JPH0762796B2 - Electronic stringed instrument - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic stringed instrument, and in particular, an electronic stringed instrument such as a guitar or a fretless bass or a violin-based stringed instrument which can be selectively played. Regarding stringed instruments.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the rapid development of electronic technology,
Electronic stringed instruments capable of producing a wide variety of tones by picking operations similar to those of traditional natural stringed instruments have been developed. As an electronic string instrument of this kind, the pitch designation operation state sensing unit provided on the fingerboard side senses the fret position of the string currently being pressed and designates the musical tone of the corresponding pitch, and at the same time the body side The string trigger detection unit provided in the unit detects the picking operation state for the string, and the string trigger detection unit provides a musical sound of a predetermined tone at the pitch specified by the pitch specified operation state detection unit. There is an electronic string instrument of the string trigger type that produces the sound of. The advantage of this string-triggered electronic string instrument lies in its simplified construction.
That is, the string trigger sensing unit senses the start of vibration of the string, sounds the musical tone as a signal, and determines the pitch of the musical tone to be generated by the pitch designating signal from the pitch designating operation state sensing means. It has a simple structure.

By the way, a stringed instrument having a fret on a fingerboard such as an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar, and a stringed instrument having no fret on a fingerboard such as a fretless bass or a violin. There is. For this reason, even in electronic stringed instruments, conventionally, fret state sensing means is provided between each of the frets of a large number of strings to be strung on the fingerboard, so that the string at the fret position is determined. Guitars such as acoustic guitars and electric guitars that produce musical sounds by specifying the pitch determined by the fret position by pressing the strings, and fingers that do not have frets for the strings stretched on the fingerboard. There is a violin type of a type in which a large number of pitch state detecting means are provided on the board and the pitch is designated by the place detected by the pitch state detecting means irrespective of the fret position.

[0004]

However, the fret position sensing means is arranged between the respective frets of a large number of frets provided for the strings stretched on the conventional fingerboard, and the position of the fret is detected. For electronic stringed musical instruments such as acoustic guitars and electric guitars that produce musical tones by specifying the pitch determined by the fret position by pressing the string of the fret, one fret state sensing means is provided for each fret. Since each fret has a singular number, only one piece of pitch information can be set for one fret. Therefore, when one fret is pressed, Even if the fret operation position is changed slightly at the fret position, the pitch of the generated musical tone can be changed according to the operation. It could not be. For this reason, an effect obtained when performing a fingering method of setting a musical tone for a pressed string position by a stringed instrument such as a fretless bass, a violin, etc., on which no fret is provided on the fingerboard, a so-called violin stringed instrument, that is, There is a problem that the same effect as the vibrato effect cannot be obtained.

Further, a large number of pitch state detecting means is provided on a fingerboard having no frets for the strings stretched on the conventional fingerboard, and the position of the pitch state detecting means is irrespective of the fret position. In a violin-type electronic stringed musical instrument that produces a musical tone by designating a pitch determined by the place where the pitch state sensing means senses the string by pushing the string, the pitch state sensing means Since the specified pitch is determined by the sensed position, you can press any string within the same fret position as in a guitar that has many frets for the strings stretched on the fingerboard. However, unlike the fact that the same pitch is specified, the range corresponding to the same fret position of the fret provided on the fingerboard of a guitar or the like. If you move your fingertip inside, the pitch of the generated musical tone changes according to the movement operation, so you can get the effect of playing with a fretless bass or a violin-type stringed instrument, but with a fret such as a guitar. However, there is a problem in that it is not possible to obtain the performance effect of playing a certain stringed instrument.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a playing method using a stringed instrument having a fret such as a guitar,
The purpose of the present invention is to provide an electronic stringed instrument that can be played by switching between playing with a fretless bass string, a violin-type stringed stringed instrument, and the like.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an electronic stringed instrument according to the present invention is divided into a plurality of first regions and a plucked string unit in which a musical tone generation timing is designated by a player. At the same time, a pressing position detecting means for detecting a pressing position of the player on the fingerboard divided into a plurality of second regions each having a plurality of the first regions, and a fret mode and fretless. When the fret mode is set by the mode setting means and the mode setting means capable of setting any one of the modes, the second of the fingerboards.
The pitch is set for each area, the pitch corresponding to the second area to which the pressing position detected by the pressing position detecting means belongs is specified, and the mode setting means sets the fretless mode. In this case, a pitch is set for each of the first areas of the fingerboard, and a pitch specifying means for specifying a pitch corresponding to the first area to which the pressing position detected by the pressing position detecting means belongs, And a tone generating means for generating a tone having a pitch designated by the pitch designating means at a timing designated by the stringing means.

