RU2282251C2 - Pick - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: musical instruments, in particular, pick for picking strings of musical instrument.

SUBSTANCE: pick contains first part, having multiple means for grasping strings, second part with additional means for grasping strings and connecting element, made as single whole with aforementioned parts, connecting them and having shape of arc, crossing the pick. Aforementioned grasping means are positioned so, that utilization can play stringed instrument by grasping one or more strings by one or more means for grasping strings. Connecting element provides for grasp between thumb and forefinger. Variant of manufacture of pick is provided.

EFFECT: possible adjustment and alternation of tones during their creation, possible demonstration of quality of instrument.

2 cl, 11 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a plectrum for pinching strings of a musical instrument or for striking them. In particular, it refers to a plectrum held between the thumb and forefinger.

State of the art

Plectra or picks for a string instrument such as a guitar, banjo, harp, etc., have long been used as an alternative to the musician’s fingertips when pinching strings or striking them. These plectrums are useful devices for the user who wants to play a musical instrument.

Typically, the user selects a plectrum in accordance with its characteristics, the type of strings used on the instrument, as well as its own style and manner of playing.

An ordinary plectrum is a flat piece of material, and it can be made of plastic, wood, bone, shell, metal, or any suitable material. The use of plastic plectrons is very common, which made them popular for use with nylon strings. Metal plectrons are strong and rigid; they are best suited for metal strings. These materials have their characteristic characteristic rigidity and are used to create different tones and textures of sounds.

In the manufacture of ordinary plectrums, they are also given various forms. Typical forms are triangular or oval (or the shape of a melon seed or drop-shaped). There are three factors that affect the characteristic sound that the plectrum can extract: the grip between the thumb and index finger, the distance to the playing edge from the grip, and the thickness at the playing edges.

A problem with a flat plectrum is the difficulty in achieving proper grip between the thumb and forefinger. This affects the accuracy of playing individual strings of a musical instrument. To eliminate this problem of ensuring proper grip, the use of knurling or texturing at the grip site has been demonstrated among known technical solutions. Another way is to provide a hole in the grip. If proper capture of the plectrum is ensured, the user receives a guarantee of accurate playing on the string with the ability to extract the required note and confidently express his own style and manner of playing.

Another factor is the size of the plectrum. We have to find a compromise between this size and the ease of capture of the plectrum. The large plectrum provides an increased capture area, but its size makes it difficult to quickly rotate it between the thumb and index finger. On the other hand, the capture area of the smaller plectrum is limited, although the smaller size allows the user to exhibit greater agility.

These conventional plectrons are generally divided into “thick”, “medium” and “thin”, and their thickness is essentially 1, 0.7 and 0.5 mm, respectively. For example, when it is used when playing the guitar, a “thick” plectrum helps to extract louder and stronger sounds, which is typical for playing solos and leading parts. A “thin” plectrum helps to extract a quiet and soft sound, for example, as the sound of an acoustic background. To extract normal or ordinary sounds, you can use a plectrum of "medium" thickness.

A typical plectrum has a limited number of game edges. The playing edge is often at the end of the plectrum. If you want to publish a lot of tones or sounds, then the user needs to choose among a number of game edges available on the plectrum. Otherwise, the user will have to replace his plectrum with another while playing the instrument. This may be necessary when the user wants to create a sound texture, changing it, for example, from rock music “heavy metal” to the soothing enumeration of a regular 12-string guitar.

The purpose of the plectrum according to this invention is to overcome or at least mitigate some of the aforementioned disadvantages or problems of conventional plectrons. The goal is to provide the user with the ability to adjust and vary the tones when creating them, as well as fully demonstrate the quality of a stringed musical instrument using a plectrum.

Summary of the invention

According to a first specific embodiment of the invention, there is provided a plectrum for a stringed musical instrument comprising

(a) a first part having a plurality of means for engaging strings,

(b) a second part having additional means for engaging the strings, and

(c) a connecting element made with them as a single unit connecting the first and second parts, which has the shape of an arch intersecting the plectrum,

wherein

the plurality of engagement means and said additional engagement means are arranged in such a way that they enable the user to play the string instrument by engaging one or more strings of the string instrument with one or more means for engaging the strings, and the connecting element provides a grip between the index finger and the user's thumb .

