US2486647A - Combination electrical pickup and bridge for guitars and other instruments - Google Patents

Combination electrical pickup and bridge for guitars and other instruments Download PDF

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Publication number
US2486647A
US2486647A US646406A US64640646A US2486647A US 2486647 A US2486647 A US 2486647A US 646406 A US646406 A US 646406A US 64640646 A US64640646 A US 64640646A US 2486647 A US2486647 A US 2486647A
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Prior art keywords
bridge
instrument
strings
guitars
instruments
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Expired - Lifetime
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US646406A
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Harker William Ernest
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Individual
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H3/00—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means
    • G10H3/12—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument
    • G10H3/14—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument using mechanically actuated vibrators with pick-up means
    • G10H3/18—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument using mechanically actuated vibrators with pick-up means using a string, e.g. electric guitar
    • G10H3/185—Instruments in which the tones are generated by electromechanical means using mechanical resonant generators, e.g. strings or percussive instruments, the tones of which are picked up by electromechanical transducers, the electrical signals being further manipulated or amplified and subsequently converted to sound by a loudspeaker or equivalent instrument using mechanically actuated vibrators with pick-up means using a string, e.g. electric guitar in which the tones are picked up through the bridge structure
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H2220/00—Input/output interfacing specifically adapted for electrophonic musical tools or instruments
    • G10H2220/461—Transducers, i.e. details, positioning or use of assemblies to detect and convert mechanical vibrations or mechanical strains into an electrical signal, e.g. audio, trigger or control signal
    • G10H2220/465—Bridge-positioned, i.e. assembled to or attached with the bridge of a stringed musical instrument
    • G10H2220/475—Bridge-positioned, i.e. assembled to or attached with the bridge of a stringed musical instrument on the side, i.e. picking up vibrations from a side of the bridge
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
    • G10H2220/00—Input/output interfacing specifically adapted for electrophonic musical tools or instruments
    • G10H2220/461—Transducers, i.e. details, positioning or use of assemblies to detect and convert mechanical vibrations or mechanical strains into an electrical signal, e.g. audio, trigger or control signal
    • G10H2220/465—Bridge-positioned, i.e. assembled to or attached with the bridge of a stringed musical instrument
    • G10H2220/495—Single bridge transducer, common to all strings
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S84/00—Music
    • Y10S84/21—Mechanical resonator

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a combination electrical pickup and bridge for a guitar -or other string instruments and the main object of the invention is to provide a device for picking up the vibrations of the steel strings on a stringed instrument, and by use of an amplifier produce a stronger musical tone.
  • the device can be installed on the musical instrument without damaging or cutting the instrument. It will replace the conventional bridge and it can be removed at any time and replaced by the conventional bridge if an amplifier is not available.
  • the device is retained in place by the pressure of the strings and uses the principle of induction as the strings vibrating in the magnetic field induce alternating current in a coil mounted on the device. These currents are fed toan amplifier which reproduces the vibrations in a speaker in the form of music or sound.
  • any instrument using steel strings may be made into an electric instrument since only the vibrations of the strings are amplified.
  • Figure 1 is a plan view of an embodiment as applied to a stringed instrument and connected to an amplifier;
  • Figure 2 is a side view of the device partly in elevation and partly broken away;
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view on the line 3-3 of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a sectional view on the line 44 of Figure 1 and Figure 5 is a sectional view on the line 55 of Figure 1.
  • the reference numeral l0 designates a permanent magnet fastened at each end to the pole pieces l2 and M respectively by welding [3 Or the like.
  • the pole piece I4 is provided with slots l6 which are relatively spaced to receive the strings N3 of the instrument 2!], thus the pole piece I4 functions as a bridge for the instrument.
  • the strings I8 pass over the pole piece I2 but are never in contact with it.
  • a coil 22 of very fine magnet wire is wound on the magnet l0 and the starting end of the coil is grounded on the pole piece 12 at 24.
  • the free end of the coil is connected to an amplifier 26 by means of a shielded microphone cord 28 having a plug 3! for insertion into the input of the amplifier.
  • the shield of the cord is also grounded on the device at 32 on the pole piece l4.
  • a cover 34 of insulating material is provided on the coil 34 and serves to protect the cord from damage.
  • amplifier 26 does not necessarily constitute a part of the invention, since any conventional amplifier may be used when available.
  • the device can be constructed to be used with an instrument having any number of strings.
  • the length of the permanent magnet can be varied as desired and if the pole piece I4 is lowered it can be used without removing the conventional bridge.
  • the strings become part of the magnetic path of the permanent magnet, since the bridge poles are made of soft iron and complete the magnetic circuit.
  • the vibration of the strings alternately increase and decrease the magnetic field, thus inducing an alternating or pulsating electro-magnetic piece which can be amplified to reproduce the musical tones of the strings.
  • the device can be made in any size and shape to fit the instrument with which it is to be used and it does not stop the vibrations of the body of the instrument which gives the instrument its tone.
  • a pickup for use with a stringed musical instrument comprising a permanent bar magnet, pole pieces secured by welding to said magnet at the opposite sides thereof so that said pole pieces will elevate said magnet above said instrument, one of said pole pieces being of a greater height than the other-of said pole pieces, the former of said pole pieces having relatively spaced slots in the upper edge thereof to receive the strings of the instrument and serve as a bridge for said strings to maintain said strings in proper relation to said instrument for the playing thereof and to maintain said strings in a plane above 3 the lower pole piece when said pickup is positioned beneath the strings of said instrument, a coil of fine magnet Wire Wound on said pole piece, the starting end of said coil being grounded to said lower pole piece, a shielded microphone cord connecting the opposite end of said coil to an amplifier, said cord being grounded to said first pole piece, and a covering of insulating material on said coil for the protection thereof.