[0008]

In the electronic string instrument constructed as described above, the fret mode is switched by the mode setting means provided in the body of the musical instrument body, and when the fingerboard is pressed, the pressing position is detected. Recognized by means. In this state, when a string-playing operation is applied to the string-playing means and a sounding timing is instructed, the musical-tone generating means starts to generate a musical sound. At this time, the pitch designating means determines the pitch according to which of the second areas on the fingerboard the pressing position detected by the pressing position detecting means belongs to (for example, each second area is divided by frets). However, the musical sound generating means generates a musical sound at the pitch. Therefore, no matter which position in the second area on the fingerboard is pressed, a musical tone of the same pitch is generated. Further, when the mode setting means switches to the fretless mode and a musical sound is generated in the same manner as in the fret mode, the pressing position detected by the pressing position detecting means is the first one on the fingerboard.
The pitch designating means determines the pitch, and the musical tone generating means determines, according to whether or not it belongs to a region (assuming that each second region is partitioned by frets, there are a plurality of first regions between the frets). A musical sound is generated at the pitch. So in a specific second area on the fingerboard (ie between specific frets)
However, a musical tone having a different pitch is generated depending on the pressed position.

[0009]

EXAMPLES Examples of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 shows the overall appearance of an electronic stringed instrument according to the present invention. In the figure, an electronic stringed instrument 1 has the shape of a guitar composed of a body 2, a neck 3, and a head 4. A plurality of strings 5 for playing a stringed instrument are stretched in the same direction as the neck 3. In addition, the body 2 has a parameter switch 6 for setting various parameters.
A mode change switch 18 which is a performance mode setting means for switching between the fret mode (guitar mode) and the fretless mode, and a speaker 90 for emitting a musical sound are provided. One end of the string 5 is supported by a peg 8 provided on the head 4 so that the tension can be adjusted, and the other end of the string 5 extends on a fingerboard 9 formed by the upper surface of the neck 3, and the string 5 is located on the body 2. It is fixed in the trigger switch section 7. Further, on the fingerboard 9, a plurality of pitch state detection switch groups KSW, which are pitch designated state detection means, are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the fingerboard 9 (for one string, in the stringing direction on the upper surface of the fingerboard 9). The number of frets 10 provided is larger than the number of frets 10 provided. Then, by pressing the string 5 between the frets 10 provided in the stringing direction on the upper surface of the fingerboard 9 and pressing the string 5 against the upper surface of the fingerboard 9, the corresponding pitch state detection switch KSW is turned on.
Is configured to. In addition, a string trigger switch TSW is housed inside the string trigger switch unit 7, and the string trigger switch TSW is operated by performing an operation such as playing the string 5 connected to the string trigger switch TSW. Is turned on, and by this,
Musical sounds are started to sound. This fret 1
0 is used to indicate a region where the pitch state is constant when the mode selector switch 18 is in the fret mode (guitar mode), so the height of the protrusion is set so as not to hinder the playing style in the fretless mode. It is lower than the fret of a conventional acoustic guitar.

