Portable musical instrument

Abstract

The invention relates to a musical instrument, in particular a keyboard instrument, comprising a supporting frame, a plurality of strings which are tensioned on the supporting frame, an actuation mechanism and a key arrangement having a plurality of keys for playing the strings through the actuation mechanism to produce sounds. The keyboard instrument according to the invention provides a musical experience as it is known from e.g. pianos while being more compactly constructed to take up less space.

Description

[0001] Portable musical instrument

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a musical instrument, in particular a keyboard instrument, comprising a supporting frame, a plurality of strings which are tensioned on the supporting frame, an actuation mechanism and a key arrangement having a plurality of keys for playing the strings through the actuation mechanism to produce sounds.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Musical instruments which belong to the technical field mentioned above have been known for a while. Examples of such instruments include pianos, grand pianos and harpsichords, which are all keyboard instruments.

[0006] Such known musical instruments have the disadvantage that they take up a lot of space. More compact keyboard instruments, such as synthesizers or digital pianos, are known but do not provide the same musical experience as the one known from, for example, pianos, grand pianos or harpsichords.

[0007] Summary of the invention

[0008] The goal of the invention is to create a musical instrument belonging to the technical field mentioned above, which provides a similar musical experience as known from pianos, grand pianos, harpsichords, etc. i.e. still using physical strings for analogue sound generation, but may be constructed very compactly and thus takes up significantly less space than the original ones.

[0009] The solution to the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the musical instrument, in particular a keyboard instrument, comprises a frame, comprising a longitudinal axis, a transversal axis and a vertical axis, which axes are orthogonal with respect to one another, multiple strings, which are tensioned to the frame, an actuation mechanism, comprising multiple actuation units, and a key arrangement, comprising multiple keys for playing the strings, which keys are arranged parallel to one another along the transversal axis and wherein at least one actuation unit and one string are associated with each key, wherein upon actuation of a key the at least one string associated with said key is playable through the actuation unit associated with said key to produce a sound, and which musical instrument is characterized in that at least one of the strings extends at least partially in the direction of the transversal axis.

[0010] The musical instrument according to the invention may also comprise a housing, which housing comprises the frame or is connectable to the frame.

[0011] Each of the keys has an elongate shape which is oriented in direction of the longitudinal axis and each of the keys is being actuable in a playing direction along the vertical axis, preferably by pressing on an actuating area of a key, which actuating area is arranged on a first end of the key.

[0012] The keys of the key arrangement are each pivotably mounted about a pivot axis in order to be pivoted about the respective pivot axis when the respective key is actuated in order to play the at least one of the strings associated with the respective key in order to produce a tone, in particular the pitch of which is determined by the at least one string played and the tension with which the respective at least one string is tensioned on the supporting frame. Preferably, the pivot axes about which the keys of the key arrangement are pivotably mounted are aligned parallel to one another, particularly preferably coaxially to one another. Further preferably, the keys are mounted about their pivot axis on a second end of the key, which is essentially opposite the first end of the key, in which the actuating are is arranged.

[0013] When a key is actuated in order to play the at least one of the strings associated with the respective key in order to produce a tone, the movement of the key about the pivot axis is stopped eventually by a stopping element of the actuation unit associated with that key or of the frame. An actuation unit may further comprise elements, for example a spring or a counterweight, to move the key it is associated with back into its initial position after it has been actuated. Preferably, the keys of the key arrangement form a keyboard with 12 notes per octave. However, the keys may also be associated with the notes in a different way. The keys of the key arrangement may form an organ foot keyboard, a piano keyboard or other variants of keyboard.

[0014] According to the invention, the musical instrument comprises a key arrangement with a plurality of keys for playing the strings in order to produce tones. A tone here denotes preferably a sound event (as well as its auditory impression and mental abstraction) which is produced by musical instruments, the human voice or otherwise by means of an elastic body and to which a more or less exact pitch can be assigned. In the present case, by pressing any one of the keys of the key arrangement, the at least one string is played with which at least one string the respective key is associated, whereby a tone is produced by the musical instrument, the pitch of which is determined by the string played and the tension with which the respective string is tensioned on the supporting frame.

[0015] In that at least one of the strings extends at least partially in the direction of the transversal axis, the space required for the musical instrument in the direction of the longitudinal axis is reduced and a more compact musical instrument may be constructed. Preferably, the at least one string, which extends at least partially in the direction of the transversal axis, also extends perpendicular to the vertical axis.

