String musical instrument fingering auxiliary tool and string musical instrument

Abstract

To provide a string musical instrument fingering auxiliary tool that enables selecting and pressing bass notes that are out of reach of fingers of a hand used to press strings during performance, and playing with four fingers without finger movement restriction even while sounding the bass notes.SOLUTION: A string musical instrument fingering auxiliary tool 30 that is attached to a string musical instrument 10 having a neck portion 12 and includes a string-pressing portion 35 comprises: a first guide member that is attached to the string musical instrument 10 and supports the string-pressing portion 35 so that it can move in the longitudinal direction of the string; an operating portion 34 operated by fingers of a player's hand on the string musical instrument 10 to move in the longitudinal direction of the string; a second guide member for guiding the movement of the operating portion 34; and a movement amplification mechanism 36 for moving the string-pressing portion 35 along the first guide member by the movement force of the operating portion 34, and amplifying the movement amount of the string-pressing portion 35 relative to the movement amount of the operating portion 34.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a string pressing aid for stringed instruments and a stringed instrument. In particular, it relates to a string pressing aid for a stringed instrument having a neck that can press the strings of the stringed instrument with an object other than the fingers of the player, and a stringed instrument.

Background Art

[0002] A string pressing aid for a stringed instrument having a neck that can press the strings of the stringed instrument with an object other than the fingers of the player, and an example of a stringed instrument are described in Patent Document 1. The string pressing aid described in Patent Document 1 includes a neck side member that is located on the neck side of the stringed instrument and is movable along the neck, a fingerboard side member that is located on the fingerboard side of the stringed instrument and is attached to the neck side member and moves together with the neck side member, a plurality of contact members provided on the fingerboard side member and capable of moving forward and backward with respect to a plurality of strings stretched on the front side of the fingerboard, and a control unit capable of detecting the moving position of the neck side member and moving the contact members forward and backward with respect to the strings according to the detected moving position of the neck side member and a predetermined timing.

[0003] The control unit described in Patent Document 1 is connected to input means such as a computer and various information terminals, and can receive various data input from the input means (such as music data of a piece to be played and chord data for pressing strings). Further, the control unit is also connected to detection means and can detect the moving position of the performance aid. The contact members are configured to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the corresponding strings by driving means such as a solenoid, a linear motor, a pneumatic actuator, etc. Then, the control unit outputs a command to the driving means of the contact members so that a predetermined string is pressed at a predetermined position according to the piece to be played, based on the received data and the detected moving position of the performance aid.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The string pressing aid for stringed instruments described in Patent Document 1 aims to enable a person with a disability in the movement of the fingers or arms of the hand that presses the strings to easily play stringed instruments. The present disclosure aims to expand the range of performances of guitar players, and has a different purpose from Patent Document 1. The string pressing aid for stringed instruments and the stringed instrument described in Patent Document 1 enable easy playing of the instrument by providing electrical means such as a control unit, a computer, a driving means, a detecting means, etc. for pressing the strings. On the other hand, in the present disclosure, without relying on electrical means, it is possible to select a bass note at a position that the fingers of the hand pressing the strings during performance cannot reach and press the strings, and at the same time, it enables performance with four fingers without restricting finger movement even while playing the bass note, enabling performances that were impossible with conventional guitars.

[0006] Patent Document 1 is common with the present disclosure in that the strings are pressed by an object other than the fingers to play music. However, as described above, it does not consider selecting and pressing the bass note at a position that the fingers of the hand pressing the strings during performance cannot reach without relying on electrical means, or performing a performance with four fingers without restricting finger movement even while playing the bass note.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a string pressing aid for stringed instruments and a stringed instrument that can select and press the bass note at a position that the fingers of the hand pressing the strings during performance cannot reach, and can perform a performance with four fingers without restricting finger movement even while playing the bass note.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] This embodiment discloses a stringed instrument pressing aid that is attached to a stringed instrument having a neck portion and includes a pressing portion for pressing the strings of the stringed instrument. The stringed instrument pressing aid includes a first guide member that is attached to the stringed instrument and supports the pressing portion so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the string, an operating portion that is operated by a finger of the hand of the player of the stringed instrument and is moved in the longitudinal direction of the string, a second guide member that guides the movement of the operating portion, and a movement amount enlarging mechanism that moves the pressing portion along the first guide member by the movement force of the operating portion and enlarges the movement amount of the pressing portion with respect to the movement amount of the operating portion.

[0009] Further, this embodiment discloses a stringed instrument including a body, a neck portion fixed to the body, a head portion provided on the neck portion, a string stretched across the body, the neck portion, and the head portion, and a stringed instrument pressing aid for pressing the string. The stringed instrument pressing aid includes a pressing portion for pressing the strings of the stringed instrument, a first guide member that is attached to the stringed instrument and supports the pressing portion so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the string, an operating portion that is operated by a finger of the hand of the player of the stringed instrument and is moved in the longitudinal direction of the string, a second guide member that guides the movement of the operating portion, and a movement amount enlarging mechanism that moves the pressing portion along the first guide member by the movement force of the operating portion and enlarges the movement amount of the pressing portion with respect to the movement amount of the operating portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to select and press a bass note at a position where the finger pressing the string during performance cannot reach, and it is also possible to perform a performance with four fingers without restricting finger movement even while sounding the bass note. A stringed instrument pressing aid and a stringed instrument can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 1C

Figure 1D

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] (Summary of the current situation) (1) Current situation Generally, among stringed instruments with a neck, for example, a guitar has a neck and a bridge, and strings are stretched between the nut at the end of the neck and the saddle of the bridge. A fingerboard is provided on the front side of the neck, and metal frets are provided on the surface of the fingerboard. By pressing the string against the fret (hereinafter referred to as "fretting"), the vibrating length of the string becomes the length between the fret and the saddle, and by changing the vibrating length of the string for each fret, the pitch of each scale can be obtained. Also, the state where the string is stretched between the nut and the saddle without fretting is called an open string.