The fingerboard 9 between the frets 10
The plurality of pitch state detection switches KSW arranged in the stringing direction of the upper string 5 have a structure as shown in FIG.
That is, the pitch state detection switch FSW has the concave portion 11 formed on the upper surface of the neck 3, that is, the finger board 9.
The printed circuit board 12 and the rubber sheet 13 are fitted and fixed therein. The rubber sheet 13 is laminated and adhered onto the printed circuit board 12, and both ends of the rubber sheet 13 are bent in a U-shaped cross section so as to wrap the both ends of the printed circuit board 12 and fix the printed circuit board 12. There is. Further, at the position corresponding to each string 5 on the lower surface of the rubber sheet 13 joined to the upper surface of the printed circuit board 12, as shown in FIG. 3, an area corresponding to each string 5 for each string 5 in the longitudinal direction of the neck 3 ( One row of contact recesses 14 is formed for each string 5 (amplitude range of the string 5). An electrode 15 as a movable contact is patterned on the upper bottom surface of the recess 14, while an electrode 16 as a fixed contact is patterned on the printed circuit board 12 facing each electrode 15. The electrode 15 and the electrode 16 constitute a pitch state detection switch KSW for designating a predetermined pitch. Therefore, when the rubber sheet 13 which is the surface of the fingerboard 9 is pressed down from above the strings 5, the electrodes 15 and 16 are brought into contact with each other and the pitch state detection switch KSW is turned on.

FIG. 4 shows this pitch state detection switch KS.
A circuit configuration of an electronic stringed instrument having W, a panel switch PSW, and the like is shown. In the figure, the CPU 20 is provided with a switch status detection circuit 3 via an address bus 25.
0, ROM 35, RAM 40, LCD driver 4
5 and the tone generation circuit 50 are connected. This switch status detection circuit 30, ROM 35, RAM 40,
The respective data of the LCD driver 45 and the tone generation circuit 50 are configured to be sent to the CPU 20 via the data bus 55. The pitch status detection switch group KSW is connected to the switch status detection circuit 30 via the bus line 60, and the panel switch group PSW is connected to the switch status detection circuit 30 via the bus line 65. Also, L
The CD driver 45 is connected to the LCD via the bus line 70.
The display unit 75 is connected. In addition, the tone generation circuit 50
The musical tone signal generated at 1 is emitted as a sound from the speaker 90 via the amplifier 80. Also, the CPU 20
Is connected to a latch circuit 95 via a bus line 85, and the string trigger switch group TSW is connected to the latch circuit 95 via a bus line 86.

Therefore, the ON input signal output from the string trigger switch group TSW which is turned ON by striking the string or by striking the claw is first latched by the latch circuit 95, and the CPU 2 passes through this latch circuit 95.
0 detects the trigger of the string 5. The switch status detection circuit 3 determines the switch status of the pitch state detection switch group KSW and the input status of each switch of the panel switch group PSW (parameter setting switch 6 shown in FIG. 1).
0 is input to the CPU 20 via the switch status detection circuit 30. The tone generation circuit 50 is controlled by the CPU 20, and the CPU 20
The musical tone signal corresponding to the musical tone specified by is generated, and the generated musical tone signal is amplified by the amplifier 80 and emitted to the outside through the speaker 90.

Next, the arithmetic processing of the CPU 20 shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the processing flow chart shown in FIG. First, when the power is turned on, the CPU 20 performs initialization processing in step 100.
When the initialization processing is performed in this step 100, the information latched in the latch circuit 95 shown in FIG. 4 is read out in step 101, and whether or not there is a trigger for all the strings 5 shown in FIG. That is, it is determined whether or not the picking operation state is sensed, which indicates whether or not the string has been picked. In step 101, when the triggered string of the strings 5 shown in FIG. 1 is detected, the musical tone generating circuit 50 is controlled to generate a musical tone. Then, in step 102, pitch state detection processing is performed. The pitch state detection processing in step 102 is performed by the switch status detection circuit 30 shown in FIG. 4 to determine the switch state of each switch of the pitch state detection switch group KSW.
The process of reading into the PU 20 is performed. Next, step 1
In 03, it is determined whether or not the pitch designated state of the pitch state detection switch group KSW is changed from the previous pitch designated state, and in this step 103, the pitch designated state is changed. If it is determined that there is no change from the previous pitch designation state, the process proceeds to step 105. If it is determined in step 103 that the tone pitch designation state has changed from the previous tone pitch designation state, tone pitch change processing is performed in step 104, and the process proceeds to step 105. When any of the pitch state detection switches KSW belonging to the string being sounded changes to a separated state, that is, a so-called open string state, the sound is muted. Further, nothing is done with respect to the change to the pressed string state of the pitch state detection switch KSW belonging to the string which is not currently sounded. In this way, it is determined whether or not there is a change in the pitch designated state in the pitch designated state change processing in step 103.

