Five-string musical instrument with ultra-high string

Abstract

The five-string musical instrument (1) includes at least one ultra-high string (2e) that comprises at least one material wherein: A=σmaxρ≥350MPag / cm3 with σmax being a maximum tensile stress of said material and with ρ being a density of said material. An ultra-high open string pitch is obtained. The instrument may be a full-size five-string violin with a string vibrating length of approximately 325 mm, capable of providing an open string note of SI / B-5 and a frequency of about 990 Hz with a ratio A of the ultra-high string being at least 414 MPa / (g / cm3).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to string musical instruments. More specifically, present disclosure relates to a five-string musical instrument with ultra-high string.BACKGROUND

[0002] Throughout human history, music has played a crucial role in influencing cultures, societies, and individuals in profound ways. Music is the organized arrangement of sounds, with pitch indicating highness or lowness.

[0003] Notes symbolize specific pitches, while tone describes the quality of sound. Overtones are additional frequencies produced alongside the fundamental pitch, enriching the timbre and character of musical tones.

[0004] A musical instrument is a tool used to produce music. It converts energy into vibrations, producing sound waves. These vibrations occur at specific frequencies, determining the pitch of the sound. The combination of frequencies creates the instrument's unique tone, describing its quality or timbre.

[0005] Thus, musical instruments generate diverse tones through varying frequencies of vibration. However, most musical instruments face technical constraints that limit their pitch range. A standard-tuned violin typically spans approximately four octaves, from SOUG-3 (approximately 196 Hz) to around RE / D-7 (approximately 2347 Hz) or MI / E-7 (approximately 2640 Hz). While some highly skilled players may extend this range, reaching notes like SOUG-7 (approximately 3129 Hz), this is notably challenging. Among other factors, this explains the rarity of performers capable of playing pieces like Niccolò Paganini's 'Caprice No. 21', which includes pitches up to LA / A-7 (approximately 3520 Hz). At the same time, even though some skilled players can play such high notes, the musical instrument frequently compromises its sound quality at these elevated frequencies.

[0006] The instrument's constrained pitch range primarily arises from its structural design and material composition. Following the example of a conventional violin, it typically features a wooden body with a distinctive shape, including a neck. A bridge stands upright between the strings, facilitating the transmission of vibrations from the strings to the body. Four strings are provided, namely the SOL / G, REID, LA / A, and MI / E strings.

[0007] The fingerboard is located on the neck of the violin, allowing the player to alter the pitch by pressing down on the strings with their fingers. At the top of the fingerboard there is a nut. The nut contains grooves to guide the strings and provide spacing between them. At the top of the neck, there is a pegbox that houses the tuning pegs, which can be adjusted by the player to tighten or loosen the strings. Anchoring the ends of the strings at the bottom end of the violin is the tailpiece. The strings are sometimes connected to the tailpiece through a small device called finetuner, which allows to correct the pitch of the string.

[0008] When played without fingers placed on the fingerboard, called open strings, the standard-tuned violin produces a SOL / G-3 pitch (SOL / G string), RE / D-4 pitch (REID string), LA / A-4 pitch (LA / A string), and MI / E-5 pitch (MI / E string). These pitches correspond to vibration frequencies of approximately 196 Hz (SOL / G string), 293 Hz (REID string), 440 Hz (LA / A string), and 660 Hz (MI / E string). Similarly, the four open string notes are: DO / C-3 (approximately 130 Hz), SOL / G-3 (approximately 196 Hz), RE / D-4 (approximately 293 Hz), and LA / A-4(approximately 440 Hz) for a conventional viola; DO / C-2 (approximately 65 Hz), SOL / G-2 (approximately 98 Hz), RE / D-3 (approximately 147 Hz), and LA / A-3 (approximately 220 Hz) for a conventional violoncello; MI / E-1 (approximately 41 Hz), LA / A-1 (approximately 55 Hz), RE / D-2 (approximately 73 Hz), and SOL / G-2 (approximately 98 Hz) for a conventional double bass.

