Device for changing the fundamental tuning of a stringed instrument

Abstract

A device (1) for changing the fundamental tuning of a stringed instrument (5) having a body (2), a neck (3) and a head (4), comprising at least four strings (6) which are stretched between a tuning peg (7) on the head (4) for each string (6) and a bridge (8) or tailpiece fixed to the surface of the body (2) which fixes the strings (6).The invention is characterized in that the device (1) has a strut (9) supplementing or replacing the bridge (8), with a front side (10) facing the head (4) and a rear side (11) opposite it, which is attached to the surface of the body (2) of the stringed instrument (5) and has a through-hole (12) or a slot for each string (6) for fixing the ends of the strings (6), wherein the end piece (13) of at least one string (6) is passed through a string carrier (14) which rests against the rear of the strut (9), so that the string carrier (14) is fixed to the strut (9) by the tension of the string (6) and can be moved between a tensioned position and a normal position of the string (6) by means of a tension lever (16) which is pivotably arranged on the strut (9) about an axis (15).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for changing the fundamental tuning of a stringed instrument according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such a device for changing the fundamental tuning of a stringed instrument is used in instruments that have a body, a neck, a headstock, and at least four strings. The strings are stretched between one tuning peg per string at the headstock and a bridge or string tensioner, sometimes also called a "bridge," which secures the strings to the surface of the body. When the strings are plucked, a tone is produced, the amplification of which occurs in a known manner via the body of the stringed instrument and at least one opening in it. In electric guitars, a pickup on the body is used to capture the sound. The pitch of a string is changed by pressing down on the string with the fingers along the neck of the stringed instrument, where, for example, the neck of a guitar is divided into individual frets.The neck thus forms a section of the stringed instrument also known as the "fretboard". Numerous, sometimes very complex, mechanisms are used to change the pitch of the strings while playing, in order to create or modify specific fundamental tunings.

[0003] For this purpose, mechanisms located at the headstock of the stringed instrument are known. One such solution is described in DE 36 26 168 A1. The adjustment mechanism at the headstock of a guitar described in this document is very complex and generally requires the fretting hand to be removed for adjustment, which is virtually impossible while playing, thus necessitating an interruption of the performance. This has proven to be a disadvantage, which is why mechanisms located in the area of ​​the bridge, i.e., where the strings rest on the body of the stringed instrument, are preferred. These so-called "vibrato systems" are usually located behind the bridge and simultaneously change the pitch of all the strings of the stringed instrument. DE 31 31 325 A1 serves as an example of such a solution.

[0004] Alternatively, there are so-called "tremolo systems" in which the tailpiece and bridge are movable. By operating a lever, the strings are loosened or tightened, which changes the pitch accordingly and produces a very characteristic effect that has shaped the typical sound of the rock guitar. However, the name "tremolo" is misleading, as it is actually a vibrato, since the pitch, and not the volume, is modulated. Vibratos, however, move all the strings of the instrument in a detrimental and undefined manner. Such a tremolo system is described in DE 20 2022 001 270 U1.

[0005] From US 5542330 A and US 2019 / 0019478 A1, a device for changing the fundamental tuning of a stringed instrument having a body, a neck and a head is already known, the instrument comprising at least four strings which are stretched between a tuning peg for each string on the head and a bridge or tailpiece fixed to the surface of the body, the device having a strut supplementing or replacing the bridge, with a front facing the head and a back opposite it, which is attached to the surface of the body of the stringed instrument and has a through-hole or slot for each string to fix the ends of the strings.furthermore, an end piece of at least one string is passed through a string carrier arranged on the strut and can be moved between a tensioned position and a normal position of the string by means of a tension lever arranged on the strut so as to be pivotable about an axis.

[0006] JP 2021-81675 A also describes a string carrier that is fixed to the strut by the tension of the string. The invention is based on the objective of creating a simple way to change the fundamental tuning of at least one string of a stringed instrument without interrupting the playing, thereby enabling other playing styles / scales.

[0007] The invention solves this problem with the features of claim 1.

[0008] Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the following dependent claims.