[0016] However, since, using the musical instrument according to the invention, tones are produced by playing the strings through actuating the keys of the key arrangement, the musical experience provided is the same as is known from pianos and the like. The musical experience in this context comprises the acoustic perception of a tone produced as explained above as well as the haptic sensation, a person playing the musical instrument experiences from actuating the keys. The musical experience thus excites multiple senses at once.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the strings extends parallel to the transversal axis by which the musical instrument becomes even more compactly constructable in regard to the space required in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Preferably, all strings extend parallel to the transversal axis, so that a minimal space in the direction of the longitudinal axis is required.

[0018] In another embodiment, the frame defines at least 10, preferably 20, more preferably 30, even more preferably 37 string lines, which string lines run at least partially in the direction of the transversal axis, preferably parallel to the transversal axis, and are arranged along the longitudinal axis, and along which the strings are tensioned or tensionable. The string lines are staggered along the longitudinal axis and define the space for the strings to run within.

[0019] In a preferred way, along a single string line a plurality of strings is arrangeable coaxially to each other. This is in particular beneficial when the number of strings exceeds the number of string lines and allows for an even more compact construction of the musical instrument according to the invention. In this case, more than one key is associated with a particular string line and the strings that are associated with these keys are advantageously arranged in series one after the other along said string line. That is, preferably in this case, such a string line has different line sections, in each of which line sections the at least one of the strings associated with a different one of the keys is arranged. Equally preferably, the string lines extend parallel to the transversal axis.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, at least one of the strings is arrangeable in a distance along the vertical axis to the key arrangement, preferably arrangeable in a vertical direction below the key arrangement.

[0021] In advantageous manner, the key arrangement and at least one string are arranged on top of each other in the direction of the vertical axis. Hence, if the musical instrument is oriented with its longitudinal axis and transversal axis in a horizontal plane, at least one string, preferably multiple strings, is arranged underneath the keyboard if viewed from above. This allows for an even more compact construction of the musical instrument regarding the required space in the direction of the transversal axis. However, the space occupied by the musical instrument in the vertical direction preferably remains below a certain value, more preferably within 6 cm depth, so that several musical instruments may be stacked on top of each other like the individual manuals of an organ. In further advantageous manner, the length of an actuation unit along the longitudinal axis is adjustable to the distance along the longitudinal axis between a key and the at least one string associated with that key. In general, the actuation unit bridges said distance between a key and the at least one string associated with that key. In particular in that at least one of the string extends at least partially in the direction of the transversal axis and the strings are arranged along the string lines, which string lines are arranged along the longitudinal axis, the distance between a first key and the string associated with that first key may be different than the distance between a second key and the string associated with that second key. Hence, the length of the actuation unit in the direction of the longitudinal axis is adjustable so that an actuation unit associated to said first key may have a different length in the direction of the longitudinal axis than an actuation unit associated to said second key. Depending on the actual mechanism, this difference in length may be achieved through rockers, levers, rods, or other elements with varying length.

[0022] In one embodiment of the invention, at least one actuation unit comprises a compensation mechanism, which compensation mechanism compensates the influence of the distance between a key and the at least one string associated with that key along the longitudinal axis, so that the force required to actuate a key is essentially equal for any of the keys. Due to different lengths of the actuation units in the direction of the longitudinal axis as outlined above, the force to actuate a key and thus play a string to produce a tone may be different from one key to another. An actuation unit comprising a compensation mechanism provides for an equal force required to actuate any key, independent from its distance to the at least one string associated with that key. Such a compensation mechanism may comprise springs and / or a movable pivot axis about which part of an actuation unit, for example a rocker, pivots and / or balancing weights attachable to the actuation unit and / or further means to achieve this functionality.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the force required to actuate a key is adjustable. This may be achieved by an adjustable element implemented into an actuation unit, which adjustable element produces a force that acts in the opposite direction to the force required to actuate a key. Such an adjustable element may be a spring or a friction element or a damper or etc. This adjustability may as well be achieved by configuring the compensation mechanism to be adjustable.

