WO1996024126A1 - Apparatus for altering the pitch of stringed instruments - Google Patents

Apparatus for altering the pitch of stringed instruments Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1996024126A1
WO1996024126A1 PCT/GB1996/000217 GB9600217W WO9624126A1 WO 1996024126 A1 WO1996024126 A1 WO 1996024126A1 GB 9600217 W GB9600217 W GB 9600217W WO 9624126 A1 WO9624126 A1 WO 9624126A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
string
guitar
pedal
tension
stringed instrument
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1996/000217
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Douglas Mackenzie Smith
Original Assignee
Douglas Mackenzie Smith
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB9502235.6A external-priority patent/GB9502235D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB9523975.2A external-priority patent/GB9523975D0/en
Application filed by Douglas Mackenzie Smith filed Critical Douglas Mackenzie Smith
Priority to AU46275/96A priority Critical patent/AU4627596A/en
Publication of WO1996024126A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996024126A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10D—STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; WIND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACCORDIONS OR CONCERTINAS; PERCUSSION MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; AEOLIAN HARPS; SINGING-FLAME MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G10D3/00—Details of, or accessories for, stringed musical instruments, e.g. slide-bars
    • G10D3/14—Tuning devices, e.g. pegs, pins, friction discs or worm gears
    • G10D3/147—Devices for altering the string tension during playing