[0009] A device for changing the fundamental tuning of a stringed instrument comprising a body, a neck, and a head, and comprising at least four strings stretched between one tuning peg per string on the head and a bridge or tailpiece fixed to the surface of the body, the device comprising a brace supplementing or replacing the bridge, having a front facing the head and a back opposite it, which is attached to the surface of the body of the stringed instrument and has a through-hole or slot for each string to secure the string ends, the end of at least one string being passed through a string carrier resting against the back of the brace, such that the string carrier is fixed to the brace by the tension of the string.wherein the string carrier is movable between a tensioned position and a normal position of the string by means of a tension lever arranged pivotably about an axis on the strut, the invention further developed such that the strut for bearing the string carrier has at least two notch-like recesses on its rear side, which match the geometry of the string-receiving end of the string carrier, so that the string carrier with its string-receiving end section lies in one of these recesses.

[0010] To improve the arrangement of the string carrier on the brace, the invention relates to the brace having at least two notch-like recesses on its rear side for mounting the string carrier. These recesses are designed to match the geometry of the string-receiving end of the string carrier, so that the string carrier rests in one of these recesses with its string-receiving end section. In other words, the notches have a geometry that is complementary to or compatible with the end of the string carrier inserted therein. In this way, for example, a contact surface for the string carrier can be created, ensuring its stable mounting on the brace under all operating conditions. The notches also prevent the string carrier from unintentionally dislodging from its intended position. They thus provide protection against tilting or displacement of the string carrier.

[0011] In the solution according to the invention, it is sufficient to change the overall fundamental tuning of the stringed instrument by adjusting the position of the string lever of a single string. This adjustment can be made while playing the instrument, eliminating the need to interrupt the performance. The device is therefore highly versatile and avoids the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. Each string can be intuitively, quickly, and easily adjusted in pitch without disrupting the flow of playing. The device is very simple in design and thus compatible with various stringed instruments.

[0012] For example, the following basic tunings can be created on a 6-string guitar: a: EADGHE (Standard) b: DGDGHD (open G, blues etc.) c: DADGHE (Metal, dropped-D) d: DADGHD (Country, West Coast, Folk) e: EHEGHE (open E minor) f. EHE-Gis-HE (open major).

[0013] By changing the string tension, you can, for example, switch from a to c, from b to d or from a / c to AADGHE (octave A, ultra deep, evil sound) and also from e to f.

[0014] The device according to the invention allows, for example, the lowest, first string (E string) of a guitar to be adjusted, or, by modification, the second lowest string (A string). It is also possible with the device according to the invention to change the fundamental tuning of, for example, the G string of a guitar or other strings. For this, the corresponding string simply needs to be mounted on the string holder. Theoretically, the device can be used with any string of the stringed instrument. In the solution according to the invention, both the string lever and the tension lever are moved in a plane parallel to the surface of the body of the stringed instrument. This solution is space-saving and ergonomic overall and can be provided on any conventional body of a stringed instrument.The device is also reliable, durable, and virtually eliminates string wear, as the strings are only subjected to tension and are not, for example, kinked. Another advantage is the possibility of individual design customization, which can be tailored to the instrument owner's wishes.

[0015] The brace is preferably made of aluminum, which offers a significant sonic advantage over the die-cast braces currently in use, particularly those made of zinc. Furthermore, aluminum is considerably less expensive than a die-cast component, which is complex to manufacture.

[0016] According to a first embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the string carrier is mounted solely by the tensile force of the string it secures and rests loosely against the strut. In other words, there is no structural connection between the string carrier and the strut in the sense of a screw or similar. Rather, the string carrier is simply loosely attached to the strut and is fixed to the strut exclusively by the tension of the string. Such a solution has the significant advantage that no assembly work is required to mount the string carrier to the strut. Thus, the device as a whole is very simple.

[0017] Changing the fundamental tuning of a stringed instrument is the main objective of the present invention. However, stringed instruments have the disadvantage that, for example, temperature differences can cause the strings to go out of tune. This can be counteracted more easily and additionally than by tuning using the tuning pegs if the tension exerted on the string in its normal position can be adjusted by means of an adjustment unit. The adjustment unit is preferably used to change the pitch and thus the fundamental tuning of the string as desired.

