Stringed musical instrument and sound effect device

Abstract

A stringed instrument and a sound effect device capable of easily controlling an effect application unit even during performance of the stringed instrument are provided. The stringed instrument (10) includes an instrument main body (11), a string mounted to the instrument main body (11), a pickup (13) that detects vibration of the string and outputs a string vibration signal corresponding to the vibration, a detection sensor (14) mounted to the instrument main body (11) that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a force applied to the instrument main body (11), and a control unit (15) mounted to the instrument main body (11) that outputs a control signal that controls an action of an effect application unit (16) that applies an effect to the string vibration signal, based on the detection signal output from the detection sensor (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stringed instrument and a sound effect device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which various operating elements are provided on the side panel of an acoustic guitar (string instrument) for controlling the operation of an effect imparting unit (effector). This effect imparting unit imparts musical or acoustic effects in response to string vibration signals generated in response to string vibrations. The operating elements in Patent Document 1 are configured to be operated by rotating them with the fingers.

[0003] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2018 / 201100

[0004] However, in the structure of Patent Document 1, the operating element for controlling the effect applying unit is located on a side panel that is away from the strings. Therefore, in order to control the effect applying unit while playing the acoustic guitar (specifically, plucking the strings with fingers), the player must move their fingers away from the strings and toward the side panel. This makes it difficult for the player to control the movement of the effect applying unit while playing the acoustic guitar. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a string instrument and an acoustic effect device that allow a player to easily control an effect applying unit even during performance of the string instrument.

[0006] A first embodiment of the present invention is a string musical instrument comprising: an instrument body; a string mounted on the instrument body; a pickup that detects vibration of the string and outputs a string vibration signal corresponding to the vibration; a detection sensor mounted on the instrument body that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a force applied to the instrument body; and a control unit mounted on the instrument body that outputs a control signal based on the detection signal to control the operation of an effect imparting unit, wherein the effect imparting unit imparts an effect to the string vibration signal.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is an acoustic effect device for a stringed instrument, comprising: a pickup for detecting vibration of a string of the stringed instrument and outputting a string vibration signal corresponding to the vibration; a detection sensor for outputting a detection signal corresponding to a force applied to the instrument body by being attached to the instrument body of the stringed instrument; and

[0008] A control unit outputs a control signal for controlling an operation of an effect applying unit that applies an effect to the string vibration signal based on the detection signal.

[0009] A third aspect of the present application is a stringed instrument having: an instrument main body; a string mounted to the instrument main body; a pickup that detects vibration of the string and outputs a string vibration signal corresponding to the vibration; a detection sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to an operation of a player on a front plate or a back plate of a main body portion of the instrument main body; and a control portion mounted to the instrument main body that outputs a control signal that controls an operation of an effect imparting portion that imparts an effect to the string vibration signal, based on the detection signal.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present application, a player can easily control an effect imparting portion even during performance of a stringed instrument. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a front view showing a stringed instrument according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a stringed instrument according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a stringed instrument according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an internal structure of an effect imparting portion of Figure 3 .

[0016] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a stringed instrument according to another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Hereinafter, a stringed instrument according to an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to Figures 1-4 .

[0018] As shown in Figures 1-3 , the stringed instrument 10 according to the present embodiment is an acoustic guitar. The stringed instrument 10 has an instrument main body 11, a string 12, a pickup 13, a detection sensor 14, and a control portion 15. In addition, the stringed instrument 10 according to the present embodiment also has an effect imparting portion 16 and a vibration applicator 17.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1 , 2 , the instrument main body 11 has a main body portion 21 and a neck portion 22.

[0020] The main body 21 is formed in a box shape with a cavity S inside. The main body 21 includes a front plate 23, a back plate 24, and side plates 25. The front plate 23 and back plate 24 are each formed in a flat plate shape. The front plate 23 and back plate 24 are spaced apart from each other in their thickness direction. The side plates 25 extend from the periphery of the back plate 24 to the periphery of the front plate 23. The front plate 23, back plate 24, and side plates 25 together constitute the main body 21 with a cavity S inside.

[0021] A sound hole 26 (acoustic hole) is formed in the front plate 23 of the main body 21, extending through the main body 21 in the thickness direction. The sound hole 26 connects the cavity S of the main body 21 with the space outside the main body 21. Furthermore, a tailpiece 27 is provided on the outer surface 23a of the front plate 23 to secure the first longitudinal end of the string 12.

