JPH0236957B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates generally to tuning devices for stringed instruments, and more particularly to tuning devices for stringed instruments that are mounted on a stringed instrument together with a tremolo device to tune the bridge of the stringed instrument. Alternatively, the present invention relates to a tremolo and tuning device for stringed instruments that performs the function of a nut and is capable of finely adjusting the strings while keeping the strings firmly restrained.

[Prior Art and its Problems] It is a well-known fact to those skilled in the art of guitars that there are two types of tuning methods. One of the tuning methods is pitch tuning, or fine tuning, in which the tension applied to a particular string is increased or decreased using a peg to raise the pitch (tune of sound) of that string. Or, there is a way to lower it. The other method is called harmonic tuning, or string length adjustment, and is a method of tuning by changing the distance between the string contact area between the bridge of the stringed instrument and the nut member.

It is also known that the incorporation of string fixing members into the bridge or nut of a stringed instrument significantly increases the pitch tuning duration of the stringed instrument, and furthermore, the string fixing members are particularly useful when used in conjunction with tremolo or vibrato devices. It is known that. This is because a tremolo or vibrato device temporarily increases the tension of the string, so if you use a tremolo or vibrato device without using a string fixing member, the string will stretch from the outside to the inside of the string contact area between the bridge and the nut. This is because this causes a decrease in the pitch of the string. One example of such a string fixing member is the
It is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,661 issued on the 23rd. However, guitars and other stringed instruments equipped with string fixing members are inconvenient for pitch tuning. Initially, when a string fixing member is tightened against a particular string, a slight distortion occurs in that string, resulting in a slight change in the current pitch tuning state. To readjust the pitch tuning state, first loosen the string fixing member, then pitch tune the string again.
Then, the string fixing member must be tightened again. This procedure must be repeated until all strings are properly pitch tuned by tightening the string fixing members.

[Object of the invention] The present invention eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks in tuning, especially in the tremolo device part, and allows pitch tuning (string length adjustment) without affecting harmonic tuning (tuning method that adjusts string length). It is an object of the present invention to provide a tuning device which can effectively perform a fine tuning method for adjusting the pitch, and which does not cause fluctuations in the tuning state before and after using the tremolo device.

[Summary of the Invention] The present invention is a tremolo and tuning device for a stringed instrument including a tremolo device for simultaneously changing the pitch of all strings of a stringed instrument, wherein each string is connected to the stringed instrument at a certain point on the nut of the stringed instrument. Achieving the first critical contact,
The second critical contact is achieved at a certain point on the bridge of the stringed instrument. The tuning device includes a string support member including one of the first and second critical contact portions of each string, and a string support member extending rearwardly of the string support member to hold the tensile end of each string on the string support member. a string holding member including a screw coupled to the string supporting member; and a fine tuning member rotating the string supporting member and the string holding member to adjust the tension of the string held by them. Both the string support member and the fine tuning member are provided on the tremolo device. The fine tuning member is a threaded member of the string retaining member for finely adjusting the pitch of an individual string without substantially changing the critical contact area on the string supporting member, i.e. without substantially changing the harmonic tuning of the string. The string support member is configured to rotate via the shank.

[Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a tuning device of the present invention, which is used as a bridge member 20 of an electric guitar 12 and is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. guitar 12
It mainly consists of a body 14 and a network 16. A nut member 1 is located near the front end of the neck 16.
8, and several pegs 17 are attached in front of it, one for each string. The bridge member 20 is on the body 14 of the guitar 12.
The fine tuning device of the present invention not only functions as a structural bridge member, but also incorporates a structure for reliably tightening each string.

Although the present invention is shown in the figures as being used with an electric guitar, it should be understood that it is also applicable to other stringed instruments, including cellos, banjos, and even pianos. However, since it seems that the greatest use of the present invention is application to guitars, it is described as such in this application. Additionally, although described and illustrated herein in the form of a guitar bridge member of the present invention, it is to be understood that it may be made for use in the form of a guitar nut member of the present invention.

As mentioned above, in this tuning device, it is possible to perform both harmonic tuning and pitch tuning separately. Changing harmonic tuning involves changing the distance between the last point of contact of the string to the nut, i.e. the point of contact of the nut closest to the bridge, and the point of first contact of the string to the bridge, i.e. the point of contact of the bridge closest to the nut. This is done by These contact sites are hereinafter referred to as critical contact sites of the string. To achieve harmonic tuning, e.g.
This is done by moving the bridge or the critical contact area of the string to the bridge longitudinally relative to the nut. The present invention is designed to maintain harmonic tuning even when fine pitch tuning is achieved.

