Protective device for the strings of acoustic and electric stringed musical instruments

Abstract

Protection based on the basic function of the new product Technical principle: The new guard (3) is placed on top of the strings (6), and one side plate (3b) is clamped between the strings (6) and frets (7) above the fingerboard (8) and neck (9) along the entire length of the instrument. The other side plate (3b) is then clamped under the strings on the opposite side. Due to the string tension of the instrument, the guard locks into place and is securely attached. See Figures 2 and 3. Product material: The new protective device (3) consists of a soft, instrument-friendly natural or synthetic textile (or a functionally similar cellulose material) – or a combination of both. Various options exist in the range of 200–400 grams / m². 2 Material thickness. Product length: The length is determined by the scale length – that is, the distance from the saddle (4) to the bridge (5) – of the instrument in order to achieve maximum protection. Each instrument family has a manageable number of standard scale lengths. Product range: The width is determined, on the one hand, by the distance between the first (thickest) and the last (thinnest) string (6). Additionally, the product width is determined by the two integrated side flaps (3b) along the entire length. The width and thickness of the side flaps (stitched or glued multiple times) are determined so that at least one string on each side of the instrument serves as a secure attachment point for the protective device. See Figure 2. Product details: Stiffening the side flaps (3b) is important to ensure easy clamping under the strings (6) and a secure hold above the instrument body. Stiffening can be achieved, for example, by multiple stitching or gluing of the base material. Another, higher-quality option is to sew or glue additional elements such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, hardboard, or similar materials into the side flaps (3b).

Description

[0001] The new protective device for strings of musical instruments solves the following problem: As soon as a stringed instrument is outside of an instrument case (or bag), the inevitable environmental influences of corrosion, sunlight, and environmental deposits of all kinds quickly and significantly negatively impact the sound quality, lifespan, and tuning stability of the instrument's strings. This applies to orchestral string instruments, classical guitars, acoustic and electric guitars, and electric basses.

[0002] The problem in music stores lies in the presentation of instruments, in the use of the instruments in the rehearsal room, at concerts, in the music studio and, above all, at the home of the instrument owner: There, the instruments can be presented visibly on stands or wall brackets - albeit under considerable negative environmental influences - or stored safely but invisibly in cases or bags.

[0003] The new protective device solves this problem and effectively shields the strings, fingerboard, and frets of any stringed instrument from negative external influences along their entire length. The new accessory is placed on top of the instrument and secured underneath the strings. It can be easily installed and removed in two easy steps and is reusable.

[0004] Since the new string guard only covers and protects the instrument's strings, the use of instrument stands or wall mounts is unaffected in any way. Therefore, the overall visual appearance of the instrument is not negatively affected by the guard either. State of the art:

[0005] There is a product in the US and a patent in China, both of which involve wrapping the entire neck of a guitar for protection. In both cases, the strings above the instrument body (above the soundhole or pickups) remain unprotected, and the fundamental problem of negative environmental influences persists. The use of instrument stands or wall mounts is no longer possible due to the complete neck wrapping, combined with thick textile and padding.

Claims

[1] Protection of the basic function of the new product Technical principle: The new guard (3) is placed on top of the strings (6), and a side flap (3b) is clamped between the strings (6) and frets (7) above the fingerboard (8) and the neck (9) along the entire length of the instrument. Then, the other side flap (3b) is clamped under the strings on the opposite side. Due to the tension of the instrument's strings, the guard snaps into place and is securely attached to the instrument. See Figures 2 and 3. Product material: The new protective device (3) consists of a soft, instrument-friendly natural or synthetic textile (or functionally similar cellulose) or a combination of both. A wide range of options exists in the range of 200 - 400 g / m 2 Material thickness. Product length: The length is determined by the scale length—the distance from the nut (4) to the bridge (5)—of the instrument to achieve maximum protection. Each instrument family has a manageable number of standard scale lengths. Product width: The width is determined by the distance between the first (thickest) and last (thinnest) string (6). The product width is also determined by the two included side flaps (3b) across the entire length. The width and thickness of the side flaps (sewn or glued multiple times) are determined so that at least one string on both sides of the instrument is used as a secure attachment for the protective device. See Figure 2. Product details: The stiffening of the side flaps (3b) is important for easy clamping under the strings (6) and also to ensure a secure hold above the instrument body. The stiffening can be achieved, for example, by repeatedly sewing or gluing the base material. Another, higher-quality option is to sew or glue additional elements such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, hard cardboard, or similar into the side flaps (3b). [2] Protection on printing and design of the new product The new string protector is also being used to offer music industry companies an innovative marketing and advertising platform. Specifically, the string protector can be printed with company, product, or band logos. The new protective device for instruments is also used to offer owners the added value of individual printing and personalization (own name, own band) on the instrument cover.

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