[0022] The neck 22 extends in a direction away from the main body 21. A headstock 28 is provided at the front end of the neck 22. The headstock 28 is used to wind the second end side of the string 12 in the longitudinal direction.

[0023] The string 12 is stretched across the body 21 and the neck 22. Specifically, a first end of the string 12 is fixed to the tailpiece 27 of the body 21, and a second end of the string 12 is wound around the headstock 28. Thus, the string 12 is stretched between the tailpiece 27 and the headstock 28.

[0024] A vibration transmission portion 29 (bridge) is provided between the strings 12 stretched on the outer surface 23a of the front plate 23 and the outer surface 23a of the front plate 23. Thus, in the stringed instrument 10, the vibration of the strings 12 is transmitted to the front plate 23 via the vibration transmission portion 29, causing the front plate 23 to vibrate. This resonates the air within the main body 21 (cavity S), radiating sound outward from the main body 21.

[0025] The pickup 13 detects the vibration of the string 12 and outputs a string vibration signal corresponding to the vibration of the string 12. Figure 1 、 2 In the embodiment, the pickup 13 is arranged at the position where the sound hole 26 of the front plate 23 is formed so as not to hinder the vibration of the front plate 23 accompanying the vibration of the string 12, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0026] Figure 3 、 4 The effect imparting unit 16 (effect device) generates a sound signal (so-called wet sound) by imparting a musical or acoustic effect (musical effect) to the string vibration signal output from the pickup 13 (or the equalizer 18 described later), and outputs the sound signal.

[0027] The effect imparting unit 16 includes an effect imparting element 31 for imparting a predetermined musical or acoustic effect, such as a looper, a distortion effect, a wah-wah effect, a reverb, a flanger, etc. The effect imparting unit 16 may include only one effect imparting element 31, but in this embodiment, Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of effect imparting elements 31 (31a to 31e) that impart different effects are included.

[0028] The effect of the looper (effect applying element 31a), which is one of the effect applying elements 31, is to record a sound signal based on the input string vibration signal or repeatedly play the recorded sound signal by switching the start and stop of recording.

[0029] The effect applying section 16 also includes a mixing circuit 32. In the mixing circuit 32, the output signal (wet sound) output from each musical effect element corresponding to the string vibration signal input to the effect applying section 16 and the string vibration signal (dry sound) that does not pass through the musical effect element are mixed or selected in an arbitrary ratio, and the mixed or selected signal is output as an audio signal to the outside of the effect applying section 16 (to the vibrator 17 or amplifier 19 described later).

[0030] The effect imparting unit 16 is mounted on the instrument body 11. The effect imparting unit 16 may be, for example, Figure 1 The device is housed in a housing portion 41 installed in the main body 21 .

[0031] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the vibrator 17 is attached to the main body 21 of the instrument body 11. The vibrator 17 vibrates the main body 21 based on the sound signal output from the effect applying unit 16 in response to the string vibration signal. By vibrating the main body 21 by the vibrator 17, the sound effected by the effect applying unit 16 is radiated toward the outside of the main body 21. The vibrator 17 may be a known voice coil type or any other type of electronic / vibration transducer.

[0032] The vibrator 17 can be mounted on the back plate 24 or the side plate 25, but in this embodiment, it is mounted on the front plate 23. Specifically, the vibrator 17 is mounted on the inner surface 23b of the front plate 23. In addition, the vibrator 17 is located in an area of ​​the front plate 23 that is away from the surrounding area of ​​the sound hole 26 (the area where the detection sensor 14 is arranged). Figure 1 In the state where the string instrument 10 is viewed from the front, the vibrator 17 is located in a region of the body 21 that sandwiches the sound hole 26 and the tailpiece 27 between the body 21 and the neck 22 .

[0033] like Figure 3 、4 As shown, the string instrument 10 of this embodiment further includes an equalizer 18 and an amplifier 19. The equalizer 18 adjusts the frequency characteristics of the string vibration signal output from the pickup 13. For example, the equalizer 18 adjusts the frequency characteristics of the string vibration signal so as to emphasize frequency regions higher than the fundamental frequency region of the string 12 (e.g., overtone components). The equalizer 18 outputs the string vibration signal with the adjusted frequency characteristics to the effect applying unit 16. The amplifier 19 amplifies the sound signal output from the effect applying unit 16 and outputs it to the vibrator 17.