[0009] Alternatives have been proposed in the art to expand the pitch range of a musical instrument, e.g. a violin, such as in CN204423885U that discloses a violin including an extra DO / C string. This additional string enables the violin to produce a low open string pitch of approximately 130 Hz. Even with this progress, the pursuit of a violin capable of effortlessly generating high pitches is still ongoing.

[0010] The present disclosure provides a new musical instrument with at least one ultra-high string that at least partially overcomes some of the aforementioned disadvantages.SUMMARY

[0011] The present disclosure relates to string musical instruments and, more particularly, to a five-string musical instrument comprising at least one ultra-high string. The ultra-high string comprises at least one material where A = σ max / ρ ≥ 350 MPa / (g / cm 3< ). σ max represents the maximum tensile stress in the material of the ultra-high string, while ρ is the density of this same material.

[0012] Therefore, A is the ratio of the maximum tensile stress to the density of the material of the ultra-high string. In one example of the present five-string musical instrument, the ultra-high string may comprise at least one material where the ratio A is even higher, for example, A ≥ 700 MPa / (g / cm 3< ).

[0013] The ultra-high string of the present musical instrument may be made of either a single material, such as one where A ≥ 350 MPa / (g / cm 3< ), or multiple materials, with at least one having A ≥ 350 MPa / (g / cm 3< ). In cases involving multiple materials, the ultra-high string may include a core and a sheath, where the core, for example, may be made of a material with A ≥ 350 MPa / (g / cm 3< ).

[0014] A material of said ultra-high string may consist of either one constituent material or several constituents. When the material contains multiple constituents, it is referred to as a composite material, and the ratio A is calculated for the composite material rather than for an individual constituent.

[0015] The ratio A may be also expressed as A = T max / µ. T max represents the maximum tensile tension in the material or combination of materials in the ultra-high string, while µ is the linear density of this same material or combination of materials. This definition of ratio A is equivalent to the previous one and the units show the equivalence of 1 MPa / (g / cm 3< ) = 1 N / (g / m).

[0016] The present five-string musical instrument may be based on any standard string musical instrument such as a four-string violin, viola, violoncello, or double bass, called bowed instruments because they are played with a bow, provided with the ultra-high string made of the above-defined material with ratio A.

[0017] With the additional ultra-high string, a five-string musical instrument having an ultra-high open string pitch is obtained.

[0018] In one example, the present five-string musical instrument may be a full-size five-string violin, with a string vibrating length of approximately 325 mm, capable of providing an open string note of SI / B-5 and a frequency of about 990 Hz with a ratio A of the ultra-high string being at least 414 MPa / (g / cm 3< ). If the ratio A increases up to 736 MPa / (g / cm 3< ), the open string note can reach as high as MI / E-6 with a frequency of about 1320 Hz.

[0019] In a further example, the present five-string musical instrument may be a full-size five-string viola, with a string vibrating length on the order of 370 mm capable of providing an open string note of LA / A-5 and a frequency of about 880 Hz with a ratio A of the ultra-high string being at least 424 MPa / (g / cm 3< ).

[0020] Still, in a further example, the present five-string musical instrument may be a full-size five-string violoncello, with a string vibrating length of approximately 700 mm, capable of providing an open string note of LA / A-4 and a frequency of about 440 Hz with a ratio A of the ultra-high string being equal to or greater than 379 MPa / (g / cm 3< ).

[0021] Without being bound by any limitation, the preceding examples have been selected because those particular pitches allow players of standard instruments to play more easily the ultra-high notes with minimal readaptation.

[0022] The table below summarizes the above examples. Note that the sizes of the five-string musical instruments may vary, such as a ¾ violin, and the ratio A of the ultra-high string material may be suitably adjusted to obtain the desired open string pitch. Musical instrument String vibrating length, mmf, HzOpen string note A, MPa / (g / cm 3< )Violin∼ 325∼ 990SI / B-5≥ 414∼ 1320MI / E-6≥ 736Viola∼ 370∼ 880LA / A-5≥ 424Violoncello∼ 700∼ 440LA / A-4≥ 379

[0023] The values of ratio A serve as a basis for selecting materials suitable for the ultra-high string. In the disclosed five-string musical instrument, suitable materials for the ultra-high string may include one or more of the following: aramid, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), or metals such as steel, aluminum, tin, titanium, or their alloys. These materials have been found to provide an ultra-high pitch beyond the conventional pitch range, with high values of ratio A, in contrast to conventional string materials, such as sheep gut traditionally used for violin strings, which typically has an A value of ≈ 250 MPa / (1.3 g / cm 3< ), equivalent to 192 MPa / (g / cm 3< ).