[0018] According to the invention, a specific embodiment of the adjustment unit consists of a thread being provided in the string carrier, such that the adjustment unit comprises an adjusting screw screwed into the thread of the string carrier. This adjusting screw can be fixed in various positions by means of a lock nut arranged between the screw head and the surface of the string carrier, with the end of the adjusting screw opposite the screw head bearing against the rear surface of the strut. A knurled nut can advantageously be used as the lock nut. This proposal represents a very simple mechanical design of such an adjustment unit, although other systems, such as electrically controlled adjustment units, can also be used, although these are more complex in design.

[0019] Furthermore, it is of particular importance for the function of the present device that the tensioning lever, in its tensioning position, is aligned at an angle of at least 90° to the string carrier. This measure is to be understood as meaning that, during the transition from its normal position, in which the string is normally tensioned, to the tensioning position, in which the string has a fundamental tuning that deviates from the normal position, the tensioning lever overcomes a kind of top dead center, thus ensuring a self-locking mechanism that prevents the tensioning lever from unintentionally releasing from the tensioning position.

[0020] Furthermore, according to a further aspect of the invention, the mobility of the tension lever relative to the string carrier can be improved by providing the tension lever, which is pivotably mounted on the strut about the axis, with a sliding element on its side facing the string carrier. This sliding element slides along the underside of the string carrier during the rotation of the tension lever about the axis. In a very simple embodiment, the sliding element can be a pin with a round cross-section attached to the tension lever, which is guided along the underside of the string carrier during movement from the normal position to the tension position and vice versa. Alternatively, the sliding element can be a pin with a hexagonal surface. This ensures that a flat surface rests against the corresponding surface of the string carrier, further improving the stability of the tension position.

[0021] As already explained at the outset, the device according to the invention is suitable for changing the fundamental pitch of one or more strings of a stringed instrument by adjusting the string carrier. The invention is based on the fundamental principle that one string to be adjusted is attached to the string carrier in order to change its fundamental pitch using the device. In other words, a conversion is necessary if, for example, the A string of a guitar is to be fixed to the string carrier instead of the low E string. For this purpose, the strut has several bores that serve for the movable mounting of the tension lever axis, so that the tension of different strings of the stringed instrument can be changed by changing the position of the tension lever and the associated string carrier.It is fundamentally possible to couple each string of a stringed instrument to the string carrier, thereby making its fundamental tuning adjustable. However, this will primarily be useful for the lower strings.

[0022] In order to make the entire device as simple as possible in its design, one embodiment of the invention further involves the tension lever and the string carrier being designed as identical parts, i.e., of the same construction.

[0023] The brace can be fixed to the body of the stringed instrument via a bonded connection, for example, by gluing. Another method of fixing the brace to the body, according to the invention, involves the brace having a fastening opening at each of its outer ends for securing it to the surface of the stringed instrument. The brace can then be screwed to the body of the stringed instrument via these fastening openings, thus creating a detachable connection. This also allows the existing bridge or string carrier to be replaced by the device according to the invention. A significant advantage of this method of replacing the bridge or string carrier with the brace is that no structural modifications need to be made to the body of the stringed instrument; for example, no additional drilling is required.This avoids the risk of a negative change in the sound of the stringed instrument.

[0024] According to a further development of the invention, a slot is provided in the end of the string carrier that receives the string, through which the string can be inserted into a bore in the string carrier with a recess for receiving the end of the string. The slot significantly facilitates the insertion of the string. It is not necessary to first release the string from its fixation on the tuning peg and thread it into the bore. Instead, the string can be inserted directly through the slot into the receiving bore.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiment does not represent a limitation to the depicted variant, but merely serves to illustrate a principle of the invention.

[0026] Identical or similar components are always designated with the same reference numerals. To illustrate the functionality according to the invention, the figures show only highly simplified schematic representations, omitting components that are not essential to the invention. However, this does not mean that such components are not present in a solution according to the invention.