[0013] (2) Current problems When playing in an ensemble with a guitar and a bass instrument such as a bass, the bass part is often played by the bass instrument. In a melody performance without a bass instrument such as a solo guitar, playing the melody while playing the bass part on the guitar increases the thickness of the sound and enriches the musicality. When a player plucks a string, the sounds that can be produced are the sound when the fret is pressed with the left finger and the sound of the open string plucked without pressing the fret. When playing the melody while producing low-pitched sounds including the bass part, one finger is used to press the bass, and the other fingers are used to play the melody, or the open string sound is used for the bass, and the melody on the higher pitch side is played on the strings other than that string.

[0014] When playing the melody with the other fingers while pressing the bass with one finger, the playable notes are those within the range where the four fingers can be spread to press the strings. Although there are individual differences, in the low position, it is within a range of 5 frets, and in the high position, it is between 6 and 7 frets that allow playing the melody simultaneously. The low position refers to the position around the 1st to 4th frets, and the high position refers to the position of frets higher than the low position. Therefore, to play a higher pitch beyond that range, one must give up playing the bass simultaneously, either stop the sounding bass or not play the bass from the beginning. Similarly, the high notes that can be played simultaneously while sounding the bass are limited to those within the reach of the fingers, and higher notes cannot be played. Also, when playing the melody while pressing the bass, one finger is fixed on the bass, which restricts the fingering of the remaining 3 fingers and affects the choice of playable notes and playability.

[0015] When using the open string note for a low pitch and playing the high - side melody on other strings, all 4 fingers can be used to play the melody and the fingering is not restricted. However, the bass is limited to the pitch of the open string, and since the scale cannot be played, the musical constraints are significant.

[0016] (Overview of this Embodiment) The stringed - instrument assistive device of this embodiment solves the above - mentioned problems without interfering with the original playability of a stringed instrument having a neck part, such as a guitar, and without using electrical means or the like. As a result, it enables selecting and pressing the bass note at a position that the fingers of the hand pressing the strings during performance cannot reach, without interfering with the original playability of the guitar and without relying on electrical means. Also, it provides a stringed - instrument assistive device and a stringed instrument that enable playing with 4 fingers without restraint in fingering even while sounding the bass note.

[0017] Some specific examples included in the stringed - instrument string - pressing assistive device and the stringed instrument are described with reference to the drawings. In the figures showing some specific examples, the same parts are generally labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0018] (Stringed instrument) As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, a guitar 10, which is an example of a stringed instrument, has a body 11, a neck portion 12, and a head portion 13. The neck portion 12 is fixed to the body 11, and the head portion 13 is provided on the neck portion 12. The neck portion 12 is a rod member disposed between the body 11 and the head portion 13. As shown in FIG. 1C, the neck portion 12 has a main body 19 and a fingerboard 20 provided on the surface of the main body 19.

[0019] A bridge 14 is provided on the body 11, and a nut 15 is provided on the neck portion 12. A saddle 16 is fixed to the bridge 14. A plurality of, specifically six, first strings 18A, second strings 18B, third strings 18C, fourth strings 18D, fifth strings 18E, and sixth strings 18F are stretched between the nut 15 and the saddle 16. As shown in FIG. 1B, the first strings 18A, second strings 18B, third strings 18C, fourth strings 18D, fifth strings 18E, and sixth strings 18F are provided at intervals on the surface of the fingerboard 20 and are stretched along the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 12. Further, a plurality of frets 21A to 21N, etc. are fixed at intervals on the surface of the fingerboard 20.

[0020] (Stringed instrument string pressing assist tool) As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, a stringed instrument string pressing assist tool 30 is attached to the guitar 10. As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the stringed instrument string pressing assist tool 30 has a string pressing portion 35, a guide mechanism 31, an operation portion 34, a movement amount amplification mechanism 36, etc.

[0021] (Specific example 1 of the string pressing portion) The string pressing portion 35 is a mechanism that presses the strings toward the neck portion 12 using a contact member other than the fingers of the player. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the string pressing portion 35 is supported by a slider 40. The slider 40 is movable along a guide rail 37. The guide rail 37 will be described later.

[0022] When providing the string pressing part 35 in the guitar 10 of the present disclosure, it is conceivable to provide one with a contact member corresponding only to the 6th string 18F, two with contact members corresponding to the 5th string 18E and the 6th string 18F, and three with contact members corresponding to the 4th string 18D - the 6th string 18F. Assuming that the range of one octave of pitch is used in performance, in the case of corresponding to the 1st string, the string pressing part 35 is moved over the range between the 13th frets and the string is pressed by the contact member, making it difficult to continuously play distant sounds.

[0023] In the case of corresponding to the 2nd string, the string pressing part 35 is moved over the range between the 8th frets, and in the case of corresponding to the 3rd string, the string pressing part 35 is moved over the range between the 5th frets. When providing the string pressing part 35 corresponding to the 4th string, 5th string, and 6th string, although the range of playable sounds expands to the high pitch side, the moving range of the string pressing part 35 is between 5 frets and does not decrease. Therefore, from the viewpoint of minimizing the movement amount of the string pressing part 35 and using the range of one octave as the bass sound, it is preferable to provide the string pressing part 35 corresponding to the 3rd string or more.