Next, at step 105, the state of each parameter setting switch of the panel switch group PSW shown in FIG.
The PU 20 reads. Then, in step 106,
Panel switch group PS detected in step 105
It is determined whether or not there is a change in the state of each parameter setting switch of W. If it is determined in step 106 that there is no change in the state of each parameter setting switch of the panel switch group PSW, the process returns to step 101. If it is determined in step 106 that the state of each parameter setting switch of the panel switch group PSW has changed, then in step 107, a panel switch state change process is performed. The panel switch state change processing in step 107 is, for example, processing of tone color, modulation data, bend range, and LCD display.

Next, in this series of processing, the mode changeover switch 18 shown in FIG. 1 is changed to the fret mode or the fretless mode, and under the mode setting, the pitch designation operation position and the tension of the string 5 shown in FIG. 1 are stretched. The process from the pitch specified state detection to the musical tone change process in the case of changing in the string direction will be described in more detail with reference to the process flowchart shown in FIG. Taking the electronic string instrument used as an example, the relationship between the fret switch and the fretless will be described. For each string of the electronic stringed instrument 1, processing is performed for each pitch specified state of each string. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the electronic stringed musical instrument 1 has one row per region (amplitude range of the string 5) corresponding to each string 5 in the longitudinal direction of the neck 3, that is, in the stringing direction. As described above, in the case of the 6-string, the total pitch designation operation row is 6 rows), and the contact concave portion 14 is formed, and this contact concave portion 14 is a switch for detecting the pitch designated state. That is, this electronic string instrument 1 has 6
There is one pitch designation operation row formed by vertically arranging a plurality of pitch designation state sensing means for each string, and one or more pitches are provided between the frets. The designated state detection means is provided. Also this 1
A plurality of (M) fret groups as shown in FIG. 7 are provided by a plurality of frets 10 arranged in the longitudinal direction of the neck 3 shown in FIG. And is divided into M blocks.

Next, the processing from the detection of the designated pitch state to the musical tone change processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, in step 200, a string (the string number is k) is designated. That is, the first string (k = 1) is designated. This step 200
After designating the string number (k = 1) in step 1, in step 201, it is determined whether or not the mode changeover switch 18 which is the performance mode setting means is in the fretless mode.
That is, the mode switch 18 is in the fret mode,
Determine which of the fretless modes is specified. Hereinafter, the case where the performance mode setting is the fretless mode and the case where the performance mode setting is the fret mode will be described separately.

