A series of stringed musical instruments with uniform string tuning and their common parts
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202611092282.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-07-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-16
AI Technical Summary
[0011]本发明带来的有益效果:选择不同数量、不同材质、不同结构的泛音曾强元件可以选择性的加强某些频段的泛音,可以调控音色;选择不同数量、不同材质、不同作用力方向的张力弦码,也可以改变音色,创建统一弦韵的系列弦鸣乐器,用统一弦韵的系列弦鸣乐器组建乐队实现弦韵统一效果,如果组建大乐队能够自然地保持声部平衡与细节展现,实现较好的乐器兼容性,为乐队合奏提供了天然的和谐基础。
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Figure CN122929971A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of stringed musical instruments and their design and manufacturing technology, specifically involving the structural design of stringed musical instruments and similar general components; the similar general components include two parts: one is the tension string bridge, and the other is the overtone amplification element. Background Technology
[0002] Existing stringed instruments, such as the erhu, banhu, pipa, and guitar, exhibit significant differences in acoustic components—including the shape of the resonating cavity, the choice of materials, the structure of the soundboard and backboard, and the form of the bridge—due to variations in their structure, historical origins, and regional cultures. These differences directly result in highly individualized and distinct timbres among stringed instruments, making them difficult to harmonize. For example, while different folk instruments possess distinct timbres, their overall harmony may need improvement. Globally, apart from the violin family, which exhibits relatively uniform timbres... Firstly, there are significant differences in timbre between different types of stringed instruments. Unified string resonance refers to a unified basic timbre characteristic while each instrument has its own distinct layers. In ensembles or orchestras, the different voices in the low, middle, and high registers are harmonious and clearly layered. The instruments share a common origin, use basically the same materials for their soundboards, have similar structures, and their string-soundboard connection systems are basically consistent. Violins, violas, cellos, and double basses share a common origin, use basically the same materials for their soundboards, have highly similar structures, and all use similar violin bridges for their string-soundboard connection systems, thus exhibiting unified string resonance. Summary of the Invention
[0003] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a series of stringed instruments with a unified melody and common components with similar characteristics.
[0004] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: a series of stringed musical instruments mainly composed of strings, soundboards, body, neck, and common components with similar characteristics.
[0005] By using common components with similar characteristics, multiple instruments in the three categories of stringed instruments—friction, pizzicato, and percussion—can achieve a unified string tone. The common components with similar characteristics include two parts: one is the tension string bridge, and the other is the overtone amplification element; multiple overtone amplification elements are integrated on the soundboard or backboard.
[0006] Tension bridges differ from traditional bridges: traditional bridges bear pressure, while tension bridges bear tension. Tension bridges exert tension on the soundboard and / or backboard, and are very lightweight. The tension bridges are made of metal (such as aluminum alloy, alloy steel) or other materials. Each string is equipped with one or more tension bridges. One end of the tension bridge is fixed to the string, and the other end is directly or indirectly connected to the soundboard and / or backboard or other parts. By precisely designing the structure, effective length, and force angle of the tension bridge, the transmission efficiency of vibration energy and frequency response can be optimized, and its force can be kept within the optimal range.
[0007] The overtone enhancement element is installed on the resonator and / or back plate. Its main body is a thin plate or film resonator unit made of a single material or multi-layer composite material, such as a circle or polygon. Each overtone enhancement element uses the same or different materials, structures, shapes and sizes to enhance overtones in different frequency bands. The timbre is controlled by adjusting the position and configuration parameters of the overtone enhancement element on the resonator. The installation position on the resonator is determined according to the need to enhance overtones. The overtone enhancement element also has a very good and unique decorative effect.
[0008] Furthermore, by using resonant panels with different structures, different numbers of overtone enhancement elements and their configuration parameters, different numbers and force angles of tensioned strings, different geometric dimensions, and different installation positions, it is possible to derive a series of stringed instruments with different sizes, structures, and pitch ranges for fricative, pizzicato, and percussion playing while maintaining a unified string tone, thereby forming a series of unified stringed instrument families with different voice parts.