[0024] Specific example 1 of the string pressing part 35 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B corresponds to the 3rd string. The string pressing part 35 includes a support base 44, a protruding part 45, arms 46, 47, 48, contact members 50, 51, 52, compression springs 53, 54, 55, etc. The support base 44 is fixed to the slider 40. The protruding part 45 protrudes from the support base 44 in the width direction of the fingerboard 20. The support base 44, the protruding part 45, the arms 46, 47, 48, and the compression springs 53, 54, 55 constitute a mechanism for the contact members 50, 51, 52 to follow the strings.

[0025] The arms 46, 47, 48 are attached to the support base 44 via a support shaft 56. The arms 46, 47, 48 extend in the width direction of the fingerboard 20. The arms 46, 47, 48 can operate separately around the support shaft 56. The contact member 50 is attached to the arm 46, the contact member 51 is attached to the arm 47, and the contact member 52 is attached to the arm 48.

[0026] The contact members 50, 51, and 52 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the fingerboard 20 so as to be in contact with different strings. The contact members 50, 51, and 52 are preferably made of a material having a relatively small frictional resistance with the strings and having appropriate flexibility. Examples of the material of the contact members 50, 51, and 52 include synthetic resins, such as fluororesins. Further, a fluororesin and synthetic rubber may be used in combination.

[0027] With such a configuration, the string pressing portion 35 can be easily moved, and when the string pressing portion 35 moves, generation of unnecessary sounds (frictional sounds) generated by friction with the strings can be suppressed. Note that the tips of the contact members 50, 51, and 52 may be configured by rollers made of synthetic rubber.

[0028] The compression spring 53 presses the arm 46, the compression spring 54 presses the arm 47, and the compression spring 55 presses the arm 48. The contact member 50 is constantly pressed against the sixth string 18F, the contact member 51 is constantly pressed against the fifth string 18E, and the contact member 52 is constantly pressed against the fourth string 18D. Therefore, in the thickness direction of the fingerboard 20, even if the height of the string contact member 51 with respect to the height of the guide rail 37 varies during the movement of the string pressing portion 35 or is different for each of the plurality of strings, the strings can be reliably pressed against the frets.

[0029] When the string pressing portion 35 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 37 and the contact members 50, 51, and 52 are positioned directly above the frets and when they are positioned between the frets, the string pressing height is different. However, due to the imitation mechanism including the compression springs 53, 54, and 55, the contact members 50, 51, and 52 can overcome without being caught at the fret portion, and when the contact members 50, 51, and 52 are positioned between the frets, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of abnormal sounds (rattling sounds) due to insufficient pressing force.

[0030] In addition, when the surface of the fingerboard 20 is not straight in the longitudinal direction of the strings due to the influence of warping of the neck portion 12 or the like, or when the surface of the fingerboard 20 and the guide rail 37 are not parallel due to adjustment errors during the assembly of the guide mechanism 31 described later, there is a case. Also in this case, in the thickness direction of the fingerboard 20, the height of the contact member 51 that presses the string against the fret with respect to the height of the guide rail 37 varies during the movement of the string pressing portion 35. In the present embodiment, the imitation mechanism including the compression springs 53, 54, and 55 of the string pressing portion 35 can absorb the difference in the height direction between the string pressing portion 35 and each string. Therefore, regardless of the state of the neck portion 12, the assembly error of the guide rail 37, etc., the contact members 50, 51, and 52 can reliably press the string against the fret.

[0031] Furthermore, since the strings have different thicknesses, the string pressing heights are also different. In addition, the surface of the fingerboard 20 may be arcuate in the direction of the string arrangement. In that case, in the thickness direction of the fingerboard 20, the height of the contact member 51 that presses the string against the fret with respect to the height of the guide rail 37 differs for each string. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the imitation mechanism including the compression springs 53, 54, and 55 of the string pressing portion 35 absorbs the differences in those string pressing heights and can stably hold each string.

[0032] (Specific Example 2 of String Pressing Portion) FIG. 2C shows another example of the string pressing portion 35. The string pressing portion 35 shown in FIG. 2C has support shafts 100, 101, 102, contact members 50, 51, 52, compression springs 106, 107, 108, etc., in addition to the support base 44 and the protruding portion 45. The arms 46, 47, 48 are not provided. The support shafts 100, 101, 102 are arranged side by side in the width direction of the neck portion 12. The support shafts 100, 101, 102 are attached to the protruding portion 45 and are each separately movable in a direction approaching and separating from the fingerboard 20. The imitation mechanism is constituted by the support base 44, the protruding portion 45, the support shafts 100, 101, 102, and the compression springs 106, 107, 108.

[0033] The contact member 50 is fixed to the support shaft 100, the contact member 51 is fixed to the support shaft 101, and the contact member 52 is fixed to the support shaft 102. The compression spring 106 biases the contact member 50 in a direction approaching the fingerboard 20, the compression spring 107 biases the contact member 51 in a direction approaching the fingerboard 20, and the compression spring 108 biases the contact member 52 in a direction approaching the fingerboard 20. A second specific example of the string pressing portion 35 can achieve the same effect as the first specific example of the string pressing portion 35.