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a device for altering the pitch of stringed instruments using cables or remote signalling apparatus " communicating with a foot operated device.
  • the foot operated device may be a pedal board, incorporating a pedal or pedals operatable by the foot of a person playing the subject stringed instrument.
  • one known device intended to be screwed onto the face of a guitar allegedly works by depressing one or two levers toward the guitar face.
  • the guitar string is fed through a hole in the lever and by pushing down the lever, the string is stretched which has the effect of raising its musical pitch.
  • this device is very awkward in as much as it is difficult, if not impossible, to strike the string and depress the lever at the same time. Also, the use of this device changes one's playing style in that the player's right hand position (which may have evolved over many years of playing) is altered. Musical expression is also affected, such as and in particular string muting; (muting is when the flesh a the side of the picking hand rests on the string saddles and changes the timbre of the note, ie the quality of sound produced;). A yet further disadvantage is that the installation of this device also damages the guitar or stringed instrument and affects its retail value.
  • the string bender device To operate the string bender device one must pull dow on the strap buttons. For example, if the player of the guitar was to push down on the left strap button, the pitch of one string would be affected, while if t player was to push down on the right button a differe string would be affected.
  • the drawbacks of this device include damage to the instrument.
  • the player's playing technique is also affected, the player having to constantly push downwa on either the left or right end of the guitar.
  • the device is adapted to only affect two strings.
  • the device for varying the pitch of a stringed instrument during play, the device comprising means for adjusting the tension of selected strings responsive to operation of foot-operated controls.
  • the foot operated controls comprises a pedal board, wherein depression by the player of a pedal provided on the pedal board causes increased tension or a pulling force to be applied to a respective string on the stringed instrument.
  • the pedal board may comprise signal apparatus for sending a signal to a receiver located on the stringed instrument, the receiver being connected to the means for adjusting the tension of a respective string.
  • the stringed instrument may be a guitar or the like, and if a guitar, may be an acoustic or a steel guitar or an electric guitar.
  • a device for varying the tension of one or more strings on a stringed instrument during play comprising one or more cables each being mechanically connected at a respective first end thereof to a respective string on the stringed instrument and each attached at a second and opposite end thereof to a foot operated pedal, the depression of which causes the cable to apply tension to the respective string on the stringed instrument.
  • Figure 1 is a pictorial view of the front and bottom faces of part of a guitar to which is attached means for adjusting tension of selected strings on the guitar;
  • Figure 2 illustrates a foot operated pedal board
  • FIG 3 is an alternative pictorial view of the means shown in Figure 1;
  • a guitar generally described at 1, upon which is fixed a housing plate 2.
  • the housing plate 2 is simply attached to the guitar by use of the strap screw 3.
  • the housing plate 2 provides a cable holder 4, a guid block 11 and, in this- embodiment, three string puller 8. Extending from the cable holder 4 is a cable 6 within which are housed three wire ropes 7. The wire ropes 7 are independent of each other and are able to be acted upon and, in particular, tensioned distinctively.
  • wire ropes 7 are threaded through similar respective apertures 14 in the cable holder 4 and thereafter attached at one end to respective string pullers 8.
  • the string pullers 8 are adapted to move linearly and thus by applying tension to a wire rope 7, the respective string puller 8 is pulled in a linear and outward direction away from the neck of the guitar.
  • the attachment means 15 may be a gr screw or similar device.
  • the respective string puller 8 is similarly pulled and by this action the respective guitar string 9 is also tensioned.
  • the effect of the tensioning of the guitar string 9 is to alter the musical pitch of that string when struck or played by a user.
  • the guide block 11 is fixed to the housing plate 2 and acts as a guide for ensuring the linear movement of the string pullers 8.
  • a tuning screw 12 threaded through the guide block 11 such that the end of each tuning screw 12 protrudes horizontally and outwardly from the guide block 11 in a direction away from the neck of the guitar 1.
  • a stopper lug 13 movable with the guide puller 8.
  • the wire ropes 7 and cable 6 are attached to a pedal board 16 at the end, away from the guitar 1.
  • the pedal board 16 is provided with three pedals 17, the attachment allowing for the depression of a pedal 17 to cause tension to be applied to a respective wire rope 7, which in turn results in variants of pitch of a respective guitar string 9.
  • the invention allows for the pitch of a guitar to be altered while being played, without reliance on the player or musician having to amend their playing technique. Attachment of the apparatus embodying the invention may be achieved without any damage to the guitar and, in particular, the housing plate 2, illustrated in the figures incorporating the cable holder 4, guide block 11 and string pullers 8, can be attached by removing the strap screw 3 from the guita 1, locating the housing plate 2 in the correct alignment on the face of the guitar 1 and then replacing the strap screw 3 through a corresponding aperture in the housing plate 2 so as to fix the housing plate 2 to the guitar 1. In order to further protect the face of the guitar 1, a felt gasket or th like may be placed between the plate 2 and the guitar 1.
  • moveme of the string pullers 8 may be achieved without the u of mechanical ropes or cables connecting the string pullers to a pedal board.
  • depression of a pedal on a pedal board could be cause to activate an emmitter which sends a remote signal t receivers located on or in juxtaposition to the guita the signal being received by a receiver communicating with electro-mechanical apparatus to act upon the string pullers.
  • the extent of force or depression applied to a foot pedal is proportional to the extent of movement or force applied to a respective string puller. That is, the apparatus, and in particular th foot pedals, should be touch sensitive.
  • the string pullers 8 may be provided from each of the first three strings, there being three corresponding pedals. However, an appropriate number of string pullers may be employed and, for example, there may be a string puller used in respect of the fourth and fifth strings on a guitar.
  • pitch shifting can be achieved by combining certain of the string pullers with a self-locking device such as a cam lever, whereby pulling the lever shifts the string puller, together with its associated string, into a tensioned state and corresponding altered- pitch.
  • volume control is a very important tool used in pedal steel applications. As the present invention enables a guitar to mimic pedal steel sounds, it is anticipated that the inclusion of a means for controlling volume would be demanded in connection with string pulling apparatus of the invention.
  • the volume control means may comprise, in one example embodiment, a volume pot which may be controlled by an attached wheel or knob, the latter being mounted, for example, on plate 2.
  • the volume control wheel would preferably be positioned near the thumb of the player's picking or strumming hand. That is, the volume control could be manipulated by the player's thum .
  • the invention could also employ an alternative type pick-up to suit the type of music enabled by the apparatus. Until now, there has been no demand for pick-up with the character of a steel pick-up for us on guitars. However, in view of the present inventi a more authentic sounding steel pick-up would be welcome. It is anticipated that those skilled in th art could produce a pick-up with an appropriate magn and windings to achieve the sound desired.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Stringed Musical Instruments (AREA)

Abstract

A device for varying the pitch of the strings (9) of a stringed instrument during play, has one or more foot pedals which communicate either by a mechanical linkage or remote signal to string pulling apparatus (8) attached to the strings (9), such that the depression of a pedal (17) causes an alteration in a respective string pitch.

