Stringed instruments and musical instruments
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YAMAHA CORP
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
When playing stringed instruments, the increased weight of the neck relative to the body generates a rotational torque, causing the neck to rotate vertically downwards. This results in a shift in the instrument's position, affecting the player's concentration, and the increased weight becomes a burden for the player.
An integrated mass-increasing section is set at the bottom of the main body of the stringed instrument, so that its mass gradually decreases away from the neck connection end, thereby adjusting the center of gravity. At the same time, by setting a mass-increasing section at the bottom of the main body, the increase in overall weight is reduced.
It effectively adjusts the center of gravity, reduces rotational torque, and lightens the burden on the performer, while maintaining good sound quality and a lightweight design.
Smart Images
Figure 2026110941000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
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[0001] The present invention relates to stringed instruments and musical instruments.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration of a stringed instrument such as an electric guitar, which includes a neck, a body, and strings stretched from the neck to the body.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] By the way, when playing a stringed instrument such as an electric guitar by hanging it on the shoulder or back using a strap, if the weight of the neck relative to the body increases, a rotational moment is generated so that the neck rotates downward vertically and the position of the stringed instrument shifts, which may prevent the player from concentrating on the performance. On the other hand, since the weight of the stringed instrument becomes a burden on the player, it is necessary to suppress the increase in weight.
[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a stringed instrument and a musical instrument capable of adjusting the center-of-gravity position while suppressing an increase in weight.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a stringed instrument and a musical instrument including a body connected to a neck, wherein the body has a mass addition portion in which the mass of the bottom portion located on the side opposite to the end portion to which the neck is connected gradually decreases toward the central portion of the body.
Effects of the Invention
[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a stringed instrument and a musical instrument that can adjust the center of gravity while suppressing an increase in weight. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0008] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of the stringed instrument according to the first embodiment, as seen from the front of the body. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the body of a stringed instrument with the top piece removed. [Figure 3] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the body of a stringed instrument according to the second embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the body of a stringed instrument according to the third embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view of the body of a stringed instrument according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0009] (First Embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a plan view of the stringed instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, as seen from the front 5a side of the body 5. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the body 5 of the stringed instrument 1 with the top member 21 removed. Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the line III-III in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the stringed instrument is an electric guitar 1. In the following description, the direction in which the neck 3 extends (the direction along the arrangement direction of the body 5 and the neck 3) is referred to as the longitudinal direction D1, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1 and the thickness direction D3 of the body 5 is sometimes referred to as the transverse direction D2 (the width direction of the claim). As shown in Figure 1, the instrument in this embodiment is a stringed instrument, and in particular, an electric guitar 1 will be described as an example of a stringed instrument. The electric guitar 1 comprises a body structure 2, a neck 3 (the weight part of the claim), and strings 4.
[0010] The neck 3 is connected to the end of the body structure 2 and extends away from the body structure 2 (upward in Figure 1). The head 11, which forms the longitudinal end of the neck 3, is provided with a peg 12 around which the end of the string 4 is wrapped. The string 4 is stretched along the longitudinal direction of the neck 3.
[0011] The body structure 2 comprises an outer body 5 (the main body in the claim) and equipment 6 such as a bridge 41, an electromagnetic pickup 42, and a controller 43 housed in the body 5. The bridge 41, electromagnetic pickup 42, and controller 43 are exposed on the front surface 5a of the body 5, facing in the thickness direction of the body 5 (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in Figure 1). One end of the string 4 is attached to the bridge 41. The electromagnetic pickup 42 is located between the neck 3 and the bridge 41 in the longitudinal direction of the neck 3. Multiple electromagnetic pickups 42 (two in the example shown in Figure 1) are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the neck 3. The controller 43 adjusts the volume, tone, etc., of the acoustic signal output from the electromagnetic pickup 42. The controller 43 includes two volume switches 44 and a pickup selector 45 for switching which electromagnetic pickup to activate.
[0012] The body 5 has a top member 21 (the soundboard according to the claim) with a smaller thickness dimension and a back member 22 (see Figures 2 and 3) with a greater thickness dimension than the top member 21. The top member 21 and the back member 22 overlap in the thickness direction of the body 5 to form the body 5. The front surface 5a of the body 5, where the bridge 41 and the like are exposed, is made up of the top member 21. A sounding rib (not shown) is attached to the back surface of the top member 21 (the surface facing the back member 22) to transmit the vibrations of the strings 4 to the entire body 5 and to increase the strength of the top member 21.
