US1607449A

US1607449A - Musical instrument

Info

Publication number: US1607449A
Application number: US36981A
Authority: US
Inventors: Fendall C Edwards
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1925-06-13
Filing date: 1925-06-13
Publication date: 1926-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 1943-11-16

Description

Nov. 16 1926. 1,607,449

VF. C. EDWARDS MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Filed June 1 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet, 1

A IIC RNEY WITNESS:

Nov. 16 1926. v k I A F. C. EDWARDS MUSICAL INSTRUMENT Filed June 5 1925 Z'SheetS-SheetQ Patented Nov. 16, 1926.

PATENT OFFECE.

,FENDA L c. nnwanns, ornnwronr News, VIRGINIA.

MUSICAL INSTRUTIIENT.

Application filed June 13, 1925. Serial No. 36,981.

This invention relates to improvements in musical instruments and has for an object the provision of an instrument which is capable of producing the tones ofa plurality of stringed instruments.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an instrument of this character in which the tones of one instrument may be quickly and easily substituted for those of another instrument, so that in playing a musical selection, the tones of first one instrument and then another instrument may be produced. 7

Another object of the invention is the provision of a musical instrument which, in addition to the above and other advantageous features, may be arranged for playing after the manner of an ordinary instrument.

lVith the above and other objects in view, the invention further includes the following novel features and details of construction, to be hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings Figure 1 is an elevation of a musical instrument constructed in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 is an edge view of the same.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken substantially on theline 33 of Figure 1. r V

Figure 4 is a fragmentary edge view partly broken away and illustrating the connection between the instrument bodies.

Figure 5 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like characters of reference denote corre sponding parts, the instrument as shown comprises a body which has extending therefrom a rigid neck 11. The body 10 is preferably of the banjo type in that it includes a rim 12 and a vellum head 13, the

l latter being removably held in place as inmanner. The neck is preferably fretted as shown, while suitable pegs 18 are provided for tuning the strings.

Pivotally secured to an extension 20 of the neck adjacent one end of the body 10, as shown at 21, is a body 22 which is preferably constructed after the manner of the usual guitar body. This body 22 is spaced from the body 10 and these bodies are connected at a point remote from the pivotal connection 21 by means of an arm 23. One end of a this arm is secured to the body 10 while the opposite end is provided with an elongated slot 24 for the passage of a set screw 25, the latter being carried by the guitar body 22.

Extendng from the guitar body toward 1 the banjo body 10 are spaced sound posts 26. The outer ends of these posts are spaced from the head 13 of the banjo body and are normally held in such spaced relation by means of a spring 27 which is interposed behead and posts. Thus in playing a musical selection, the sounds or tones of either a banjo or guitar may be produced at will. By means of the set screw 25, the bracket 23 may be clamped to the guitar head 22 so that relative movement of the heads will be prevented. The instrument may then be played either as a banjo or guitar, according to the adjusted positions of the heads.

The sound posts 26, may if desired, be provided with a cap 28 formed of rubber or similar material. 7

The invention is susceptible of various changes in its form, proportions and minor details of construction and the right is herein reserved to make such changes as properly fall within the scope of the appended claims. Having described the invention what is claimed is 1. In a stringed musical instrument, a body,v a neck, strings, a supplemental body spaced from and parallel with the first men tioned body, means associating the bodies to permit relative movement, yieldable means body, a neck, strings, a supplemental body spaced from and parallel with the first mentioned body, means connecting the bodies in a manner to permit relative'movement of said bodies, yieldable means to resist relative inward movement of the bodies and means associated with the bodies and controlled by the relative positions of the latter to produce tones of different character.

3. In a stringed musical instrument, a body, a neck, strings, a supplemental body spaced from and parallel with the first mentioned body, means associating the bodies to permit relative movement, yieldable means to resist relative inward movement of the bodies, means carried by one body and normally spaced from the other body to engage said other body when the latter is moved relatively inward, to produce tones of difi'erent character and means to hold the bodies against relative movement.

4. In a stringed musical instrument, a body, a neck, strings, a supplemental body spaced from and parallel with the first mentioned body, means pivotally associating the bodies to permit relative movement, yieldable means to resist relative inward movement of the bodies and means associated with the bodies and controlled by the relative positions of the latter to produce tones of different character.

5. In a stringed musical instrument, a body, a neck rigid with the body, strings, a second body connected with the first mentioned body in a manner to permit relative movement of said bodies, yieldable means to force the bodies apart and means associated with the bodies and controlled by the relative positions of the latter to produce tones of different character.

6. In a stringed musical instrument, a body, a neck rigid with the body, strings, a second body having one end pivotally secured to the neck adjacent one end oi the first mentioned body, slidable means connecting the other ends of the bodies, yieldable means to resist relative inward movement of said bodies and means associated with the 'bod'es and controlled by the relative positions of the latter to produce tones of diii'erent'character.

7. In a stringed musical instrument, a body, a neck rigid with' the body, strings, a second body associated with the first men tioned body to permit relative movement, yiellable means to force thev bodies apart, sound posts carried by one of the bodies and normally spaced from the other body to engage the latter when the bodies are moved relatively to produce tones of different character.

8. In a stringed musical instrument, a body, a neck rigid with the body, strings, a second body associated with the first mentioned body to permit relative movement, yieldable means to force the bodies apart, sound posts carried by one 01" the bodies and normally spaced from the other body to engage the latter when the bodies are moved relatively to provide tones of different character and means to hold the posts in enageil or disengaged position.

In testimony whereof I afiiX my signature.

' FENDALL C. EDWARDS.