[0024] In this manner, with the help of the ultra-high string, a five-string instrument can surpass the pitch range limit of its conventional four-string counterpart. For example, with a five-string violin as disclosed here, provided with an ultra-high string, the violinist can more easily perform pieces that demand a high-pitch range, such as Paganini's 'Caprice No. 21'.

[0025] Advantageously, the disclosed five-string musical instrument with an ultra-high string enables the musician to play challenging high pitches without excessive efforts, and at the same time it maintains sound quality while extending beyond its normal pitch range.

[0026] The ultra-high string of the musical instrument may have a diameter between 0.1 and 1.0 mm. The tensile force in a music string is determined by its physical properties and pitch. This tensile force is transferred from the string to the rest of the musical instrument through a connection, such as the aforementioned bridge. If the tensile force is too high, the main body of the instrument and the connection may also experience high mechanical stress; however, this disclosure does not intend to modify the main structure of the instrument in terms of materials, sizes, etc. When the diameter of the ultra-high string is between 0.1 and 1.0 mm, the tensile force within the string is maintained at a suitable level. Although the ultra-high string is designed to withstand higher tensile stress than the other strings, the diameter range of 0.1-1.0 mm may effectively avoid excessive force transferred from the ultra-high string to the main body of the five-string musical instrument.

[0027] The present five-string musical instrument may include a string-supporting bridge that sits atop the musical instrument, elevating the strings above the fingerboard and transmitting the string vibrations to the main body of the instrument. Said string-supporting bridge comprises a groove for receiving the ultra-high string; this groove is located on the treble side of the bridge.

[0028] For example, in a conventional violin with four strings, the bridge typically contains four grooves, one for each string, whose individual location is widely known in the art. For the five-string musical instrument disclosed herein, one groove on the bridge is dedicated to the additional ultra-high string. Therefore, when the five-string musical instrument is a conventional violin with an additional ultra-high string, besides the grooves for the existing strings, a fifth groove is positioned on the treble side beyond the MI / E string. The grooves for the conventional strings may be maintained the same in terms of angles as in conventional violins, so players do not have to readapt themselves to new locations of the existing strings.

[0029] The groove for the ultra-high string on the string-supporting bridge could be placed along a first line that forms an angle between 10 and 25 degrees with a second line which joins two grooves that are adjacent to that for the ultra-high string. The first and second lines intersect at the groove adjacent to that for the ultra-high string.

[0030] The distance between two neighboring grooves may remain consistent across all grooves. For instance, in a five-string violin with one ultra-high string, the second line connects the grooves for the MI / E and LA / A strings. Said second line is rotated between 10 and 25 degrees at the groove of the MI / E string, moving downward toward the treble side. Following the direction of the first line from the MI / E string and maintaining the same distance as between the MI / E and LA / A strings, the groove for the ultra-high string can be determined. If the bridge does not contain enough room for said distance, then the maximum available may be used.

[0031] The present five-string musical instrument may include a string-supporting nut placed between the fingerboard and the pegbox, providing space between the strings. Said nut comprises a groove for receiving the ultra-high string; this groove is located on the treble side of the nut.

[0032] For example, in a conventional violin with four strings, the nut typically contains four grooves, one for each string, equally spaced. For the five-string musical instrument disclosed herein, the additional ultra-high string is also placed in a groove at the nut. Therefore, when the five-string musical instrument is a conventional violin with an additional ultra-high string, besides the grooves for the existing strings, a fifth groove may be positioned on the treble side beyond the MI / E string. The grooves at the nut for the existing strings may be maintained the same in terms of positions as in conventional violins, so players do not have to readapt themselves to new locations of the existing strings. In this case, the groove for the ultra-high string is placed just next to the one for the MI / E string. Alternately, the ultra-high string and the adjacent string, i. e. the MI / E string when the instrument is a violin, may share the same groove, with no need to have a fifth groove.