[0013] As shown in Figure 2, the back member 22 has a back plate 23 that forms the bottom surface, and side plates 24 that rise from the outer edge of the back plate 23 perpendicular to the back plate 23. As a result, the back member 22 is formed in a box shape with an open front. The back plate 23 and the side plates 24 are integrally formed. Of the back member 22, the end opposite to the end to which the neck 3 is connected in the vertical direction D1 is called the bottom portion 25 (the other end in the claim). A mass-adding portion 30 is provided in the bottom portion 25 of the body 5.
[0014] The mass-adding portion 30 is formed such that the mass of the bottom portion 25 gradually decreases as it moves toward the center of the body 5. In this embodiment, the mass-adding portion 30 is integrally formed with the back member 22. The mass-adding portion 30 is formed to protrude from the back plate 23 toward the front 5a side. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the mass-adding portion 30 has a tapered portion 31 on its front surface, the thickness of which gradually decreases as it moves from the bottom portion 25 toward the center of the body 5. In addition, the width dimension of the mass-adding portion 30 along the lateral direction D2 is formed to be larger than the width dimension of the neck 3. In this embodiment, the mass-adding portion 30 is provided over the entire area between the side plates 24 located on both sides in the lateral direction D2.
[0015] Because the body 5 has the mass-adding portion 30 formed in this manner, the weight of the electric guitar 1 is set such that the overall center of gravity G (see Figure 2) is located at a predetermined position between the two electromagnetic pickups 42. In other words, the mass-adding portion 30 is formed to have greater mass at positions further away from the center of gravity G of the electric guitar 1. The mass-adding portion 30 is positioned such that, when viewed from the thickness direction D3 of the body 5, it avoids positions that would be antinodes of vibration of the top member 21 when the top member 21 is attached.
[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, below the pedestal portion 48 to which the electromagnetic pickup 42 is attached on the back plate 23, a plurality (three in this embodiment) of raised extension portions 28 extending from the pedestal portion 48 toward the bottom portion 25 are provided. These raised extension portions 28 function as resonance bars by being connected to the front plate. The raised extension portions 28 extend to a position overlapping the mass addition portion 30 in the vertical direction D1. Therefore, in other words, the mass addition portion 30 is provided at a position overlapping at least a part of the resonance bar provided on the body 5 in the vertical direction D1.
[0017] As described above, in the stringed instrument 1 of this embodiment, by providing the mass addition portion 30 on the bottom portion 25 of the body 5, the mass of the bottom portion 25 increases. As a result, the center of gravity of the electric guitar 1 can be brought closer to the central portion of the body 5 (near the point G in FIG. 2). Therefore, even when the player plays while hanging the electric guitar 1 on the shoulder or back using a strap, it is possible to suppress the electric guitar 1 from shifting due to the rotational moment and to concentrate on the performance. The mass addition portion 30 is formed such that the mass gradually decreases from the bottom portion 25 toward the central portion of the body 5. Here, since the rotational moment is proportional to the mass and the distance from the fulcrum, by gradually decreasing the mass of the mass addition portion 30 as it approaches the center of gravity G of the electric guitar 1, the center of gravity position can be effectively adjusted with a small increase in mass. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of the rotational moment while suppressing an excessive increase in weight. Therefore, it is possible to provide a stringed instrument and a musical instrument that can adjust the center of gravity position while suppressing an increase in weight.
[0018] The mass addition part 30 is provided integrally with at least one of the back plate 23 and the side plate 24. As a result, the mass addition part 30 is not provided on the top member 21 which has a large influence on the vibration characteristics. Therefore, even when the mass addition part 30 is provided, good sound quality can be realized. Further, in the top member 21 which is affected by the change in the distance between the electromagnetic pickup 42 and the string 4, since there is an antinode of vibration near the central part away from the side plate 24, the mass addition part 30 is provided at the bottom part 25 which is the end part of the body 5, so that the movement at the antinode of vibration of the top member 21 is not inhibited. Therefore, the center of gravity position can be adjusted while suppressing the influence on the sound quality.
[0019] The mass addition part 30 has a tapered part 31 whose thickness gradually decreases as it goes from the bottom part 25 toward the central part of the body 5. As a result, with a simple structure, the mass addition part 30 can be provided such that the mass gradually decreases as it goes from the bottom part 25 toward the central part. Therefore, the rotational moment can be adjusted with a small increase in mass, and the burden on the player due to excessive weight increase can be reduced. Further, for example, when the upper surface of the mass addition part 30 is the tapered part 31, a gap can be formed between the top member 21 and the mass addition part 30, and a striking bar can be arranged in this gap. Therefore, the mass addition part 30 can be arranged without degrading the sound quality.