[0009] There are two types of bows used for the bowing of a series of stringed instruments with unified string sounds. One is a bow similar to the erhu bow, which has multiple bow hairs, i.e., a bow with multiple bow hairs clamping the string. The other is a bow similar to or the same as the violin bow.
[0010] The purpose of using multiple bow hairs is to play chords. Its main structure is a tensioning and loosening mechanism for the multiple bow hairs. In a loose state, the bow hair cannot drive the strings to produce sound; in a tense state, the bow hair can drive the strings to produce sound. Four bow hairs are preferred. A multi-bow bow consists of the following components: handle, handle cover, index finger key, middle finger key, ring finger key, little finger key, tension pulley, directional pulley, tension cable #1, tension cable #2, tension cable #3, tension cable #4, bow hair #1, bow hair #2, bow hair #3, bow hair #4, and bow stick. One end of tension cables #1, #2, #3, and #4 is fixed to the left end of the handle, and the other end passes over the tension pulley, around the directional pulley, and connects to bow hair #1, bow hair #2, bow hair #3, and bow hair #4, respectively. The other end is fixed to the front end of the bow stick, and the rear end of the bow stick is installed on the handle, with the handle cover also installed on the handle. The operation involves pressing the index, middle, ring, and little finger keys individually or simultaneously with the fingers. This, in conjunction with the tensioning and directional pulleys, pulls the tensioning wires one, two, three, and four, respectively, causing the bow hairs one, two, three, and four to become tensioned individually or simultaneously. Before pressing the index, middle, ring, and little finger keys, the bow hairs are in a relaxed state. In a relaxed state, the bow hairs cannot drive the strings to produce sound; in a tensioned state, they can drive the strings to produce sound. The tensioning and directional pulleys, in conjunction with the index, middle, ring, and little finger keys, allow the bow hairs to switch between tensioned and relaxed states.
[0011] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By selecting overtone amplification elements of different numbers, materials, and structures, the overtones of certain frequency bands can be selectively amplified, and the timbre can be adjusted; by selecting tension string bridges of different numbers, materials, and directions of force, the timbre can also be changed, creating a series of stringed instruments with a unified string rhythm. By forming an orchestra with a series of stringed instruments with a unified string rhythm, a unified string rhythm effect can be achieved. If a large orchestra is formed, the balance of the parts and the details can be naturally maintained, achieving good instrument compatibility and providing a natural harmonious foundation for orchestral ensemble playing. Attached Figure Description
[0012] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a stringed instrument with a unified melody.
[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of part A in the middle.
[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 View from C.
[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 3Enlarged sectional view of part of DD.
[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Enlarged section view of part B in the middle.
[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A simplified, enlarged diagram of part E in the middle.
[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the necklace harp structure in Example 2.
[0019] Figure 8 These are the two lotus seedpod resonators in the necklace harp of Example 2.
[0020] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lotus-playing zither in Example 3.
[0021] Figure 10 It is the two round lotus seedpod resonator plate in Example 3 of the Lotus Piano.
[0022] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the Double Lotus Harp in Example 4.
[0023] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A simplified diagram.
[0024] Figure 13 It is the connecting handle of the Double Lotus Harp in Example 4.
[0025] In the diagram: (1) Tension bridge, (1-1) Auxiliary tension line, (1-2) Auxiliary tension line, (2) Lotus seedpod resonator, (2-1) Two lotus seedpod resonators, (2-2) Two round lotus seedpod resonators, (3) Overtone enhancement element, (4) Lotus body, (4-1) Two lotus bodies, (4-2) Two round lotus bodies, (5) String indentation, (6) Index finger key, (7) Middle finger key, (8) Ring finger key, (9) Little finger key, (10) Tensioning pulley, (11) Directional pulley, (12) Handle, (13) Handle cover, (14) Tensioning line No. 1, (15) (16) No. 2 tension line, (17) No. 4 tension line, (18) No. 1 bow hair, (19) No. 2 bow hair, (20) No. 3 bow hair, (21) No. 4 bow hair, (22) string, (23) string, (24) string, (25) string, (26) bow stick, (27) neck, (28) bow hair position adjuster, (29) bow hair position adjustment spring, (30) neck base, (31) large round cap tailpin, (32) fingerboard, (33) eyelets, (34) suspension wire, (35) string beam, (36) nut, (37) connecting handle. Detailed Implementation
[0026] Based on the differences in the structure, material, installation method, quantity, size, and body of the lotus seedpod resonator, tension bridge, and overtone amplifying elements, three types of stringed instruments with different sizes, structures, and pitch ranges have been derived: fricative, pizzicato, and percussive.
