Hybrid Acoustic Piano

Abstract

A hybrid acoustic piano, specifically a string-struck piano, this type of piano includes a number of strings grouped together, with three strings (1a, 1b, 1c) or four strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) of each group associated with one key, one of these strings (1a) being tuned at a pitch different from the pitch of the other two or three strings that are also tuned, and a mechanism in which, when the pedal is at rest, i.e. not pressed, and when the key is pressed, the hammer strikes at least two of the three strings (1a, 1b, 1c) or four strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) of each group that are also tuned (1a), and when the pedal is pressed, the mechanism shifts the hammer to the right, and when the key is pressed, three strings are struck, one of these strings being the string (1a) that is tuned at a pitch different from the pitch of the other strings.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] As described in the title of the present specification, the present invention, which is described in more detail and has the advantages and features implying novelty over the current state of the art in this field, relates to a hybrid acoustic piano that contributes to its intended use.

[0002] The subject of the present invention relates to a piano, specifically a traditional piano with struck strings, preferably a grand piano, without excluding upright pianos, which is characterized by having a mechanism for displacing hammers associated with a pedal, normally the left pedal, which, when the pedal is depressed, does not soften the sound of the key being played, but changes the timbre of the sound, and is for example modified in such a way that an accordion effect is produced, this is because at least a portion of one of the three or four strings associated with each key is tuned to a different pitch from the pitch of the other strings.

[0003] FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION The field of application of the present invention is dedicated to the manufacture of musical instruments, and belongs to the industrial sector that particularly focuses on the field of pianos. BACKGROUND ART

[0004] As is well known, one of the pedals of a traditional piano with struck strings, normally the left pedal on a grand piano, which is also called the soft pedal, performs a volume reduction function. For this reason, the hammer mechanism of the piano operates to be displaced several millimeters to the right, such that when the pedal is depressed, the hammers strike fewer strings, so the volume of the piano is lowered.

[0005] It should be noted that most piano keys correspond to a group of three strings struck by the corresponding hammer. This pedal is often used to soften the piano, but it is also used to adjust nuances of tone and sonority.

[0006] Furthermore, some traditional piano models typically include a group of four strings associated with a single key, usually for the highest note. However, in such cases, the hammer mechanism strikes only two or three strings from each group, depending on whether the diminishing pedal is pressed. The fourth string is not struck by the hammer, and is instead fixed to a different component than the other three strings, which are fixed at different heights. Therefore, its sound is solely due to a sympathetic vibration effect.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a new type of piano in which the same pedal system and associated mechanisms are used to displace the hammers, thereby replacing the sound-dampening function with an innovative function that converts traditional piano sounds into acoustic sounds, resulting in a hybrid instrument that can be played interchangeably in both modes.

[0008] Currently, many musicians are exploring new timbres and altering the tones and harmonies of their works. Therefore, this invention, which can enhance the diversity of piano sounds by adding new harmonies, is a proposal of interest to composers of any genre, especially jazz composers and musicians, contemporary musicians, and all improvisational performers.

[0009] Furthermore, considering the current state of technology, countless types and models of pianos are known, but at least the applicant is unaware of the existence of any other piano having the same or similar technical features as those claimed in this invention. [Overview of the project]

[0010] The hybrid acoustic piano proposed by this invention is configured as an ideal solution to the above-mentioned problems, and the distinctive features that enable and distinguish it are conveniently included in the last claim attached to this specification.

[0011] Specifically, as described above, the piano according to the present invention, preferably a grand piano, is distinguished by having a mechanism that moves the hammer associated with one of its pedals, usually the left pedal, and when the pedal is pressed, the mechanism is designed in such a way that, rather than weakening the sound of the key being played, it changes the timbre of the sound, for example, resulting in accordion tuning, because one (or at least part) of the three or four strings associated with each key is tuned to a different pitch than the other strings.

[0012] This invention is generally implemented in piano parts where each note has three or four strings, i.e., roughly from the 30th to the 88th key. The bass keys, roughly from the 12th to the 30th key, can also be tuned as proposed in this invention, although the new timbre in the bass keys is not as pleasing as the timbre in the treble keys.