[0024] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the frame comprises a plurality of bars, which bars extend at least partially along the longitudinal axis and are arrangeable on the frame, and wherein each of the strings is tensioned between two bars and the part of each string between those two bars defines the playable part of that string, and a surplus part of each string is connectable to a tuning unit to tune the tension of each string. Herein, the distance between two bars defines the length of the playable part of the string tensioned between those two bars, that is, the part which is played by an actuation unit associated with the key with which the string is associated. The tone produced by playing a string depends on, among other factors, the length and the tension of that string, hence, the distance between the bars influences the tone produced by playing that string. Starting from a first bar of said two bars, the playable part of a string extends towards the second bar of said two bars along a string line and continuing from the second bar, the surplus part of a string extends towards and is connectable to a tuning unit to tune the tension of that string. The surplus part of the string may run along the same string line as the playable part of that string, along another of the string lines or along any other line connecting the second bar and the tuning unit. Multiple strings are tensionable to a mutual bar.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the actuation units are hammer mechanic units, providing a piano-like musical experience.

[0026] In another embodiment, the actuation units are tracker actuation units, providing a harpsichord-like musical experience.

[0027] In advantageous fashion, the musical instrument comprises an electromagnetic pickup and / or a MIDI sensor. Such an electromagnetic pickup enables recording the vibrations of the strings played with the keys and thus vibrating strings and for outputting an electrical signal corresponding to the recorded vibrations. Furthermore, the musical instrument preferably comprises an output for outputting the electrical signals or output signals generated from the electrical signals. The output signals can, for example, be the amplified electrical signals. The output can be a headphone output, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the musical instrument comprises at least one MIDI sensor for detecting whether and when which of the keys is moved at which speed in the playing direction and is held moving in the playing direction, and for outputting corresponding MIDI data containing information on whether and when which of the keys is moved at which speed in the playing direction and is held moving in the playing direction. Furthermore, the musical instrument preferably comprises a MIDI output connected to the at least one MIDI sensor for outputting MIDI data output by the MIDI sensor.

[0028] Brief description of the drawings

[0029] For a more complete understanding of the invention and the advantages thereof, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, in which like reference characters designate like parts and in which:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a simplified top-view of a musical instrument according to the invention,

[0031] Figure 2 shows a simplified side-view of a key of the musical instrument as shown in figure 1 with an actuation unit configured as a hammer mechanic unit and a string associated with that key,

[0032] Figure 3 illustrates a schematical top-view of part of a musical instrument according to the invention, and

[0033] Figure 4 shows a simplified side-view of a key of the musical instrument as shown in figure 1 with an actuation unit configured as a plucker mechanic unit and a string associated with that key. Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0034] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic representation of a musical instrument according to the invention. This is a keyboard instrument 1 which has a key arrangement 2 with 88 keys 2.1 , ... 2.88. The arrangement of the keys 2.1 , ..., 2.88 corresponds to the arrangement of the keys of a piano. Furthermore, the keyboard instrument 1 comprises a housing 11 and a support frame 3 arranged therein. Several strings 4.1 , ... 4.88 are tensioned on this support frame 3.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a simplified schematic view of the keyboard instrument 1 . The keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 of the key arrangement 2 are shown with dashed lines to illustrate that the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 are shown transparent so it can be recognised, that some of the strings 4.1 , ... 4.88 are arranged underneath the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88. Furthermore, the support frame 3 is only shown schematically in a very simplified form as a rectangle but may as well have a different form. The arrangement of the strings 4.1 , ... 4.88 as shown corresponds to the arrangement in which the 88 strings 4.1 , ... 4.88 are tensioned on the supporting frame 3. The length of the 88 strings 4.1 , ... , 4.88 and the material used for the manufacturing thereof is designed to generate vibrations producing sounds similar to the ones of a piano. Some of the 88 strings 4.1 , ... 4.88, in particular strings configured to produce tones in a low frequency, can also be designed as double strings, like in a piano.

[0036] The keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 are actuated to play the strings 4.1 , ... 4.88 in order to produce sounds, whereby each of the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 is associated with at least one of the strings 4.1 , ... 4.88. Each of the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 has an elongate shape which is oriented in direction of the longitudinal axis 30 and each of the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 is being actuable in a playing direction along the vertical axis 50, preferably by pressing on an actuating area 5.1 , ... 5.88 of a key, which actuating area 5.1 , ... 5.88 is arranged on a first end of the key to play at least one of the strings 4.1 , ... 4.88 in order to produce a tone. The pitch of this tone is determined by the at least one string 4.1 , ... 4.88 played and the tension with which the respective at least one string 4.1 , ... 4.88 is tensioned on the support frame 3. The strings 4.1 , ... 4.88 are tuned as on a piano, that is by tuning unit (not shown) to which the strings 4.1 , ... 4.88 are connected, and associated with the respective keys as on a piano. In other words, the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 of the key arrangement 2 form a keyboard with 12 notes per octave.