Description

Apparatus For Altering The Pitch of Stringed Instruments
This invention relates to a device for altering the pitch of stringed instruments using cables or remote signalling apparatus "communicating with a foot operated device. The foot operated device may be a pedal board, incorporating a pedal or pedals operatable by the foot of a person playing the subject stringed instrument.
In the past it has been known to attempt to alter the pitch of stringed instruments using various means or devices.
For example, one known device intended to be screwed onto the face of a guitar, allegedly works by depressing one or two levers toward the guitar face. The guitar string is fed through a hole in the lever and by pushing down the lever, the string is stretched which has the effect of raising its musical pitch.
The operation of this device is very awkward in as much as it is difficult, if not impossible, to strike the string and depress the lever at the same time. Also, the use of this device changes one's playing style in that the player's right hand position (which may have evolved over many years of playing) is altered. Musical expression is also affected, such as and in particular string muting; (muting is when the flesh a the side of the picking hand rests on the string saddles and changes the timbre of the note, ie the quality of sound produced;). A yet further disadvantage is that the installation of this device also damages the guitar or stringed instrument and affects its retail value.
An alternative device which has been known in the pas (as a "string bender") is also adapted to raise the pitch of strings and is installed in the back of the guitar. Typically there is a channel routed in the bo of the guitar in which are placed two levers attached to the strap buttons. The second and third strings a then fed through the levers and hold the strings in place.
To operate the string bender device one must pull dow on the strap buttons. For example, if the player of the guitar was to push down on the left strap button, the pitch of one string would be affected, while if t player was to push down on the right button a differe string would be affected.
The drawbacks of this device include damage to the instrument. The player's playing technique is also affected, the player having to constantly push downwa on either the left or right end of the guitar. Yet further the device is adapted to only affect two strings.
According to the present invention there is provided device for varying the pitch of a stringed instrument during play, the device comprising means for adjusting the tension of selected strings responsive to operation of foot-operated controls.
Preferably, the foot operated controls comprises a pedal board, wherein depression by the player of a pedal provided on the pedal board causes increased tension or a pulling force to be applied to a respective string on the stringed instrument.
Optionally, the pedal board may comprise signal apparatus for sending a signal to a receiver located on the stringed instrument, the receiver being connected to the means for adjusting the tension of a respective string.
The stringed instrument may be a guitar or the like, and if a guitar, may be an acoustic or a steel guitar or an electric guitar.
Also according to the present invention there is provided a device for varying the tension of one or more strings on a stringed instrument during play, the device comprising one or more cables each being mechanically connected at a respective first end thereof to a respective string on the stringed instrument and each attached at a second and opposite end thereof to a foot operated pedal, the depression of which causes the cable to apply tension to the respective string on the stringed instrument.
An example embodiment of the invention may be seen from the following description and drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a pictorial view of the front and bottom faces of part of a guitar to which is attached means for adjusting tension of selected strings on the guitar;
Figure 2 illustrates a foot operated pedal board and
Figure 3 is an alternative pictorial view of the means shown in Figure 1;
In Fig. l, there is illustrated a guitar generally described at 1, upon which is fixed a housing plate 2. The housing plate 2 is simply attached to the guitar by use of the strap screw 3.
The housing plate 2 provides a cable holder 4, a guid block 11 and, in this- embodiment, three string puller 8. Extending from the cable holder 4 is a cable 6 within which are housed three wire ropes 7. The wire ropes 7 are independent of each other and are able to be acted upon and, in particular, tensioned distinctively.
The wire ropes 7 are threaded through similar respective apertures 14 in the cable holder 4 and thereafter attached at one end to respective string pullers 8.
The string pullers 8 are adapted to move linearly and thus by applying tension to a wire rope 7, the respective string puller 8 is pulled in a linear and outward direction away from the neck of the guitar.
At the opposite end of the string puller 8 from the wire ropes 7 is an attachment means for a respective guitar string 9. The attachment means 15 may be a gr screw or similar device. Thus, in the event that a wire rope 7 is pulled in a direction away from the neck of the guitar 1 (that is toward the guitar body) , the respective string puller 8 is similarly pulled and by this action the respective guitar string 9 is also tensioned. The effect of the tensioning of the guitar string 9 is to alter the musical pitch of that string when struck or played by a user.