<< When the performance mode is set to the fretless mode >> When it is determined in step 201 that the mode changeover switch 18 which is the performance mode setting means is in the fretless mode, in the next step 202,
In the string number designated in step 200 (for example, the kth string shown in FIG. 7), a pitch designation operation sequence (for example, a fret group provided along the kth string shown in FIG. 7) Each fret switch group in) is fret-scanned, and it is determined whether or not there is a change in the fret switch group. For example, it is determined whether or not there is a change from the M-1 fret group shown in FIG. 7 to another fret group (for example, the M fret group or M + 1 fret group shown in FIG. 7). In this step 202, for example, from the state in which none of the strings 5 shown in FIG. 1 is pressed, that is, the state of the open string, the M fret and M- shown in FIG.
The position indicated by A between the 1st fret is pressed and the pitch state detection switch KSW existing at the A position is pressed.
When (M, 3) is turned on, the pitch state detection switch K
It is determined that the fret group to which SW belongs has changed. Note that, for example, from the position of the pitch state detection switch KSW (M, 3) indicated by A between the M fret and the M-1 fret shown in FIG. 7 last time, the M fret and the M fret shown in FIG. If the position indicated by B between the -1 fret is pressed and the pitch state detection switch KSW (M, N) existing at the B position is turned on, the previous pitch state detection switch KSW Fret group (M) to which (M, 3) belongs and this pitch state detection switch KSW (M,
Since it is the same as the fret group (M) to which N) belongs, it is determined that the fret group (M) has not changed. Conversely, for example, from the position of the pitch state detection switch KSW (M, 3) indicated by A in the M fret group shown in FIG. 7 last time, this time to C in the M + 1 fret group shown in FIG. 7 this time.
When the position indicated by is pressed and the pitch state detection switch KSW (M + 1, 2) existing at the position C is turned on, the fret groups to which the pitch state detection switch KSW belongs are different from each other. It is judged that there was a change (M fret group → M + 1 fret group).

When it is determined in step 202 that the fret group to which the pitch state detecting switch KSW belongs has changed, in step 203 key code information KCk corresponding to the fret group at the changed position is generated. The key code information KCk that is initially generated when another fret group is changed to a new fret group in step 203 is a key code predetermined as a reference for the fret group. That is,
The key code information generated in step 203 is
It will be determined by the fret group number. If the previous fret group number is M-1 or M + 1,
When the fret group number is changed to M this time from the fret group number, and the first pitch designation operation position is the position A or the position B shown in FIG. 7, these A and B positions are Since they belong to the same fret group, the generated key code information KCk is the same.

When it is determined in step 202 that the fret group (for example, the M fret group shown in FIG. 7) has not been changed, the previously generated key code information KCk is generated.
Is held, and the process proceeds to step 204.

When the pitch information is generated in step 203, the process proceeds to step 204. In step 204, it is determined whether or not the pitch state detection switch KSW in the M fret groups has changed, that is, whether or not there is a change in the pitch designated operation position.

For example, the pitch state detection switch KSW that was turned on last time is the M fret group shown in FIG. 7, and the pitch state detection switch KSW that is turned on this time is M as in the previous time.
If there is no change in the fret group in the fret group, for example, in the same fret group, for example, in the M fret group shown in FIG. 7 last time, the pitch state detection switch KSW (M,
If the pitch state detection switch KSW (M, n) indicated by B in the same M fret group is turned on from the position 3) this time, the pitch state detection switch KSW (M) in the same M fret group is turned on. 3) From the pitch state detection switch K
Since it is the case of changing to SW (M, n), it is judged that there is a change in the pitch designated operation position. Note that, for example, from the position of the pitch state detection switch KSW (M, 3) indicated by A in the M fret group shown in FIG. 7 last time, this time, the pitch state detection switch indicated by C in the other M + 1 fret group is shown. If KSW (M + 1, 2) is turned on, it is determined in step 202 that the fret group has been changed, but since it is a fret change to another fret group, there is no change in the pitch designation operation position. It will be judged that.

If it is determined in step 204 that the pitch state detection switch KSW has changed, then in step 205 the bend information BDr corresponding to the pitch designated operation position corresponding to the pitch state detection switch KSW.
(N−N) is generated.

Bend information B in step 205
The generation of Dr (n−N) is performed by, for example, the previous pitch state detection switch KSW (M, at the position indicated by A in FIG. 7).
The pitch state detection switch KSW of this time at the position indicated by B in FIG. 7 from the pitch f ₀ (reference pitch) in 3)
The case where the pitch is changed to (M, N) will be described as an example. The pitch f ₀ (reference pitch) at the previous pitch state detection switch KSW (M, 3) and the fret group (M shown in FIG. 7). Other pitch detection switch KSW in the fret group)
The number of switches SW existing between (M, N) is M
It is performed by a difference value obtained by subtracting from the total sum N (a certain pitch range that the M fret group can have) of the switches SW belonging to the fret group. The sum N of the pitch state detection switches KSW in the M fret group, which is a certain pitch range that the M fret group can have, is, for example, the pitch critical point of the M-1 fret group adjacent to the M fret group. , And the total number of switches KSW existing between the pitch critical point of the M + 1 fret group.