[0033] The ultra-high string in the five-string musical instrument may include a reinforced portion at least at one end thereof. The ends of the strings are often their weakest spots and therefore the most prone to break.

[0034] Said reinforced portion, which may be provided at the end of the ultra-high string, may be made from one or more materials selected from a material where A = σ max / ρ ≥ 350 MPa / (g / cm 3< ), metal or silk (natural or artificial). This material may wrap around the end of the ultra-high string and any other strings that also include a reinforced portion. This has been found to be advantageous for reinforcing the string ends and preventing the premature rupture of the strings.

[0035] The present five-string musical instrument may include a peg that can be rotated to tighten or loosen a string, thereby adjusting the tensile force. In the present five-string musical instrument, the ultra-high string may have a dedicated peg or share a peg with another string. For instance, a conventional violin usually has four pegs, each used to adjust a single string. If an additional ultra-high string is added to a conventional violin, this string may share a peg with another existing string, or a new peg may be installed in the peg box specifically for the ultra-high string. In this way, instrument makers or music players have the flexibility to decide whether to add an extra peg to use the disclosed five-string musical instrument.

[0036] At least the ultra-high string may be provided with a string peg end.

[0037] Additionally, the present five-string musical instrument may comprise a securing device to secure at least the ultra-high string to the peg at the string peg end.

[0038] Said securing device may consist in a loop with a knot through which the string is passed enclosing the peg, so the string stays attached to the peg at the peg end of the string.

[0039] Said securing device may also consist in one or more materials wrapped around at least the peg end of the ultra-high string, selected from a material where A = σ max / ρ ≥ 350 MPa / (g / cm 3< ), metal or silk (natural or artificial).

[0040] The securing device secures the string to the peg and effectively prevents slippage between the string and the peg.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described in the following, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1(a) is a diagrammatic view of one example of the present five-string musical instrument; Figure 1(b) is an enlarged view of a selected portion of figure 1(a); Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of a bridge of the present five-string musical instrument; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view showing the location of a groove formed in a bridge for receiving an ultra-high string; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of a securing device to secure an ultra-high string to a peg at a peg end; Figure 5(a) is a diagrammatic view of a nut of the present five-string musical instrument; Figure 5(b) is a diagrammatic view of another example of a nut of the present five-string musical instrument; Figure 6(a) is a diagrammatic view of an alternative tuning peg arrangement; and Figure 6(b) is an enlarged view of a selected portion of figure 6(a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0042] Figure 1(a) shows one non-limiting example of the present five-string musical instrument 1. The five-string musical instrument 1 is in this example a full-size five-string violin, which includes a musical instrument body 4 supporting standard strings 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d and an ultra-high string 2e as shown in figure 1(b).

[0043] Although in the example shown in the figures and described herein the present five-string musical instrument 1 includes only one ultra-high string 2e, other examples of the five-string musical instrument 1 may include two or more ultra-high strings 2e.

[0044] The ultra-high string 2e comprises a material wherein A = σ max / ρ ≥ 350 MPa / (g / cm 3< ). As stated above, alongside the ultra-high string 2e, the violin 1 further comprises four standard strings 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d as in violins widely known in the art.

[0045] The vibrating length for each of said strings 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e is approximately 325 mm. The standard strings 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d correspondingly produce open-string notes of SOUG-3, RE / D-4, LA / A-4, and MI / E-5, with respective open-string frequencies of approximately 196 Hz, 293 Hz, 440 Hz and 660 Hz.

[0046] Although a violin 1 has been illustrated in the figures of the drawings, in further examples, not shown in the figures, the five-string musical instrument 1 may be a full-size viola, where the string vibrating length is on the order of 370 mm. The standard strings 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d in said example correspondingly produce open-string notes of DO / C-3, SOUG-3, RE / D-4, and LA / A-4, with respective open-string frequencies of approximately 130 Hz, 196 Hz, 293 Hz and 440 Hz.

