the saddle 7 and the tuning posts. However, the ratio of the distance between the saddle 7 and the tuning posts 10 and the distance through which the strings are deflected is preferably greater than 7:1.

The tuning spindles illustrated in Figures 30 to 36 may be employed with the construction illustrated in Figures 37 and 38.

Claims

Claims 1. A compact guitar comprising a body, a neck, a tuning mechanism including a plurality of tuning posts mounted for rotation about their own axes and adapted to receive a guitar string extending therefrom to a string keeper mounted on the end of the neck distal from the body, and a saddle, wherein the neck is attached to the body and the tuning mechanism is mounted in the body, and wherein the saddle is situated between the tuning posts and the end of the neck attached to the body, and associated with each tuning post a tuning key, wherein the tuning keys are located in groups in a recess in the body open to the rear thereof and bounded by walls of the body.
2. A compact guitar according to Claim 1, wherein at least some of the tuning keys may be situated between the tuning posts and the neck.
3. A compact guitar according to Claim 2, wherein each of the tuning keys is situated between the tuning posts most proximate the neck and the neck.
4. A compact guitar according to any preceding claim, wherein the tuning keys are situated to the side of the saddle proximate the neck.
5. A compact guitar according to any preceding claim, wherein the tuning posts are situated adjacent the saddle.
6. A compact guitar according to any preceding claim, wherein the guitar string is substantially undeflected between the saddle and tuning post in the axial direction of the neck.
7. A compact guitar according to Claim 1, wherein the tuning posts are distal from the saddle and the compact guitar further includes a string deflector between the saddle and the tuning posts, adjacent to the tuning posts.
8. A compact guitar according to Claim 7, wherein the string deflector is closer to the tuning posts than to the saddle.
9. A compact guitar according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein the ratio of the distance between the saddle and the string deflector and the distance through which the strings are deflected is 7:1 or greater.
10. A compact guitar according to any preceding claim, wherein the said recess is provided with a cover.
11. A compact guitar according to any preceding claim, wherein the tuning posts extend through the body.
12. A compact guitar according to Claim 11, wherein the tuning posts are further supported on a tuning post support member attached to the body.
13. A compact guitar according to Claim 12, wherein the tuning post support member is attached to the body in the recess.
14. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 11 to 13, wherein the tuning post support member is configured to support a plurality of tuning posts.
15. A compact guitar according to any preceding claim, wherein the tuning mechanism includes a worm shaft and a worm wheel for each tuning post.
16. A compact guitar according to Claim 15, wherein the worm wheel is associated with a tuning post and a worm shaft is mounted to engage with the worm wheel, whereby turning the worm shaft causes the worm wheel and hence the tuning post to rotate.
17. A compact guitar according to Claim 16, wherein the tuning mechanism further comprises a spindle configured to allow the worm shaft to be rotated.
18. A compact guitar according to Claim 17, wherein the spindle is supported in a spindle support member attached to the body.
19. A compact guitar according to Claim 18, wherein a tuning key is mounted on one end of the spindle.
20. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 17 to 19, wherein the spindle comprises two spindle elements drivingly connected by a gear arrangement.
21. A compact guitar according to Claim 20, wherein the gear arrangement comprises two inter-meshing bevel gears.
22. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 17 to 21, further comprising a spindle end support member adapted to support a free end of a spindle element.
23. A compact guitar according to Claim 22, wherein the said support member includes a circular housing adapted to receive the free end of a spindle element.
24. A compact guitar according to Claim 22 or 23, wherein the spindle end support member includes a stiffener.
25. A compact guitar according to Claim 24, wherein the spindle end support member and the stiffener are so shaped and dimensioned as to fit into and engage with a part of the recess in the body.
26. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 22 to 25, wherein the spindle end support member and the tuning post support member are part of a single component.
27. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 18 to 26, wherein the spindle support member is adapted to support a plurality of spindles, some of the spindles lying in a different plane to other spindles.
28. A compact guitar according to Claim 27, wherein the spindle support member supports two spindles the axes of which lie substantially perpendicular to one another.
29. A compact guitar according to Claim 28, wherein the spindle support member supports two groups of spindles the axes of one group of spindles lying substantially perpendicular to the axes of the other.
30. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 18 to 29, wherein the spindle support member includes openings adapted to receive and support the said spindles.
31. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 18 to 30, wherein all the spindles are supported on a common spindle support.
32. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 18 to 30, wherein a group of spindles is supported on a common spindle support.
33. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 18 to 32, wherein the spindle support member and/or the stiffener are formed of two parts, which in use, abut one another, and wherein abutting faces of the said parts include indents which form a hole when the said parts are in abutment.
34. A compact guitar according to any preceding claim, wherein the tuning posts and tuning spindles are supported on a common support member.
35. A compact guitar according to Claim I to 23, comprising a first group of tuning mechanisms and a second group of tuning mechanisms, each tuning mechanism of each group being configured to rotate a respective tuning post, wherein each group of tuning mechanisms is situated in the recess and one of the first and second groups of tuning mechanisms is situated directly above the other.
36. A compact guitar according to Claim 35, wherein a tuning post support member is associated with each group of tuning mechanisms and the tuning post support members are arranged one on top of the other.
37. A compact guitar according to Claim 35 or 36, further including at least one stanchion situated between the first and second groups of tuning mechanisms.
38. A compact guitar according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one spindle includes at least one point of flexion along its longitudinal axis.
39. A compact guitar according to Claim 38, wherein the at least one spindle includes a universal joint.
40. A compact guitar according to Claim 38, wherein the at least one spindle is formed from a flexible material.
