Shoulder rest for stringed instruments

Abstract

To suppress deterioration in sound quality of a stringed instrument.SOLUTION: The shoulder pad 20 for the stringed instrument for supporting the stringed instrument 10 by the shoulder or breast of the player is provided with attaching parts 18a and 18b attached to the main body of the stringed instrument and a planar part 42 supported by the attaching parts and abutted on the shoulder or breast of the player. The main body of the stringed instrument includes a back plate, a top plate facing the back plate, and a side plate having a lower end connected to the back plate and an upper end connected to the top plate. The side plate has a high-rigidity portion having high rigidity and a low-rigidity portion having rigidity lower than that of the high-rigidity portion. The attachment portion is attached to the high-rigidity portion.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a shoulder rest used for stringed instruments such as violins and violas. [Background technology]

[0002] When playing a stringed instrument such as a violin or viola, a shoulder rest is used to support the stringed instrument on the player's shoulder or chest. A shoulder rest typically includes a mounting portion that is attached to the body of the stringed instrument and a plate-shaped portion supported by the mounting portion. The plate-shaped portion abuts against the player's shoulder or chest, thereby supporting the stringed instrument relative to the player. A known example of a prior art shoulder rest of this kind is disclosed in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-67549 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Stringed instruments resonate (vibrate) with the vibration of the strings in the body of the instrument, amplifying the sound generated by the vibration of the strings. Therefore, not impeding the vibration of the body of the stringed instrument is important in determining the sound quality of the stringed instrument. This specification provides a shoulder rest for stringed instruments that can suppress deterioration of the sound quality of stringed instruments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The first stringed instrument shoulder rest disclosed in this specification is a shoulder rest for supporting a stringed instrument on the shoulders or chest of a player, and includes an attachment portion attached to the body of the stringed instrument and a plate-like portion supported by the attachment portion and abutting against the shoulders or chest of the player. The body of the stringed instrument includes a back plate, a top plate facing the back plate, and side plates whose lower ends are connected to the back plate and whose upper ends are connected to the top plate. The side plates have high-rigidity portions and low-rigidity portions whose rigidity is lower than that of the high-rigidity portions. The attachment portion is attached to the high-rigidity portions.

[0006] In conventional shoulder rests, the mounting portion supporting the plate-like portion is attached to the outer edge of the back plate of the stringed instrument body. Therefore, the mounting portion suppresses vibration of the stringed instrument body (particularly the back plate), causing a deterioration in the sound quality of the stringed instrument. For example, in the shoulder rest disclosed in Patent Document 1, mounting portions are attached to two locations on the base end side of the stringed instrument body (i.e., the side where the chin rest is provided). One of the two mounting portions is located on the left side of the tailpiece and supports one end of the plate-like portion that contacts the player's shoulder or chest. The other of the two mounting portions is located on the right side of the tailpiece and supports the other end of the plate-like portion. Therefore, the left and right edges of the back plate of the stringed instrument body are connected by the plate-like portion, which inhibits vibration of the back plate, causing a deterioration in the sound quality of the stringed instrument.

[0007] In the first stringed instrument shoulder rest described above, the mounting portion is attached to the body of the stringed instrument, but the mounting portion is attached to the high-rigidity portion of the side panel. Therefore, the degree to which the vibration of the body of the stringed instrument is suppressed is smaller than when the mounting portion is attached to the low-rigidity portion of the side panel. As a result, deterioration in the sound quality of the stringed instrument can be suppressed.

[0008] The second stringed instrument shoulder rest disclosed in this specification is a stringed instrument shoulder rest that supports a stringed instrument, which comprises a stringed instrument body, a chin rest on which the player's chin rests, and a mounting bracket for attaching the chin rest to the stringed instrument body, on the player's shoulders or chest, and is equipped with a support member that is attached to the mounting bracket, and a plate-shaped portion that is supported by the support member and abuts against the player's shoulders or chest.

[0009] The second shoulder rest for stringed instruments described above is attached using the same metal fittings that are used to attach chin rests to the stringed instrument body, which prevents the shoulder rest from interfering with the vibration of the stringed instrument body and reduces deterioration of the sound quality of the stringed instrument.

[0010] A third stringed instrument shoulder rest disclosed herein is a shoulder rest for supporting a stringed instrument on the shoulders or chest of a player, and includes an attachment portion attached to the body of the stringed instrument and a plate-shaped portion supported by the attachment portion and abutting against the player's shoulders or chest. The body of the stringed instrument includes a back plate, a top plate facing the back plate, and side plates whose lower ends are connected to the back plate and whose upper ends are connected to the top plate. The attachment portion includes an attachment rod extending from the top plate to the back plate of the stringed instrument body. The stringed instrument shoulder rest further includes a support member attached to the attachment rod and extending along the side plate of the stringed instrument body at a distance from the side plate, a first connecting portion connecting one end of the support member to one end of the plate-shaped portion, and a second connecting portion connecting the other end of the support member to the other end of the plate-shaped portion.