After the bend information BDr (n−N) is generated, the process proceeds to step 206. Also, this step 2
In 04, when it is determined that the pitch state detection switch KSW is not changed in the same fret group (for example, the M fret group illustrated in FIG. 7), the bend information BDk generated last time is held, and the step 206 is performed. Move.

Bend information B in step 205
If Dk is generated, or if the previously generated bend information BDk is held, the next step 2
In 06, the key code information KDk generated in step 203 and the bend information B currently generated
Pitch information FDr is generated by Dk. When the pitch information FDk is generated in step 206, the process proceeds to step 210. As a result, the pitch of the generated musical tone is changed to the pitch according to the pitch information FDk.

<< When the playing mode is set to the fret mode >> Next, the case where the mode changeover switch 18 as the playing mode setting means is in the fret mode (guitar mode) at step 201 will be described.

First, in step 207, similarly to step 202, it is determined in step 200 whether the fret group has been changed. For example, from the M-1 fret group illustrated in FIG. 7 to another fret group (for example,
It is determined whether or not there is a change in the M + 1 fret group illustrated in FIG. 7. For example, in this step 207, from the state where none of the strings 5 shown in FIG. 1 is pressed, that is, the state of the open string, it is shown by A between the M fret and the M-1 fret shown in FIG. When the position is pressed, the pitch state detection switch KSW (M,
When 3) is turned on, it is determined that the M fret group to which the pitch state detecting switch KSW belongs has changed. Note that, for example, the M fret and the M fret shown in FIG.
From the position of the pitch state detection switch KSW (M, 3) indicated by A between the -1 fret and M, shown in FIG. 7 this time.
Considering the case where the fret operation position is moved to the position of the pitch state detection switch KSW (M, N) indicated by B between the fret and the M-1 fret, in this case,
Since it is a change in the fret operation position within the same M fret, it is determined that the fret group (M) does not change. On the other hand, for example, M shown in FIG.
Pitch condition detection switch KSW indicated by A in the fret group
From the position (M, 3), the pitch state detection switch KSW (M is shown by C in the M + 1 fret group shown in FIG. 7 this time.
Considering the case where the fret operation position is moved to the (+1, 2) position and the pitch state detection switch KSW (M + 1, 2) is turned on, the fret operation position is changed to the M + 1 fret different from the M fret. Because it is a thing,
It is determined that the M + 1 fret group to which the pitch state detection switch KSW belongs has changed (M fret group → M + 1 fret group).

In step 207, the fret group to which the pitch state detection switch KSW belongs is changed (for example,
If it is determined that there is M fret group → M + 1 fret group), in step 208, the key code information KCk (M + 1) corresponding to the fret group (M + 1 fret group) to which the pitch state sensing switch KSW newly turned on belongs. Is generated. In this step 208, the key code information KCk corresponding to the new fret group (M + 1 fret group)
When (M + 1) is generated, in step 209,
Based on this key code information KCk (M + 1, 2), new pitch information FDk is generated, and the pitch of the generated musical tone is changed to the pitch corresponding to this pitch information FDk. Move to step 210.

As described above, in the guitar mode, for example, all the pitch state detecting switches KSW in the M fret group in the region from the M-1 fret to the M fret.
7 is the same as the pitch state detection switch KSW (M, 3) between the M fret and the M-1 fret shown in FIG. 7 from the position of the pitch state detection switch KSW (M, 3) shown in FIG. Even if the fret operation position is moved to the pitch state sensing switch KSW (M, N) indicated by B between the M fret and the M-1 fret, the pitch information FDk is the key code information KCk (on the M fret. M), the key code information KCk is generated in the same fret group even if the fret operation position is slightly changed by fingering.
Are the same.