[0013] Typically, in traditional pianos, when the pedal is pressed, the mechanism associated with the pedal shifts the hammer a few millimeters (2.5-3 mm) to the right. This causes the hammer to strike only two of the three or four strings associated with each key, rather than all of them. Since all strings are usually tuned the same way, this displacement results in a softer, or quieter, sound.

[0014] On the other hand, the piano that is the subject of the present invention, as described above, includes strings that are tuned differently from the three or four strings of each group connected to each key, and when the pedal is in a resting state, i.e., when the pedal is not pressed, when the key is pressed, the hammer strikes at least two of the same tuned strings from the strings of each group, and when the pedal is pressed, the mechanism moves the hammer to the right, and when the key is pressed, three strings are struck, one of which is tuned differently.

[0015] Therefore, in the case of a group of three strings, when the pedal is at rest, the hammer strikes only two of the three strings associated with each key, and when the pedal is pressed, the mechanism moves the hammer to the right, so that when the key is pressed, all three strings of each key are struck.

[0016] Furthermore, because the third string, which is struck only when the pedal is pressed, is tuned differently from the other strings, the resulting sound has a new timbre, such as accordion tuning.

[0017] Next, in the group of four strings associated with each key, when the pedal is not activated, each hammer strikes the first three strings from the left of the four strings, which are also tuned: the leftmost string, the two middle left strings, and the middle right string. When the pedal is activated, the mechanism moves the set of hammers to the right, so that each hammer now strikes the three strings located to the right: the two middle left and middle right strings, which are also tuned and have already been struck when the pedal was not pressed, and the rightmost string, which is tuned differently, while the leftmost string is not touched.

[0018] A feature of this invention is that the new timbre is produced only when the pedal is pressed, allowing the performer to comfortably play with a normal piano timbre in most works that use a piano timbre.

[0019] In this embodiment, the volume is not lost when the piano is in the rest position or when the pedal is pressed, so that the sound of the three strings for each note is the same as that of a traditional piano.

[0020] In this embodiment, a desired timbre can be obtained in each register because they are independent. For example, in the first register, the tuning pitch of the lower left string is lowered to 1Hz, 4Hz, or 8Hz. The same applies to the second register, where the tuning pitch is lowered to 1Hz, 4Hz, or 8Hz. Alternatively, if necessary, one of two similarly tuned registers can be left for each string to obtain a traditional timbre.

[0021] To this end, more specifically, the hybrid acoustic piano of the present invention includes a mechanism associated with a pedal, which moves a set of hammers so that the point of impact on the strings of each group of hammers shifts to the right by a displacement of 2.5 to 3 mm, and the displacement preferably affects at least the hammers in the higher register.

[0022] Optionally, in an alternative embodiment, for at least a group of three strings associated with each key, the mechanism is configured such that when the pedal is pressed, the mounting angle of the hammer for each key changes so as to strike the three strings.

[0023] At the same time, as mentioned above, the tuning of the rightmost string of each note in the high register of a piano, preferably a grand piano, is performed at a different pitch, preferably a pitch lower than the main pitch, preferably 4Hz lower than the main pitch. That is, the two-pitch tuning is performed with a difference of 4Hz, and the sound of the grand piano after this tuning is the timbre of a second grand piano. However, it is also possible to simulate the sound of a celesta with a pitch difference of 1Hz, or the sound of a French accordion with 8Hz, and since there is a difference of 4Hz, it is useful for simulating the sound of an Italian accordion.

[0024] Therefore, the change of register is effected by pressing the left pedal, whereby the mechanism moves the hammer to the right when the left pedal is depressed. When the pedal is not depressed, the two or three left strings, which are tuned the same, produce sound under normal pronunciation, and when the pedal is depressed, the three differently tuned strings produce sound.

[0025] In a conventional grand piano, when the pedal is not depressed, all three strings in each group produce sound, and when the pedal is depressed, the two right strings produce sound, which is completely opposite.

[0026] This significantly changes the functionality of the pedal. In known pianos, the pedal is used to make the instrument sound quieter when depressed, whereas in the piano of the present invention, the pedal is used to produce a new timbre in the grand piano, that is, a new acoustic sound. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For a complete description and to facilitate easier understanding of the features of the present invention, a series of drawings that form an integral part hereof are attached to this description, and these drawings are exemplary and not intended to be limiting.

