IES20160004A2 - Open back tenor banjo - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to the open back Irish tenor banjo, in particular the invention provides a banjo comprising of a new type of banjo pot assembly specifically designed to provide easier assembly/setup of the banjo. This advantage of this type of banjo is the shape and design, the shape is designed so as there is no need for the attachment of a resonator flange and this turn creates a light weight instrument that gives comfort to the player. <Figure 1a>

Description

Open Back Irish Tenor Banjo Field of the Invention 1. The present invention relates to an open back Irish tenor banjo. In particular the invention relates to a new type of tenor banjo.

Background to the Invention 2. A tenor banjo is a musical instrument that comes in a variety of forms, including four and five-string types. Banjo playing is characterized by a fast plucking, though there are many different playing styles. 3. The body, or pot, of the banjo typically consists of a circular rim sometimes made of wood, although metal was also common on older banjos) and a tensioned head, similar to a drum head. Traditionally the head was made from animal skin, but today is often made of various synthetic materials. Most modern banjos also have a metal tone ring assembly that helps further clarify and project the sound, however many older banjos do not include a tone ring. 4. The banjo is usually tuned with friction tuning pegs or planetary gear tuners, rather than the worm gear machine head used on guitars. Frets have become standard since the late 19th century, though fretless banjos are still manufactured and played by those wishing to execute glissando, play quarter tones, or otherwise achieve the sound and feeling of early playing styles.

. Modern banjos are typically strung with metal strings. Usually the fourth string is wound with either steel or bronze-phosphor alloy. Some players may string their banjos with nylon or gut strings to achieve a mellower, old-time tone. 6. Some banjos have a separate resonator plate on the back of the pot to project the sound forward and give the instrument more volume. This type of banjo is usually used in bluegrass, though resonator banjos are played by players of all styles, and are also used in old-time playing. 7. Open-back banjos generally have a mellower tone and weigh less than resonator banjos. They usually have a different setup than a resonator banjo.

Summary of the Invention In Accordance to the invention provided and as set out in the appended claims: 1. The important aspect of the present invention as indicated in Figure 1,1a and 1 b part 8 the top hat pot assembly, as the title indicates the shape of the pot and unlike other banjos this pot is designed as a single unit where there is no need to attach separate parts to the side of the pot in order to tension the skin membrane. This is achieved by the recessed holes through the pot, these are designed to feed the hook bolts through for the tension of the skin membrane, unlike other banjos there is no need to have separate parts to the function of tensioning the skin membrane.

Brief Description of the Drawings 2. The following drawings will provide a brief clarity to the invention, FIG 1 is a top view of the present invention, and FIG 1 a is a view of the left side of the invention assembly parts, and FIG 1b is a view of the right side of the invention assembly parts.

Detailed Description of the Drawings As illustrated in the drawings which are for the purpose of describing the present invention 3. As can be seen on Figures 1,1a and 1b the present invention relates to an open back Irish Tenor Banjo. The present invention is designed with a light weight pot assembly/ body that will allow the present invention to be more portable then typical tenor banjos. 4. As can be seen in Figures 1,1a and 1b, the present invention comprises of, 1 the tuning pegs, these are connected through 2 the peg head, that is a part of 3 the neck, and 4 the fret board or finger board, where the musical notes are indicated by pressing 15 the strings across any particular 16 fret, the 15 strings are also rested on 5 the bridge, that is rested on 14 the skin membrane ,and are connected to 6 the tailpiece, and 1 the tuning pegs are turned to tighten or loosen 15 the strings, to tune the instrument, Part 7 the neck adjustment or coordinator rods, connected through 8 the top hat pot assembly and are used to level the direction of the 3 the neck, that provides the gap between 15 the strings and 16 the frets, and also balances the pressure on 15 the strings, Part 10 the hook bolts, are connected through 9 the recessed hook bolt hole and rest on 11 the skin tension ring or tension hoop, that is pressed on 14 the skin membrane, and when 10 the hook bolts are tightened 14 the skin membrane is tightened and when 15 the strings are plucked or strummed across this then provides the banjo sound. Item 12 the recessed shape of the pot assembly, 13 smooth edge of the pot assembly, both of these are designed to lessen the uncomfortable feeling of protruding parts as seen in other banjo designs.

Claims (4)

Claims

1. An open back Irish tenor banjo comprising of a new type of pot assembly with vertically drilled holes the installation of the hook bolts for tensioning the banjo pot skin membrane.

2. An open back Irish tenor banjo comprising of a new type of pot assembly with wider lower rim engineered to give comfort to the musician where the banjo can rest in the users lap or arms safely and with ease and there is no need for additional parts for this purpose.

3. An open back Irish tenor banjo comprising a grooved and slotted cut out piece for the connection of the banjo neck that will ease the setup and assembly of the instrument.

4. An open back Irish tenor banjo, specifically designed for its handling features where the musician can use the banjo whether seated or standing with the comforts and enhance the playing ability.