[0011] In the third stringed instrument shoulder rest described above, a support member is disposed at a distance from the side plate of the stringed instrument body and extends along the side plate. This positions the support member between the side plate of the stringed instrument and the player, preventing the player's body from coming into contact with the side plate of the stringed instrument body. This prevents the vibration of the stringed instrument body from being impeded, and thus prevents deterioration of the sound quality of the stringed instrument. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a shoulder rest for a stringed instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the violin body and the contact plate. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an L-shaped rod according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the connection structure between the contact plate and the first connection screw. FIG. [Figure 5]This is a top view of the violin body before the top plate is glued on. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of a spacer. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a mounting portion according to a modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a view showing a support plate according to a modified example. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are partial cross-sectional views for explaining the structure of an L-shaped rod according to a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a connecting portion of an L-shaped rod according to a modified example. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a connection structure between a support plate and an L-shaped rod according to a modified example. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a connection structure between a support plate and an L-shaped rod according to another modified example. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a connection structure between an L-shaped rod and a contact plate according to another modified example. [Figure 14] 14 is a diagram showing a member on the contact plate side of the connecting structure according to the modified example shown in FIG. 13. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The main features of the embodiments described below are listed below. Note that the technical elements described below are independent technical elements that exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing.

[0014] (Feature 1) In the first stringed instrument shoulder rest disclosed in this specification, the high-rigidity portion may be an endpin insertion portion into which an endpin for securing a tailpiece to the stringed instrument body is inserted, or the vicinity thereof. The attachment portion may be attached to the endpin insertion portion or the vicinity thereof. A block material that improves the strength of the side panel may be placed in the endpin insertion portion of the stringed instrument body, and this portion may not be a part that significantly affects the vibration of the stringed instrument body. Therefore, by attaching the attachment portion to the endpin insertion portion, which is a high-rigidity portion, or the vicinity thereof, deterioration of the sound quality of the stringed instrument can be suitably suppressed.

[0015] (Feature 2) In the first stringed instrument shoulder rest disclosed in this specification, the attachment portion may be a mounting bracket for attaching a chin rest, on which the player's chin rests, to the body of the stringed instrument. The mounting bracket may be configured to attach the chin rest to the body of the stringed instrument at or near the endpin insertion portion of the stringed instrument. With this configuration, by using the mounting bracket for attaching the chin rest to the body of the stringed instrument, it is possible to effectively suppress deterioration in the sound quality of the stringed instrument caused by the stringed instrument shoulder rest.

[0016] (Feature 3) In the stringed instrument shoulder rest described in Feature 2 of the present specification, the mounting bracket may include a mounting rod extending from the top plate to the back plate of the stringed instrument body. In this case, the stringed instrument shoulder rest may further include a support member attached to the mounting rod and extending along the side plate of the stringed instrument body at a distance from the side plate, a first connecting portion connecting one end of the support member to one end of the plate-shaped portion, and a second connecting portion connecting the other end of the support member to the other end of the plate-shaped portion. With this configuration, both ends of the plate-shaped portion are supported by both ends of the support member attached to the mounting rod via the first and second connecting portions. Therefore, by adjusting the shape of the support member extending along the side plate, the plate-shaped portion can be positioned as desired.

[0017] (Feature 4) In the stringed instrument shoulder rest according to Feature 3 disclosed in this specification, the first and second connecting parts may be configured so that the position and angle of the plate-shaped part relative to the stringed instrument body can be adjusted. With this configuration, the position and angle of the plate-shaped part relative to the stringed instrument body can be adjusted according to the player's preference.

[0018] (Feature 5) In the stringed instrument shoulder rest according to Feature 4 of the present specification, the first connecting portion may include a first L-shaped rod having a base end attached to one end of the support member and a first connecting portion having one end attached to the tip of the first L-shaped rod and the other end attached to one end of the plate-shaped portion. The second connecting portion may include a second L-shaped rod having a base end attached to the other end of the support member and a second connecting portion having one end attached to the tip of the second L-shaped rod and the other end attached to the other end of the plate-shaped portion. With this configuration, the plate-shaped portion is supported by the support member via the first L-shaped rod and the second L-shaped rod. Therefore, the first L-shaped rod and the second L-shaped rod function as cantilever springs, absorbing forces acting between the plate-shaped portion and the player. This allows the player to play the stringed instrument comfortably.

[0019] (Feature 6) In the stringed instrument shoulder rest according to Feature 5 disclosed herein, the first L-shaped rod may be configured to be movable in the axial direction of the base end of the first L-shaped rod relative to one end of the support member. The second L-shaped rod may be configured to be movable in the axial direction of the base end of the second L-shaped rod relative to the other end of the support member. The first connecting portion may be configured to be movable in the axial direction of the tip end of the first L-shaped rod relative to the tip end of the first L-shaped rod. The second connecting portion may be configured to be movable in the axial direction of the tip end of the second L-shaped rod relative to the tip end of the second L-shaped rod. This configuration allows the mounting position of the plate-shaped portion relative to the stringed instrument body to be adjusted according to the player's preference.