[0027] It shows: Fig. 1: a stringed instrument with 6 strings, using a guitar as an example, Fig. 2: a device for changing the fundamental tuning of a stringed instrument as a separate component in a top view, Fig. 3: the device made of Fig. 2 in a view from the side lying on the surface of the body of the stringed instrument Fig. 4: A side view of a clamping lever shown as an isolated individual part in a partial section, Fig. 5: the view according to the direction of arrow V from Fig. 4, Fig. 6: a special design variant of the strut in a top view, Fig. 7: a look at the back of a strut design and Fig. 8: Sectional view of the end section of a string carrier with a slot.

[0028] In the Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary stringed instrument 5, using a guitar as an example. This instrument consists of a body 2, a headstock 4, and a neck 3 extending between the headstock 4 and the body 2. Each string 6 has a tuning peg 7 attached to the headstock 4, and a string 6 is attached to each peg. The tension of the strings 6 can be changed using the tuning pegs 7, thus adjusting their pitch and making the stringed instrument 5 tunable. On the side opposite the headstock 4, the body 2 of the stringed instrument 5 has a bridge 8 over which the strings 6 are guided. The end of at least one of the strings 6 is fixed in a device 1 according to the present invention, which, in the illustrated example, is located as a separate component behind the bridge 8. Alternatively, the device 1 can also replace the bridge 8.The construction of a device 1 according to the invention for changing the fundamental tuning of a stringed instrument 5 is described below in connection with the description of the . Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 explained in more detail.

[0029] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a device 1 for changing the fundamental tuning of a stringed instrument 5 as a separate component in a top view, that is, in a view looking towards the surface of the body 2 of the stringed instrument 5. The essential element of the device is shown in the figure 2. Fig. The device 1 shown in Figure 2 forms a strut 9, which has a fastening opening 24 at each of its ends, by means of which the device 1 can be fixed to the body 2 of the stringed instrument 5 by means of a screw. The strut 9 has a front face 10 pointing towards the head 4 of the stringed instrument 5 and a back face 11 opposite this front face 10. Since the device 1 is described in the Fig. 2 and Fig. In the device 1 shown in Figure 3, which is a version for mounting on a guitar, a total of six through-holes 12 are provided in the strut 9, through which a string 6 of the stringed instrument 5 is guided. The ball ends or end pieces 13 of the strings 6, after being mounted on the back 11 of the strut 9, lie in a recess of the through-holes 12. Instead of the aforementioned through-holes 12, slots can also be made in the surface of the strut 9, in which the strings 6 are guided. In this version as well, the ball ends or end pieces 13 of the strings 6 rest against the back of the strut 9. Slots considerably facilitate the insertion of the strings 6. As can be seen from the illustration of the Fig. As can be seen from Figure 2, the end piece 13 of the lowest string, in this example the E string, is fixed in the end section of a string carrier 14, unlike the other strings 6. To improve the support of this string carrier 14, notch-like recesses 17 are provided in the rear surface of the strut 9, into which the end of the string carrier 14 is inserted to form a bearing point. It is important to note that the string carrier 14 has no structural connection to the strut 9, but merely rests loosely against the rear surface 11 of the strut 9 in the recess 17 and is only fixed by the tension of the string 6 against the rear surface of the strut 9. The Fig. The tension position of the string carrier 14 shown in section 2 is achieved by a tension lever 16 engaging the underside of the string carrier 14. This lever is pivotably mounted on the strut 9 about an axis 15. By moving the tension lever 16 in the direction of the double arrow A, the string carrier 14 can be switched between a tension position and a normal position. To change the position of the tension lever 16, it has a gripping surface at its end opposite the string carrier 14. Fig. 2, however, is not further specified. Another special feature is that the string carrier 14 is equipped with an adjustment unit 18, which serves to tune the pitch by adjusting the tension on the string 6 fixed to the string carrier 14. For this purpose, a threaded bore is provided in the string carrier 14, into which an adjusting screw 19 is screwed. The end of this screw opposite the screw head 20 of the adjusting screw 19 rests against the rear 11 of the brace 9 in the normal position of the string carrier 14, i.e., when the tension lever 16 and the string carrier 14 are disengaged. A lock nut 21, for which a knurled nut can also be used, serves to fix the adjusted unit 18 in its set position. This lock nut is located between the screw head 20 of the adjusting screw 19 and the surface of the string carrier 14. In order not only to change the fundamental tuning of the E string 6, as in the Fig. To enable adjustments not only to other strings 6 of the stringed instrument 5, as shown in Figure 2, but also to other strings 6 of the stringed instrument 5, several bores 23 are provided in the strut 6. These bores are preferably threaded, and their spacing corresponds to the spacing of the strings 6 of the stringed instrument 5, so that the axis 15 of the tensioning lever 16 can be offset accordingly along the longitudinal direction of the strut 9. The bores 23 are preferably located approximately midway between the through-holes 12 for the strings 6. The length of the strut can preferably be 100 mm and, for example, a width of 15 mm, with a height of approximately 10 mm.