[0034] (Guide mechanism) The guide mechanism 31 shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C is a mechanism that movably supports the operation portion 34 and the string pressing portion 35. Specifically, the guide mechanism 31 includes a guide rail 37, two operation portion support sliders 38 and 39, and one string pressing portion slider 40 (hereinafter, the operation portion support sliders 38 and 39 and the string pressing portion support slider 40 are collectively referred to simply as sliders 38, 39, and 40). The guide rail 37 is, as an example, a linear member made of metal. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the guide rail 37 is attached to the guitar 10 by a first fixture 32 and a second fixture 33. The first fixture 32 and the second fixture 33 are each constituted by, for example, metal brackets.

[0035] The first fixture 32 and the second fixture 33 are each composed of a plurality of parts and have a position adjustment mechanism. By the first fixture 32 and the second fixture 33, the attachment position of the guide rail 37 can be adjusted in each of the width direction and the thickness direction of the neck portion 12. Since the presence of the first fixture 32 and the second fixture 33 on the neck portion 12 would interfere with playing, the first fixture 32 is provided on the head portion 13, and the second fixture 33 is fixed to the base of the neck portion 12 or the body 11.

[0036] The guide rail 37 has its mounting position adjusted so that the pressing portion 35 can correctly press all the strings to be pressed within the entire movement range. The adjustment of the mounting position includes adjustment in the width direction (the direction of the string arrangement) of the neck portion 12 and adjustment in the thickness direction (the pressing direction) of the neck portion 12. For the pressing portions 35 corresponding to the three strings of the fourth string 18D, the fifth string 18E, and the sixth string 18F on the surface of the fingerboard 20 in the width direction of the neck portion 12, the guide rail 37 is attached parallel to the central fifth string 18E. Attaching the guide rail 37 parallel to the central fifth string is because the intervals between the fourth string 18D, the fifth string 18E, and the sixth string 18F become wider from the nut 15 toward the bridge 14, so that in the entire movement range of the pressing portion 35, none of the contact members 50, 51, 52 allows the string being pressed to come off.

[0037] The three sliders 38, 39, 40 are supported by the guide rail 37 so as to be linearly movable, and the three sliders 38, 39, 40 are each moved (linearly moved) along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 37. The slider 40 for supporting the pressing portion is disposed between the slider 38 and the slider 39 in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 37.

[0038] The sliders 38, 39 for supporting the operation portion support the operation portion 34. The sliders 38, 39 for supporting the operation portion are elements for moving the operation portion 34 along the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 12. The slider 40 for supporting the pressing portion supports the pressing portion 35. The slider 40 for supporting the pressing portion is an element for moving the pressing portion 35 along the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 12. Thus, the guide rail 37 is shared as a guide member for moving the sliders 38, 39 for supporting the operation portion that support the operation portion 34 and the slider 40 for supporting the pressing portion that supports the pressing portion 35 along the neck portion 12. That is, the first guide member for guiding the movement of the pressing portion 35 is the guide rail 37 and the slider 40 for supporting the pressing portion, and the second guide member for guiding the movement of the operation portion 34 is the guide rail 37 and the sliders 38, 39 for supporting the operation portion.

[0039] The guide mechanism 31 is preferably constituted by a so-called linear guide. If the rigidity of the guide rail 37 is low, when the contact members 50, 51, 52 press the strings, the guide rail 37 receives a moment load, and the deflection and torsion of the guide rail 37 increase, and there is a risk that the strings cannot be pressed. Also, if the moving resistance of the guide mechanism 31 is large, the playability deteriorates. On the other hand, a linear guide has high rigidity and low moving resistance of the sliders 38, 39, 40, so such a situation can be avoided, which is preferable.

[0040] (Specific Example 1 of the Operation Unit) As shown in FIG. 2A, the operation unit 34 is an element that is operated and moved by the finger of the hand 99 that the player is grasping the neck portion 12, specifically, the thumb 99A. The operation unit 34 includes a rod-shaped operation rod 41 that is operated by the thumb 99A, and a holder 42 to which the operation rod 41 is fixed. The operation rod 41 is disposed close to the neck portion 12 in the range from the center on the back side of the neck portion 12 to the bass string side in the width direction of the neck portion 12. The player touches and operates the thumb 99A at an arbitrary position in the longitudinal direction of the operation rod 41. The length of the operation rod 41 in the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 12 is desirably such that the thumb 99A can operate the operation rod 41 regardless of whether the left hand is at a position away from the head portion 13 side (for example, a position corresponding to the high position) or at a position closest to the head portion 13 within the movement range of the string pressing portion 35.

[0041] Further, the holder 42 is connected to the operation unit support sliders 38, 39, respectively. Therefore, the distance between the operation unit support sliders 38, 39 in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 37 is always constant. When the operation unit 34 is operated, the operation unit support sliders 38, 39 move simultaneously and integrally along the guide rail 37.

[0042] (Specific Example 1 of the Movement Amount Amplification Mechanism) The movement amount amplification mechanism 36 shown in FIGS. 1B, 1C, 1D, and 3 serves to transmit the operating force applied to the operating portion 34 to the string pressing portion 35 and to amplify the movement amount of the string pressing portion 35 with respect to the movement amount of the operating portion 34. The movement amount amplification mechanism 36 includes pulleys 60, 61, a belt 62, and a connecting member 63. The pulley 60 is rotatably supported by a bracket 70, and the pulley 61 is rotatably supported by a bracket 71. The bracket 70 is fixed to the slider 38, and the bracket 71 is fixed to the slider 39. That is, the pulleys 60, 61 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 37. The belt 62 is wound around the pulleys 60, 61.