[0020] The dimension in the width direction of the mass addition part 30 is larger than the dimension in the width direction of the neck 3. As a result, the mass of the bottom part 25 located on the opposite side to the neck 3 can be effectively made heavier. That is, by arranging a large amount of the mass addition part 30 at a position farther from the center of gravity G, the generation of the rotational moment can be suppressed. Therefore, the increase in the mass of the entire electric guitar 1 due to the provision of the mass addition part 30 can be minimized.
[0021] The mass addition part 30 is provided at a position overlapping a part of the striking bar provided on the body 5 in the vertical direction D1. As a result, even when the mass addition part 30 is provided, the striking bar can be extended relatively close to the bottom part 25. Therefore, the center of gravity G can be adjusted by providing the mass addition part 30 while suppressing the degradation of the sound quality.
[0022] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the body 205 of the stringed instrument 201 according to the second embodiment. In the following description, components that are common to those already described will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the mass-adding portion 230 has a stepped portion 233.
[0023] In the second embodiment, the mass-adding portion 230 has a stepped portion 233 on its front surface, instead of the tapered portion 31 in the first embodiment, in which the thickness dimension gradually decreases from the bottom portion 25 toward the center of the body 205. The stepped portion 233 has a width dimension along the lateral direction D2 that increases as the thickness decreases (i.e., toward the center of the body 205).
[0024] According to the second embodiment, the mass-adding portion 230 has a stepped portion 233 in which the thickness gradually decreases from the bottom portion 25 towards the center portion. This allows for the same effects as in the first embodiment. That is, it is possible to adjust the center of gravity while reducing the burden on the performer due to excessive weight increase. In addition, the stepped portion 233 can be formed more easily compared to the case in which a tapered portion 31 is provided. Therefore, the machinability of the mass-adding portion 230 can be improved.
[0025] (Third embodiment) A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the body 305 of the stringed instrument 301 according to the third embodiment. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the mass-adding portion 330 is provided on the side plate 24.
[0026] In the third embodiment, the mass-adding portion 330 is connected to the side plate 24 of the back member 22 and is formed having tapered portions 335 and 336 whose thickness gradually decreases from the bottom portion 25 toward the central portion. In this embodiment, the mass-adding portion 330 is integrally formed with the side plate 24. The mass-adding portion 330 has an upper tapered portion 335 in which the height of the upper surface is located from the top member 21 side toward the back plate 23 side as it moves from the bottom portion 25 side connected to the side plate 24 toward the central portion of the body 305, and a lower tapered portion 336 in which the height of the lower surface is located from the back plate 23 side toward the top member 21 side as it moves from the bottom portion 25 side connected to the side plate 24 toward the central portion of the body 305. The side plate 24, the upper tapered portion 335 and the lower tapered portion 336 form a triangular shape in cross-section. In this embodiment, the mass-adding portion 330 is formed in a triangular shape in cross-section, but it may also be formed in a trapezoidal shape or the like in cross-section. The mass-adding portion 330 is continuously provided along the periphery of the lower half region of the body 305 where the bottom portion 25 is located. The distance between the connection portion between the upper tapered portion 335 and the lower tapered portion 336 (i.e., the vertex of the triangle located on the opposite side of the side plate 24) and the side plate 24 decreases as it moves away from the bottom portion 25.
[0027] According to the third embodiment, the same effects as the first embodiment described above are achieved, and since the mass-adding portion 330 is provided on the side plate 24, the mass-adding portion 330 does not come into contact with the top member 21 and the back plate 23. As a result, the mass-adding portion 330 can be provided without affecting the vibration characteristics of the top member 21 and the back plate 23. Therefore, the center of gravity can be adjusted while minimizing the impact on sound quality.
[0028] (Fourth Embodiment) A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the body 405 of the stringed instrument 401 according to the fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that a mass addition part 430 is provided to adjust the center of gravity of the electric guitar 401 in the lateral direction D2.