[0034] In this embodiment, the equalizer 18 and the amplifier 19 are mounted on the instrument body 11. The equalizer 18 and the amplifier 19 are similar to the effect imparting unit 16 and are housed in, for example, Figure 1 The storage portion 41 is shown.

[0035] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the detection sensor 14 is mounted on the instrument body 11. The detection sensor 14 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the force applied to the instrument body 11. The detection sensor 14 may be, for example, a deflection detection sensor 14 (e.g., a strain gauge) that detects the deflection of the instrument body 11 caused by the force applied to the instrument body 11. Alternatively, the detection sensor 14 may be, for example, a pressure sensor that detects the pressure applied to the instrument body 11. Alternatively, the detection sensor 14 may be, for example, an electrostatic contact sensor that detects the player's contact with the instrument body 11.

[0036] In this embodiment, the detection sensor 14 is installed on a part of the main body 21. The detection sensor 14 can be installed on the back plate 24 or the side plate 25, but in this embodiment, the detection sensor 14 is installed on the back plate 24 or the side plate 25. Figure 1 、 2 As shown, it is installed on the front plate 23. Specifically, the detection sensor 14 is installed on the inner surface 23b of the front plate 23. In addition, the detection sensor 14 is located in the surrounding area of ​​the sound hole 26 in the front plate 23. Figure 1 In the figure, the detection sensor 14 is located on the right side of the string 12 and the sound hole 26 when the string instrument 10 is viewed from the front, but may be located on the left side, for example.

[0037] The area around the sound hole 26 in the front plate 23 (especially Figure 1 The area to the right or left of the middle string 12 and the sound hole 26 is the area where the player's fingers (hands or fingers) are mainly located when the player plays the string instrument 10 by plucking the strings 12 or the like.

[0038] Furthermore, the detection sensor 14 is not limited to being mounted on the inner surface 23b of the front plate 23; for example, it may also be mounted on the inner surface of the back plate 24 or the side plate 25. Furthermore, the detection sensor 14 may also be mounted on the outer surface (surface) of the front plate 23, back plate 24, or side plate 25 of the main body 21. Furthermore, the detection sensor 14 may be embedded within the front plate 23, back plate 24, or side plate 25. In other words, the detection sensor 14 only needs to be mounted on the main body 21 as a structure capable of detecting deflection occurring in the instrument body 11.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the stringed instrument 10 of this embodiment further includes a recognized portion 50. The recognized portion 50 is provided on the outer surface of the main body 21. In this embodiment, the recognized portion 50 is provided on the outer surface 23a of the front plate 23 of the main body 21. The recognized portion 50 indicates the position of the detection sensor 14 mounted on the inner surface of the main body 21. The recognized portion 50 serves to allow the player to visually or tactilely recognize the position of the detection sensor 14.

[0040] The identified portion 50 may be provided at least in the outer surface of the main body 21 in an area where a detection signal corresponding to the force is output from the detection sensor 14 by applying a force to the main body 21. Therefore, when viewed from the outside of the main body 21, the identified portion 50 may be arranged near the detection sensor 14, for example, in a range that does not overlap with the detection sensor 14. In addition, when viewed from the outside of the main body 21, the identified portion 50 may be arranged at a position that overlaps with a portion of the detection sensor 14, for example. Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the recognized portion 50 is disposed at a position overlapping the entire detection sensor 14 when viewed from the outside of the main body 21 .

[0041] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the size of the identified portion 50 observed from the outside of the main body 21 is larger than the size of the detection sensor 14, but may be smaller than the size of the detection sensor 14, for example. Figure 1 In the embodiment, the planar shape of the identified portion 50 viewed from the outside of the main body 21 is formed in a rectangular shape similar to the detection sensor 14 , but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be formed in any shape.

[0042] The identified portion 50 may be, for example, a sticker affixed to the outer surface of the main body 21. When the identified portion 50 is a sticker, a step is created between the outer surface of the main body 21 and the identified portion 50. Thus, the player of the stringed instrument 10 can tactilely identify the position of the detection sensor 14 through this step.

[0043] The sticker serving as the identified portion 50 may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. Characters, symbols, patterns, or pictures, for example, may be printed on the sticker. Furthermore, the sticker may be surface-treated to provide a surface roughness different from that of the outer surface of the main body 21. Furthermore, the sticker may be textured, for example, with characters, symbols, patterns, or pictures engraved thereon. Even with the sticker formed in this manner, the player of the stringed instrument 10 can visually or tactilely identify the position of the detection sensor 14 by the step.

