Saddles and bridges for reducing longitudinal waves in string instruments

Abstract

A saddle for a string instrument comprises: a string contact surface comprising a first material; a saddle end surface comprising the first material and generally located opposite the string contact surface; and two opposing sides comprising a vibration-absorbing material different from the first material.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the configuration and structure of components of string instruments. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to saddles and bridges for reducing longitudinal waves in string instruments. Background Technology

[0002] String instruments, such as guitars (often also referred to as stringed instruments), generally consist of one or more solid or hollow resonating bodies made of wood or similar materials. A slender extension, typically called a neck, is attached to this main instrument body, to which multiple strings are attached, secured by adjustable pegs used to adjust the tension of the strings. The distal ends of the strings are attached to a bridge, which transmits the string vibrations to the body of the instrument to amplify the vibrations and make them audible.

[0003] The vibrating length of the string is determined by two fixed contact points perpendicular to the length of the string; one of these fixed contact points is near an adjustable locking pin, and the other is on the bridge. The string is stretched taut over these two contact points. These contact points on the bridge are typically saddles constructed from a hard material to which the string rests, often made of natural bone, ivory, or dense synthetic material, and are tightly assembled into elongated holes formed in the guitar's solid wood bridge. The musician produces sound by swinging or pulling this string. The pitch of the note played is determined by stopping the string against the neck, speaking, or changing the vibrating length and corresponding frequency.

[0004] When the strings of such instruments, such as guitars, vibrate, the motion can be described as the sum of two waveforms referred to by those skilled in the art as transverse motion and longitudinal motion. Transverse motion is characterized by the vibrating string moving in a direction perpendicular to or across the axis of the string when it is at rest. Longitudinal motion moves parallel to the axis of the string. In guitars or other stringed instruments, transverse waves are primarily responsible for the audible musical pitch. The frequency of transverse string motion can be intentionally adjusted by changing the tension of the string and the active speaking length. Longitudinal waves generally travel at a faster speed and higher frequency than transverse waves, and they are very difficult to adjust because pitch or frequency cannot be significantly changed by tension. Adjustment can be achieved by changing the composition of the string itself, altering the density or flexibility of the material, or by changing the overall length of the string.

[0005] The challenge to overcome when making string instruments is to maintain a balance of longitudinal and transverse motion through the length, size, weight, stiffness, tension, and pitch of the strings to prevent the two vibrational movements from interfering with each other and damaging the harmonious sound of the desired musical tone.

[0006] When an instrument is equipped with an electromechanical pickup sensor, longitudinal motion is particularly important and detrimental to the instrument's musical function. Piezoelectric crystals are often used to amplify such string instruments. These crystals are highly sensitive to vibration and respond to the vibratory motion of the saddle piece installed on the bridge. When an electromechanical pickup sensor is installed on the bridge of a string instrument, the electromechanical pickup system is particularly sensitive to the reception of longitudinal motion of the strings, which causes undesirable resonant frequencies and harmonic damage to musical frequencies imparted by transverse motion.

[0007] Existing techniques for balancing longitudinal and transverse waves involve changing the configuration and / or length of the strings. One method is taught by Harold Conklin (US Patent US3523480A), wherein the active vibration length of a piano string is fixed so that the transverse and longitudinal motions have related frequencies associated with a predetermined musically pleasing harmony.

[0008] Another existing method is taught by James Ellis (US Patent US5874685A), in which longitudinal and transverse waves are determined by changing the string configuration or articulation point from a piano hammer or harpsichord plectrum, and the resonant frequency of the longitudinal wave is canceled out by interference from the transverse wave.

[0009] However, these existing technologies cannot be applied to guitars. Unlike pianos, which use one or more individual strings to play each note, guitars are expected to play many notes on each string by changing the length of the transversely vibrating portion of the string when a player presses the string against a fret, continuously altering the relationship between longitudinal and transverse string vibrations, and preventing the use of previously taught methods. Therefore, there is a need in the industry for technology that reduces longitudinal wave-type audible effects in guitars and other fret string instruments. The problem to be solved

[0010] The present disclosure generally relates to stringed instruments, more specifically to components of guitars. means of solving the problem

[0011] One embodiment provides a string saddle comprising: a string contact surface comprising a first material; a saddle end surface comprising the first material and generally opposite the string contact surface; and two opposing sides comprising a vibration-absorbing material different from the first material.