[0028] [Figure 1(A)] It is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of three-string groups of various keys of a conventional piano on the corresponding hammers of associated keys, showing the arrangement according to the prior art, and showing the position of the hammer mechanism when the pedal is not depressed. [Figure 1(B)] It is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of three-string groups of various keys of a conventional piano on the corresponding hammers of associated keys, showing the arrangement according to the prior art, and showing the situation where the mechanism moves the hammer to the right when the pedal is depressed. [Figure 2(A)] It is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of three-string groups of various keys of the piano of the present invention on the corresponding hammers of associated keys, showing the arrangement of the string groups when the pedal is not depressed. [Figure 2(B)] This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of three string groups for various keys of the piano of the present invention on the corresponding hammers of the keys, showing the arrangement of the string groups when the mechanism moves the hammer to the right when the pedal is pressed. [Figure 3] A similar depiction is shown in Figure 2(B), in which, in one example of the present invention, the mechanism moves the hammer diagonally when the pedal is pressed. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of the conventional technology is shown again, illustrating that in this case, the groups of four strings for various keys of a conventional piano are placed on the hammer of the associated key, and the arrangement of the string groups is depicted by the position of the hammer when the pedal is not pressed. [Figure 5(A)] A schematic diagram of the arrangement of the four string groups for various keys of the hybrid acoustic piano, which is the subject of this invention, is shown, and the arrangement of these strings on the corresponding hammers of the associated keys when the pedal is not pressed is also shown. [Figure 5(B)] A schematic diagram of the arrangement of the four string groups for various keys of the hybrid acoustic piano, which is the subject of this invention, is shown, and the arrangement of these strings on the corresponding hammers of the associated keys when the mechanism moves the hammer to the right when the pedal is pressed is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] With reference to the aforementioned drawings, and with reference to the symbols used, non-limiting and exemplary embodiments of the hybrid acoustic piano of the present invention can be seen, specifically the arrangement and characteristics of the three- and four-string groups shown in some of its keys, as detailed below.

[0030] Accordingly, as shown in the drawings above, the hybrid acoustic piano of the present invention, in particular a piano in which strings are struck, includes a plurality of strings grouped by a fastener (2) for each of three strings (1a, 1b, 1c) or four strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) located on hammers (3) connected to keys (not shown) in known ways, and a pedal-associated mechanism (4) that moves the position of a series of hammers (3) relative to the group of strings by pressing a pedal (not shown).

[0031] Based on the known configurations described above, the piano of the present invention is, as an essential distinction, associated with one key with three strings (1a, 1b, 1c) or four strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) in each group, and one of these strings (1a) is considered the third string and the fourth string (1st string), respectively, and is tuned to a different pitch from the other two or three similarly tuned strings, and the mechanism (4) is configured as follows: When the pedal is in a resting position, that is, when the pedal is not pressed, pressing the key causes the hammer (3) to strike at least two of the same tuned strings (1b, 1c) from the three strings (1a, 1b, 1c) or four strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) of each group. When the pedal is pressed, the mechanism (4) moves the hammer (3) to the right, and when the key is pressed, three strings are struck, one of which is a string (1a) that is tuned to a different pitch than the other strings.

[0032] Referring to Figure 1, as can be seen, according to the prior art (Figures 1(A) and 1(B)), the type of piano described herein includes multiple strings, each consisting of three similarly tuned strings (1a, 1b, 1c) and corresponding to a hammer (3) connected to a key (not shown), and a mechanism (4) associated with a pedal (not shown), which, when the pedal is pressed, moves the hammer (3) laterally to one side, specifically to the right, so that each hammer (3) strikes only two of the three strings (1a, 1b) of each group (Figure 1(B)), and when the pedal is in the resting position, the hammer (3) strikes all three strings (1a, 1b, 1c) of each group again (Figure 1(A)).