[0020] (Feature 7) In the stringed instrument shoulder rest according to Feature 6 disclosed herein, the first connecting portion may be configured so that the mounting angle thereof relative to one end of the plate-shaped portion is adjustable. The second connecting portion may be configured so that the mounting angle thereof relative to the other end of the plate-shaped portion is adjustable. With this configuration, the mounting angle of the plate-shaped portion relative to the stringed instrument body can be adjusted according to the player's preference.

[0021] (Feature 8) In the first stringed instrument shoulder rest disclosed in this specification, the high-rigidity portion may be one of the four corners of the stringed instrument body. The attachment portion may be attached to one of the four corners. Blocks that increase the strength of the side panels may be placed at the four corners of the stringed instrument body, and these corners may not significantly affect the vibration of the stringed instrument body. Therefore, by attaching the attachment portion to one of the four corners, which is a high-rigidity portion, deterioration in the sound quality of the stringed instrument can be effectively suppressed. [Example]

[0022] A shoulder rest for a stringed instrument according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The shoulder rest 20 according to this embodiment is used to support a violin 10 (an example of a stringed instrument) on the player's shoulder or chest. As shown in FIG. 1 , a chin rest 16 on which the player's chin rests is attached to the body 12 of the violin 10, and the shoulder rest 20 is attached to the body 12 using the chin rest 16. Specifically, the chin rest 16 is attached to the tail end of the body 12 by two attachment rods 18a, 18b, and the shoulder rest 20 is attached to the body 12 by these two attachment rods 18a, 18b. That is, in this embodiment, the attachment rods 18a, 18b function as "attachments." Therefore, the shoulder rest 20 of this embodiment comprises mounting rods 18a, 18b that function as "mounting portions," a contact plate 42 (an example of a plate-shaped portion) supported by the mounting rods 18a, 18b, and a connecting structure (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 38, 40) that connects the mounting rods 18a, 18b and the contact plate 42.

[0023] The mounting rods 18a, 18b are rod-shaped members made of metal. One end of the mounting rods 18a, 18b is located on the front panel 11a side of the main body 12, and the other end of the mounting rods 18a, 18b is located on the back panel 11b side of the main body 12. In other words, the mounting rods 18a, 18b extend vertically from the front panel 11a to the back panel 11b of the main body 12.

[0024] 1, mounting rods 18a and 18b are attached to the tail-side end of main body 12. Specifically, mounting rods 18a and 18b are attached to both the left and right sides of endpin 17, which is inserted into the tail-side end of main body 12, with endpin 17 positioned between mounting rods 18a and 18b. Tailpiece 14 is secured to endpin 17 by a wire, thereby securing tailpiece 14 to main body 12.

[0025] The portion of the main body 12 into which the endpin 17 is inserted (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the endpin insertion portion) has higher rigidity than other portions. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the main body 12 includes a back plate 11b, a top plate 11a disposed opposite the back plate 11b, and side plates 13 whose lower ends are connected to the back plate 11b and whose upper ends are connected to the top plate 11a. As shown in FIG. 5, an endpin mounting block 13 is fixed to the endpin insertion portion of the side plate 13. Therefore, the endpin insertion portion of the side plate 13 is made a high-rigidity portion by the endpin mounting block 13, with higher rigidity than other portions. Therefore, the mounting rods 18a, 18b are attached to the endpin insertion portion, which is a high-rigidity portion, and its vicinity.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5 , the side plate 13 is formed by curving a plate of substantially uniform thickness throughout, but has thicker portions 13a and 13b. That is, the side plate 12 has a curved portion on the tail side, a curved portion on the tip side, and two constricted portions connecting these two curved portions. The four corner portions 13a and 13b connecting the two curved portions and the two constricted portions have a greater thickness than the other portions. Specifically, the four corner portions 13a and 13b protrude outward, and the outward protrusion increases the thickness. Therefore, the corner portions 13a and 13b of the side plate 12 have higher rigidity than the other portions. That is, in this embodiment, the corner portions 13a and 13b are high-rigidity portions, and the thinner portions other than the corner portions 13a and 13b (excluding the endpin insertion portion and its vicinity) are low-rigidity portions.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the contact plate 42 is a curved resin plate supported by the mounting rods 18a and 18b. By using resin for the contact plate 42, it can be easily molded into a desired shape and is lightweight. When the shoulder rest 20 is attached to the main body 12, the contact plate 42 is positioned below the main body 12, with the upper surface of the contact plate 42 facing the back plate 11b of the main body 12 and a clearance formed between the upper surface of the contact plate 42 and the back plate 11b. In other words, the contact plate 42 does not come into contact with the back plate 11b of the main body 12. When a performer plays the violin 10, the lower surface of the contact plate 42 abuts against the performer's shoulder or chest. Therefore, the performer holds the violin 10 with their chin rested on the chin rest 16, with the contact plate 42 abutting against their shoulder or chest, and plays the violin 10.