[0012] Another embodiment provides a guitar comprising a neck; a body; a top; a bridge fixed to the top and comprising a slot having a slot end face and two side walls; and a saddle having at least a portion disposed within the slot, wherein the saddle has a string contact surface, a saddle end face generally facing the string contact surface, and two opposing sides comprising a vibration-absorbing material.

[0013] Another embodiment provides a bridge comprising a slot, wherein the slot comprises a slot end face; and two side walls, wherein the two side walls comprise a vibration-absorbing material, and at least a portion of a saddle is located within the slot, wherein the saddle has a string contact face, a saddle end face generally facing the string contact face, and two opposing sides in contact with the two side walls. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0014] In a manner that allows the features cited above of the present disclosure to be understood in detail, the disclosure briefly summarized above may be described more specifically by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope, as the present disclosure may allow for other equally effective embodiments. FIGS. 1a to 1g are various drawings of conventional birds. FIGS. 2a to 2g are various drawings of birds according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 3a illustrates a bridge in which an embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented. FIG. 3b illustrates birds according to an embodiment of the present disclosure arranged within a bridge. FIGS. 4a through 4g are various drawings of birds according to alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5a illustrates a bridge associated with a pickup system in which an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented. FIG. 5b illustrates saddles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure placed within a bridge associated with a pickup system. FIG. 6 illustrates birds according to an embodiment of the present disclosure arranged within a bridge. FIG. 7a illustrates a bridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7b illustrates birds arranged within a bridge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates other objects in which an embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0015] The present disclosure relates to a saddle and a bridge for reducing longitudinal waves in string instruments.

[0016] An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a modified saddle piece that, when inserted into the upper part of a bridge on which a string rests on a string instrument, attenuates longitudinal waves to prevent interference with desirable transverse motion. An alternative embodiment of the present disclosure includes a modified bridge with a saddle piece inserted therein that attenuates longitudinal waves.

[0017] FIGS. 1a to 1g illustrate various views of a conventional saddle (100) for string instruments. FIG. 1a is a bottom view of the saddle (100), FIG. 1b is an isometric view, FIG. 1c is a side view, FIG. 1d is another side view, FIG. 1e is another side view, FIG. 1f is another side view, and FIG. 1g is a top view.

[0018] As illustrated, the saddle (100) typically includes a string contact surface (102) on which a string rests. The saddle (100) also typically includes a saddle end surface (104) that contacts the bottom of a slot on the bridge into which the saddle (100) is inserted. The saddle (100) also typically includes two opposing sides (106, 108) that contact the sidewalls of the slot on the bridge into which the saddle (100) is inserted. The saddle (100) also typically includes two additional sides (152, 154) that contact the additional sidewalls of the slot on the bridge into which the saddle (100) is inserted.

[0019] The saddle (100) is generally made of a hard material such as natural bone, ivory, or dense synthetic material and is fitted tightly into the slot of the bridge. Generally, in order to amplify the vibration of the string and make the vibration audible, the vibration of the string of the string instrument is transmitted through the saddle (100) and through the bridge to the body of the instrument. However, in the case of the saddle (100) of the prior art, undesirable longitudinal waves are transmitted to the body of the instrument along with desirable transverse waves.

[0020] FIGS. 2a through 2g illustrate various views of a saddle (200) for reducing longitudinal waves in a string instrument according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2a is a bottom view of the saddle (200), FIG. 2b is an isometric view, FIG. 2c is a side view, FIG. 2d is another side view, FIG. 2e is another side view, FIG. 2f is another side view, and FIG. 2g is a top view.

[0021] Similar to the saddle (100) of FIG. 1, the saddle (200) typically includes a string contact surface (202) on which a string rests. The saddle (200) also typically includes a saddle end face (204) that contacts the bottom of a slot on the bridge into which the saddle (200) is inserted. The saddle (200) also typically includes two opposing sides (206, 208) that contact the sidewalls of the slot on the bridge into which the saddle (200) is inserted. The saddle (200) also typically includes two additional sides (252, 254) that contact the additional sidewalls of the slot on the bridge into which the saddle (200) is inserted.