[0043] Among the belt 62, the range not in contact with the pulleys 60, 61 is in a state of being stretched along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 37. One location in the range of the belt 62 not in contact with the pulley is fixed to the guide rail 37 by a fixing element 64. The belt 62 is preferably formed of a material with a relatively small amount of deformation with respect to the tensile load in the longitudinal direction. For example, polyurethane, polyester canvas, etc. are used. Note that a wire may be used instead of the belt. Further, the connecting member 63 connects the belt 62 and the string pressing portion 35. Specifically, the connecting member 63 connects the belt 62 and the support base 44 constituting the string pressing portion 35. The connecting member 63 serves to transmit the moving force of the belt 62 to the string pressing portion 35.

[0044] (Usage example of the performance aid) As shown in FIG. 2B, the player holds the neck portion 12 with one hand 99 and plays the guitar 10. In FIG. 2B, for the sake of convenience, the movement amount expansion mechanism 36 is omitted. The player can move the thumb 99A located on the back side of the neck portion 12 in the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 12, and thereby move the operation portion 34 in the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 12. That is, the two operation portion support sliders 38 and 39 also move along the guide rail 37. Then, in the longitudinal direction of the belt 62, the portion where the connecting member 63 is fixed moves along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 37 between the pulley 60 and the pulley 61. For this reason, the lengths of the belt 62 located between the pulley 60 and the connecting member 63 and between the pulley 61 and the connecting member 63 vary respectively. Specifically, if the movement amount when moving the operation portion 34 toward the head 13 side is L1, the pulley 60 moves toward the head 13 side by the movement amount L1. At this time, the space distance where the belt 62 is stretched and folded by the pulley 60 becomes wider by L1 on both sides of the pulley 60. Since one side of the belt 62 is fixed by the fixing element 64, the other free-movable connecting member 63 side moves toward the head 13 side by 2×L1. Similarly, if the movement amount when moving the operation portion 34 toward the body 11 side is L2, the pulley 61 moves toward the body 11 side by the movement amount L2. At this time, the space distance where the belt 62 is stretched and folded by the pulley 61 becomes wider by L2 on both sides of the pulley 61. Since one side of the belt 62 is fixed by the fixing element 64, the free-movable connecting member 63 side moves toward the body 11 side by 2×L2. Therefore, the pressing string portion 35 connected to the connecting member 63 moves with a movement amount twice that of the movement amount of the operation portion 34.

[0045] Generally, it is desirable for the guitar 10 that the pressing string portion 35 can be moved to a position corresponding to any pitch within one octave with a single operation of the thumb 99A. The distance that the operating rod 41 can be moved using the thumb 99A while pressing the strings with four fingers varies among individuals but is about 80 mm. If the pressing string portion 35 is directly connected to the operating rod 41, the amount of movement of the pressing string portion 35 will be about the same 80 mm as the amount of movement of the operating rod 41. This corresponds to a movement of three frets between the 1st fret and the 3rd fret on the tip side (low position) of the neck portion 12. Since the pressing string range for one octave is at least five frets as described above, it cannot be moved with a single operation.

[0046] On the other hand, as described above, the movement amount enlarging mechanism 36 in the present embodiment doubles the movement amount of the pressing string portion 35 with respect to the movement amount of the operating portion 34 in the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 12. Therefore, with respect to the operation amount of 80 mm of the thumb 99A, the movement amount of the pressing string portion 35 becomes 160 mm, which corresponds to a movement between six frets from the 1st fret to the 6th fret on the tip side of the neck portion 12. Therefore, the pressing string portion 35 can be moved to a position corresponding to any pitch within one octave with a single operation.

[0047] Further, the movement amount enlarging mechanism 36 serves to transmit the operating force applied to the operating portion 34 to the pressing string portion 35. Therefore, since the pressing string portion 35 can be moved without providing electrical means, the structure is simple.

[0048] In addition, in order to limit the movable range of the pressing string portion 35 toward the longitudinal high position side of the neck portion 12, there are interferences between the operation portion 34 and the root portion of the neck 12, and further between the operation portion 34 and the body 11. If necessary, a groove shape for avoiding interference with the operation portion may be provided at the root portion of the neck 12, and further, by making a hole in the body 11, the movable range of the pressing string portion 35 toward the high position side can be expanded. Also, as the movable range of the pressing string portion 35 toward the low position side, in order to enable the sound of the open string to be produced, it is desirable that it can move to the head portion beyond the nut. In order for the pressing string portion 35 to cross over the nut, it is necessary to make the height of the upper surface of the nut lower than the upper surface height of the string applied to the nut. Thereby, the pressing string portion 35 can cross over the nut without being caught by the nut.

[0049] (Specific Example 2 of the Operation Portion) FIG. 4A shows a specific example 2 of the operation portion 34. The operation portion 34 shown in FIG. 4A has an operation belt 80 and a holder 42 and does not include an operation rod 41. The operation belt 80 is wound around first pulleys 81, 82 and second pulleys 83, 84. The first pulleys 81, 82 and the second pulleys 83, 84 are located in the space inside the annular operation belt 80. The first pulleys 81, 82 and the second pulleys 83, 84 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 12. The holder 42 is fixed to a portion between the first pulley 81 and the second pulley 83 on the inner peripheral surface of the operation belt 80.