In a typical case, the plectrum has a protrusion or a stepped element, which is made essentially in the center of the plectrum. This protrusion or step element can also be curved and protrude in the first part.

In a typical case, the first and second parts of the plectrum are respectively planar elements, with the first part being in an elevated position relative to the second part.

Optionally, the first or second parts of the plectrum have at least one pointed edge for engaging the strings, at least one serrated or combed edge for engaging the strings, and at least one oval (either in the form of a melon seed or a drop-like) edge for engaging strings.

The first part of the plectrum preferably contains a short, pointed edge for engaging the strings in close proximity to the serrated or crested edge.

Typically, the protrusion or step element has at least one end used as an additional edge to engage the strings.

According to a second specific embodiment of the invention, there is provided a plectrum for a stringed musical instrument having a first end and a second end and comprising

(a) a first substantially flat member having a plurality of edges for engaging strings,

(b) a second, essentially flat element having an additional edge for engaging the strings, and

(c) a connecting element made with them as a single unit in the form of a protrusion or a step element connecting the first and second elements, which has the shape of an arch intersecting the middle of the plectrum,

wherein the connecting element provides a grip between the user's thumb or index finger, and the plurality of engagement edges and said additional engagement edge are arranged so as to enable the user to play the string instrument by engaging one or more strings of the string instrument with one or more means for gearing strings.

Alternatively, in a third specific embodiment, there is provided a plectrum for a stringed musical instrument comprising

(a) a first part having a plurality of means for engaging strings,

(b) a second part having additional means for engaging the strings, and

(c) a connecting element made with them as a single unit connecting the first and second parts, which has the shape of a curved groove passing through the plectrum,

however, a plurality of engagement means and said additional engagement means are arranged so as to enable the user to play the string instrument by engaging one or more strings of the string instrument with one or more means for engaging the strings, and the connecting element provides a grip between the index finger and the thumb user finger.

Alternatively, in a fourth specific embodiment, there is provided a plectrum for a stringed musical instrument comprising

(a) a first part having a plurality of means for engaging strings,

(b) a second part having additional means for engaging the strings, and

(c) a connecting element made with them as a single unit connecting the first and second parts, in the form of a curved protrusion passing through the first face of the plectrum, and a curved groove on the second opposite side of the plectrum,

wherein

the plurality of engagement means and said additional engagement means are arranged in such a way that they enable the user to play the string instrument by engaging one or more strings of the string instrument with one or more means for engaging the strings, and the connecting element provides a grip between the index finger and the user's thumb .

Alternatively, in yet another specific embodiment, a plectrum for a stringed musical instrument comprising

(a) a first part having a plurality of means for engaging strings,

(b) a second part having additional means for engaging the strings, and

(c) made with them as a single whole connecting element connecting the first and second parts, in the form of a combination of a curved protrusion and a groove essentially passing through at least one face of the plectrum,

however, a plurality of engagement means and said additional engagement means are arranged so as to enable the user to play the string instrument by engaging one or more strings of the string instrument with one or more means for engaging the strings, and the connecting element provides a grip between the index finger and the thumb user finger.

Alternatively, variants of the plectrum according to this invention are proposed, for example, such as mirroring each particular embodiment, which is suitable for a left-handed user. In addition, a curved protrusion or groove may not extend over the entire width of the plectrum, but may be composed of a number of individual segments.

Typically, the plectrum according to this invention is made of materials selected from the group consisting of plastics, metals, metal alloys and fiberglass.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Now, as non-limiting examples, the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective image of a first specific embodiment of a plectrum in accordance with the invention;

figure 2 is a side view of the plectrum shown in figure 1, together with the thumb and index finger during use;

figure 3 is another side view of the plectrum depicted in figure 1, held between the thumb and index finger;

4 and 5 are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a second specific embodiment of a plectrum in accordance with the invention;

6 and 7 are a perspective view and side view, respectively, of a third specific embodiment of a plectrum in accordance with this invention;

Figs. 8 and 9 are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a fourth specific embodiment of a plectrum in accordance with the invention; and

10 and 11 are a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a fifth specific embodiment of a plectrum in accordance with the invention.