[0033] As shown in Figures 2(A) and 2(B), the piano that is the subject of the present invention is distinguished by including, for each of the three strings (1a, 1b, 1c) located on several hammers (3) connected to the keys, a plurality of strings grouped by fasteners (2), and a pedal-associated mechanism (4) that moves the position of the hammers (3) relative to the group of strings when the pedal (not shown) is pressed. When the pedal is in the resting position (Figure 2(A)), the hammers (3) are positioned relative to the group of three strings (1a, 1b, 1c) such that each hammer (3) strikes only two of the three strings in each group (1b, 1c), specifically the middle string (1b) and the leftmost string (1c). The mechanism (4) moves the hammer (3) when the pedal is pressed, so that each hammer strikes the three strings (1a, 1b, 1c) of each group simultaneously (Figures 2(B) and 3). Furthermore, the two strings (1b and 1c) struck by the hammer (3) when the pedal is in the resting position are tuned the same way, while the third string (1a), which is also struck by the hammer (3) when the pedal is pressed, is tuned differently from the other two strings.

[0034] Preferably, as shown in Figure 2(B), the mechanism (4) is configured to move the hammer (3) to the right by its lateral displacement.

[0035] Optionally, as shown in Figure 3, the mechanism (4) for moving the hammer (3) is configured to apply angular motion to the hammer (3).

[0036] Preferably, the third string (1a) of each group of strings (1a, 1b, 1c) is tuned to a difference of 4 Hz from the main pitch to which the other two strings (1b, 1c) are tuned.

[0037] Preferably, the third string (1a) of each group of strings (1a, 1b, 1c) is tuned 4 Hz lower than the main pitch to which the other two strings (1b, 1c) are tuned.

[0038] Next, referring to Figure 4, as can be seen, in the conventional technology, in a piano where four strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) are grouped together, all of these strings are tuned the same way. In addition, three of the four strings (1a, 1b, 1c) are attached to a single fastener (2), and when the pedal is not pressed, these three strings (1a, 1b, 1c) (in the positions shown in Figure 1) are struck. When the pedal is pressed, the mechanism (4) moves the hammer (3), so that only two of these strings (in positions not shown) are struck by the hammer (3). In both cases, regardless of whether the pedal is pressed or not, the fourth string (1d) is attached to an independent fastener (2') and only vibrates in resonance without being struck. Furthermore, the four strings (1a, 2b, 1c, 1d) of each group (1) are tuned the same way.

[0039] In contrast, as can be seen in Figures 5(A) and 5(B), in the hybrid acoustic piano of the present invention, when a group connected to the treble keys has four strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), all of these strings are grouped together, and in each group, these strings are in the same fastener (2).

[0040] Furthermore, in the group of four strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) described above, the hammers (3) are positioned such that when the pedal is in the rest position, each hammer (3) strikes only three of the four strings in each group (1b, 1c, 1d), specifically the leftmost string (1d), the two middle left strings (1c), and the middle right string (1b). Next, when the pedal is pressed, the mechanism (4) of the piano of the present invention moves the hammers (3) so that each hammer strikes only three of the four strings, specifically the two middle left strings (1c), the middle right string (1b), and the rightmost string (1a) in each group simultaneously.

[0041] Similarly, in the piano of the present invention, the three strings (1b, 1c, 1d) in each group struck by the hammer (3) when the pedal is in the rest position are tuned the same way, and when the pedal is pressed, the fourth string (1a) to the right, adjacent to the two middle left strings (1c) and middle right string (1b), which is struck by the hammer (3), is tuned differently from the other three strings.

[0042] Preferably, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 5(B), the mechanism (4) is configured to move the hammer (3) to the right by its lateral displacement.

[0043] In any case, preferably, the fourth right string (1a) of the four strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) in each group is tuned to a difference of 1 Hz from the main pitch to which the other three strings (1b, 1c, 1d) are tuned, or to a difference of 4 Hz from the main pitch to which the other three strings (1b, 1c, 1d) are tuned, or to a difference of 8 Hz from the main pitch to which the other three strings (1b, 1c, 1d) are tuned.

[0044] Since the essence of the present invention and the methods for carrying it out are sufficiently explained, it is considered that those skilled in the art do not need to interpret the explanation in detail in order to understand the scope of the present invention and the advantages derived therefrom.