The guide block 11 is fixed to the housing plate 2 and acts as a guide for ensuring the linear movement of the string pullers 8. For each string puller there is provided a tuning screw 12 threaded through the guide block 11 such that the end of each tuning screw 12 protrudes horizontally and outwardly from the guide block 11 in a direction away from the neck of the guitar 1. Also located with each string puller 8 is a stopper lug 13, movable with the guide puller 8. By adjusting the distance between the end of the tuning screws 12 and the stopper lug 13 (that is, by rotating the tuning screw 12) a control or limit is provided on the distance that the string pullers 8 can move in a direction towards the neck of the guitar 1.
The wire ropes 7 and cable 6 are attached to a pedal board 16 at the end, away from the guitar 1. The pedal board 16 is provided with three pedals 17, the attachment allowing for the depression of a pedal 17 to cause tension to be applied to a respective wire rope 7, which in turn results in variants of pitch of a respective guitar string 9. In the embodiments shown in the drawings there are three wire ropes 7 which together connect to the first three strings of the guitar.
Thus, the invention allows for the pitch of a guitar to be altered while being played, without reliance on the player or musician having to amend their playing technique. Attachment of the apparatus embodying the invention may be achieved without any damage to the guitar and, in particular, the housing plate 2, illustrated in the figures incorporating the cable holder 4, guide block 11 and string pullers 8, can be attached by removing the strap screw 3 from the guita 1, locating the housing plate 2 in the correct alignment on the face of the guitar 1 and then replacing the strap screw 3 through a corresponding aperture in the housing plate 2 so as to fix the housing plate 2 to the guitar 1. In order to further protect the face of the guitar 1, a felt gasket or th like may be placed between the plate 2 and the guitar 1.
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, moveme of the string pullers 8 may be achieved without the u of mechanical ropes or cables connecting the string pullers to a pedal board. In such an embodiment, depression of a pedal on a pedal board could be cause to activate an emmitter which sends a remote signal t receivers located on or in juxtaposition to the guita the signal being received by a receiver communicating with electro-mechanical apparatus to act upon the string pullers.
Where activation of the string pullers is done via a mechanical linkage or remotely using signalling, it i preferable that the extent of force or depression applied to a foot pedal is proportional to the extent of movement or force applied to a respective string puller. That is, the apparatus, and in particular th foot pedals, should be touch sensitive.
The string pullers 8 may be provided from each of the first three strings, there being three corresponding pedals. However, an appropriate number of string pullers may be employed and, for example, there may be a string puller used in respect of the fourth and fifth strings on a guitar.
In some situations it may be advantageous to achieve certain chord voicings and styles by using a technique known as pitch shifting. This is particularly used in relation to the fourth and fifth strings on a guitar. Using the present invention, pitch shifting can be achieved by combining certain of the string pullers with a self-locking device such as a cam lever, whereby pulling the lever shifts the string puller, together with its associated string, into a tensioned state and corresponding altered- pitch.
An additional optional feature associated with the invention is the provision of a means for providing volume control. Volume control is a very important tool used in pedal steel applications. As the present invention enables a guitar to mimic pedal steel sounds, it is anticipated that the inclusion of a means for controlling volume would be demanded in connection with string pulling apparatus of the invention.
The volume control means may comprise, in one example embodiment, a volume pot which may be controlled by an attached wheel or knob, the latter being mounted, for example, on plate 2. When playing a guitar incorporating the invention, the volume control wheel would preferably be positioned near the thumb of the player's picking or strumming hand. That is, the volume control could be manipulated by the player's thum . The invention could also employ an alternative type pick-up to suit the type of music enabled by the apparatus. Until now, there has been no demand for pick-up with the character of a steel pick-up for us on guitars. However, in view of the present inventi a more authentic sounding steel pick-up would be welcome. It is anticipated that those skilled in th art could produce a pick-up with an appropriate magn and windings to achieve the sound desired.
Further modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the spirit or sco of the invention herein intended.