Description of specific embodiments of the invention

Turning to the accompanying drawings, we note that figure 1 shows a perspective image of the plectrum 1. Plectrum 1 contains two parts 10 and 12, respectively. These two parts 10 and 12 are not coplanar, but are displaced from each other in the transverse direction by a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the plectrum 1. These two parts 10 and 12 are connected as a single unit to the stepped element 14. This stepped element 14 has the shape of the arch, and the top of this arch goes into the first part 10.

Part 10 has two angles 114 and 118, which are located opposite each other, and part 12 has an oval-shaped angle 112 (either of the shape of a melon seed or a drop-shaped), remote from other angles 114, 118. These angles define three game edges 112, 114, 118 for engaging the strings of a musical instrument. However, other gaming edges will be described below.

The gaming edge 112 has an elongated or oval shape and a rounded tip. This edge 112 is suitable for normal play and is used for striking individual strings and for sorting strings with movements both up and down. The pointed game edge 114 is sharper than the edge 112, and is suitable for quick searches. Edge 118 is another pointed edge similar to edge 114, but connected to a serrated or ridge game edge 116.

The arc step 14 creates a recessed surface 102. When, for example, an edge 112 is used to engage the strings of a musical instrument, the surface 102 defines a grip area for the thumb and a corresponding area on the back side of the index finger 1. In this grip position, the bend at the back of the thumb pad conveniently rests on the curved step 14 (as shown in FIG. 2). This curved step 14 provides the thumb with a firm and confident grip on the plectrum 1. Similarly, the curved step on the back of the plectrum 1 also provides a confident grip with the index finger. With a stronger grip, the user can easily rotate Plectrum 1 between the thumb and forefinger each time it moves from moving up to moving down when moving strings or hitting them.

When a pointed edge 114 is used to engage the strings, the grip area is, for example, at the location indicated by 103. The distance to the edge 114 from the grip location 103 is less than the distance to the edge 112 from the surface 102. This makes the angle 114 stiffer, resulting in an edge 114 is suitable for fast play and helps to create a louder sound, which is typical for playing solo. In this gripping position 103, the front bend of the thumb is in contact with the curved step 14, which provides a reliable grip for the thumb. The pointed playing edge 114 in this corner of the plectrum 1 is also designed to hold this edge 114 at an ideal angle of 30 degrees relative to the strings during quick iterations, as well as to obtain pure intonations.

The crest edge 116 contains at least three small curved edges 117. These constituent edges 117 give a convex profile to the edge 116. When using this edge to hit the strings, each string is touched once in each movement, which gives several sounds like sounds 12- string guitar. Edge 116 is also used to create a variety of vibrating sounds, such as those that give a tripling effect. The edge 116 provides good contact with the strings and is suitable for playing instruments with both nylon strings and steel strings.

The crested edge 116 ends with an additional sharpened playing edge 118. The edges 116 and 118 are located close to each other and provide the user with the option to hit the strings using both edges 116, 118 or using only the edge 118. Having a hard grip in position 104, for example provided by the curved edge 14, the user will be able to rotate the plectrum 1 around his thumb and forefinger, and this gives him the freedom to relatively easily combine the effect of the edges 116 and 118. When the blow is applied 118, and the plectrum 1 is located at an angle to the string, and this ensures that the string touches the edge 116, artificially muted harmonic sound components are created.

The stepped edge element 14 ends with a Z-profile on both sides of the plectrum 1. The edges 120, 120 of this Z-profile are suitable for sharp jerking of the strings of a musical instrument. This is an alternative to finger-pinching strings to create the effect of sharp and loud sounds.

The surface at each of the gripping points 102, 103, 104 may have a concave hollow or convex protrusion, providing additional grip for the thumb or index finger.

When it is possible to choose 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 120 'from the number of playing places, Plectrum 1 provides the user with great flexibility in playing a musical instrument. The stepped edge 14 is also for the user the starting point of the movement of a convenient grip point during the alternate use of different game edges during the game. This helps him find the exact playing places in order to quickly and accurately use them. For example, by playing with the edge 112, he can rotate the plectrum 1 with his index finger and thumb and - sensing the stepped edge 14 - it is relatively simple and precise to move the grip convenient for him, for example, to position 103 and use the game edge 114. This design feature is especially useful for the user with a quick game.