[0022] Like the saddle (100), the saddle (200) is generally made of a hard, dense material such as natural bone, ivory, or a dense synthetic material. However, unlike the saddle (100), the saddle (200) is modified to include a vibration-absorbing material in parts (210, 220, 230, 240) of its sides (206, 208, 252, 254). As used herein, the vibration-absorbing material may include rubber, silicone, foam, plastic, or other types of vibration-absorbing material. More generally, the vibration-absorbing material has a lower density than the material making up the rest of the saddle (200).

[0023] Vibration-absorbing material can be added to the saddle (200) in various ways. In some embodiments, portions (210, 220, 230, 240) of each surface (206, 208, 252, 254) are cut or milled where they come into contact with the sidewall of the saddle slot, and are filled or overmolded with vibration-absorbing material. The outer surface of the vibration-absorbing material of portions (210, 220, 230, 240) is generally of the same height as the outer surface of the hard material of the remaining sides (206, 208, 252, 254) of the saddle (200). In an alternative embodiment, the vibration-absorbing material may be overlaid on portions (210, 220, 230, 240) without cutting or milling the original hard material of the saddle (200). In some embodiments, the vibration-absorbing material may extend continuously around the periphery of the saddle (200) to cover parts (206, 208, 252, 254).

[0024] When the saddle (200) is inserted into the bridge slot of the string instrument, the vibration-absorbing material of the part (220) serves to dampen the longitudinal waves generated in the string, while allowing transverse waves to be transmitted to the body of the string instrument through the saddle end surface (204) which does not contain vibration-absorbing material.

[0025] FIG. 3a illustrates a bridge (300) of a string instrument. The bridge (300) is typically made of hard wood, but alternatively, it may be made of other materials that vibrate with the strings, such as metal or plastic.

[0026] The bridge (300) has a slot (310) designed for a saddle. The saddle is typically fitted tightly into the slot (310) so that vibrations of the string are transmitted from the saddle to the bridge (300). The bridge (300) is typically attached to a string instrument, and vibrations are transmitted from the bridge (300) to the body of the string instrument. In some embodiments, as described below in relation to FIGS. 5a and 5b, a pickup may be mounted on the bridge (300).

[0027] FIG. 3b illustrates a saddle (200) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure disposed within a bridge (300). For example, the saddle (200) may be the saddle (200) of FIG. 2, and the bridge (300) may be the bridge (300) of FIG. 3a.

[0028] The saddle (200) is firmly fitted into the slot (310) of the bridge (300). The bottom surface or saddle end surface (204) of the saddle (200) in FIG. 2a rests on the bottom of the slot (310) and, since it does not contain vibration-absorbing material, maintains direct contact between the dense saddle material and the hard surface of the bridge. The portions (210, 220, 230, 240) of the saddle (200) in FIG. 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, and 2f are in contact with the sidewalls of the slot (310). In a specific embodiment, the saddle (200) is fitted into the slot (310) such that the portions (210, 220, 230, and 240) of FIG. 2a, 2b, 2e, and 2f extend at least a small amount over the top edge of the slot (310). In this way, the vibration-absorbing material covers all parts of the side of the saddle (200) that come into contact with the side walls of the slot (310). Generally, the string contact surface (202) of FIG. 2c of the saddle (200) on which the string of the string instrument rests protrudes upward from the slot (310).

[0029] When the saddle (200) and the bridge (300) are combined in this manner, the transverse movement of the string is easily transmitted to the top of the string instrument without being obstructed through the bottom of the slot (310). However, the vibration-absorbing material on the sides of the saddle (200) serves to absorb and dampen not only undesirable longitudinal motion but also other undesirable high-frequency vibrations that can interfere with the acoustic sound of the instrument. In this way, the use of the saddle (200) improves the sound of the string instrument in which the saddle is placed.

[0030] In a specific embodiment, the bridge (300) is equipped with a transducer, such as a piezoelectric transducer, at the bottom of the slot (310). As such, the saddle end surface (204) of FIG. 2a of the saddle (200) may be positioned over the transducer. In this embodiment, the vibration-absorbing material on the side of the saddle (200) serves to dampen undesirable high-frequency vibrations, such as longitudinal wave motion, while allowing desirable vibrations, such as transverse motion of a string, to be transmitted to the transducer via the saddle end surface (204) of FIG. 2a.