[0037] The keyboard instrument 1 comprises an electromagnetic pickup 19 for picking up the vibrations of strings 4.1 , ... 4.88 played with the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 and thus vibrating the strings 4.1 , ... 4.88 and for outputting an electrical signal corresponding to the picked-up vibrations. In Figure 1 , only a single pickup is shown schematically as a rectangle with electromagnetic pickup 19. It is also quite possible that the keyboard instrument 1 has such an electromagnetic pickup 19 on each of the strings 4.1 , ... 4.88. The electromagnetic pickup(s) 19 can be designed and arranged in the same way as acoustic pianos with a headphone connection. In other words, such electromagnetic pickups and their arrangement are known.

[0038] Furthermore, the keyboard instrument 1 comprises an output 20 for outputting the electrical signals or output signals generated from the electrical signals. The output signals can be, for example, the amplified electrical signals. The output 20 can, for example, be a headphone output.

[0039] Instead of or additionally to the electromagnetic pickup(s), however, the musical instrument can also comprise at least one MIDI sensor for detecting whether and when which of the keys is moved at which speed in the playing direction and is held moving in the playing direction, and for outputting corresponding MIDI data containing information as to whether and when which of the keys is moved at which speed in the playing direction and is held moving in the playing direction. In this case, instead of the output for outputting the electrical signals or output signals generated from the electrical signals, the musical instrument may also comprise a MIDI output connected to the at least one MIDI sensor for outputting MIDI data output by the MIDI sensor.

[0040] As illustrated in Figure 1 , the strings 4.1 , ... 4. 88 are tensioned along string lines 6.1 , ...6.37. These string lines 6.1 , ... 6.37 are defined by the supporting frame 3, on which the strings 4.1 , ... 4.88 are tensioned. In some cases, two or three of the strings 4.1 , ... 4.88, which are associated with different keys 2.1 , ... 2.88, are arranged in series one after the other along the same string line 6.1 , ..., 6.37, that is, they are arranged coaxially to each other on the same string line. This allows the musical instrument to be constructed very compactly, as the strings 4.1 , ... 4.88 are arranged in a very space-saving manner. Figure 1 further shows only the playable part of the strings 4.1 , ... 4.88, which playable part is defined by the bars 25.1 , ... 25. n between which each string 4.1 , ... 4.88 is tensioned. In the embodiment as shown in figure 1 , the first bar 25.1 extends along the entire length of the frame 3 along the longitudinal axis 30 and a plurality of strings, but not necessarily all strings, is attached to it. The plurality of bars is arranged along the transversal axis 40 with the last bar 25. n being shown on the bottom right of the frame 3. The number of bars may also be smaller or greater than in the illustrated embodiment.

[0041] The keyboard instrument 1 also has a actuation mechanism for playing the strings 4.1 ,... 4.88. This actuation mechanism comprises several actuation units. Each of the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 is assigned one of the actuation units. When the respective key 2.1 , ... 2.88 is actuated in a playing direction along the vertical axis 50, the string 4.1 , ... 4.88 associated with the respective key 2.1 , ... 2.88 can be played by the actuation unit associated with the respective key 2.1 , ... 2.88 in order to produce a tone. The pitch of this tone is determined by the respective string 4.1 , ... 4.88 played and the tension with which this string 4.1 , ... 4.88 is tensioned on the support frame 3. These actuation units are explained in more detail below in connection with Figures 2, 3 and 4.

[0042] As already mentioned, the strings 4.1 , ... 4.88 are arranged in a distance along the vertical axis with respect to the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88. However, not all of the strings 4.1 , ..., 4.88 need to be arranged in a distance along the vertical axis with respect to the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88.

[0043] In the embodiment of the musical instrument shown in Figure 1 , the keys 2.1 , ..., 2.88 each have an actuating area 5.1 , ..., 5.88 and the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 of the key arrangement 2 are arranged essentially parallel to one another. For each of the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88, the playing direction is orientated in the same direction in space. In other words, the playing direction is the same for all keys 2.1 , ... 2.88. In the top view shown in Figure 1 , the playing direction is downwards from above the display plane perpendicular to the display plane.

[0044] Each of the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 of the key arrangement 2 is associated with at least one of the strings 4.1 , ..., 4.88, which respective string 4.1 , ..., 4.88, as shown in figure 1 , extends parallel to the direction of the transversal axis 40 and perpendicular to the vertical axis 50.

