GB255284A - Improvements in or relating to stringed musical instruments - Google Patents

Abstract

255,284. Rushen, P. C., (Phonoharp Co.). Oct. 24, 1925. Violins and like bowed instuments; bridges; bowguides; zithers.-In an instrument comprising a series of strings tuned to successive tones, one of the bridges supporting the strings is arranged angularlv across them and at a higher level than the other bridge so that the playing- means such as a bow contacts with only one string at a time, and this angularly disposed bridge has upstanding elements between the strings defining the playing-spaces and forming smooth guiding surfaces - to the playing- means when passing from one string to anotner. The instrument shown comprises two sets of parallel melody strings 11 stretching from a transverse bridge 12 to angularly disposed and slightly raised bridges 10, together with a further set of strings 8 arranged in chord-groups which however form no parted the invention. The smooth guiding-pieces arranged on the bridges 10 may be formed as separate staples 25 notched to receive the strings. Or they may be formed of one piece of wire, with adjacent perforated pins through which the strings pass. Or they may be formed integrally with the bridge which may be strengthened by pins driven in and by a reinforcing strip. The guide-pieces may have a slope on one side and a shoulder 31 on the other.