[0028] 1, the connecting structure connecting the mounting rods 18a, 18b and the abutment plate 42 includes a support plate 22 (an example of a support member), spacers 28a, 28b, first and second L-shaped rods 24, 26, first and second connecting screws 30, 38, and first and second connecting screw holders 32, 40. The abutment plate 42 is supported by the mounting rods 18a, 18b via the connecting structure, so that the abutment plate 42 is held at a position separated from the main body 12.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1 , the support plate 22 is a resin plate-like member that extends along the curved portion of the body 12 on the tail side. In this embodiment, the support plate 22 is made of resin to reduce weight. The support plate 22 is attached to the mounting rods 18a and 18b via spacers 28a and 28b. That is, the spacer 28a is attached to the mounting rod 18a, and the spacer 28b is attached to the mounting rod 18b, and the support plate 22 is screwed to the two spacers 28a and 28b. The spacers 28a and 28b are positioned between the mounting rods 18a and 18b and the support plate 22, creating a clearance between the support plate 22 and the side plate 13 of the body 12. Therefore, the side plate 13 of the body 12 faces the tail side plate 13 of the violin 10 and extends along the side plate 13 while being spaced apart from the tail side plate 13.

[0030] Here, spacers 28a and 28b will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Since spacers 28a and 28b have the same configuration, only the configuration of spacer 28a will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, spacer 28a includes a main body 80, pieces 82a and 82b assembled to main body 80, and various screws 84, 86, and 88 attached to main body 80. Main body 80 is a block-shaped member and is formed with a groove 81 for holding mounting rod 18a and screw holes 80a, 80b, and 80c for attaching various screws 84, 86, and 88. Groove 81 is formed on the back surface of main body 80 and extends vertically through main body 80. Fixing rod 18a is disposed within groove 81 via pieces 82a and 82b. That is, pieces 82a and 82b are disposed within groove 81 with fixing rod 18a sandwiched therebetween. The fixing rod 18a is sandwiched between the pieces 82a and 82b, thereby preventing the fixing rod 18a from coming off the groove 81. The pieces 82a and 82b arranged in the groove 81 are pressed by a screw 86 inserted into the screw hole 80a. This firmly holds the pieces 82a and 82b in the groove 81. The angle of the pieces 82a and 82b relative to the main body 80 is adjusted by inserting a screw 88 into the screw hole 80c. This adjusts the attachment angle of the spacer 28a relative to the fixing rod 18a. The screw 84 is used to fix the support plate 22 to the main body 80.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3 , the first L-shaped rod 24 is a metal rod-like member bent at a substantially right angle in the center. The first L-shaped rod 24 can be formed from various metals, such as a titanium alloy. Using a titanium alloy for the first L-shaped rod 24 can impart lightness and strength to the first L-shaped rod 24. A thread groove is formed in the base end 24a of the first L-shaped rod 24, and a thread groove is also formed in the tip end 24b of the first L-shaped rod 24. A threaded hole is formed in one end of the support plate 22 to threadably engage with the thread groove formed in the base end 24a of the first L-shaped rod 24. The base end 24a of the first L-shaped rod 24 is attached to one end of the support plate 22 by threading the base end 24a of the first L-shaped rod 24 into a threaded hole formed in one end of the support plate 22.

[0032] Similarly, the second L-shaped rod 26 is a metal rod-like member that is bent at a substantially right angle in the center, and has a screw groove formed at each of its base end and tip end. A threaded hole that screws into the screw groove formed at the base end of the second L-shaped rod 26 is formed at the other end of the support plate 22. The base end of the second L-shaped rod 26 is attached to the other end of the support plate 22 by screwing the base end of the second L-shaped rod 26 into the threaded hole formed at the other end of the support plate 22.

[0033] As is clear from the above description, the screwing depth of the base ends of the first and second L-shaped rods 24, 26 into the threaded holes of the support plate 22 is adjustable. Therefore, by adjusting the screwing depth of the first and second L-shaped rods 24, 26, it is possible to adjust the vertical positions (axial direction of the base ends) of the tips of the first and second L-shaped rods 24, 26 relative to the body 12 of the violin 10. Furthermore, by adjusting the orientation (direction around the axis of the base ends) of the tips of the first and second L-shaped rods 24, 26, it is possible to adjust the horizontal positions of the tips of the first and second L-shaped rods 24, 26 relative to the body 12 of the violin 10.

[0034] Furthermore, a first connecting screw 30 is threadedly engaged with the tip end 24b of the first L-shaped rod 24 (more specifically, the thread groove of the tip end 24b). That is, a through hole is formed at the upper end of the first connecting screw 30, and a thread groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole. The tip end 24b of the first L-shaped rod 24 is threadedly engaged with the thread groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first connecting screw 30. By adjusting the position at which the first connecting screw 30 threads into the tip end 24b of the first L-shaped rod 24, it is possible to adjust the position of the first connecting screw 30 relative to the first L-shaped rod 24 (more specifically, the axial position of the tip end 24b).