[0044] When the identified portion 50 is a sticker, it can be provided on the outer surface of the main body 21 more cheaply and easily than when the identified portion 50 is a decal, inlay, or branding as described later. In addition, the identified portion 50 can be easily removed (peeled off) from the main body 21.

[0045] In addition, the identified portion 50 may be, for example, a decal or inlay provided on the outer surface of the main body 21. In addition, the identified portion 50 may be, for example, a brand formed on the outer surface of the main body 21. In the case where the identified portion is a decal, the decal needs to be protected by a transparent coating. Inlay is a structure in which a carved portion is formed on the outer surface of the main body 21, and other materials (such as a base material or a shell, etc.) are embedded in the carved portion. In the case where the identified portion 50 is a decal, inlay, or brand, the player of the string instrument 10 can mainly visually identify the position of the detection sensor 14. In the case where the identified portion 50 is a decal, inlay, or brand, an improvement in the appearance design of the string instrument 10 can be achieved compared to a sticker.

[0046] Alternatively, the identified portion 50 may be formed by various printing methods, such as stamp printing or sticker printing, directly applied to the outer surface of the main body 21. When the identified portion 50 is formed by printing, the player of the stringed instrument 10 can primarily visually identify the position of the detection sensor 14. When the identified portion 50 is formed by printing, the degree of design freedom for characters, symbols, patterns, and pictures can be improved.

[0047] Figure 3 、 4 The control unit 15 shown is mounted on the instrument body 11. The control unit 15 may be similar to the effect imparting unit 16, for example, housed in a Figure 1 The storage unit 41 shown. The control unit 15 is as shown Figure 3 、 4As shown, a control signal for controlling the operation of the effect imparting section 16 is output to the effect imparting section 16 based on the detection signal output from the detection sensor 14. The control section 15 may output different types of control signals depending on, for example, the number of times the force is applied to the instrument body 11 or the length of time the force is applied to the instrument body 11.

[0048] The control unit 15 outputs a control signal based on the amplitude (intensity) of the detection signal output from the detection sensor 14 or the frequency of the detection signal. Specifically, the control unit 15 outputs a control signal when the amplitude of the detection signal is greater than the maximum amplitude of the front plate 23 (instrument body 11) when sound is radiated from the string instrument 10. Furthermore, the control unit 15 outputs a control signal when the frequency of the detection signal is lower than the minimum frequency of the front plate 23 (instrument body 11) when sound is radiated from the string instrument 10. This can suppress or prevent the control unit 15 from outputting a control signal simply because sound is radiated from the string instrument 10.

[0049] The control signal output from the control unit 15 may be, for example, a signal for switching the effect applying unit 16 (effect applying element 31) on and off. In this case, the control signal output from the control unit 15 may be, for example, a signal for switching the start and stop of recording by a looper (effect applying element 31a), which is one of the effect applying elements 31.

[0050] Furthermore, the control signal output from the control unit 15 may be, for example, a signal that adjusts the intensity or magnitude of the effect applied to the string vibration signal based on the magnitude of the force applied to the front plate 23 (instrument body 11). For example, the magnitude of the effects of a muffler, wah-wah, reverb, flanger, or arming (arm down / arm up) effect may be adjusted based on the magnitude of the force applied to the front plate 23 (instrument body 11).

[0051] As described above, the effect imparting unit 16 of this embodiment includes Figure 4 The effect imparting unit 16 further includes a plurality of effect imparting elements 31. Therefore, the effect imparting unit 16 further includes a selector 33 that selects to which effect imparting element 31 the control signal output from the control unit 15 is input. The selector 33 may be operated, for example, based on the control signal output from the control unit 15 or by an operation input via a separately provided operating member (not shown).

[0052] In this embodiment, Figure 1The illustrated storage section 41 houses, in addition to the aforementioned control section 15, effect imparting section 16, equalizer 18, and amplifier 19, various operating elements such as a power supply for supplying power to these electronic components, an operating element for the selector 33, and a power switch.

[0053] As described above, in the stringed instrument 10 of this embodiment, the detection sensor 14 attached to the instrument body 11 functions as an operating element for controlling the operation of the effect applying section 16. Specifically, the player of the stringed instrument 10 can control the operation of the effect applying section 16 by applying force to the instrument body 11 (e.g., by bending the surface of the main body 21, or by striking or touching the surface of the main body 21). This allows the player to control the operation of the effect applying section 16 without having to move their fingers away from the strings 12. Consequently, the player can easily control the effect applying section 16 while playing the stringed instrument 10.