Plectrum 1 according to this invention also allows for flexible - compared with the plectrum worn on the thumb or index finger - regulation by holding the plectrum 1 between the thumb and index finger. This allows the user to adjust the angle of inclination to the strings while sorting the strings or striking them by upward movements or downward movements. It also allows the user to rotate the plectrum 1 around the capture point and thereby eliminates the need to twist with the index finger. The freedom of rotation around the grip between the thumb and index finger and the alternate use of the front and back edges of the playing edge also allows the musician to express his own style and manner of playing, as well as the desired set of tones.

With a stepped edge 14, the plectrum 1 is not flat, so that it is easy to take from the table or to remove from its holder.

Plotr 1 has a size of essentially 30 mm from a rounded playing edge 112 to the toothed edge 116, and essentially 28 mm from a pointed playing edge 114 to the edge 118. Plotr 1 is made of plastic and suitable for manufacturing, for example, plastic injection method. Plectrum 1 is also made having a thickness of about 1, 0.7 and 0.5 mm, and in these cases it is called respectively “thick”, “medium” and “thin”.

To indicate the details of the first and second specific embodiments of the drawings used the same position. To distinguish between similar features in specific embodiments, the letters a, b, and the like can be added.

Figure 4 shows a perspective image of a second specific embodiment of a plectrum 1a. Plectrum 1a has a 14 plenary body 20 with three angles and an arch-shaped protrusion 201 formed with it as a single unit. The first corner contains an oval (or melon-seed or drop-like) game edge 112a, which is typically used for normal play. The second corner contains a pointed game edge 114a, while the third corner contains an additional pointed game edge 118a. Indented with the edge 118a and as a whole with the edge 114a is made of a toothed or ridge pointed game edge 116a. The protrusion 201 is curved and passes through the plectrum 1a, separating the first angle 112a from the other two angles 114a, 118a. The top of the protrusion 201 is oriented in the direction from the angle 112a. The protrusion 201 ends with the edges 120a, 120a 'on the sides of the plectrum 1a. These edges 120a, 120a 'are also suitable as additional edges for engaging strings. Figure 5 shows a side view of the plectrum 1a.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a third specific embodiment of a plectrum Ib. Plectrum 1b has a planar body 30 with three angles and is molded with it as a single arc-shaped groove 202. The first corner contains an oval (or melon-seed or drop-like) game edge 112b, which is typically used for normal play. The second corner contains a pointed game edge 114b, while the third corner contains an additional pointed game edge 118b. From the edge 118b inextricably with it and as a whole with the edge 114b is made of a toothed or ridge pointed game edge 116b. The top of the groove 202 is oriented in the direction from the angle 112b. The groove 202 ends with edges 120b, 120b 'on the sides of the plectrum 1b. These edges 120b, 120b 'are also suitable as additional edges for engaging strings.

7 shows a side view of the plectrum 1b. As shown in the drawings, the grooves 202 on opposite surfaces of the plectrum 1b are offset from each other so that they do not adversely affect the thickness of the plectrum Ib.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a fourth specific embodiment of a plectrum 1c. Plectr 1c has a combination of an arcuate protrusion 201 on one surface and an arcuate groove 202 on the opposite surface.

Figure 9 shows a side view of the plectrum 1c. Gaming edges 112c, 114c, 116c and 118c are used, which are used to create their own characteristic tone, as described above.

10 is a perspective view of a fifth specific embodiment of a plectrum 1d. Plectr 1d has a combination of an arcuate protrusion 201 and an arcuate groove 202 on the same face. Optionally, the opposite surface may also have a similar combination of the protrusion 201 and the groove 202. FIG. 11 shows a side view of the plectrum 1d.