[0035] Similarly, the tip of the second L-shaped rod 26 is threadedly engaged with the second connecting screw 38. The position of the second connecting screw 38 relative to the second L-shaped rod 26 can be adjusted by adjusting the position at which the second connecting screw 38 threads into the tip of the second L-shaped rod 26.

[0036] The lower end of the first connecting screw 30 is attached to one end of the abutment plate 42 by a first connecting screw holder 32. The lower end of the second connecting screw 38 is attached to the other end of the abutment plate 42 by a second connecting screw holder 40. The structures of the connecting screw holders 32, 38 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Here, since the structures of the first connecting screw holder 32 and the second connecting screw holder 40 are the same, the structure of the first connecting screw holder 32 will be described in detail.

[0037] 4, the first connecting screw holder 32 includes a fixing screw 36 fixed to the abutment plate 42, a ball receiver 34 supported on the upper end of the fixing screw 36, a connecting nut 33 connected to the upper end of the ball receiver 34, and a ball 35 accommodated in the ball receiver 34. The fixing screw 36 is inserted from the lower surface to the upper surface of the abutment plate 42, with its upper end protruding from the upper surface of the abutment plate 42. The upper end of the fixing screw 36 passes through a through-hole formed in the ball receiver 34.

[0038] A ball 35 is fixed to the upper end surface of the fixing screw 36. The upper end surface of the fixing screw 36 is flush with the inner circumferential surface of the ball receiving portion 34, so the ball 35 is housed in the bottom of the ball receiving portion 34. The diameter of the ball 35 is larger than the diameter of the through hole formed in the ball receiving portion 34. Therefore, the ball receiving portion 34 is supported by the upper end of the fixing screw 36 without separating from the upper end of the fixing screw 36. Because the ball receiving portion 34 and the upper end of the fixing screw 36 are not fixed to each other, the ball receiving portion 34 can be adjusted to any angle within a movable range relative to the upper end of the fixing screw 36.

[0039] The upper end of the ball receiving portion 34 is cylindrical, with a threaded groove formed on its inner circumferential surface. The lower end of the connecting nut 33 is threaded into the threaded groove formed on the ball receiving portion 34. That is, the connecting nut 33 is a cylindrical member, with a threaded groove formed on the outer circumferential surface of its lower end. The lower end of the connecting nut 33 is threaded into the threaded groove formed on the upper end of the ball receiving portion 34. As the lower end of the connecting nut 33 is threaded onto the upper end of the ball receiving portion 34, the lower end of the connecting nut 33 moves downward and presses against the ball 35. When the lower end of the connecting nut 33 presses against the ball 35, the resulting frictional force fixes the angle of the ball receiving portion 34 relative to the upper end of the fixing screw 36.

[0040] The lower end of the first connecting screw 30 is coupled to the upper end of the connecting nut 33. That is, a thread groove is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end of the connecting nut 33, and the lower end of the first connecting screw 30 is threaded into this thread groove. As described above, the angle of the ball receiver 34 can be adjusted relative to the upper end of the fixing screw 36, so the mounting angle of the first connecting screw 30, which is fixed to the ball receiver 34, can be adjusted relative to the abutment plate 42, which is fixed to the fixing screw 36. Note that the structure of the second connecting screw holder 40 is the same as the structure of the first connecting screw holder 32, so the mounting angle of the second connecting screw 38 relative to the abutment plate 42 can also be adjusted.

[0041] To attach the shoulder rest 20 to the body 12 of the violin 10, first, spacers 28a and 28b are attached to the two mounting rods 18a and 18b that attach the chin rest 16 to the body 12, and the support plate 22 is attached to the spacers 28a and 28b. Next, the base end of the first L-shaped rod 24 is attached to one end of the support plate 22, and the base end of the second L-shaped rod 26 is attached to the other end of the support plate 22. Next, the upper end of the first connecting screw 30 is attached to the tip of the first L-shaped rod 24, and the lower end of the first connecting screw 30 is attached to the first connecting screw holder 32. Similarly, the upper end of the second connecting screw 38 is attached to the tip of the second L-shaped rod 26, and the lower end of the second connecting screw 38 is attached to the second connecting screw holder 40. This completes the attachment of the shoulder rest 20 to the body 12 of the violin 10.

[0042] Here, the position and angle of the L-shaped rods 24, 26 can be adjusted relative to the support plate 22, and the position of the connecting screws 30, 38 can be adjusted relative to the L-shaped rods 24, 26, and further, the attachment angle of the abutment plate 42 can be adjusted relative to the connecting screws 30, 38. Therefore, the player can precisely adjust the position of the abutment plate 42 relative to the main body 12 to suit his or her preferences.