[0054] Furthermore, in the stringed instrument 10 of this embodiment, the detection sensor 14 is attached to a portion of the main body 21 of the instrument body 11. Therefore, the player can easily control the operation of the effect applying section 16 by, for example, pressing or bending a portion of the main body 21 with their wrist or fingers, or by striking or touching a portion of the main body 21. Furthermore, when the player plays the stringed instrument 10 by plucking the strings 12, the player's wrist and fingers are usually placed on the main body 21. In this state, the player's wrist and fingers apply force to the front plate 23 of the main body 21, allowing the player to easily control the operation of the effect applying section 16 without having to change the position of their wrist or fingers during performance of the stringed instrument 10.

[0055] Furthermore, in the string instrument 10 of this embodiment, the detection sensor 14 is attached to the front plate 23 of the main body 21. Therefore, the player can simply press the front plate 23 with their fingers to bend the front plate 23 and control the operation of the effect applying section 16. Here, when the player plays the string instrument 10 by plucking the strings 12, etc., the player's fingers are usually positioned on the front plate 23. Therefore, during the performance of the string instrument 10, the player can easily control the operation of the effect applying section 16 without having to change the position of their fingers.

[0056] In the stringed instrument 10 of this embodiment, the detection sensor 14 is attached to the inner surface of the main body 21. This prevents the deterioration of the design of the stringed instrument 10 due to the attachment of the detection sensor 14 to the main body 21.

[0057] Furthermore, in the stringed instrument 10 of this embodiment, the vibrator 17 attached to the main body 21 vibrates the main body 21 based on the sound signal output from the effect imparting unit 16 in response to the string vibration signal from the pickup 13. This allows a sound imparting a musical or acoustic effect to be sounded in the stringed instrument 10 (main body 21).

[0058] Furthermore, in the stringed instrument 10 of this embodiment, the effect imparting unit 16 is attached to the instrument body 11. This allows the stringed instrument 10 alone to produce a sound to which the effect imparting unit 16 has been applied. This effect is particularly useful when the stringed instrument 10 has an appearance similar to that of an acoustic guitar. This point will be described below.

[0059] For example, if the effect applying unit 16 is provided separately from the acoustic guitar, the control unit 15 of the string instrument 10 and the effect applying unit 16 must be electrically connected via a connecting cord or the like. However, since a conventional acoustic guitar does not have a connecting cord connected to it, the appearance of the connecting cord extending from the string instrument 10 is different from that of a conventional acoustic guitar, making it unnatural. In contrast, if the effect applying unit 16 is attached to the instrument body 11, there is no need to connect a connecting cord to the string instrument 10, allowing the string instrument 10 to have the same appearance as a conventional acoustic guitar.

[0060] In the stringed instrument 10 of this embodiment, the effect imparting unit 16 includes a looper. Furthermore, the control signal output from the control unit 15 includes a signal for switching between starting and stopping recording by the looper. Therefore, the performer can easily switch between starting and stopping recording by the looper without having to position their fingers away from the strings 12 (i.e., without interfering with the performance of the stringed instrument 10). This makes it easy for the performer to utilize the looper's functionality.

[0061] Furthermore, the stringed instrument 10 of this embodiment includes a recognized portion 50, which is provided on the outer surface of the main body 21 and indicates the position of the detection sensor 14, which is provided on the inner surface of the main body 21. Therefore, even if the player of the stringed instrument 10 cannot visually confirm the detection sensor 14 from the outside of the main body 21, the recognized portion 50 can still ascertain the position of the detection sensor 14. As described above, it is possible to suppress or prevent the player from failing to operate the detection sensor 14. Failure to operate the detection sensor 14 by the player, for example, occurs when the player presses the main body 21, but the force is not transmitted to the detection sensor 14, resulting in no detection signal being output from the detection sensor 14.

[0062] As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Various changes can be added in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

[0063] In the present invention, the effect imparting unit 16 may not be mounted on the instrument body 11, that is, may not be provided on the stringed instrument. In this case, for example Figure 5 As shown, the stringed instrument 10A may include an external output unit 51. The external output unit 51 outputs the control signal output from the control unit 15 to the effect applying unit 16 provided outside the instrument body 11. The external output unit 51 may be an external connection terminal for connecting to the effect applying unit 16 by wire, or may be a wireless communication unit for connecting to the effect applying unit 16 wirelessly.