Description

Noml, 1949. E. HARKER 2,436,647
COMBINATION E CTRICAL PICKUP AND BRIDGE FOR GUITARS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS Fil ed Feb. 8, 1946 L m I INVENTOR.
ATTD RN EYE! Patented Nov. 1, 1949 COMBINATION ELECTRICAL PICKUP AND BRIDGE FOR GUITARS AND OTHER IN- STRUMENTS William Ernest Harker, Idaho Falls, Idaho Application February 8, 1946, Serial No. 646,406
1 Claim.
This invention relates to a combination electrical pickup and bridge for a guitar -or other string instruments and the main object of the invention is to provide a device for picking up the vibrations of the steel strings on a stringed instrument, and by use of an amplifier produce a stronger musical tone.
The device can be installed on the musical instrument without damaging or cutting the instrument. It will replace the conventional bridge and it can be removed at any time and replaced by the conventional bridge if an amplifier is not available. The device is retained in place by the pressure of the strings and uses the principle of induction as the strings vibrating in the magnetic field induce alternating current in a coil mounted on the device. These currents are fed toan amplifier which reproduces the vibrations in a speaker in the form of music or sound.
By the use of this device any instrument using steel strings may be made into an electric instrument since only the vibrations of the strings are amplified.
With the above and other objects and advantages in view the invention consists of the novel details of construction, arrangement and combination of parts more fully hereinafter described, claimed and illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which:
Figure 1 is a plan view of an embodiment as applied to a stringed instrument and connected to an amplifier;
Figure 2 is a side view of the device partly in elevation and partly broken away;
Figure 3 is a sectional view on the line 3-3 of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a sectional view on the line 44 of Figure 1 and Figure 5 is a sectional view on the line 55 of Figure 1.
Referring more in detail to the drawing the reference numeral l0 designates a permanent magnet fastened at each end to the pole pieces l2 and M respectively by welding [3 Or the like.
The pole piece I4 is provided with slots l6 which are relatively spaced to receive the strings N3 of the instrument 2!], thus the pole piece I4 functions as a bridge for the instrument. The strings I8 pass over the pole piece I2 but are never in contact with it.
A coil 22 of very fine magnet wire is wound on the magnet l0 and the starting end of the coil is grounded on the pole piece 12 at 24.
The free end of the coil is connected to an amplifier 26 by means of a shielded microphone cord 28 having a plug 3!! for insertion into the input of the amplifier. The shield of the cord is also grounded on the device at 32 on the pole piece l4.
A cover 34 of insulating material is provided on the coil 34 and serves to protect the cord from damage.
The precise construction of amplifier 26 does not necessarily constitute a part of the invention, since any conventional amplifier may be used when available.
The device can be constructed to be used with an instrument having any number of strings. The length of the permanent magnet can be varied as desired and if the pole piece I4 is lowered it can be used without removing the conventional bridge.
In the device the strings become part of the magnetic path of the permanent magnet, since the bridge poles are made of soft iron and complete the magnetic circuit. The vibration of the strings alternately increase and decrease the magnetic field, thus inducing an alternating or pulsating electro-magnetic piece which can be amplified to reproduce the musical tones of the strings.
The device can be made in any size and shape to fit the instrument with which it is to be used and it does not stop the vibrations of the body of the instrument which gives the instrument its tone.
It is believed that the operation and construction of my device will be apparent to those skilled in the art and it is to be understood that changes in details of construction, arrangement and combination of parts and the size thereof may be resorted to providing they fall within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claim.
Having thus described the invention what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
A pickup for use with a stringed musical instrument comprising a permanent bar magnet, pole pieces secured by welding to said magnet at the opposite sides thereof so that said pole pieces will elevate said magnet above said instrument, one of said pole pieces being of a greater height than the other-of said pole pieces, the former of said pole pieces having relatively spaced slots in the upper edge thereof to receive the strings of the instrument and serve as a bridge for said strings to maintain said strings in proper relation to said instrument for the playing thereof and to maintain said strings in a plane above 3 the lower pole piece when said pickup is positioned beneath the strings of said instrument, a coil of fine magnet Wire Wound on said pole piece, the starting end of said coil being grounded to said lower pole piece, a shielded microphone cord connecting the opposite end of said coil to an amplifier, said cord being grounded to said first pole piece, and a covering of insulating material on said coil for the protection thereof.
WILLIAM ERNEST HARKER.
REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:
Number Number UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Kentner Oct. 30, 1934 Beniofi Apr. 29, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain 1935
US646406A 1946-02-08 1946-02-08 Combination electrical pickup and bridge for guitars and other instruments Expired - Lifetime US2486647A (en)