If it is determined in step 207 that the fret group has not been changed, the process proceeds to step 210 without generating new pitch information FDk.

In step 210, the string number 1 corresponding to the first string is incremented (k = k + 1) and the string number is set to "2". Then, in step 211, the current string number 2 is the string number of all strings. It is judged whether or not the number is larger than 6, which is k, and when it is determined that the number is smaller, the processing from step 201 to step 210 is performed.

In step 211, it is determined whether or not the processing has been performed for all strings of the electronic stringed musical instrument, and when the processing for all strings and the entire pitch designation operation sequence (fret group) is completed, this flow ends. Of course, it goes without saying that the processing of this flow is repeated in a predetermined cycle.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the string 5 is stretched on the finger board 9, but it is not always necessary to dispose the string 5 on the finger board 9. The strings 5 may be arranged only on the portion 2 side. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the plurality of frets 10 are formed on the fingerboard 9 at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction thereof has been described. ,
It is not necessary to form frets. Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the musical tone of the pitch designated by each fret switch FSW is once sounded corresponding to the ON state of the string trigger switch TSW, and then the fret operation position is subtly changed. In addition, although the frequency of the musical sound currently being generated is changed according to the change state, it does not have to occur after the on state of the string trigger switch TSW occurs. For example, if the string trigger switch TSW is in the on state. Even if it does not happen, when you apply the fret operation to the electronic stringed instrument of the type that produces only the tone at the pitch corresponding to the operated fret position, the fret operation causes The pitch of the musical tone being sounded may be finely changed according to the fine change of the fret operation position. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to an electronic stringed instrument of a type which produces a musical tone having a pitch designated by the fret switch FSW in correspondence with the ON state of the string trigger switch TSW will be described. However, an electronic stringed instrument of various types other than the electronic stringed instrument of the type using the fret switch FSW and the string trigger switch TSW, for example, a fret that propagates ultrasonic waves to a string and is in contact with the string by fret operation. The present invention may also be applied to an ultrasonic type electronic stringed instrument (for example, disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-99790) that measures the reflection time of ultrasonic waves from a position to specify the pitch.

[0034]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it can be applied to the case of a playing technique (for example, a sliding playing technique) performed with a stringed instrument having a fret such as a guitar, which is not possible with a conventional electronic stringed instrument. Musical tone control (for example, pitch change in semitone steps) and musical tone control obtained in the case of playing with a fretless string instrument such as fretless bass or violin (same method) (for example, finer pitch change than in semitone steps) ) And can be selectively performed, it is possible to further enhance the use of electronic stringed instruments.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of an electronic stringed instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a cross-sectional view of the neck shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pitch state detection switch shown in FIG.

4 is a block diagram showing an example of an electronic circuit configuration used in the electronic stringed instrument shown in FIG. 1. FIG.

5 is an operation flowchart of the block diagram shown in FIG.

6 is a processing flowchart for detecting a pitch state change in the operation flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the processing flowchart shown in FIG. 6;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Electronic string instrument 3 Neck 5 String 7 String trigger switch section 9 Finger board 10 Frets 18 Mode selection switch KSW Pitch condition detection switch

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A plucking means whose musical tone generation timing is designated by a player, and a plurality of first regions which are divided into a plurality of first regions and which form a single region. Pressing position detecting means for detecting a pressing position of the player on the fingerboard divided into the second area, and mode setting means capable of setting one of a fret mode and a fretless mode, When the fret mode is set by the mode setting means, a pitch is set for each second area of the fingerboard and corresponds to the second area to which the pressing position detected by the pressing position detecting means belongs. When the pitch is designated and the fretless mode is set by the mode setting means, the pitch is set for each first area of the fingerboard. The pitch specifying means for specifying the pitch corresponding to the first area to which the pressing position detected by the pressing position detecting means belongs; and the pitch specifying means at the timing specified by the stringing means. An electronic stringed instrument, comprising: a musical tone generating means for generating a musical tone of a designated pitch.