[0045] Figure 2 shows a simplified schematic side view of one of the keys 2.79 of the musical instrument shown in figure 1 with the actuation unit associated with this key 2.79 and the string 4.79 associated with this key 2.79. This illustration is exemplary for all keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 of the key arrangement 2 and the actuation unit associated with the respective key 2.1 , ... 2.88 and the string 4.1 , ... 4.88 associated with the respective key 2.1 , ... 2.88.

[0046] Figure 2 illustrates that the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 of the key arrangement 2 are each pivotably mounted about a pivot axis 7 to be pivoted about said pivot axis 7 when the respective key 2.1 , ... 2. 88 is actuated in a playing direction along the vertical axis 50 to play the string 4.1 , ... 4.88 associated with the respective key 2.1 , ... 2.88 in order to produce a tone.

[0047] In the following, the terms such as “down”, “downwards”, etc. may be considered as in a playing direction along the vertical axis while terms such as “up”, “upwards”, etc. may be considered as in a direction opposite the playing direction along the vertical axis 50. Accordingly, terms like “below”, “underneath”, etc. describe a relative position of at least two components with respect to each other, wherein a component being below another is arranged in a downwards direction of said other component and terms like “above”, etc. describe a relative position of at least two components with respect to each other, wherein a component being above another is arranged in an upwards direction of said other component.

[0048] Figure 2 illustrates, that the actuation unit in the present example is a hammer mechanism. In figure 2, the hammer mechanism unit 13 of key 2.79 is displayed as pivotable. The hammer mechanism 13 comprises a vertical lever 8, which is pivotable below the key 2.79 and which is connected to the key 2.79, a rocker 9, a hammer 14 and a damper 15. The vertical lever 8 is pivotably connected to a first end of the rocker 9. In its centre, the rocker 9 is mounted to the housing 11 to pivot about an axis 10. The axis 10 and the pivot axis 7 are arranged parallel to one another. When the key 2.79 is actuated by pressing down on the actuating range 5.79, the key 2.79 is pivoted down about the pivot axis 7. Since the vertical lever 8 is arranged underneath the actuating range 5.79, the vertical lever 8 is pushed down by this actuation as well. The rocker 9 is thus pivoted about the axis 10 through the vertical lever 8. Herein, the first end of the rocker 9 is being moved downwards. Through this actuation, a tension spring 12, which is arranged between the housing 11 and the first end of the rocker 9, is tensioned. A second end of the rocker 9, which is arranged at the end of the rocker 9 opposite to the first end with respect to the axis 10, is being moved upwards in that process. The hammer 14 and damper 15 are arranged at said second end of the rocker 9. Due to the second end of the rocker 9 being moved upwards, the damper 15 is being moved upwards and away from the string 4.79 so that it can swing freely. Further, the hammer 14 is being moved against the string 4.79 from below to play the string 4.79. The hammer 14 may be connected to the rocker 9 or it may be freely movable or launchable through the movement of the rocker 9 to play the string 4.79. As soon as the key 2.79 is released, the rocker 9 and the key 2.79 are being moved back to their initial position by the tension spring 12. Thereby, the damper 15 is again being lowered onto the string 4.79. In case the hammer 14 is connected to the rocker 9, it will also be lowered again. In case the hammer 14 is not connected to the rocker 9, the movement of the rocker 9 caused by the tension spring 12 creates a space underneath the hammer 14, so that the hammer 14 may move away from the string 4.79 and, driven by gravity, may lower towards the rocker 9.

[0049] In that the tension of the tension spring 12 is adjustable for different actuation units (22.1 , ... 22.88), the force required to actuate a key (2.1 , ... 2.88) is essentially equal for any of the keys (2.1 , ... 2.88).

[0050] Figure 3 shows a simplified schematic top view on a section of the keyboard instrument 1 , to illustrate the hammer mechanic units 22.72, 22.79 of the keyboard instrument 1. The illustration is essentially an extract of the representation depicted in figure 1. However, in figure 3 only keys 2.72, 2.79 of the key arrangement 2, which represent an octave, are shown. Herein, for the two keys 2.72, 2.79 the hammer mechanic units 22.72, 22.79 associated to the respective keys 2.72, 2.79 are shown. Furthermore, according to figure 3 only two strings 4.72, 4.79 are depicted to illustrate, in which way the hammer mechanic units 22.72, 22.79 are arranged underneath the keys 2.72, 2.79 to play the strings 4.72, 4.79 associated with the keys 2.72, 2.79. This illustrates how the strings 4.1 , ...4.88, arranged underneath the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 may be played.