[0027] Example 1: The lotus harp, a musical instrument, is mainly composed of the following components: tension bridge (1), lotus seedpod resonator (2), overtone amplification element (3), harp body (4), string anchor (5), neck (27), bow hair position adjuster (28), bow hair position adjustment spring (29), strings (22), strings (23), strings (24), strings (25), as well as headstock and tuning pegs. See also Figure 1 The following components form a bow with multiple bow hairs: index finger key (6), middle finger key (7), ring finger key (8), little finger key (9), tension pulley (10), steering pulley (11), handle (12), handle cover (13), tension cable 1 (14), tension cable 2 (15), tension cable 3 (16), tension cable 4 (17), bow hair 1 (18), bow hair 2 (19), bow hair 3 (20), bow hair 4 (21), and bow stick (26). (See also...) Figure 1 Figure 6 The tension string bridge (1) has four sections, made of thin steel wire rope. One end of each section is fixed to the upper part of the lotus seedpod resonator (3), and the other end is fixed to the strings (22), (23), (24), and (25) respectively. (See reference) Figure 2 The upper ends of strings (22), (23), (24), and (25) are wound around their corresponding tuning pegs, and the lower ends are connected to the lower part of the lotus seed plate resonator (3) via string anchors (5); nineteen overtone amplification elements (2) are installed on the lotus seed plate resonator (3) by gluing or wire bonding, see reference Figure 4 The outer periphery of the lotus seedpod resonator (3) is wavy or smooth arc-shaped, and its periphery is connected to the lotus body (4) by means of intersection, etc. The shape of the combination of the lotus body (4), the lotus seedpod resonator (3), and the overtone enhancement element (2) is very similar to that of a lotus seedpod; in order to facilitate the playing of chords, a fingerboard (32) with frets is set on the neck, see reference Figure 1 read Figure 3 .
[0028] For the structure of a bow with multiple bow hairs clipping the string, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 and Figure 6The handle (12) is equipped with an index finger button (6), a middle finger button (7), a ring finger button (8), a little finger button (9), a tension pulley (10), and a steering pulley (11). One end of tension cable No. 1 (14), tension cable No. 2 (15), tension cable No. 3 (16), and tension cable No. 4 (17) are fixed to the left end of the handle (12), and the other end passes over the tension pulley (10), around the steering pulley (11), and around bow hair No. 1 (18) and bow hair No. 2 (19), respectively. The No. 3 bow hair (20) and No. 4 bow hair (21) are connected. The other ends of the No. 1 bow hair (18), No. 2 bow hair (19), No. 3 bow hair (20), and No. 4 bow hair (21) are connected to the front end of the bow rod (26). The rear end of the bow rod (26) is installed on the handle (12). The handle cover (13) covers the handle (12) for protection. The handle (12) is also equipped with corresponding slides and corresponding keys for the index finger key (6), middle finger key (7), ring finger key (8), and little finger key (9). The return spring; the operation process of the multi-hair bow is as follows: by pressing the index finger key (6), middle finger key (7), ring finger key (8), and little finger key (9) respectively or simultaneously, the first tension line (14), the second tension line (15), the third tension line (16), and the fourth tension line (17) are tightened respectively or simultaneously. Under the combined action of the tensioning pulley (10) and the steering pulley (11), the first bow hair (18), the second bow hair (19), and the third bow hair (20) are tightened respectively or simultaneously. The bow hairs No. 4 (21), No. 1 (18), No. 2 (19), No. 3 (20), and No. 4 (21) are in a relaxed state in static state. The bow hairs in a relaxed state cannot drive the strings to produce sound. The bow hairs in a taut state can drive the strings to produce sound. Press the index finger key (6), middle finger key (7), ring finger key (8), and little finger key (9) at the same time to play a single note. Press the index finger key (6), middle finger key (7), ring finger key (8), and little finger key (9) at the same time to play a chord.
