GB682858A - Improvements in and relating to plucked keyboard instruments such as spinets, harpsichords and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

682,858. Stringed musical instruments. BRYAN, J. M. May 8,.1951 [May 19, 1950], No. 12628/50. Class 88 (ii). In a harpsichord or like instrument, each plectrum G is carried on a tongue D, Figs. 4, 5, pivoted at E to a jack A. After the plectrum G has plucked its associated string H on the upward stroke, the tongue D is tilted by the engagement of a protuberance K with the upper jack rail B so that the plectrum G does not touch the vibrating string H on the return stroke. The tongue D is returned to its upright position by the engagement of the rail B with a ramp L on the opposite side of the tongue from K. A damper J is held in a groove in the jack A by a spring clip N. A silent return of the plectrum to its rest position may be achieved also by the use of a modified form of damper J, Fig. 7, which is fitted beneath the plectrum G in order to damp the vibrations of the string during the return stroke and may be used in association with a jack of normal type. In a further alternative construction, Fig. 9, the plectrum G is fixed in the jack A which is tilted to avoid the vibrating string H on the return stroke by means of projections K which engage the upper jack rail B. In this construction the dampers are separate from the jacks and a sustaining pedal may be provided.