[0047] Still in other examples, the five-string musical instrument 1 may be a full-size violoncello, where the string vibrating length is approximately 700 mm. The standard strings 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d in said example correspondingly produce open-string notes of DO / C-2, SOUG-2, RE / D-3, and LA / A-3, with respective open-string frequencies of approximately 65 Hz, 98 Hz, 147 Hz and 220 Hz.

[0048] With continued reference to the example of the five-string musical instrument 1 shown in the figures, the five strings 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e are lifted by a bridge 3 arranged in the musical instrument body 4. The bridge 3 facilitates the transmission of vibrations from the strings 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e to the musical instrument body 4.

[0049] The lower ends of the strings 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e are attached to a tailpiece 5 through a connection 8. The upper ends of the standard strings 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are secured to corresponding four pegs 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, respectively. An upper end of the ultra-high string 2e shares the peg 6d with the standard string 2d.

[0050] During play, the musician controls pitch using a fingerboard 7, allowing for expressive control over the violin's sound.

[0051] In some examples, the ultra-high string 2e is made of aramid or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). A typical aramid is, for instance, Kevlar. Kevlar has a tensile strength of approximately 2920 MPa and a density of 1.44 g / cm 3< , which leads to a ratio A = 2920 / 1.44 = 2028 MPa / (g / cm 3< ).

[0052] With an A ratio of 2028 MPa / (g / cm 3< ), the ultra-high string 2e is capable of producing an open-string frequency of up to 2191 Hz, for a vibrating length of 325 mm. Dyneema is a representative UHMWPE. With a tensile strength of approximately 2300 MPa and a density of 0.97 g / cm 3< , Dyneema has an A ratio of 2371 MPa / (g / cm 3< ), which results in an open-string frequency of 2369 Hz, for a vibrating length of 325 mm.

[0053] In some other examples, the ultra-high string 2e is made of aramid or UHMWPE in combination with metals such as steel, aluminum, tin, titanium, or their alloys. In these cases, the ultra-high string 2e may comprise a core and a sheath. The core may be made of the aforementioned aramid or UHMWPE, and the metals or alloys listed above may be used to wrap the core of the ultra-high string 2e to form one or multiple layers of sheathing so that the core material is protected by the sheath.

[0054] Besides tensile strength, a suitable material for the ultra-high string 2e should also offer a good grip to the bow. Dyneema, for instance, tends to have small grip with regular rosin, while Kevlar performs satisfactorily in this aspect. Consequently, a Dyneema-based string may require additional winding with a material like metal to enhance grip. Conversely, a Kevlar-based string typically does not need winding for this purpose.

[0055] The tensile force in the ultra-high string 2e might be high due to the stress it experiences. The following table provides examples of tension in the ultra-high string 2e with various diameters ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 mm and different string materials such as Kevlar or Dyneema.

[0056] For a full-size violin, when the ultra-high string 2e is tuned to reach frequencies of 990 Hz or 1320 Hz, the tension in the string 2e ranges from 4.7 N to 832.5 N.

[0057] In the case of a full-size viola, the ultra-high string 2e sustains tension between 4.8 and 479.8 N when tuned to a frequency of 880 Hz. This range changes to 46.3 to 725.2 N for a full-size violoncello when the ultra-high string 2e is tuned to produce a frequency of 440 Hz.