[0050] The player inserts the thumb into the inner space of the operation belt 80. Then, when the thumb 99A is brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the operation belt 80 and the thumb 99A is moved in the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 12, the holder 42 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 12 together with the operation belt 80. The moving force of the holder 42 is transmitted to the string pressing portion 35 by the same principle as described above. When the operation belt 80 is moved, the holder 42 is moved. And, by the same principle as described above, the moving amount of the string pressing portion 35 is enlarged with respect to the moving amount of the operation belt 80. Therefore, the same effect as described above can be obtained. Further, since the operation belt 80 is wound around and folded back by the first pulleys 81, 82 and the second pulleys 83, 84, the moving range of the string pressing portion 35 can be expanded to the high position side without making a hole in the body 11.

[0051] By the way, when the player operates the operation belt 80, the outer circumferential surface of the operation belt 80 comes into contact with the neck portion 12. For this reason, it is desirable that the frictional force at the contact portion between the outer circumferential surface of the operation belt 80 and the neck portion 12 is relatively small. On the other hand, in order to prevent the thumb from slipping when the player operates the operation belt 80, it is desirable that the frictional force at the contact portion between the inner circumferential surface of the operation belt 80 and the player's thumb is relatively large. For this reason, it is preferable that the coefficient of friction of the inner circumferential surface of the operation belt 80 is larger than the coefficient of friction of the outer circumferential surface.

[0052] Furthermore, in the specific example 2 of the operation portion 34 shown in FIG. 4A, as shown in FIG. 4B, by providing a guide member 120 that assists the movement of the operation belt 80, it is possible to prevent the operation belt 80 from meandering due to the operating force. The guide member 120 is fixed to the neck portion 12. The material of the guide member 120 is a synthetic resin having a relatively low frictional resistance, for example, a fluororesin or the like. The guide member 120 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 12, and the guide member 120 has a guide groove 121. The portion of the operation belt 80 between the first pulley 81 and the second pulley 83 passes through the guide groove 121.

[0053] (Specific Example 3 of the Operation Portion) FIG. 5 shows a specific example 3 of the operation unit 34. The operation unit 34 shown in FIG. 5 has an operation belt 80 and a holder 42, and does not include an operation rod 41. The operation belt 80 is wound around first pulleys 81, 82 and second pulleys 83, 84. The first pulley 81 and the second pulley 83 are located in the space inside the operation belt 80. The first pulley 82 and the second pulley 84 are located in the space outside the operation belt 80. Thereby, the operation belt 80 stretched between the first pulley 82 and the second pulley 84 can be brought closer to the neck side.

[0054] The first pulleys 81, 82 are rotatably supported by the first fixture 32 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C. The second pulleys 83, 84 are rotatably supported by the second fixture 33 shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C. Thus, the first pulleys 81, 82 and the second pulleys 83, 84 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 37.

[0055] Also, a guide member 43 for assisting the movement of the operation belt 80 is provided. The guide member 43 is fixed to the neck portion 12. The material of the guide member 43 is preferably formed from a synthetic resin having a relatively low frictional resistance, for example, a fluororesin or the like. The guide member 43 is provided along the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 12, and the guide member 43 has a guide groove 43A. A portion of the operation belt 80 located between the first pulley 81 and the second pulley 83 passes through the guide groove 43A. The holder 42 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the operation belt 80 at a position corresponding to the position between the first pulley 82 and the second pulley 84.

[0056] The performer presses the thumb 99A against the outer peripheral surface of the operation belt 80 between the first pulley 82 and the second pulley 84 to move the operation belt 80. It is desirable that the friction coefficient of the outer peripheral surface of the operation belt 80 is larger than that of the inner peripheral surface. Note that the operation belt 80 is pressed against the surface of the guide member 43. When the operation belt 80 is moved, the string pressing portion 35 is moved in the same manner as in the specific example 1 of the operation portion 34. The guide member 43 prevents the portions of the operation belt 80 located between the first pulley 81 and the second pulley 83 and between the first pulley 82 and the second pulley 84 from coming into contact with each other, and prevents the operation belt 80 from meandering. Further, in the operation portion 34 shown in FIG. 5, the movable space of the thumb 99A in the operation belt 80 is widened, and the playability of the guitar 10 is improved.

[0057] (Specific Example 2 of the Movement Amount Amplification Mechanism) In FIGS. 6 and 7, a specific example 2 of the movement amount amplification mechanism is shown. The movement amount amplification mechanism 85 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 includes a first rack gear 86, a second rack gear 87, a pinion gear 88, a pinion gear 89, and a support shaft 90. That is, the movement amount amplification mechanism 85 includes a rack and pinion mechanism. The first rack gear 86 is fixed to the holder 42. The first rack gear 86 is formed of, for example, a metal or synthetic resin plate, and the first rack gear 86 extends in the direction along the guide rail 37. The second rack gear 87 is formed of, for example, a metal or synthetic resin plate, and the second rack gear 87 is fixed to the support base 44 by the bracket 91. The second rack gear 87 extends in the direction along the guide rail 37.

[0058] The support shaft 90 is fixed to the guitar 10, for example, the neck portion 12. The pinion gears 88 and 89 are rotatably supported by the support shaft 90. The pinion gears 88 and 89 are configured to rotate integrally. The diameter of the pinion gear 88 is less than the diameter of the pinion gear 89. The pinion gear 88 is meshed with the first rack gear 86, and the pinion gear 89 is meshed with the second rack gear 87. Note that the operation unit 34 includes an operation rod 41 and a holder 42 to which the operation rod 41 is fixed, as in FIGS. 1B and 1C. Further, the holder 42 is connected to the operation unit support sliders 38 and 39, respectively. Alternatively, a specific example 2 of the operation unit 34 shown in FIG. 4A or a specific example 3 of the operation unit 34 shown in FIG. 5 may be provided.