[0030] From the Fig. 3 the device 1 goes out Fig. 2 in a view from the side resting on the surface of the body 2 of the stringed instrument 5. The position shown corresponds to the normal position of the string carrier 14, in which the string 6 of the stringed instrument 5 has a tension corresponding to the basic tuning of a standard instrument, which is set and thus tuned by the adjusting screw 19. From the illustration of the Fig. Figure 3 clearly shows how the string carrier 14 and the tension lever 16, which is pivotably mounted on the strut 9 about the axis 15, interact. A sliding element 22 is located at the string carrier-side end of the tension lever 16, which in the illustrated example is Fig. 3 consists of a pin that is screwed onto the tension lever 16. When the tension lever 16 is pivoted about the axis 15 in the direction of the double arrow A, i.e., towards the string carrier 14, this sliding element 22 comes into contact with the underside of the string carrier 14 and then slides along the underside until an angle of at least 90° is reached between the string carrier 14 and the tension lever 16. In this position, the sliding element 22 rests against the adjusting screw 19. Alternatively, an M3 screw can be used as the sliding element 22, which is screwed into a spacer designed as a hexagonal sleeve. The hexagonal sleeve simultaneously locks the M3 screw in place and thus prevents it from rotating.

[0031] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a specific variant for the design of the sliding element 22, which is fixed to the tension lever 16, in a side view of a partial section of the tension lever 16, which is depicted as an isolated component. In this case, the sliding element 22 has a hexagonal profile, which ensures that a flat surface always rests against the underside of the string carrier 14. This improves the contact of the sliding element 22 with the string carrier 14 and improves the fixation of the string carrier 14 in the tension position. The sliding element 22 is attached to the tension lever 16 by means of a screw 25, which is a countersunk screw to ensure a flush surface finish. Corresponding to the countersunk head of the screw 25, a bore with a conical recess 27 is machined into the tension lever 16.

[0032] In the Fig. 5 is also the view corresponding to the direction of arrow V from Fig. 4 shown.

[0033] From the Fig. Figure 6 shows a view of the reverse side of a special embodiment of the strut 9. Here, a notch 17 is provided for each of the lower strings E, A, D of a guitar 5, into which the end of the string carrier 14 is inserted in the manner previously described. In addition, a [missing information] is provided here in the Fig. 6 only dashed and in the Fig. Seven clearly visible grooves 26 are present, which serve to receive the end section of the adjustment unit 18, in this case the end section of the adjusting screw 19, and provide it with lateral guidance. In the illustrated variant, referring to the example of a guitar, the groove 26 is located between the D string and G string attachments. The groove 26 improves the stability of the entire adjustment unit 18 of the device 1. This is evident in the Fig. 6. The through-holes 12 on the back of the strut 9 also have a recess with a conical or tapered shape, so that the ball ends or end pieces 13 of the guitar strings are optimally received therein. The angle α of the notches 17 made in the back 11 of the strut 9 to the insertion of the string carrier 14 is between 15° and 25°, preferably 20°.