A string can be pitch-tuned or fine-tuned by changing its tension. Ideally,
This fine tuning is preferably performed without changing the distance between the critical contact points between the nut and the bridge. In the tuning device of the present invention, as illustrated and described in the present application,
We can cite such results. Increasing the string tension will increase the pitch (tune) of the string, and decreasing the string tension will lower the pitch. The gist of the present invention is constituted by a structure that changes the tension of the string without substantially changing the distance between the critical contact points between the bridge and the nut. The present invention is also designed to minimize the chord length between the critical contact area and the string tightening area. However, the chord length may actually be different from the illustrated length without departing from the spirit of the invention.

2 and 3 show the invention in more detail. More specifically, the present invention is illustrated in use with a tremolo device, that is, a tremolo device in which, in operation, the bridge tilts relative to the body of the guitar to instantaneously and significantly change the pitch of the guitar strings. ing. The embodiment of FIG. 2 includes a tremolo base member, generally designated 22, which is comprised primarily of a flat plate 24 aligned generally parallel to the upper surface of the guitar. Each of the front corners 23 of the flat plate 24 has a knife edge portion 2.
1 is provided. This knife edge portion 21
is the upright positioning screw 2 fixed to the guitar body.
It engages with the taper groove of No.6. A flange 28 is provided at the rear of the flat plate 24 to project downward into the cavity of the guitar body. The bottom of the flange 28 and the guitar body are connected by one or more springs 30.

A tremolo bar 32 is coupled to the flat plate 24 near one of its longitudinal edges (in FIG. 1, the right edge when facing the guitar neck direction). When you move the tremolo bar 32 toward the guitar body,
The tremolo base member 22 tilts upward about the two fixed position screws 26 against the force of the spring 30.
This effect significantly changes the original pitch tuning state of the guitar and easily expands the guitar's range. When the original pitch tuning condition is required again, the tremolo bar 32 is released and the tremolo base member 22 is returned to its original position by the action of the spring 30, thereby returning the bridge structure and the strings to their respective original positions. Do it like this.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, the tremolo base member 22 also includes an upright L-shaped flange, generally indicated at 34. This flange 34 projects upward from the rear edge of the flat plate 24, and its width is equal to that of the two outer strings of the guitar.
That is, it is somewhat larger than the distance between the high E and low E strings.
Therefore, the width of the flange 34 is slightly wider than the width of the entire string. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the width of flange 34 is approximately 29/16 inches. The height of the vertical portion 36 of the flange 34 is approximately 1.1
cm (7/16 in), and the horizontal portion 38 extends rearwardly from the vertical portion 36 by approximately 0.32 cm (1/8 in). The thickness of the flange 34 is approximately 0.32 cm (1/8 inch),
In addition, the flange is a flat plate 24 in the illustrated embodiment.
Similar to chrome case hardened steel.

Although the tremolo base member 22, including the L-shaped flange 34, is constructed in the illustrated embodiment as a single unit, each string may be provided with individual fine adjustments/adjustments.
Bridge/tightening devices (hereinafter referred to as fine tuning devices) are provided, each independent of the fine tuning devices for other strings. However, all fine tuning devices are mounted on the tremolo base member 22. An example of such a fine tuning device is shown in FIG.
This is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. This fine tuning device is designated as a whole by the reference numeral 40 in the figure.
It consists of a front block member 42 and a rear block member 52.

The front block member 42 has a thickness of approximately 0.40 cm (5/
32 inches), including a front plate 43 of approximately 0.95 cm (3/8 inch) rearwardly from the leading edge 48.
An elongated slot 46 is drilled therein. The slot 46 extends over the entire thickness of the plate-like portion 43 and is located approximately at the center of the width of the plate-like portion 43. The width of the slot 46 is wide enough to accommodate a mechanical screw 44 which is threaded into the plate 24 to tighten the front block member 42 thereto. When the mechanical screw 44 is loosened,
The front block member 42, rear block member 52, and related components may be moved longitudinally to effect harmonic tuning.

The rear part of the front block member 42 protrudes above the front plate-like part, but is cut into a U-shape when viewed from above, and is open toward the rear. The rear part therefore has two edges 45, 4 whose respective front ends are connected by an intermediate part 51.
It consists of 7. The upper edge of the intermediate portion 51 is slightly cut away at a portion 50.