[0031] FIGS. 4a through 4g illustrate various views of different saddles (400) for reducing longitudinal waves in string instruments according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 4a is a bottom view of the saddle (400), FIG. 4b is an isometric view, FIG. 4c is a side view, FIG. 4d is another side view, FIG. 4e is another side view, FIG. 4f is another side view, and FIG. 4g is a top view.

[0032] Similar to the saddle (200) of FIGS. 2a through 2f, the saddle (400) includes a string contact surface (402) on which a string is typically seated. The saddle (400) also includes a saddle end face (404) that contacts the bottom of a slot on the bridge into which the saddle (400) is typically inserted. The saddle (400) also includes two opposing sides (406, 408) that contact the sidewalls of the slot on the bridge into which the saddle (400) is typically inserted. The saddle (400) also includes two additional sides (452, 454) that contact the additional sidewalls of the slot on the bridge into which the saddle (400) is typically inserted.

[0033] Like the saddle (200), the saddle (400) is generally made of a hard, dense material modified to include vibration-absorbing material in parts (410, 420, 430, 440) of the side (406, 408, 452, 454). However, unlike the saddle (200), part (420) of the saddle (400) does not extend along the entire length of the side (408). Rather, part (420) is interrupted by the original hard material section of the side (408) that was not modified to include vibration-absorbing material. In particular, part (420) is blocked by three sections of the side (408) that do not include vibration-absorbing material. This configuration of the side (408) is designed to accommodate a pickup. For example, the side (408) may face a pin that attaches the string to the bridge, and the bridge may be equipped with an electromechanical pickup having three sensors, such as piezoelectric crystals. The sensors may come into contact with a section of the side (408) that does not contain vibration-absorbing material, so that the lateral movement of the string is transmitted to the sensors without obstruction, as described in more detail below in relation to FIGS. 5a and 5b.

[0034] FIG. 5a illustrates a bridge (500) of a string instrument. Like the bridge (300) in FIG. 3a and 3b, the bridge (500) is generally made of hard wood, but alternatively, it can be made of metal, plastic, or other materials that vibrate in sync with the strings, such as guitar materials that can transmit the vibrations of the strings to the body of the instrument.

[0035] The bridge (500) has a slot (510) designed for a saddle. The bridge (500) is typically attached to a string instrument, and vibrations are transmitted from the bridge (500) to the body of the string instrument. The bridge (500) also includes an electromechanical pickup having three sensors (520). The sensors (520) may be transducers, such as piezoelectric transducers. For example, the sensors (520) may be part of a pickup assembly for receiving vibrations and converting them into electrical signals to amplify or record the sound produced by the strings. In some embodiments, a vibration-absorbing material is included behind the sensors (520) of the bridge (500).

[0036] FIG. 5b illustrates a saddle (400) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure disposed within a bridge (500). For example, the saddle (400) may be the saddle (400) of FIG. 4, and the bridge (500) may be the bridge (500) of FIG. 5a.

[0037] The saddle (400) is fitted tightly into the slot (510) of the bridge (500). The bottom surface or saddle end surface (404) of the saddle (400) in FIG. 4d rests on the bottom of the slot (510) and, since it does not contain vibration-absorbing material, maintains direct contact between the dense saddle material and the hard surface of the bridge. The portions (410, 420, 430, 440) of the saddle (400) in FIG. 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, and 4f are in contact with the sidewalls of the slot (510). In a specific embodiment, the portions (410, 420, 430, 440) in FIG. 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, and 4f extend at least a small portion over the top edge of the slot (510). In this way, the vibration-absorbing material covers all parts of the side of the saddle (400) that are in contact with the side wall of the slot (510).

[0038] The side (408) of FIG. 4b of the saddle (400) is positioned so that the portion not containing vibration-absorbing material, the portion blocking the portion (420), is in contact with the sensor (520). Thus, the remaining side of the saddle (400) in contact with the side wall of the slot (510) to attenuate longitudinal waves is covered with vibration-absorbing material, whereas the hard surface of the saddle (400) is positioned to contact the sensor (520) to transmit transverse waves from the string to the sensor (520).

[0039] Generally, the string contact surface (402) of the saddle (400) on which the string of the string instrument rests in Fig. 4c protrudes upward from the slot (410).