[0043] The shoulder rest 20 according to this embodiment is attached to the body 12 of the violin 10 using two attachment rods 18a, 18b, which are used to attach the chin rest 16 to the body 12. This allows the components of the shoulder rest 20 to be in a non-contact state with the body 12. As a result, the shoulder rest 20 does not suppress the vibration of the body 12, dramatically improving the sound quality (e.g., volume, tone quality, extension, reverberation, etc.) of the violin 10. Furthermore, because the shoulder rest 20 is not in contact with the body 12, damage such as scratches on the surface of the body 12 and peeling of the varnish applied to the surface of the body 12 can be reduced.

[0044] Furthermore, in the shoulder rest 20 according to this embodiment, the two mounting rods 18a, 18b are disposed at the tail-side end of the body 12, and the abutment plate 42 is supported via a support plate 22 attached to the mounting rods 18a, 18b. The support plate 22 extends along the side plates 13 of the body 12, with both ends positioned away from the tail-side end of the body 12. This allows the abutment plate 42 to be stably positioned relative to the body 12 of the violin 10. Furthermore, because the support plate 22 is positioned between the player's body and the side plates 13 of the violin 10, the support plate 22 prevents the player's body from coming into contact with the side plates 13. This prevents deterioration of the sound quality of the violin 10.

[0045] Furthermore, in the shoulder rest 20 according to this embodiment, the contact plates 42 are attached to both ends of the support plate 22 via L-shaped rods 24, 26. By adjusting the lengths of the L-shaped rods 24, 26, the position and angle of the contact plate 42 relative to the body 12 of the violin 10 can be adjusted over a wide range. This allows the contact plate 42 to be positioned in a way that was previously impossible, enabling players with long necks and players with short necks to position the plate in their preferred position while playing. If a wide range of adjustment of the contact plate 42 is not required, the L-shaped rods 24, 26 can be shortened so that the L-shaped rods 24, 26 do not interfere with playing.

[0046] Furthermore, all parts of the shoulder rest 20 according to this embodiment are mechanically fixed, so the shoulder rest 20 will not come off unintentionally, allowing the performer to concentrate on playing with peace of mind.

[0047] Furthermore, in the shoulder rest 20 according to this embodiment, the contact plate 42 is supported by the mounting rods 18a, 18b via the support plate 22 and the L-shaped rods 24, 26. Because the support plate 22 and the L-shaped rods 24, 26 can be designed to have appropriate springiness, the player can play without feeling any stiffness, and pain and fatigue caused by playing can be reduced.

[0048] Furthermore, in the shoulder rest 20 according to this embodiment, the contact plate 42 is attached to the mounting rods 18a and 18b via the support plate 22. Therefore, a moment due to an upward force acting from the player's body on the contact plate 42 (i.e., a force from the back plate 11b toward the top plate 11a) acts on the mounting rods 18a and 18b. On the other hand, a moment due to a downward force acting from the player's chin on the chin rest 16 (i.e., a force from the top plate 11a toward the back plate 11b) acts on the mounting rods 18a and 18b. Therefore, the moments acting on the mounting rods 18a and 18b cancel each other out, thereby reducing the stress acting on the main body 12 via the mounting rods 18a and 18b.

[0049] The correspondence in this embodiment is as follows: The first L-shaped rod 24, the first connecting screw 30, and the first connecting screw holder 32 are an example of a "first connecting portion." The second L-shaped rod 26, the second connecting screw 38, and the second connecting screw holder 40 are an example of a "second connecting portion." The first connecting screw 30 and the first connecting screw holder 32 are an example of a "first connecting portion." The second connecting screw 38 and the second connecting screw holder 40 are an example of a "second connecting portion."

[0050] Although the shoulder rest 20 of Example 1 has been described in detail above, specific aspects of the technology disclosed herein are not limited to Example 1. In Example 1, the shoulder rest 20 is attached to the main body 12 using two mounting rods 18a, 18b for attaching the chin rest 16. However, this is not limiting. For example, the shoulder rest 20 may be attached using the mounting member shown in FIG. 7 . By using such a mounting member, the shoulder rest can be attached to a violin without a chin rest 16 while suppressing deterioration in sound quality. The mounting member shown in FIG. 7 includes a locking member 44 that abuts the top plate 11a of the main body 12 and two mounting rods 46, 48 whose base ends are fixed to the locking member 44. The mounting rods 46, 48 have locking pawls formed at their tips. The mounting rods 46, 48 have threads formed at their base and tip to form right-handed and left-handed threads, and their axial lengths can be adjusted by rotating a central nut rod. Therefore, by shortening the axial length of the mounting rods 46, 48 while the locking member 44 is in contact with the top plate 11a of the main body 12, the locking claws of the mounting rods 46, 48 are locked to the back plate 11b of the main body 12. This allows the mounting member to be attached to the main body 12. Then, as in the first embodiment, the abutment plate 42 can be attached to the mounting rods 46, 48. The mounting member shown in FIG. 7 can be attached to a highly rigid portion of the side plate 13 (for example, one of the four corners 13a, 13b). Even in this example, the mounting member is attached to a single highly rigid portion. As a result, the vibration of the main body 12 is less likely to be suppressed, and deterioration of the sound quality of the violin 10 can be suppressed. The number of mounting rods to which the shoulder rest is attached does not need to be two; it can be attached to a single mounting rod. The mounting member shown in FIG. 7 can also be attached to a position other than the highly rigid portion of the side plate 13. Even if the attachment member is attached to a position other than the high-rigidity portion, the deterioration of the sound quality of the violin 10 can be suppressed because the attachment member is attached to one location on the body 12 of the violin 10.