The rear block member 52 has a generally square shape in a three-dimensional view, and has a semicircular upright ear 54 protruding from its front surface, which serves as a string support member. The width of the ear 54 is approximately the same as the distance between the two rear edges 45, 47 of the front block member, and the overall width of the rear block member 52 is approximately equal to the distance between the outer surfaces of the edges 45,47.

2 edges 45, 47 and rear block member 52
A circular opening extends through the ear 54 and a pin 56 is disposed in the opening. The front surface of the rear blocking member 52 and the rear surface of the front blocking member 42 are each configured to permit rotational movement of the rear blocking member 52 about the pin 56 relative to the front blocking member 42.

The rear block member 52 also has a central opening 55.
This opening 55 is open on both the top and bottom surfaces. The front part of the central opening 55, that is, the inner surface that defines the front shape, has a semicircular ear part 5.
4 can be configured to extend a certain distance into the opening 55, or can be flat and sloped downward.

FIG. 3 shows a relatively flat surface (substantially flat surface) 57.
is shown slanting downwardly from the curvature of the ear 54 with respect to the axis of rotation about the pin 56. The generally planar surface 57 extends a short distance rearward of the axis of rotation and terminates in a vertical plane 60 which extends downwardly to the lower surface of the rear block member 52. Ear portion 54, substantially flat surface 57, and flat surface 6
The part of the 0 that comes into contact with the string is called the string contact surface. The generally flat surface 57 can also have a curved initial or front portion. The strings achieve initial contact at top dead center 59. Preferably, the string contact surfaces fore and aft of top dead center 59 are curved over a distance (hereinafter referred to as the critical distance) sufficient to allow the required fine tuning range. That is, as will become clear later, when rotating the rear block member 52 to achieve fine tuning, the critical contact area of the string is always on the curve of the string contact surface.

Due to the substantially flat surface 57, ie the increased radius relative to the rear of the critical distance, the rearward thickness between the pin 56 and the plane 60 is increased. This increased thickness is useful in helping the tuning member withstand clamping action, as discussed below. If the substantially flat surface 57 is made into a gently curved surface, the life of the string will be extended. Opening 5
The other inner surface defining 5 is, in the illustrated embodiment,
Vertical and flat. However, this shape has no special meaning. The rear block member 52 is a flat plate 24
It terminates a relatively short distance from the rear L-shaped flange 34 of the.

Inside the opening 55, there is a reference numeral 64 (third
A front plate portion 62 of the string holding member shown in FIG. That is, the strings of the musical instrument are positioned below the opening 55 and between the plane 60 and the front plate 62.
The critical contact area between the string and rear block member 52 appears near the top dead center of the axis of rotation, ie, approximately at dead center 59 in FIG. Therefore, this fine tuning device can also perform the function of a string bridge.

In the illustrated embodiment, the strings are arranged between a plane 60 and a front plate 62.
It is then guided upwardly and forwardly along a substantially flat surface 57 to a dead center 59, which is the bridge critical contact area. Of course, the string is free between the bridge critical contact area and the nut critical contact area of the guitar neck.

The front plate portion 62 of the string retaining member 64 is tightened to the flat surface 60 by the front end of a threaded shank 66, and the shank 66 extends rearward from the front plate portion 62 to form an extension of the string retaining member 64. is forming. The threaded shank 66 is connected to the rear block member 52.
and through a vertical slot in the vertical portion 36 of the L-shaped flange 34. The shank 6
The threads at No. 6 terminate approximately 0.64 cm (1/4 inch) from the end. In the illustrated embodiment, the shank 6
6 terminates in a head 68 approximately 1/2 inch behind the rear face of the vertical portion 36 of the L-shaped flange 34. In the illustrated example, the head 68 can be turned with an Allen spanner to vary the pressure on the front plate 62 and to tighten/release the strings. String retention member 64 is a convenient and efficient member for quickly tightening and releasing strings.
Thus, the device of the illustrated embodiment of the present invention is provided with an efficient string retention member in which the clamping site is at a very close distance from the bridge critical contact site 59.