[0040] With the saddle (200) and bridge (300) combined in this manner, the transverse movement of the string is easily transmitted unimpeded to the top of the string instrument through the bottom of the slot (310) and easily transmitted to the sensor (520) through the section of the side (408) that does not contain vibration-absorbing material. However, the vibration-absorbing material of the parts (410, 420, 430, 440) of FIG. 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F serves to absorb and attenuate undesirable longitudinal motion that may interfere with the acoustic sound of the instrument and the sound signal when the instrument is equipped with an electromechanical pickup system containing the sensor (520). Using the saddle (400) in this way enhances the sound of the string instrument in which the saddle is placed, whether the plug is unplugged or through the pickup.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a saddle (650) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure disposed within a slot of a bridge (600). The saddle (650) may represent the saddle (200) of FIGS. 2a through 2f or the saddle (400) of FIGS. 4a through 4f. The bridge (600) may represent the bridge (300) of FIGS. 3a and 3b or the bridge (500) of FIGS. 5a and 5b.

[0042] The saddle (600) has a side (608) that includes a portion (610) containing vibration-absorbing material. As illustrated, the portion (610) extends slightly over the surface of the bridge (600) so that no part of the saddle (650) that is not covered by the vibration-absorbing material comes into contact with the slot sidewall of the bridge (600) into which the saddle (650) is inserted.

[0043] FIG. 7a illustrates a bridge (700) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] The bridge (700) is generally made of a hard material and includes a slot (710) similar to the bridge (300) of FIGS. 3a and 3b and the bridge (500) of FIGS. 5a and 5b. However, the side walls (720) of the slot (710) in the bridge (700) are covered with a vibration-absorbing material. For example, the hard material on the side walls (720) of the slot (710) may be cut or milled and filled with a vibration-absorbing material or overmolded. When the saddle is tightly inserted into the slot (710) of the bridge (700), the vibration-absorbing material on the side walls (720) of the slot (710) serves to dampen the longitudinal waves generated by the strings placed on the saddle, while allowing transverse waves to still be transmitted through the bottom of the slot (720) to the body of the string instrument. In an alternative embodiment, the vibration-absorbing material may be added to the sidewall (720) without cutting or milling any part of the sidewall (720). In this embodiment, smaller saddles may be inserted into the slot (710).

[0045] Additionally, in some embodiments, the bridge (700) includes a pickup system that includes a sensor such as a piezoelectric transducer. As such, the vibration-absorbing material may cover only the portion of the sidewall (710) that does not include the sensor.

[0046] FIG. 7b illustrates a saddle (750) disposed within a bridge (700) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the saddle (750) may represent the saddle (100) of the prior art of FIG. 1a through 1f, and the saddle (700) may be the saddle (700) of FIG. 7a.

[0047] The saddle (750) is tightly fitted into the slot (710) of the bridge (700). The side of the saddle (700) contacts the vibration-absorbing material on the side wall (720) of the slot (710).

[0048] With the saddle (750) and bridge (700) combined in this manner, the transverse movement of the string is easily transmitted to the top of the string instrument without obstruction through the bottom of the slot (710) (and in some embodiments, easily transmitted to the sensor of the pickup system). However, the vibration-absorbing material of the side wall (720) serves to absorb and dampen undesirable longitudinal motion that can interfere with the sound signal, as well as the acoustic sound of the instrument, if the instrument is equipped with an electromechanical pickup system. Using the bridge (700) in this way enhances the sound of the string instrument in which the bridge is placed, whether when the plug is unplugged or through the pickup.

[0049] FIG. 8 illustrates a guitar (800) in which an embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented.

[0050] In the example of FIG. 8, the guitar is an acoustic guitar in which the upper part of the guitar acts as an acoustic soundboard, but the elements of the present invention are equally useful when applied to an electric guitar or any other stringed instrument. The guitar comprises a body (810), a neck (820), and a headstock (830). Strings including strings (825) extend from the headstock, which is tightened to a preferred tension using a key (840), to a bridge (850) which is secured by a bridge pin (855) for each string (e.g., the bridge (300) in FIG. 3a and 3b, the bridge (500) in FIG. 3b, 5a and 5b, or the bridge (700) in FIG. 7a and 7b). A nut (860) is positioned at the end of the fretboard (865) adjacent to the headstock and controls the string spacing, the distance from the edge of the fretboard, and the string height of the first fret (870) of the fretboard (865). The strings are slightly spread out over the entire length and extend over a saddle (875) housed within the bridge (850). The saddle (875) may be the saddle (100) of FIGS. 1a through 1f, the saddle (200) of FIGS. 2a through 2f, or the saddle (400) of FIGS. 4a through 4f. The part of the string that vibrates to produce sound when plucked is the part extending between the nut (860) and the saddle (875). When the strings are pressed behind a fret, the strings stop or are effectively shortened.