[0051] In addition, in the above-mentioned Example 1, the shoulder rest 20 is attached using the chin rest 16 attached to the left side of the main body 12, but this is not limited to such an example, and the shoulder rest 20 may also be attached using a chin rest attached to the right side of the main body 12.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, the support plate 22 is symmetrical with respect to the endpin 17 of the main body 12, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, an asymmetric support plate 60 as shown in FIG. 8 may be used. By changing the length of the support plate 60, the degree of freedom in arranging the contact plate 42 can be increased. This allows the player to position the contact plate 42 at a position of their choice.

[0053] Furthermore, while the first embodiment uses the integrated L-shaped rods 24, 26, this is not limiting and a split L-shaped rod 50 may be used, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 . Specifically, the L-shaped rod 50 includes a first rod 52 extending vertically, a second rod 56 extending horizontally, and a connecting nut 54 connecting the first rod 52 and the second rod 56. The lower end of the first rod 52 is bent horizontally to form a first portion 52b having a threaded groove. The base end of the connecting nut 54 is threadedly engaged with the threaded groove formed in the first portion 52b. The base end of the second rod 56 is fixed to the tip of the connecting nut 54. The tip of the second rod 56 is bent downward, and a ball 58 is fixed to the tip. The ball 58 fixed to the second rod 56 can be attached to the abutment plate 42 using a structure similar to that of the connecting screw holder 32 of the first embodiment. Since the ball 58 is fixed to the tip of the second rod 56, the connecting structure on the abutment plate side only holds the ball 58. This makes it possible to adjust the attachment angle of the abutment plate 42 relative to the tip of the second rod 56. Furthermore, the position of the ball 58 at the tip of the second rod 56 can be changed by adjusting the position of the connecting nut 54 and by adjusting the amount of insertion of the second rod 56 into the connecting nut 54.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the L-shaped rods 24, 26 are attached to the support plate 22 using a screw mechanism. However, this is not a limitation. For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , an end 64 of the support plate 62 is bent to form a through-hole 64a into which the base end of the L-shaped rod is inserted. Then, the bent portion of the support plate 62 is fastened with a screw 68, thereby clamping the base end of the L-shaped rod between the end 64 of the support plate 62. This configuration also allows the base end of the L-shaped rod to be attached to the support plate 62. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12 , a through-hole 72a is formed in the end 72 of the support plate 70, and a threaded hole 74 is formed whose tip communicates with the through-hole 72a. With the base end of the L-shaped rod inserted into the through-hole 72a, a screw 76 is inserted into the threaded hole 74, and the tip of the screw 76 presses against the base end of the L-shaped rod. As a result, the base end of the L-shaped rod is clamped between the tip of the screw 76 and the inner circumferential surface of the through-hole 72a, and the base end of the L-shaped rod is attached to the support plate 70.

[0055] Furthermore, the connection structure between the L-shaped rod 24 (26) and the abutment plate 42 is not limited to the above example and can be implemented in various ways. For example, in the connection structure shown in Figures 13 and 14, a connecting screw 90 is threaded onto the tip of the L-shaped rod 24, and a ball 92 is fixed to the lower end of the connecting screw 90. Meanwhile, a fixing screw 96 is fixed to the abutment plate 42, and a nut 94 is threaded onto the tip of the fixing screw 96. A space for accommodating the ball 92 is formed between the fixing screw 96 and the nut 94, and the ball 92 is positioned at the tip of the fixing screw 96. Therefore, the fixing screw 96, the nut 94, and the connecting screw 90 are inseparable. When connecting the abutment plate 42 and the L-shaped rod 24, the connecting screw 90 is threaded onto the tip of the L-shaped rod 24, and the nut 94 is tightened onto the fixing screw 96 to fix the angle of the connecting screw 90 relative to the fixing screw 96. This allows the L-shaped rod 24 to be connected to the abutment plate 42.

[0056] Although the above-described first embodiment is directed to a shoulder rest for a violin, the technology disclosed in this specification can also be applied to stringed instruments other than the violin (for example, the viola).