The adjustment screw 70 for fine tuning has an L-shaped flange 34.
It is threaded through the horizontal portion 38 of the threaded shank 66 and is positioned so as to be in contact with the non-threaded portion of the threaded shank 66, thereby acting as a fine tuning member. Shank 6
6 is in a vertical slot in the L-shaped flange vertical portion 36, so that the shank 66 and therefore the rear block member 52 are free to move vertically a short distance. In other words, the front plate portion 62 and the shank 66 serve as a string holding member as well as a means for rotating the string supporting member. The screwed shank 66 is
Due to the tensioning action of the string itself, it is biased in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the adjusting screw 70. Shank with screw 66
The actual vertical position of the rear block member 52 and therefore the rotational position of the rear block member 52 is determined by the position of the adjusting screw 70.
The adjustment screw 70 can be easily turned by hand or with a regular screwdriver. When the screw 70 is turned and moved downward, the threaded shank 66 is pushed downward, and the rear block member 52 is moved clockwise (FIG. 3).
Rotate to . Turning the screw 70 upwardly moves the threaded shank 66 upwardly and rotates the rear block member 52 in a counterclockwise direction (FIG. 3).

If you want to change the tension applied to a particular string,
That is, when it is desired to finely adjust a specific string, the adjustment screw 70 is used. In other words, if you want to increase the string tension and therefore string pitch, turn the adjusting screw 70 clockwise (move it downwards), and if you want to decrease it, turn this screw counterclockwise (move it upwards). hand)
Just do it. Rear block member 52 and ear portion 54
Since the upper part of the block member 52 is arcuate, the rear block member 52
As the string rotates about the pin 56, the critical bridge contact area of the string remains approximately above the dead center 59.
Therefore, the distance between the bridge critical contact site and the nut critical contact site remains constant during fine tuning of the string, and the surface also remains tightened during that time, so that the harmonic tuning of the string is The string condition remains maintained.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the string tightening point is in close proximity to the bridge critical contact area 59.
Therefore, the tension effect on the string due to an increase or decrease in string tension is almost completely absorbed by the part of the string between the critical contact points between the nut and the bridge, so that the string motion with respect to the critical contact point of the bridge is completely absorbed. It can be said that there is almost no deviation between the bridge critical contact area and the string. In other words, when the present invention is used, pitch distortion hardly occurs.

Therefore, the pitch tuning ability is greatly improved using the present invention. Furthermore, when the tremolo device returns to its normal position, the string returns to its original harmonic tuning state as well as its pitch or fine tuning state. Therefore, the stringed instrument adopting the present invention can maintain the tuning effect for a longer period of time. This is a significant advantage over conventional systems. Moreover, the illustrated embodiment has been found to significantly increase string life.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in this application for illustrative purposes, the embodiments may include various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims. It is to be understood that examples and alternatives may be incorporated.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a tuning device of the present invention disposed at a suitable location on an electric guitar, and Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a fine tuning device of the present invention made to be used as a bridge member of a stringed instrument. , Figure 3 is line 3 in Figure 2.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 10... Tuning device, 12... Electric guitar, 14
...Body, 16...Neck, 17...Pinning, 18...Nut member, 20...Bridge member, 22...Tremolo base member, 32...Tremolo bar, 34...L-shaped flange, 40...Fine tuning device, 42...Front block Member, 52... Rear block member, 54... Ear part (string support member), 59... Top dead center, 62... Front plate part, 6
4... String holding member, 66... Screwed shank, 70...
Adjustment screw (fine tuning member).

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. Each string is configured to achieve a first critical contact with the stringed instrument at a certain location on the nut of the stringed instrument and a second critical contact at a certain location on the bridge of the stringed instrument, A tremolo and tuning device for a stringed instrument comprising a tremolo device for changing the pitch of all strings of a stringed instrument simultaneously, the tremolo device 22 comprising one of the first and second critical contact portions 59 or 18 of each string; a string support member 54 for each string pivotally mounted thereon; String holding member 6 including a screw coupled to the string supporting member
2, 66; and a fine tuning member 70 on the tremolo device for each of the string supports and string retention members, the fine tuning member 70 on the tremolo device for each of the string supports and string retention members, the fine tuning member 70 for adjusting the individual strings without substantially changing the critical contact area on the string support member. a fine adjustment tuning member that adjusts the tension of the strings held by each of the string support members by rotating them through a shank 66 of the screw of the string holding member in order to finely adjust the pitch of the string; A tremolo and tuning device for a stringed instrument, characterized by having the following. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the fine tuning members 70 is manually adjustable. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fine tuning member is an adjustment screw 70, which adjustment screw abuts the shank 66 of the long screw. 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the shank 66 is biased against the end of the adjusting screw by the tension of the string it carries.