Claims

1 A device for varying the pitch of a stringed instrument during play, the device comprising means for adjusting the tension of selected strings responsive to operation of foot-operated controls.
2 A device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the foot operated controls comprises a pedal board, wherein depression by the player of a pedal provided on the pedal board causes increased tension or a pulling force to be applied to a respective string on the stringed instrument.
3 A device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the foot operated controls are mechanically connected to the strings on the stringed instrument by a mechanical linkage including one or more wire ropes.
4 A device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the foot operated controls comprise signal apparatus for sending a signal to a receiver located on the stringed instrument, the receiver being connected to the means for adjusting the tension of a respective string.
5 A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims wherein the stringed instrument is a guitar.
6 A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims further comprising volume control means.
7 A device as claimed in any one of the preceding 1 Claims associated with a pedal steel character
2 pick-up. 3
4 8 A device for varying the tension of one or more
5 strings on a stringed instrument during play, t
6 device comprising one or more cables each being
7 mechanically connected at a respective first en
8 thereof to a respective string on the stringed
9 instrument and each attached at a second and
10 opposite end thereof to a foot operated pedal,
11 depression of which causes the cable to apply
12 tension to the respective string on the stringe
13 instrument. 14
PCT/GB1996/000217 1995-02-04 1996-02-05 Apparatus for altering the pitch of stringed instruments WO1996024126A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU46275/96A AU4627596A (en) 1995-02-04 1996-02-05 Apparatus for altering the pitch of stringed instruments

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9502235.6A GB9502235D0 (en) 1995-02-04 1995-02-04 Apparatus for altering the pitch of stringed instruments
GB9502235.6 1995-02-04
GBGB9523975.2A GB9523975D0 (en) 1995-11-23 1995-11-23 Apparatus for altering the pitch of stringed instruments
GB9523975.2 1995-11-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996024126A1 true WO1996024126A1 (en) 1996-08-08

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1996/000217 WO1996024126A1 (en) 1995-02-04 1996-02-05 Apparatus for altering the pitch of stringed instruments

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU4627596A (en)
WO (1) WO1996024126A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2136627A (en) * 1937-06-28 1938-11-15 Melvin L Lohman Tremulant for stringed musical instruments
US2201536A (en) * 1939-02-18 1940-05-21 Harvey Ellison Stringed instrument tuner
US3382749A (en) * 1966-03-10 1968-05-14 John W. Watson Device for producing a tremolo effect on stringed musical instruments
US3910152A (en) * 1974-05-13 1975-10-07 Yoshinari Kusakawa Stringed musical instrument having an attachment for changing musical key

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2136627A (en) * 1937-06-28 1938-11-15 Melvin L Lohman Tremulant for stringed musical instruments
US2201536A (en) * 1939-02-18 1940-05-21 Harvey Ellison Stringed instrument tuner
US3382749A (en) * 1966-03-10 1968-05-14 John W. Watson Device for producing a tremolo effect on stringed musical instruments
US3910152A (en) * 1974-05-13 1975-10-07 Yoshinari Kusakawa Stringed musical instrument having an attachment for changing musical key

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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