[0058] There is no single standard value for the tension; it depends on the instrument, player's preference, and the other strings. Values between 30 and 100 N are recommended for violin and viola, while 80 to 200 N are suggested for violoncello. Therefore, the diameter of the ultra-high string 2e in the disclosed five-string musical instrument is kept between 0.1 and 1.0 mm. Diameter, mmTension, NViolin, f = 990 Hz Violin, f = 1320 Hz Kevlar (ρ = 1.44 g / cm 3< )Dyneema (ρ = 0.97 g / cm 3< )Kevlar (ρ = 1.44 g / cm 3< )Dyneema (ρ = 0.97 g / cm 3< )0.14.73.28.35.60.218.712.633.322.40.342.128.474.950.50.474.950.5133.289.70.5117.178.9208.1140.20.6168.6113.6299.7201.90.7229.6154.6407.9274.80.8299.9202.0532.8358.90.9379.6255.7674.3454.31.0468.6315.7832.5560.9 Diameter, mm Tension, N Viola, f = 880 Hz Violoncello, f = 440 Hz Kevlar ρ = 1.44 g / cm 3< Dyneema ρ = 0.97 g / cm 3< Kevlar ρ = 1.44 g / cm 3< Dyneema ρ = 0.97 g / cm 3< 0.14.83.268.746.30.219.212.9107.372.30.343.229.1154.5104.10.476.751.7210.3141.70.5119.980.8274.7185.00.6172.7116.3347.6234.20.7235.1158.3429.1289.10.8307.0206.7519.3349.80.9388.6261.6618.0416.31.0479.8322.9725.2488.6

[0059] Figure 2 shows the bridge 3 with five grooves labeled from 3a to 3e. The grooves 3a to 3e receive the five strings 2a to 2e, respectively. With respect to a conventional bridge for a four-string musical instrument, the angles of grooves 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d remain unchanged, ensuring that the angles of the supported strings (i.e. 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) remain consistent with those widely used in the art. Meanwhile, the groove 3e is added on the treble side of the bridge 3 beyond groove 3d to accommodate the ultra-high string 2e.

[0060] The distances between neighboring standard grooves 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d in a conventional bridge for a four-string violin are typically maintained the same, as indicated in figure 3, and this distance is labeled as 's'. As shown in figure 3, the position of groove 3e for receiving the ultra-high string 2e is placed in a first line L1 that forms an angle α between 10 and 25° to a second line L2 joining two adjacent standard grooves 3c, 3d for adjacent strings. Said lines L1 and L2 intersect at the standard groove 3d. Distance 's' or the maximum available is measured along the first line L1 from the standard groove 3d towards the treble side of the bridge 3 to determine the location of the groove 3e.

[0061] Since the ultra-high string 2e is typically played less frequently due to its dedication to ultra-high pitches, this groove arrangement shown in figure 3 offers a distinct advantage. The angles of the four standard strings 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, which are played more often, remain unchanged, requiring the player to adapt only when playing ultra-high pitches.

[0062] The end of the ultra-high string 2e is attached to the tailpiece 5 through the connection 8 as shown in figure 1. In one example, the connection 8 features a ball at the end of the ultra-high string 2e, which is then inserted into a hole on the tailpiece 5. This hole has smaller dimensions than the ball, effectively preventing the ultra-high string 2e from detaching from the tailpiece 5. In another example, the connection 8 comprises a loop at the end of the ultra-high string 2e, which securely encompasses a portion of the tailpiece 5, thus ensuring the ultra-high string 2e remains firmly attached to the tailpiece 5 and cannot be separated from it.

[0063] The connection 8 may comprise a reinforced portion. The end of the ultra-high string 2e close to the tailpiece 5 is wrapped around by the material of the reinforced portion. In some examples, the wrapping material of the reinforced portion is a material with a ratio of A ≥ 350 MPa / (g / cm 3< ), while in some other examples, the wrapping material of the reinforced portion is metal or silk (natural or artificial).

[0064] The reinforced portion is formed, for example, by bending the end of the ultra-high string 2e near the tailpiece 5 at a 180-degree angle, and then twisting the overlapped portions of the ultra-high string 2e together. The strings 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e vibrate within the string vibrating length, typically between a nut 9 and the bridge 3. The reinforced portion is outside of the string vibrating length, i.e. beyond the nut 9 and the bridge 3. The reinforced portion can effectively prevent breakage at the tailpiece 5.

[0065] Furthermore, in some other examples, similar reinforced portions are also provided at the end of the ultra-high string 2e near the peg 6d, or at any ends of the other strings 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d near the pegs 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d or the tailpiece 5.

[0066] Figure 4 shows that the ultra-high string 2e is secured to the peg 6d at a peg end through a securing device 10. The securing device 10 comprises a loop with a knot at one end of the ultra-high string 2e. The other end of the ultra-high string 2e passes through a peg hole and the securing device 10, following the arrow direction indicated in figure 4. As a result, the ultra-high string 2e is secured and supported to the violin peg 6d.