[0057] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technology exemplified in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives alone is technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 10: Violin 11a: Top plate 11b: Back plate 12:Main body 13: Side panel 13a, 13b: Corner parts 13c: Endpin mounting block 14: Tailpiece 16: Chin rest 18a, 18b: Mounting rod 20: Shoulder rest 22: Support plate 24: First L-shaped rod 24a: Proximal end 24b: Bent part 24c:Tip 26: Second L-shaped rod 28a, 28b: Spacer 30: First connecting screw 32: First connecting screw holding part 33: First nut 34: Second nut 35: Ball 36: Fixing screw 38: Second connecting screw 40: Second connecting screw holding part 42: Contact plate 44: Locking member 46,48: Mounting rod 50: L-shaped rod 52: First Rod 52a: Part 1 52b:Second part 54: Fastening nut 56: Second Rod 58: Ball 120: Support plate

Claims

1. A shoulder rest for a stringed instrument that supports a stringed instrument on the shoulder or chest of a player, a mounting portion that is attached to a body of the stringed instrument; a plate-shaped portion supported by the mounting portion and abutting against the shoulder or chest of the player, the main body of the stringed instrument comprises a back plate, a top plate facing the back plate, and side plates each having a lower end connected to the back plate and an upper end connected to the top plate, the side plate has a high-rigidity portion having high rigidity and a low-rigidity portion having lower rigidity than the high-rigidity portion, The attachment portion is attached to the high rigidity portion.

2. the high-rigidity portion is an endpin insertion portion into which an endpin for fixing a tailpiece to a body of the stringed instrument is inserted and the vicinity thereof, 2. The shoulder rest for a stringed instrument according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion is attached to the endpin insertion portion and its vicinity.

3. the attachment portion is a metal fitting for attaching a chin rest on which the player places his / her chin to the body of the stringed instrument, 3. The shoulder rest for a stringed instrument according to claim 2, wherein the mounting bracket is configured to mount the chin rest to the body of the stringed instrument at or near an endpin insertion portion of the stringed instrument.

4. the mounting bracket includes a mounting rod extending from the top plate to the back plate of the stringed instrument body; The shoulder rest for a stringed instrument comprises: a support member attached to the mounting rod and extending along and spaced from the side panel of the stringed instrument body; a first connecting portion that connects one end of the support member and one end of the plate-shaped portion; a second connecting portion that connects the other end of the support member and the other end of the plate-shaped portion; The shoulder rest for a stringed instrument according to claim 3, further comprising:

5. 5. The shoulder rest for a stringed instrument according to claim 4, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are configured to be able to adjust the position and angle of the plate-shaped portion relative to the body of the stringed instrument.

6. The first connecting portion is a first L-shaped rod having a base end attached to one end of the support member; a first connection portion having one end attached to the tip end of the first L-shaped rod and the other end attached to one end of the plate-shaped portion; It is equipped with The second connecting portion is a second L-shaped rod whose base end is attached to the other end of the support member; a second connection portion having one end attached to the tip end of the second L-shaped rod and the other end attached to the other end of the plate-shaped portion; 6. The shoulder rest for a stringed instrument according to claim 5, comprising:

7. The first L-shaped rod is configured to be movable in an axial direction of a base end portion of the first L-shaped rod relative to one end of the support member, The second L-shaped rod is configured to be movable in an axial direction of a base end portion of the second L-shaped rod relative to the other end of the support member, The first connection portion is configured to be movable relative to the tip end portion of the first L-shaped rod in an axial direction of the tip end portion of the first L-shaped rod, 7. The shoulder rest for a stringed instrument according to claim 6, wherein the second connection portion is configured to be movable relative to the tip end of the second L-shaped rod in an axial direction of the tip end of the second L-shaped rod.

8. the first connection portion is configured so that an attachment angle with respect to one end of the plate-like portion is adjustable, 8. The shoulder rest for a stringed instrument according to claim 7, wherein the second connecting portion is configured so that an attachment angle thereof with respect to the other end of the plate-shaped portion is adjustable.

9. the high-rigidity portions are four corner portions of the main body of the stringed instrument, 2. The shoulder rest for a stringed instrument according to claim 1, wherein the attachment portion is attached to one of the four corner portions.

10. A stringed instrument shoulder rest for supporting a stringed instrument on the shoulders or chest of a player, the stringed instrument comprising: a stringed instrument body; a chin rest on which a player's chin is placed; and a mounting bracket for mounting the chin rest to the stringed instrument body, a support member attached to the mounting bracket; a plate-shaped portion supported by the support member and abutting against the shoulder or chest of the player.

11. A shoulder rest for a stringed instrument that supports a stringed instrument on the shoulder or chest of a player, a mounting portion that is attached to a body of the stringed instrument; a plate-shaped portion supported by the mounting portion and abutting against the shoulder or chest of the player, the main body of the stringed instrument comprises a back plate, a top plate facing the back plate, and side plates each having a lower end connected to the back plate and an upper end connected to the top plate, the mounting portion includes a mounting rod extending from the top plate to the back plate of the stringed instrument body; The shoulder rest for a stringed instrument comprises: a support member attached to the mounting rod and extending along and spaced from the side panel of the stringed instrument body; a first connecting portion that connects one end of the support member and one end of the plate-shaped portion; a second connecting portion that connects the other end of the support member and the other end of the plate-shaped portion; A shoulder rest for string instruments that also includes:

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