41. A compact guitar substantially as shown in, and as described with reference to, the drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A compact guitar comprising a body, a neck, a tuning mechanism including a plurality of tuning posts mounted for rotation about their own axes and each adapted to receive a guitar string extending therefrom to a string keeper mounted on the end of the neck distal from the body, and a saddle, wherein the neck is attached to the body and the tuning mechanism is mounted in the body, and wherein the saddle is situated between the tuning posts arid the end of the neck attached to the body, and associated with each tuning post a tuning key, wherein the tuning keys are located in groups in a recess in the body open to the rear thereof and bounded by walls of the body, and wherein at least some of the tuning keys are situated between their respective tuning posts and the neck.2. A compact guitar according to Claim 1, wherein each of the tuning keys is situated between the tuning posts most proximate the neck and the neck.3. A compact guitar according to any preceding claim, wherein the tuning keys are situated to the side of the saddle that is proximate the neck.4. A compact guitar according to any preceding claim, wherein the tuning posts are situated adjacent the saddle.5. A compact guitar according to any preceding claim, wherein the guitar string is deflected between the saddle and tuning post in two substantially orthogonal directions away from axial direction of the neck and wherein in one of those directions the string is deflected by a distance not exceeding the diameter of the tuning post or the combination of the tuning post and the guitar string wound onto the tuning post.6. A compact guitar according to Claim 1, wherein the tuning posts are distal from the saddle and the compact guitar further includes a string deflector between the saddle and the tuning posts, adjacent to the tuning posts.7. A compact guitar according to Claim 6, wherein the string deflector is closer to the tuning posts than to the saddle.8. A compact guitar according to Claim 6 or 7, wherein the ratio of the distance between the saddle and the string deflector and the distance through which the strings are deflected is 7:1 or greater.9. A compact guitar according to any preceding clairn, wherein the said recess is provided with a cover, the cover being movable between a first position in which the recess is open and a second position in which the recess is covered.10. A compact guitar according to any preceding claim, wherein the tuning posts extend through the body.11. A compact guitar according to Claim 10, wherein each tuning post is further supported on a tuning post support member attached to the body.12. A compact guitar according to Claim 11, wherein the tuning post support member is attached to the body in the recess.13. A compact guitar according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein the tuning post support member is configured to support a plurality of tuning posts.14. A compact guitar according to any preceding claim, wherein the tuning mechanism includes a worm shaft and a worm wheel for each tuning post.15. A compact guitar according to Claim 14, wherein the worm wheel is associated with a tuning post and a worm shaft is mounted to engage with the worm wheel, whereby turning the worm shaft causes the worm wheel and hence the tuning post to rotate.16. A compact guitar according to Claim 15, wherein the tuning mechanism further comprises a spindle configured to allow the worm shaft to be rotated.17. A compact guitar according to Claim 16, wherein the spindle is supported in a spindle support member attached to the body.18. A compact guitar according to Claim 17, wherein the tuning key is mounted on one end of the spindle.19. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 16 to 18, wherein the spindle comprises two spindle elements drivingly connected by a gear arrangement.20. A compact guitar according to Claim 19, wherein the gear arrangement comprises two inter-meshing bevel gears.21. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 16 to 20, further comprising a spindle end support member adapted to support a free end of the spindle element.22. A compact guitar according to Claim 21, wherein the said support member includes a circular housing adapted to receive the free end of the spindle element.23. A compact guitar according to Claim 21 or 22, wherein the spindle end support member includes a stiffener.24. A compact guitar according to Claim 23, wherein the spindle end support member and the stiffener are so shaped and dimensioned as to fit into and engage with a part of the recess in the body.25. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 21 to 24, wherein the spindle end support member and the tuning post support member are part of a single component.26. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 17 to 25, wherein the spindle support member is adapted to support a plurality of spindles, some of the spindles lying in a different plane to other spindles.27. A compact guitar according to Claim 26, wherein the spindle support member supports two spindles the axes of which lie substantially perpendicular to one another.28. A compact guitar according to Claim 27, wherein the spindle support member supports two groups of spindles the axes of one group of spindles lying substantially perpendicular to the axes of the other.29. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 17 to 28, wherein the spindle support member includes openings adapted to receive and support the said spindles.30. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 17 to 29, wherein all the spindles are supported on a common spindle support.31. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 17 to 29, wherein a group of spindles is supported on a common spindle support.32. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 23 to 31, wherein the spindle support member and/or the stiffener are formed of two parts, which in use, abut one another, and wherein abutting faces of the said parts include indents which form a hole when the said parts are in abutment.33. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 16 to 32, wherein the tuning posts and spindles are supported on a common support member.34. A compact guitar according to Claim 1 to 22, wherein the plurality of tuning posts of the tuning mechanism are arranged into first and second groups, and the tuning keys are arranged into corresponding first and second groups, each tuning key of each group being configured to rotate a respective tuning post, wherein the tuning mechanism is situated in the recess and the tuning keys of the first group lie in a first plane and the tuning keys of the second group lie in a second plane and wherein the first and second planes lie in the recess, one above the other.35. A compact guitar according to Claim 34, wherein a tuning post support member is associated with each group of tuning posts and the tuning post support members are arranged one on top of the other.36. A compact guitar according to Claim 35, further including at least one stanchion situated between the tuning post support members.37. A compact guitar according to any of Claims 16 to 36, wherein at least one spindle includes at least one point of flexion along its longitudinal axis.38. A compact guitar according to Claim 37, wherein the at least one spindle includes a universal joint.39. A compact guitar according to Claim 38, wherein the at least one spindle is formed from a flexible material.40. A compact guitar substantially as shown in, and as described with reference to, the drawings.