[0051] While specific embodiments are described in relation to guitars, it should be noted that the technology presented herein may also be used with other types of stringed instruments. Although the foregoing relates to embodiments of the invention, other additional embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope of the invention, the scope of which is determined by the following claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A saddle for a string instrument, comprising: a string contact surface comprising a first material; a saddle end surface comprising the first material and generally located opposite the string contact surface; two opposing sides comprising a vibration-absorbing material different from the first material, wherein the vibration-absorbing material serves to dampen longitudinal waves generated by the string of the string instrument, the vibration-absorbing material does not come into contact with the string, and the first material allows transverse waves generated by the string to be transmitted to the body of the string instrument through the string contact surface and the saddle end surface; and two additional opposing sides generally perpendicular to the two opposing sides and comprising a vibration-absorbing material. Claim 2 A string instrument saddle according to claim 1, wherein the first of the two opposing sides comprises at least one first section comprising a first material; and a plurality of second sections comprising a vibration-absorbing material. Claim 3 A string instrument saddle according to paragraph 2, characterized in that two of the plurality of second sections are separated by a first section. Claim 4 A string instrument saddle characterized in that, in paragraph 2, a plurality of first sides are pin sides of the saddle. Claim 5 A string instrument saddle according to claim 1, characterized in that a vibration-absorbing material is disposed in a depression within a first material on at least one of two opposing sides. Claim 6 A string instrument saddle according to claim 5, characterized in that the outer surface of the vibration-absorbing material generally has the same height as the outer surface of the first material on at least one side. Claim 7 A string instrument saddle according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibration-absorbing material is selected from rubber, silicone, plastic, or foam. Claim 8 A string instrument saddle according to claim 1, characterized in that the density of the vibration-absorbing material is smaller than the density of the first material. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 A string instrument saddle according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibration-absorbing material extends continuously around two opposing sides and two additional opposing sides. Claim 11 A guitar comprising: a neck; a body; a top; a bridge fixed to the top and including a slot having a slot end face and two side walls; and a saddle having at least a portion disposed within the slot, wherein the saddle comprises a string contact surface, a saddle end face generally facing the string contact surface, two opposing sides having a vibration-absorbing material, and two additional opposing sides generally perpendicular to the two opposing sides and having a vibration-absorbing material, wherein the vibration-absorbing material serves to dampen longitudinal waves generated by the strings of the string instrument, the vibration-absorbing material does not come into contact with the strings, and the first material allows transverse waves generated by the strings to be transmitted to the body of the string instrument through the string contact surface and the saddle end face. Claim 12 The other according to claim 11, further comprising at least one first transducer located on the side wall of the slot, wherein the first transducer has a transducer contact surface that contacts a section of one of the two opposing sides of the bird, and the section of the side comprises a material that is not a vibration-absorbing material. Claim 13 In claim 11, the first side of the two opposing sides is characterized by comprising at least one first section comprising a first material; and a plurality of second sections comprising a vibration-absorbing material. Claim 14 In paragraph 12, the other is characterized in that two of the plurality of second sections are separated by a first section. Claim 15 In Clause 12, the first aspect is characterized as being the fin side of the birds. Claim 16 In claim 11, the vibration-absorbing material is disposed in a depression within the first material on at least one of the two opposing sides. Claim 17 In paragraph 16, the outer surface of the vibration-absorbing material is generally characterized by having the same height as the outer surface of the first material on at least one side. Claim 18 In paragraph 11, the vibration-absorbing material is characterized by being selected from rubber, silicone, plastic, or foam. Claim 19 In paragraph 11, the other is characterized in that the density of the vibration-absorbing material is smaller than the density of the first material. Claim 20 delete

Images