[0064] In the string instrument 10A having the external output unit 51 , the effect applying section 16 can be provided separately from the string instrument 10A, and therefore any type of effect applying section 16 can be selected and used.

[0065] In the present invention, the detection sensor 14 can be attached to, for example, the neck 22. In this case, the player can bend the neck 22 or apply force to the neck 22 by pressing the portion of the neck 22 where the detection sensor 14 is located during performance of the stringed instrument 10, thereby outputting a detection signal from the detection sensor 14. That is, even if the detection sensor 14 is located on the neck 22, the player can easily control the effect applying section 16 while playing the stringed instrument 10.

[0066] The present invention may also be an acoustic effect device 100 (see FIG. 1 ) used on a stringed instrument 10 and including at least a pickup 13, a detection sensor 14, and a control unit 15. Figure 3 、 5 The acoustic effect device 100 may further include one or both of a vibrator 17 and an effect imparting unit 16. In addition, the acoustic effect device 100 may further include an equalizer 18 and an amplifier 19.

[0067] By attaching the acoustic effect device 100 to an existing string instrument, the existing string instrument can be endowed with the same functions as the string instruments 10 and 10A of the aforementioned embodiments. For example, by attaching the detection sensor 14 of the acoustic effect device to the instrument body 11 of an existing string instrument, the detection sensor 14 functions as an operating element for controlling the operation of the effect applying section 16. Thus, a player of the string instrument 10 can control the operation of the effect applying section 16 by applying force to the instrument body 11 (e.g., by bending the body 21 or neck 22, or by striking or touching the instrument).

[0068] In the present invention, the part of the player that applies force to a portion of the string instrument in order to output a detection signal from the detection sensor 14 may be a part other than the hand (e.g., the wrist, elbow, abdomen, waist, thigh, etc.). In the above embodiment, the detection sensor 14 is mounted on the front panel 23 of the main body 21, assuming that the player operates the detection sensor 14 with the hand. However, the detection sensor 14 may also be located on a part of the string instrument that is easily accessible to the elbow (e.g., a predetermined position on the front panel 23) so that the player can apply force to a portion of the string instrument with the elbow. In addition, for example, if the detection sensor 14 is mounted on the back panel 24 or side panel 25 of the main body 21, the player can also apply force to the back panel 24 or side panel 25, which are part of the string instrument, using the abdomen, waist, thigh, etc. In addition, the detection sensor 14 is located inside the main body 21 (on the inner surface), but it may also be located on the surface (outer surface) of the main body 21.

[0069] The detection sensor of the present invention may also output a detection signal corresponding to the player's operation of the front plate 23 or the back plate 24 of the main body 21 of the musical instrument. The "player's operation of the front plate 23 or the back plate 24" of the present invention corresponds to the actions described in the above-mentioned embodiment, that is, the player bending the front plate 23 or the back plate 24 of the main body 21, striking the front plate 23 or the back plate 24 of the main body 21, touching the front plate 23 or the back plate 24, approaching or moving away from the front plate 23 or the back plate 24, etc.