[0067] In other examples, the securing device may consist in one or more materials wrapped around the peg end of the ultra-high string, instead of using the securing device 10. These materials may be selected from a material where A = σ max / ρ ≥ 350 MPa / (g / cm 3< ), metal or silk (natural or artificial). The grip at the peg end of the ultra-high string 2e is enhanced through the wrapping material and thereby the slippage between the peg 6d and the ultra-high string 2e is prevented. In these examples, the wrapping may work both as a reinforcement (as aforementioned) and as a securing device.

[0068] Figure 5 (a) shows the nut 9 with five grooves labeled from 9a to 9e. The grooves 9a to 9e receive the five strings 2a to 2e, respectively. With respect to a conventional nut for a four-string musical instrument, the location of grooves 9a to 9d remains unchanged, ensuring that the positions of the supported strings (i.e. 2a to 2d) remain consistent with those widely used in the art. Meanwhile, the groove 9e is added on the treble side of the nut 9 beyond groove 9d to accommodate the ultra-high string 2e.

[0069] Figure 5 (b) shows an alternative design of the nut 9 with four grooves labeled from 9a to 9d. The grooves 9a to 9c receive the five strings 2a to 2c, respectively, and the groove 9d receives both the strings 2d and 2e. The location of grooves 9a to 9d remains unchanged with respect to a conventional nut for a four-string musical instrument, ensuring that the positions of the strings 2a to 2d remain consistent with those widely used in the art.

[0070] Referring back to figure 1(b), the ultra-high string 2e shares the peg 6d with the string 2d. To ensure both strings 2d, 2e share the same peg 6d, their initial lengths may be calculated to match after stretching. Subsequent minor pitch corrections may be applied to each string individually with finetuners. Since adding one more string might increase the overall tension of the instrument as well as the deformation of a peg, low tension strings may be used when adding a string to a standard four-string instrument.

[0071] Another way to attach the strings to the pegs is shown in figure 6(a) and figure 6(b), where the additional peg 6e is provided for the five-string musical instrument 1. In this example, the ultra-high string 2e does not need to share a peg with another string. Each of the five strings, namely strings 2a to 2e as shown in figure 6(b), can be secured and supported to dedicated pegs among pegs 6a to 6e.

[0072] The calculation of the ratio A for the ultra-high string 2e is based on Mersenne's law. This law serves as a foundational concept in the physics of musical acoustics. It defines the relationship governing a pitch or frequency produced by a vibrating string as shown in equation (1), where f is the string vibrating frequency or pitch, T is the tension of the string, µ is the linear density of the material or combination of materials as used in the string, L is the vibrating length of the string. f = T / μ 2 L

[0073] According to Mersenne's law, the frequency of vibration f is inversely proportional to the length of the string L, meaning shorter strings vibrate faster and produce higher pitches. Additionally, the frequency f is directly proportional to the square root of the tension applied to the string T; higher tension T results in higher frequency f. Lastly, it is inversely proportional to the square root of the linear mass density of the string µ. This understanding helps in the design of various stringed musical instruments, ensuring they can produce the desired notes accurately.

[0074] Equation (1) can be rewritten as equation (2) by relating tensile force T with tensile stress σ, and therefore: f = σ / ρ 2 L where ρ represents the density of the material or combination of materials.

[0075] When the length of a string is determined, the maximum frequency f max or the highest pitch the string can reach is limited by σ max / ρ , denoted as A hereafter, where σ max is the maximum acceptable stress, nominally the tensile strength of the string material, which leads to: f max = σ max / ρ 2 L = A 2 L

[0076] Conversely, when the vibrating length of a string is determined, the minimum A value needed for the intended material is limited by 4·(f·L) 2< , wherein f is the desired frequency and L is the vibrating length of the string, which leads to: A = σ max ρ ≥ 4 ⋅ f ⋅ L 2

[0077] When equations (3) and (4) are applied to the string design of a full-size violin with a vibrating length (L) of 325 mm, a material with an A ratio of at least 736 MPa / (g / cm 3< ) is capable of producing an open-string pitch of MI / E-6 with a frequency of 1320 Hz. Similarly, preceding equations can be applied to other string instruments, such as violas or violoncellos, to design ultra-high strings.