[0059] The player operates the operation rod 41 with the thumb 99A to move the operation unit 34 along the guide rail 37. When the operation rod 41 moves, the operation unit 34 and the first rack gear 86 move integrally along the guide rail 37. When the first rack gear 86 moves, the pinion gears 88 and 89 rotate integrally, and the second rack gear 87 is moved along the guide rail 37. The moving direction of the first rack gear 86 is the same as the moving direction of the second rack gear 87. When the second rack gear 87 moves, the string pressing portion 35 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 12.

[0060] The movement amount amplification mechanism 85 amplifies the movement amount of the string pressing portion 35 with respect to the movement amount of the operation unit 34 in the longitudinal direction of the neck portion 12. The ratio (amplification ratio) at which the movement amount of the string pressing portion 35 is amplified with respect to the movement amount of the operation unit 34 is determined according to the ratio of the diameter D1 of the pinion gear 88 and the diameter D2 of the pinion gear 89. Specifically, Amplification ratio = D2 / D1 It can be expressed as. The movement amount amplification mechanism 85 can obtain the same effect as the movement amount amplification mechanism 36 of the first specific example.

[0061] (Specific Example 3 of Movement Amount Amplification Mechanism) Figures 8 and 9 show a specific example 3 of the movement amount amplification mechanism. The movement amount amplification mechanism 92 shown in Figures 8 and 9 includes a first rack gear 93, a second rack gear 94, a pinion gear 95, a pinion gear 96, and a support shaft 97. That is, the movement amount amplification mechanism 92 includes a rack and pinion mechanism. The first rack gear 93 is fixed to the main body 19 of the neck portion 12. The first rack gear 93 is composed of, for example, a metal or synthetic resin plate, and the first rack gear 93 extends in the direction along the guide rail 37. The second rack gear 94 is composed of, for example, a metal or synthetic resin plate, and the second rack gear 94 is fixed to the support base 44 by a bracket 98. The second rack gear 94 extends in the direction along the guide rail 37.

[0062] The support shaft 97 is fixed to the holder 42. The support shaft 97 is disposed between the first rack gear 93 and the second rack gear 94. The pinion gear 95 and the pinion gear 96 are rotatably supported by the support shaft 97. The pinion gear 95 and the pinion gear 96 are configured to rotate integrally. The pinion gear 95 is meshed with the first rack gear 93, and the pinion gear 96 is meshed with the second rack gear 94. Note that the operation unit 34 includes an operation rod 41 and a holder 42 to which the operation rod 41 is fixed, as in FIGS. 1B and 1C. Further, the holder 42 is connected to two operation unit support sliders 38 and 39, respectively. Alternatively, the operation unit 34 may include the specific example 2 of the operation unit 34 shown in FIG. 4A or the specific example 3 of the operation unit 34 shown in FIG. 5.

[0063] The performer operates the operating rod 41 with the thumb 99A to move the operating portion 34 along the guide rail 37. When the operating portion 34 is moved along the guide rail 37, the second rack gear 94 is moved. That is, the pinion gear 95 rolls while meshing with the first rack gear 93, and the second rack gear 94 meshing with the pinion gear 96 is moved along the guide rail 37. In this way, the moving force of the operating rod 41 is transmitted to the support base 44, and the string pressing portion 35 is moved along the guide rail 37. The moving direction of the operating portion 34 and the moving direction of the string pressing portion 35 are the same.

[0064] The movement amount enlarging mechanism 92 enlarges the movement amount of the string pressing portion 35 with respect to the movement amount of the operating portion 34 in the longitudinal direction of the guide rail 37. The ratio (enlargement ratio) at which the movement amount of the string pressing portion 35 is enlarged with respect to the movement amount of the operating portion 34 is determined according to the diameter D1 of the pinion gear 95 and the diameter D2 of the pinion gear 89. Specifically, Enlargement ratio = (D2 + D1) / D1 can be expressed as. The movement amount enlarging mechanism 92 can obtain the same effect as the movement amount enlarging mechanism 36 of the first specific example.

[0065] (Supplementary explanation) This embodiment is not limited to that disclosed using the drawings, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the number of contact members is not limited to three and may be any number. In the above embodiment, a normal six-string guitar has been described, but this embodiment can be applied to the bass strings of guitars such as a seven-string guitar or an eight-string guitar obtained by adding a bass string to a six-string guitar. Furthermore, this embodiment can also be applied to a guitar having a neck portion dedicated to the string pressing portion attached in parallel to the six-string neck portion. The stringed instrument of the present disclosure includes a neck and a plurality of strings, and the presence or absence of frets does not matter for the stringed instrument. The stringed instrument of the present disclosure includes, in addition to guitars, basses, fretless basses, ukuleles, balalaikas, lutes, domras, mandolins, mandocellos, bouzoukis, charangos, bandurrias, violins, cellos, double basses, etc.