[0070] Furthermore, in the stringed instrument of the present invention, an electrostatic sensor can be used as a detection sensor, in place of or in addition to the sensor that detects the player's operation. Alternatively, an electrostatic contact sensor or membrane switch can be used as a sensor that detects the player's hand or other part's movement toward or away from the front panel 23 or back panel 24. If the electrostatic sensor is mounted on the front panel 23 or back panel 24 of the main body 21, the aforementioned "player's operation on the front panel 23 or back panel 24" can include the player's hand or other part's movement toward or away from the front panel 23 or back panel 24. If the electrostatic contact sensor or membrane switch is mounted on the front panel 23 or back panel 24 of the main body 21, the aforementioned "player's operation on the front panel 23 or back panel 24" can include the player's hand or other part's movement toward or away from the front panel 23 or back panel 24. Alternatively, an electrostatic sensor may be used in place of the front plate 23 or back plate 24 to detect the player's hand, wrist, or other parts moving toward or away from the side plates 25, or in addition to detecting the front plate 23 or back plate 24. Alternatively, an electrostatic contact sensor or membrane switch may be used in place of the front plate 23 or back plate 24 to detect the player's hand, wrist, or other parts moving toward or away from the side plates 25, or in addition to detecting the front plate 23 or back plate 24. In this case, if the detection sensor is mounted inside the main body 21, the identified portion 50 may be provided on the surface (exterior) of the main body 21. Furthermore, in this case, the detection sensor may be provided inside the main body 21 (on its inner surface) or on its outer surface (exterior), or may be embedded within the front plate 23, back plate 24, or side plates 25. In other words, the detection sensor may be mounted on the main body 21 as a structure capable of detecting the player's operation. When the detection sensor is provided on the surface of the main body 21 , the detection sensor itself also serves as the portion to be identified.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to acoustic guitars having a main body 21 with a cavity S therein. It can also be applied to guitars that generate resonance sound based on string vibrations and do not originate from the main body (e.g., electric guitars and electric basses without a cavity within the main body, or silent guitars (registered trademark) with a main body formed of a frame). In this case, for an electric guitar, the detection sensor can be located near the pickup, for example. Alternatively, for a guitar with a main body formed of a frame, the detection sensor can be located on the frame, for example.

[0072] The present invention is not limited to guitars having a body and a neck, and can also be applied to stringed instruments such as violins, violas, cellos, and double basses that have at least an instrument body and strings attached to the instrument body.

[0073] Description of the label

[0074] 10, 10A… string instrument, 11… instrument body, 12… strings, 13… pickup, 14… detection sensor, 15… control unit, 16… effect imparting unit, 17… vibrator, 21… body, 22… neck, 23… front panel, 31… effect imparting element, 50… recognized unit, 51… external output unit, 100… sound effect device.

Claims

1. A stringed instrument comprising: The body of the instrument; Strings mounted on the instrument body; a pickup that detects the vibration of the string and outputs a string vibration signal corresponding to the vibration; a detection sensor embedded in the interior of the right side or left side of the strings and sound hole on the front side of the main body of the instrument body or attached to the inner surface of the right side or left side of the strings and sound hole on the front side of the main body of the instrument body so as not to be visible from the outside of the instrument body, the detection sensor outputting a detection signal corresponding to the force applied to the instrument body; and A control unit is attached to the musical instrument body and outputs a control signal for controlling the operation of an effect applying unit that applies an effect to the string vibration signal based on the detection signal.

2. The stringed instrument according to claim 1, wherein The detection sensor detects deflection generated in the instrument body.

3. The stringed instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A vibrator is provided, the vibrator being mounted on the main body of the instrument body to vibrate the main body. The vibrator vibrates the main body based on the sound signal output from the effect applying unit in response to the string vibration signal.

4. The stringed instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The stringed instrument is a guitar having a main body composed of a frame.

5. The stringed instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: An external output unit is provided for outputting the control signal to the effect imparting section provided outside the instrument body.

6. The stringed instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The effect imparting unit includes a loop effector, The control signal output from the control unit includes a signal for switching start and stop of recording by the looper.

7. The stringed instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The stringed instrument includes an identified portion provided on an outer surface of the main body portion and indicating a position of the detection sensor.

8. A sound effect device for a stringed instrument, The sound effect device has: a pickup that detects vibration of a string of the stringed instrument and outputs a string vibration signal corresponding to the vibration; a detection sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a force applied to the instrument body by being attached to the strings on the front side of the main body of the instrument body of the stringed instrument and the inner surface of the right or left side of the sound hole; and A control unit outputs a control signal for controlling an operation of an effect applying unit that applies an effect to the string vibration signal based on the detection signal.

9. A stringed instrument comprising: The body of the instrument; Strings mounted on the instrument body; a pickup that detects the vibration of the string and outputs a string vibration signal corresponding to the vibration; a detection sensor that outputs a detection signal corresponding to a player's operation of the front plate of the main body of the musical instrument; as well as a control unit mounted on the instrument body, which outputs a control signal for controlling the operation of an effect imparting unit based on the detection signal, the effect imparting unit imparting an effect to the string vibration signal; The player's operation is to bend or strike the right or left side of the strings and sound holes of the front plate of the main body of the instrument body to apply force to the instrument body.

10. The stringed instrument according to claim 9, wherein The detection sensor is mounted on the inner surface of the main body of the instrument body. The stringed instrument includes an identified portion provided on an outer surface of the main body portion and indicating a position of the detection sensor.

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