[0034] The Fig. 7 corresponds to the direction of view of arrow VII from Fig. 6 on the rear side 11 of the strut 9. This clearly shows the incorporation of the groove 26 for the lateral guidance of the end section of the adjustment unit 18 and, in particular, the end section of the adjusting screw 19. It is also evident that the through-holes 12 for the passage of the strings 6 of the stringed instrument 5 have a conical recess in which the ball ends or end pieces 13 of the strings 6 are located.

[0035] From the Fig. Figure 8 shows in part the end section of another version of a string carrier 14, in which in this version a bore with a recess 27 and additionally a slot 28 to facilitate the insertion of the string 6 of the stringed instrument 5 is provided. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 1 Device 2 bodies 3 neck 4 heads 5-string instrument 6 string(s) 7 tuning pins 8 Bridge 9 Strut 10 Front side (of the strut) 11 Back side (of the strut) 12 through holes 13 End piece (of a string or ball end) 14 string carriers 15 axle 16 clamping levers 17 in-depth studies 18 Adjustment unit 19 Adjusting screw 20 screw heads 21 lock nut (knurled nut) 22 sliding element 23 boreholes 24 Mounting opening 25 countersunk screws 26 Nut 27 Drilling with countersink

Claims

[1] Device (1) for changing the fundamental tuning of a stringed instrument (5) having a body (2), a neck (3) and a head (4), comprising at least four strings (6) which are stretched between a tuning peg (7) for each string (6) on the head (4) and a bridge (8) or tailpiece fixed to the surface of the body (2) which fixes the strings (6), wherein The device (1) comprises a strut (9) supplementing or replacing the bridge (8), having a front side (10) facing the head (4) and a rear side (11) opposite it, which is attached to the surface of the body (2) of the stringed instrument (5) and has a through-hole (12) or a slot for each string (6) to fix the string ends of the strings (6), wherein furthermore an end piece (13) of at least one string (6) is passed through a string carrier (14) which rests against the rear of the strut (9), so that the string carrier (14) is fixed to the strut (9) by the tension of the string (6) and can be moved between a tensioned position and a normal position of the string (6) by means of a tension lever (16) which is pivotably arranged on the strut (9) about an axis (15), characterized by , that The strut (9) for supporting the string carrier (14) has at least two notch-like recesses (17) on its rear side (11) that are compatible with the geometry of the end of the string carrier (14) that receives the string (6), so that the string carrier (14) with its end section receiving the string (6) is in each of these recesses (17). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the string carrier (14) is loosely supported against the strut (9) solely by the tensile force of the string (6) fixed by it. [3] Device according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that the tensile force exerted on the string (6) in the normal position can be adjusted by means of an adjustment unit (18) and the string (6) can thus be tuned. [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized by, that a thread is provided in the string carrier (14) so ​​that the adjustment unit (18) consists of an adjusting screw (19) screwed into the thread of the string carrier (14), which can be fixed in different positions by means of a lock nut (21) arranged between the screw head (20) and the surface of the string carrier (14), wherein the end of the adjusting screw (19) opposite the screw head (20) rests on the surface of the strut (9). [5] Device according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that the tension lever (16) is aligned in its tension position at an angle of at least 90° to the string carrier (14). [6] Device according to any of the above claims, characterized by, that the tension lever (16) which is pivotably arranged about an axis (15) on the strut (9) has a sliding element (22) on its side facing the string carrier (14), which slides along the underside of the string carrier (14) when the tension lever (16) rotates about the axis (15). [7] Device according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that the strut (9) has several bores (23) for the movable mounting of the axis (15) of the tension lever (16), so that by means of the device (1) the tension of different strings (6) of the stringed instrument (5) can be changed by changing the position of the string carrier (14) and the associated tension lever (16). [8] Device according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that the tension lever (16) and the string carrier (14) are identical in construction. [9] Device according to any of the above claims, characterized by, that the strut (9) has at each of its outer ends a fastening opening (24) for fixing the strut (9) to the surface of the stringed instrument (5). [10] Device according to any of the above claims, characterized by , that a slot (28) is provided in the end of the string carrier (14) receiving the string (6), through which the string can be inserted into a bore in the string carrier (14) with a recess (27) for receiving the end piece (13) of the string (6).

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