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US646406A US2486647A (en) 1946-02-08 1946-02-08 Combination electrical pickup and bridge for guitars and other instruments

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Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2799196A (en) * 1952-11-12 1957-07-16 Alvarez Octavio Jose Electrical musical instrument
US2920522A (en) * 1956-01-25 1960-01-12 Armond Harry De Musical instrument
US2978945A (en) * 1959-09-08 1961-04-11 Dopera Rudolph Magnetic pick ups
US3018680A (en) * 1959-12-03 1962-01-30 Paul Les Electrical musical instrument
US3192304A (en) * 1962-03-08 1965-06-29 Rizzutti Vincent Sound producing banjo
US3525797A (en) * 1968-01-16 1970-08-25 Leonard W Pavia Stringed musical instrument with electromagnetic pickup also functioning as a bridge
FR2506109A1 (en) * 1981-05-18 1982-11-19 Berton Vincent Microphone for electric guitar - has reduced winding on axis parallel to strings under which magnetic flux guides extend
WO1982004156A1 (en) * 1981-05-18 1982-11-25 Vincent Berton Microphones for electric guitares
US5031501A (en) * 1990-03-19 1991-07-16 Ashworth William J Method for attaching an audio transducer to a string musical instrument

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1978583A (en) * 1931-11-14 1934-10-30 Rca Corp Electrical pick-up apparatus
GB462371A (en) * 1934-05-30 1937-03-01 Andre Joseph Faure Improvements in string musical instruments
US2239985A (en) * 1938-08-12 1941-04-29 Benioff Hugo Electrical musical instrument

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1978583A (en) * 1931-11-14 1934-10-30 Rca Corp Electrical pick-up apparatus
GB462371A (en) * 1934-05-30 1937-03-01 Andre Joseph Faure Improvements in string musical instruments
US2239985A (en) * 1938-08-12 1941-04-29 Benioff Hugo Electrical musical instrument

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2799196A (en) * 1952-11-12 1957-07-16 Alvarez Octavio Jose Electrical musical instrument
US2920522A (en) * 1956-01-25 1960-01-12 Armond Harry De Musical instrument
US2978945A (en) * 1959-09-08 1961-04-11 Dopera Rudolph Magnetic pick ups
US3018680A (en) * 1959-12-03 1962-01-30 Paul Les Electrical musical instrument
US3192304A (en) * 1962-03-08 1965-06-29 Rizzutti Vincent Sound producing banjo
US3525797A (en) * 1968-01-16 1970-08-25 Leonard W Pavia Stringed musical instrument with electromagnetic pickup also functioning as a bridge
FR2506109A1 (en) * 1981-05-18 1982-11-19 Berton Vincent Microphone for electric guitar - has reduced winding on axis parallel to strings under which magnetic flux guides extend
WO1982004156A1 (en) * 1981-05-18 1982-11-25 Vincent Berton Microphones for electric guitares
US5031501A (en) * 1990-03-19 1991-07-16 Ashworth William J Method for attaching an audio transducer to a string musical instrument

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