Although only a few specific embodiments of the plectrum have been described and illustrated, it should be clear that, within the scope of the claims of the invention, it is possible to make changes, modifications and other variations to this invention. An embodiment of the above plectrum is a mirror image of each particular embodiment, and such a mirror image plectrum is suitable for a left-handed user. Another modification is that the arcuate protrusion 201 or groove 202 passes only through a substantial part of the plectrum 1, and not over the entire width of the plectrum 1. In addition, this arcuate protrusion 201 or groove 202 can be composed of a number of separate segments. Other materials may be used, for example metals, metal alloys or fiberglass. Other manufacturing methods are also suitable for manufacturing Plectrum 1, for example, injection molding methods of metals or powder metallurgy.

Claims (22)

1. A plectrum for a stringed musical instrument, comprising (a) a first part having a plurality of means for engaging strings, (b) a second part having additional means for engaging strings and (c) made with it as a single integral connecting element connecting the first and the second part, which has the shape of an arch intersecting the plectrum, with a plurality of engagement means and said additional engagement means being arranged in such a way that enable the user to play the stringed instrument by engagement Nia one or more strings stringed instrument with one or more means for engaging the string and the connection member provides the nip between the index finger and the user's finger. 2. The plektr according to claim 1, wherein said connecting element is a protrusion or a stepped element. 3. The plectrum according to claim 2, in which the protrusion or step element has at least one end, which forms an additional surface for engaging the strings. 4. The plectrum according to claim 2 or 3, in which the arch of the connecting element protrudes into said first part. 5. Plectrum according to claim 2 or 3, in which the arch of the connecting element protrudes into said second part. 6. The plectrum according to claim 4, further comprising a grip area for the user's thumb or index finger, including a concave region bounded by an arch of the connecting element. 7. The plectrum according to claim 5, further comprising a grip area for the user's thumb or index finger, including a concave region bounded by an arch of the connecting element. 8. The plectrum according to claim 3, in which the first and second parts are planar, the plane of the first part being offset relative to the plane of the second part, essentially, by the thickness of the plectrum. 9. The plectrum according to claim 3, wherein said connecting element is a curved groove extending essentially across the face of the plectrum. 10. The plectrum according to claim 3, wherein said connecting element is a curved protrusion passing essentially through the first face of the plectrum and a curved groove passing essentially through the corresponding opposite face of the plectrum. 11. The plectrum of claim 10, in which the curved protrusion and groove are in the center of the plectrum, and the shapes of their curves are identical. 12. The plectrum according to claim 3, in which the connecting element is a combination of a protrusion on the first face and a parallel groove on the opposite side of the plectrum, forming an S-shaped cross section in the plectrum. 13. The plectrum according to claim 3, in which the connecting element is a combination of a protrusion and a groove adjacent to each other, at least on one side of the plectrum. 14. The plectrum according to claim 1, in which the first part and the second part are, respectively, essentially flat elements. 15. The plectrum according to claim 3, in which the means for engaging the strings made on the first or second parts are at least one pointed edge for engaging the strings. 16. The plectrum according to claim 3, in which the means for engaging strings made on the first or second parts are a plurality of serrated or crested edges. 17. The plectrum according to claim 3, in which the means for engaging the strings made on the first or second parts are a drop-shaped edge for engaging the strings. 18. The plectrum according to claim 3, in which the first part comprises a short pointed edge for engaging the strings in close proximity to the toothed or crested edge. 19. The plectrum according to claim 18, wherein the short pointed edges for engaging the strings are shaped and dimensioned to engage the strings of the guitar to create a muffled harmonic component of the sound. 20. A plectrum for a stringed musical instrument having a first end and a second end and comprising (a) a first substantially flat element having a plurality of edges for engaging strings, and (b) a second substantially flat element having an additional edge for gearing of the strings, and (c) a connecting element made as a whole in the form of a protrusion or a step element connecting the first and second elements, which has the shape of an arch intersecting the middle of the plectrum, while the connecting element provides a grip between with the thumb or index finger of the user, and the plurality of engagement edges and said additional engagement edge are arranged so that the user can play the string instrument by engaging one or more strings of the string instrument with one or more edges to engage the strings. 21. The plectrum according to claim 20, in which the protrusion or step element has an edge made at either end or at both ends to engage the strings. 22. Plectrum according to any one of claims 3 or 21, made of materials selected from the group consisting of plastics, metals, metal alloys and fiberglass.

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