[0066] An example of the technical meaning of the configuration described in the embodiments is as follows. The guitar 10 is an example of a stringed instrument. The body 11 is an example of a body. The neck portion 12 is an example of a neck. The head portion 13 is an example of a head. The string pressing assist device 30 for a stringed instrument is an example of a string pressing assist device for a stringed instrument. The first string 18A, the second string 18B, the third string 18C, the fourth string 18D, the fifth string 18E, and the sixth string 18F are examples of strings. The contact members 50, 51, and 52 are examples of contact members. The guide rail 37 is an example of a first guide member and a second guide member. The slider 40 for supporting the string pressing portion is an example of a first guide member. The sliders 38 and 39 for supporting the operation portion are examples of a second guide member. The operation portion 34 is an example of an operation portion. The movement amount amplification mechanisms 36, 85, and 92 are examples of movement amount amplification mechanisms.

[0067] The string pressing portion 35 is an example of a string pressing portion. The support base 44 is an example of a support base. The arms 46, 47, and 48 are examples of arms. The operation rod 41 is an example of an operation rod. The holder 42 is an example of a holder. The pulleys 60 and 61 are examples of pulleys. The first pulleys 81 and 82 and the second pulleys 83 and 84 are examples of support pulleys. The belt 62 is an example of a belt. The operation belt 80 is an example of an operation belt. The connecting member 63 is an example of a connecting member. The first rack gear 86, the second rack gear 87, the pinion gear 88, and the pinion gear 89 are examples of a rack and pinion mechanism. The first rack gear 93, the second rack gear 94, the pinion gear 95, and the pinion gear 96 are examples of a rack and pinion mechanism.

Industrial Applicability

[0068] The present disclosure can be used as a stringed instrument and a string pressing assist device for a stringed instrument that can press the strings of a stringed instrument having a neck portion with an object other than the fingers of a player.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0069] 10…Guitar, 18A…First string, 18B…Second string, 18C…Third string, 18D…Fourth string, 18E…Fifth string, 18F…Sixth string, 30…Stringed instrument pressing string auxiliary tool, 34…Operation part, 35…Pressing string part, 36, 85, 92…Movement amount enlarging mechanism, 37…Guide rail, 38, 39…Sliders for supporting the operation part, 40…Slider for supporting the pressing string part, 41…Operating rod, 42…Holder, 50, 51, 52…Contact members, 60, 61, 81, 82, 83, 84…Pulleys, 62…Belt, 63…Connecting member, 80…Operating belt, 86, 93…First rack gear, 87, 94…Second rack gear, 88, 95…Pinion gear, 89, 96…Pinion gear

Claims

1. A string instrument pressing aid that is attached to a string instrument having a neck portion and includes a pressing portion for pressing the strings of the string instrument, a first guide member that is attached to the string instrument and supports the pressing portion so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the string, an operation portion that is operated by a finger of the hand of the player of the string instrument and is moved in the longitudinal direction of the string, a second guide member that guides the movement of the operation portion, and a movement amount expansion mechanism that moves the pressing portion along the first guide member by the movement force of the operation portion and expands the movement amount of the pressing portion with respect to the movement amount of the operation portion. A string instrument pressing aid having the above.

2. The string instrument pressing aid according to claim 1, wherein the pressing portion includes a support base that is supported by the first guide member so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the string, a contact member that is provided on the support base and presses against a plurality of strings, and a spring that biases the contact member toward the string. A string instrument pressing aid having the above.

3. The string instrument pressing aid according to claim 2, wherein the operation portion includes an operation rod that is operated by a finger of the hand of the player, and a holder to which the operation rod is fixed. The movement amount expansion mechanism includes a plurality of pulleys that are rotatably provided on the second guide member respectively, a belt wound around the plurality of pulleys, and a connecting member that connects the belt and the pressing portion. A string instrument pressing aid having the above.

4. The string instrument pressing aid according to claim 2, wherein the operation portion includes an operation belt that is operated by a finger of the hand of the player, and a holder to which the operation belt is fixed. A plurality of support pulleys around which the operation belt is wound and which are attached to the string instrument are further provided. The movement amount expansion mechanism includes a plurality of pulleys that are rotatably provided on the second guide member respectively, a belt wound around the plurality of pulleys, and a connecting member that connects the belt and the pressing portion. A string instrument pressing aid having the above.

5. The string instrument pressing aid according to claim 2, wherein the operation portion includes an operation rod that is operated by a finger of the hand of the player, and a holder to which the operation rod is fixed. The movement amount expansion mechanism includes a rack and pinion mechanism that connects the holder and the support base so as to be capable of transmitting power. A string instrument pressing aid having the above.

6. The string instrument pressing aid according to claim 2, wherein the operation portion includes an operation rod that is operated by a finger of the hand of the player, and a holder to which the operation rod is fixed. The movement amount expansion mechanism includes a rack and pinion mechanism that connects the holder and the support base so as to be capable of transmitting power. A string instrument pressing aid having the above.

7. A stringed instrument comprising a body, a neck portion fixed to the body, a head portion provided on the neck portion, a string stretched across the body, the neck portion, and the head portion, and a string pressing aid for a stringed instrument that presses the string. The string pressing aid for a stringed instrument is a string pressing portion that presses the string of the stringed instrument, a first guide member attached to the stringed instrument and supporting the string pressing portion so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the string, an operation portion that is operated by a finger of the player's hand of the stringed instrument and is moved in the longitudinal direction of the string, a second guide member that guides the movement of the operation portion, a movement amount enlarging mechanism that moves the string pressing portion along the first guide member by the movement force of the operation portion and enlarges the movement amount of the string pressing portion with respect to the movement amount of the operation portion, and a stringed instrument having the same.

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