Claims

1. A hybrid acoustic piano comprising, for each of the three strings (1a, 1b, 1c) or four strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) located on the hammer (3) connected to the keys of the piano, a plurality of strings grouped by fasteners (2), and a pedal operating mechanism (4) that moves the position of the hammer (3) relative to the group of strings by the operation of the pedal operating mechanism, wherein the three strings (1a, 1b, 1c) or four strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) within each group are associated with one key, and one of these strings (1a) is tuned to a different pitch than the other two or three similarly tuned strings, and the mechanism (4) When the aforementioned mechanism is not in operation, pressing the key causes the hammer (3) to strike only the same tuned strings in each group. A hybrid acoustic piano in which, when the mechanism is in operation, the mechanism (4) moves the hammer (3) to the right, and when the key is pressed, three strings in each group are struck, one of which is a string (1a) tuned to a different pitch than the other strings in the group.

2. The hammers (3) are positioned relative to the group of three strings (1a, 1b, 1c) such that when the pedal operating mechanism (4) is not operating, each hammer (3) strikes only two of the three strings (1b, 1c) in each group. The mechanism (4), when the pedal operating mechanism (4) is in operation, moves the hammer (3) so that each hammer simultaneously strikes the three strings (1a, 1b, 1c) of each group. The hybrid acoustic piano according to claim 1, wherein the two strings (1b, 1c) struck by the hammer (3) when the pedal operating mechanism (4) is not in operation are tuned together, and the third string (1a) struck by the hammer (3) when the pedal operating mechanism (4) is in operation is tuned differently from the other two strings.

3. The hybrid acoustic piano according to claim 2, wherein the mechanism (4) is configured to move the hammer (3) to the right by the lateral displacement of the hammer (3).

4. The hybrid acoustic piano according to claim 2, wherein the mechanism (4) is configured to apply angular motion to the hammer (3).

5. The hybrid acoustic piano according to claim 2, wherein the string (1a) of each group of strings (1a, 1b, 1c) is tuned to a different pitch from the other strings of each group, and the other two strings (1b, 1c) are tuned to a main pitch with a difference of 4 Hz from the main pitch to which they are tuned.

6. The hybrid acoustic piano according to claim 5, wherein the third string (1a) of each group of strings (1a, 1b, 1c) is tuned 4 Hz lower than the main pitch to which the other two strings (1b, 1c) are tuned.

7. The hybrid acoustic piano according to claim 1, wherein when the group includes four strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), in each group these strings are held together by the same fastener (2).

8. In a group of four strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d), When the pedal operating mechanism (4) is not in operation, each hammer (3) is positioned to strike only the leftmost string (1d), the middle left string (1c), and the middle right string (1b). When the mechanism (4) is in operation, the mechanism (4) moves the hammer (3) so that each hammer strikes only the central left string (1c), the central right string (1b), and the far right string (1a) of each group. The hybrid acoustic piano according to claim 7, wherein the three strings (1b, 1c, 1d) struck by the hammer (3) when the mechanism (4) is not in operation are tuned the same, and when the mechanism (4) is in operation, the right string (1a) struck by the hammer (3) is tuned differently from the other three strings.

9. The hybrid acoustic piano according to claim 8, wherein the mechanism (4) is configured to move the hammer (3) to the right by the lateral displacement of the hammer (3).

10. The hybrid acoustic piano according to claim 8, wherein the right string (1a) of each group of strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is tuned to a difference of 1 Hz from the main pitch to which the other three strings (1b, 1c, 1d) are tuned.

11. The hybrid acoustic piano according to claim 8, wherein the right string (1a) of each group of strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is tuned to a difference of 4 Hz from the main pitch to which the other three strings (1b, 1c, 1d) are tuned.

12. The hybrid acoustic piano according to claim 8, wherein the right string (1a) of each group of strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is tuned to a difference of 8 Hz from the main pitch to which the other three strings (1b, 1c, 1d) are tuned.

13. The hybrid acoustic piano according to claim 9, wherein the right string (1a) of each group of strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is tuned to a difference of 1 Hz from the main pitch to which the other three strings (1b, 1c, 1d) are tuned.

14. The hybrid acoustic piano according to claim 9, wherein the right string (1a) of each group of strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is tuned to a difference of 4 Hz from the main pitch to which the other three strings (1b, 1c, 1d) are tuned.

15. The hybrid acoustic piano according to claim 9, wherein the right string (1a) of each group of strings (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is tuned to a difference of 8 Hz from the main pitch to which the other three strings (1b, 1c, 1d) are tuned.

Images