[0029] In the fourth embodiment, a mass-adding portion 430 is provided on the bottom portion 25 of the body 405. The mass-adding portion 430 is formed such that its mass gradually decreases from the outer edge of the body 405 toward the inside in the lateral direction D2 of the body 405. The mass-adding portion 430 is integrally formed with the back member 22. The mass-adding portion 430 has a tapered portion 431 on its front surface, the thickness of which gradually decreases from the outer edge of the body 405 toward the inside of the body 405. More specifically, the tapered portion 431 is inclined such that the front surface facing the top member 21 is positioned toward the back plate 23 side as it moves inward from the outer edge of the body 405. As a result, in a cross-sectional view along the lateral direction D2, the mass-adding portion 430 is formed in a gently curved shape that is recessed toward the rear (towards the back plate 23 side).
[0030] According to the fourth embodiment, the center of gravity of the electric guitar 401 in the lateral direction D2 can be adjusted by providing the mass-adding part 430. Therefore, the center of gravity of the electric guitar 401 can be adjusted with greater precision, reducing discomfort for the player. Furthermore, by providing the mass-adding part 430 near the bottom part 25, the center of gravity in the vertical direction D1 can also be adjusted. Therefore, the versatility of the mass-adding part 430 can be increased.
[0031] Although the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the embodiments described above, the mass-adding portions 30, 230, 330, and 430 are configured to have a tapered portion 31 or a stepped portion 233, resulting in a gradual decrease in mass, but the invention is not limited to this. The mass-adding portion 30 may be formed such that its density decreases as it moves from the bottom portion 25 towards the center of the body 5. In this case, the mass-adding portion 30 may be formed by combining multiple materials with different densities, such as a material combining resin and metal, or a material combining wood and metal. Alternatively, members of the same material but with different densities may be combined. Specifically, for example, the mass-adding portion 30 may be formed such that the portion of the mass-adding portion 30 closer to the center of the body 5 has a larger cavity (or weight-reducing portion, etc.). These configurations may be combined with the configuration of the tapered portion 31 or stepped portion 233 described above.
[0032] The shape of the electric guitar 1 and the shape of the mass-adding part 30 are not limited to the shapes of the embodiments described above. The back plate 23 and the side plate 24 may be constructed as separate components. The mass-adding portion 30 may be connected to the side plate 24 or the back plate 23, for example, by adhesive.
[0033] In the embodiments described above, the electric guitar 1 was given as an example of a stringed instrument, but the configuration of the present invention may be applied to stringed instruments other than the electric guitar 1. For example, the configuration of the present invention may be applied to instruments such as bass guitars, acoustic guitars, classical guitars, violoncello da spalla, mandolins, lutes, ukuleles, balalaikas, and bouzoukis. Furthermore, it may be an instrument other than a stringed instrument, as long as it is held by the performer using a strap. For example, the configuration of the present invention may be applied to instruments such as brass instruments, percussion instruments, and keyboards. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0034] 1, 201, 301, 401... Electric guitar (stringed instrument, musical instrument), 3... Neck (weight part), 5, 205, 305, 405... Body (main body part), 23... Back plate, 24... Side plate, 25... Bottom part (other end), 28... Raised extension part (sounding bar), 30, 230, 330, 430... Mass-adding part, 31, 431... Tapered part, 233... Stepped part.
Claims
1. It has a body that is connected to the neck, The body is a stringed instrument having a mass-adding section in which the mass of the bottom section located opposite the end to which the neck is connected gradually decreases as it moves toward the center of the body.
2. The body has a back plate and side plates, The stringed instrument according to claim 1, wherein the mass-adding portion is provided integrally with at least one of the back plate and the side plate.
3. The stringed instrument according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mass-adding portion has a tapered portion whose thickness gradually decreases from the bottom portion toward the central portion.
4. The stringed instrument according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mass-adding portion has a stepped portion in which the thickness decreases in stages from the bottom portion toward the central portion.
5. The stringed instrument according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mass-adding portion is formed such that its density decreases from the bottom portion toward the central portion.
6. In the width direction intersecting the arrangement direction of the body and the neck, The stringed instrument according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the widthwise dimension of the mass-adding portion is greater than the widthwise dimension of the neck.
7. The stringed instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mass-adding portion is provided in a position that overlaps with a part of the sound rib provided on the body in the longitudinal direction along the alignment direction of the body and the neck.
8. A main body having a weighted section at one end, A mass-adding portion is provided at the other end of the main body portion, which is located on the opposite side from the weight portion, Equipped with, The aforementioned mass-adding portion is formed such that the mass at the other end gradually decreases as it moves towards the center of the main body.