[0029] During performance, the effective string length changes continuously, and the position of the optimal bow hair position should also change accordingly. The bow hair position adjuster (28) and bow hair position adjustment spring (29) are fitted onto the neck (27). Their function is to manually adjust the height of the bow hair position to achieve or approach the optimal performance effect. See [reference needed]. Figure 5 .
[0030] Example 2: Necklace Harp Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of its structure. The two lotus-shaped bodies (4-1) have large round cap tail pins (31) or hooks at their tails. The necklace harp is hung on a special necklace by the performer through the large round cap tail pins (31), hence the name necklace harp. It is a plucked instrument, and the bow used for playing is a string bow similar to a sling bow. The tension bar (1) is part of the strings (22), (23), (24), and (25). The upper end of the string is wound around the corresponding tuning peg after passing through the nut. Its lower end is fixed to the two lotus-shaped resonator plates (2-1) via the suspender (33). The section of string between the suspender (33) and the two lotus-shaped resonator plates (2-1) is the tension bar (1). The lower end of the suspension wire (34) is fixedly connected to the suspender (33), and its upper end is fixed to the crossbeam of the string beam (35). The string beam (35) is a door-shaped frame, which mainly bears the tension of the tension bar (1). The lower end of the string beam is installed on the side plate of the instrument body, or on the back plate. The two lotus-shaped resonator plates (2-1) are composed of two single lotus-shaped resonator plates connected together. A total of twenty-eight harmonic amplification elements (3) are installed. See reference Figure 8 .
[0031] Example 3: Playing the lotus zither, which is a plucked instrument. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of its structure. The main components include: a two-round lotus body (4-2), two-round lotus seedpod resonators (2-2), a nut (36), a backboard, a neck, and strings. Each string is equipped with a tension bar (1). One end of the long tension bar (1) is fixed to the strings (22), (23), (24), and (25) respectively, and the other end of the tension bar (1) is fixed to the two-round lotus seedpod resonators (2-2). The upper ends of the strings (22), (23), (24), and (25) are wound around the corresponding tuning pegs after passing through the nut, and their lower ends are fixed to the nut (36) after passing through the tension bar (1). The two-round lotus seedpod resonators (2-2) are simplified from the wavy outer edge of the two-round lotus seedpod resonators to an arc shape. See reference. Figure 10 .
[0032] Example 4: The Double Lotus Zither, whose body, lotus seedpod resonator, and harmonic enhancement elements resemble twin lotus blossoms, is named the Double Lotus Zither. It is a type of percussion instrument. (See also...) Figure 11 The lower part of the neck (27) is connected to the lotus body (4) via a connecting handle (37). The bottom of the neck (27) is connected to the neck base (30). The tension bridge (1), the lotus seed plate resonator (2), the overtone amplification element (3), and the lotus body (4) are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides based on the center line of the neck (27). Figure 11This is a schematic diagram of its structure. There are four tension wires (1) symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides. One end of each wire is connected to the strings (22), (23), (24), and (25), and the other end is fixedly connected to the lotus seed plate resonator (2). The upper ends of the strings (22), (23), (24), and (25) are wound around the corresponding tuning pegs after passing through the nut. The lower ends of the strings are connected to the neck base (30) through the auxiliary tension wire (1-1). The auxiliary tension wire (1-2) is connected to the lower ends of the strings (22), (23), (24), and (25). Its main function is to ensure that the distance between the lower ends of the strings (22), (23), (24), and (25) is a fixed value. In order to facilitate the playing of chords, a fingerboard (32) with frets is set on the neck. See [reference]. Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 .