[0078] Although one example has been disclosed herein, other alternatives, modifications, uses and / or equivalents of the present musical instrument are possible. The scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by the particular example but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

[0079] Reference signs related to drawings are placed in parentheses in the claims solely for attempting to increase the intelligibility and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claim.

Claims

1. A five-string musical instrument (1) including at least one ultra-high string (2e), said ultra-high string comprising at least one material wherein: A = σ max ρ ≥ 350 MPa g / cm 3 with σmax being a maximum tensile stress of said material and with ρ being a density of said material.

2. The musical instrument (1) of claim 1, wherein said ultra-high string (2e) comprises at least one material wherein: A ≥ 700 MPa g / cm 3 3. The musical instrument (1) of claim 1 or 2, wherein a diameter of said ultra-high string (2e) is 0.1-1.0 mm.

4. The musical instrument (1) of any preceding claim, wherein it includes a string supporting bridge (3) comprising a groove (3e) for receiving said ultra-high string (2e), said groove (3e) being provided at a treble side, and the grooves (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) for the four lowest strings (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) being placed in the same angles as in a standard four-string bridge.

5. The musical instrument (1) of any preceding claim, wherein it includes a string supporting nut (9) comprising a groove (9d or 9e) for receiving said ultra-high string (2e), said groove (9d) being shared with the adjacent string (2d) or said groove (9e) placed just next to the groove (9d) for the adjacent string (2d), and the grooves (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) for the four lowest strings (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) being placed in the same location as in a standard four-string nut.

6. The musical instrument (1) of any preceding claim, wherein at least said ultra-high string (2e) is provided with a reinforced portion at least at one end of the string (2e).

7. The musical instrument (1) of any preceding claim, wherein it includes at least four pegs (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e) and at least said ultra-high string (2e) is provided with a string peg end, further comprising a securing device to secure at least said ultra-high string (2e) to the peg (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e) at the string peg end.

8. The musical instrument (1) of claims 6 or 7, wherein said reinforced portion or securing device is made of at least one of a metal or a silk wrapping around said end of the string, or of said material wherein: A = σ max ρ ≥ 350 MPa g / cm 3 9. The musical instrument (1) of any preceding claims 7 or 8, wherein at least said ultra-high string (2e) shares a peg (6d) with another string (2d).

10. The musical instrument (1) of any preceding claim, wherein the instrument (1) is a full-size violin, wherein said ultra-high string (2e) has an open string pitch of SI / B-5 (-990 Hz) wherein: A ≥ 414 MPa g / cm 3 11. The musical instrument (1) of any of the claims 1-9, wherein the instrument (1) is a full-size violin, wherein said ultra-high string (2e) has an open string pitch of MI / E-6 (-1320 Hz) wherein: A ≥ 736 MPa g / cm 3 12. The musical instrument (1) of any of the claims 1-9, wherein the instrument (1) is a full-size viola, wherein said ultra-high string (2e) has an open string pitch of LA / A-5 (-880 Hz) wherein: A ≥ 424 MPa g / cm 3 13. The musical instrument (1) of any of the claims 1-9, wherein the instrument (1) is a full-size violoncello wherein said ultra-high string (2e) has an open string pitch of LA / A-4 (-440 Hz) wherein: A ≥ 379 MPa g / cm 3 14. The musical instrument (1) of any of the claims 4-13, wherein the groove (3e) for the ultra-high string (2e) of the string supporting bridge (3) is placed in a first line (L1) that forms an angle (α) between 10 and 25° to a second line (L2) joining two adjacent grooves (3c, 3d) for adjacent strings (2c, 2d).

15. The musical instrument (1) of any preceding claim, wherein at least said ultra-high string (2e) comprises one or more of aramid, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), or a metal including one or more of steel, aluminum, tin, titanium, or alloys thereof.

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