Claims
1. Claim 1, a series of stringed instruments with a unified melody and similar general components, mainly composed of strings, a soundboard, a body, and a neck, characterized in that: A unified string tone is achieved for a series of stringed instruments played by fluttering, plucking, and percussion using common components with similar characteristics. These common components specifically include: tension bridges and overtone enhancement elements. The tension bridges differ from traditional bridges: traditional bridges only withstand pressure, while tension bridges withstand tension and are very lightweight. Each string is fitted with one or more tension bridges, one end of which is fixed to the string, and the other end is directly or indirectly fixed to the soundboard and / or backboard or other parts. The overtone enhancement elements are installed on the soundboard and / or backboard, and their main body is a thin plate or film resonator unit made of a circular, polygonal single material or multi-layer composite material structure. Each overtone enhancement element uses the same or different materials, structures, shapes, and sizes to enhance overtones in different frequency bands. Tone control is achieved by adjusting the position and configuration parameters of the overtone enhancement elements on the soundboard, and the installation position on the soundboard is determined according to the need for overtone enhancement.
2. The series of stringed instruments with unified string resonance and their similar general-purpose components as described in claim 1, characterized in that: By adjusting the structure of the resonating panel, the configuration parameters of the overtone enhancement elements, the number of tension bridges, the angle of force, and the geometric dimensions, a series of stringed instruments of different sizes and pitch ranges, including fricative, pizzicato, and percussion types, are derived while maintaining a unified string tone.
3. The series of stringed instruments with unified string resonance and their similar general-purpose components as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The instrument employs a multi-hair bow for string playing. This multi-hair bow includes a handle, a bow stick, and multiple sets of bow hair tensioning and loosening mechanisms. The bow hair tensioning mechanism includes bow hair, a tensioning line, and index, middle, ring, and little finger keys. Pressing the index, middle, ring, and little finger keys moves the tensioning line and bow hair, thus controlling the tension and loosening of the multiple bow hairs. Before pressing the index, middle, ring, and little finger keys, the bow hair is in a relaxed state and cannot drive the strings to produce sound. When the bow hair is tensioned, it can drive the strings to produce sound.
4. The bow with multiple bow hairs clamping the string according to claim 3, characterized in that: The handle is equipped with index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger keys, as well as their corresponding slides and return springs, which respectively control the tension or relaxation of the first, second, third, and fourth bow hairs, enabling single-note or chord playing.
5. The series of stringed instruments with unified melody and their similar general-purpose components as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The necklace-style harp has a large round cap tail pin at the end of its body, which is used to hang the harp on a specially made necklace around the player's neck for playing.
6. The series of stringed instruments with unified string resonance and their similar general-purpose components as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The body of the instrument, the lotus seedpod resonator, and the integrated overtone enhancement components are combined as a whole, and their appearance is similar to that of a lotus seedpod.
7. The series of stringed instruments with a unified melody and their similar general-purpose components as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The body of the Double Lotus Qin is combined with the lotus seedpod resonator and its integrated overtone enhancement element as a whole. Its appearance is similar to that of a twin lotus. The lower part of the neck is connected to the body of the Qin via a connecting handle, and the lower part of the neck is connected to the neck base. The tension bridge is arranged symmetrically on the left and right, with one end fixed to the string and the other end fixed to the lotus seedpod resonator.
8. The series of stringed instruments with a unified melody and similar general-purpose components according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper end of the string is wound around the tuning peg, and the lower end passes through the tension bridge and crosses the string anchor to connect to the lotus seed plate resonator, double lotus seed plate resonator, round double lotus seed plate resonator, or the base of the instrument.
9. The series of stringed instruments with unified string resonance and their similar general-purpose components as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A fretboard with frets is installed on the neck of the instrument.
10. The series of stringed instruments with a unified melody and their similar general-purpose components as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The string beam is mounted on the side plate of the instrument, or it may be mounted on the back plate.