[0051] The strings 4.1 , ... 4.88 are arranged along the string lines 6.1 , ... 6.37. Thereby the string lines 6.1 , ... 6.37 run parallel to each other. In that the rocker 9 of different hammer mechanic units 22.72, 22.79 is configured with a different length and in that the axes 10 are pivotable about different positions of the housing 11 , the different strings 4.1 , ...4.88, which are parallel to each other, can be played. This allows for a very compact design of the keyboard instrument 1 while the force required to actuate the keys 2.1 , ... 2.88 is essentially equal for any of the keys (2.1 , ... 2.88) due to adjustment of the tension of the tension spring 12.

[0052] Figure 4 shows, analogue to figure 2, a simplified schematic top view on a section of another embodiment of the keyboard instrument 101. However, the keyboard instrument 101 shown in figure 4 does not comprise an actuation unit configured as a hammer mechanic unit but as a plucking mechanic unit. Accordingly, the plucking mechanic unit 17 in figure 4 does not comprise a hammer but a plectrum 18. Such plucking mechanic units are known from harpsichords.

[0053] The invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed in the context of the figures. Further embodiments may be accessible for a person skilled in the art through the present description. For example, the key arrangement may comprise only 61 or 66 keys like in an organ. Also, the keys may be configured as foot pedals of an organ, in which case the key arrangement comprises 30 or 32 keys. Moreover, the compensation mechanism may comprise further means to compensate the force required to actuate the keys, for example counterweights or movable pivot axes. As a summary it is to note that a musical instrument, related to the initially mentioned technical are, is provided, which can be constructed very compactly and thus takes up very little space.

Claims

Claims1. A musical keyboard instrument (1 ) , comprising- a frame (3), comprising a longitudinal axis (30), a transversal axis (40) and a vertical axis (50), which axes (30, 40, 50) are orthogonal with respect to one another- multiple strings (4.1 , ... 4.88), which are tensioned to the frame (3),- an actuation mechanism (22), comprising multiple actuation units (22.1 , ... 22.88), and- a key arrangement (2) comprising multiple keys (2.1 , ... 2.88) for playing the strings (4.1 , ... 4.88), which keys are arranged parallel to one another along the transversal axis (40) and wherein at least one actuation unit (22.1 , ... 22.88) and one string (4.1 , ... 4.88) are associated with each key (2.1 , ... 2.88), wherein upon actuation of a key (2.1 , ... 2.88) the at least one string (4.1 , ... 4.88) associated with said key (2.1 , ... 2.88) is playable through the actuation unit (22.1 , ... 22.88) associated with said key (2.1 , ... 2.88) to produce a sound, characterized in that at least one of the strings (4.1 , ... 4.88) extends at least partially in the direction of the transversal axis (40).

2. Musical instrument (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that at least one of the strings (4.1 , ... 4.88) extends parallel to the transversal axis (40).

3. Musical instrument (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the frame (3) defines at least 10, preferably 20, more preferably 30, even more preferably 37 string lines (6.1 , ... 6.37), which string lines (6.1 , ... 6.37) run at least partially in the direction of the transversal axis (40), preferably parallel tothe transversal axis (40), and are arranged along the longitudinal axis (30), and along which the strings (4.1 , ... 4.88) are tensioned or tensionable.

4. Musical instrument (1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that along a single string line (6.1 , ... 6.37) a plurality of strings (4.1 , ... 4.88) is arrangeable coaxially to each other.

5. Musical instrument (1 ) according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the strings (4.1 , ... 4.88) is arrangeable with a gap along the vertical axis (50) towards the key arrangement (2), preferably arrangeable in a vertical direction below the key arrangement (2) with a gap towards the key arrangement (2).

6. Musical instrument (1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the key arrangement (2) and at least one string (4.1 , ... 4.88) are arranged on top of each other in the direction of the vertical axis.

7. Musical instrument (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of an actuation unit (22.1 , ... 22.88) along the longitudinal axis (30) is adjustable to the distance along the longitudinal axis (30) between a key (2.1 , ... 2.88) and the at least one string (4.1 , ... 4.88) associated with that key.

8. Musical instrument (1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one actuation unit (22.1 , ... 22.88) comprises a compensation mechanism (23), which compensation mechanism (23) compensates the influence of the distance between a key (2.1 , ... 2.88) and the at least one string (4.1 , ... 4.88) associated with that key (2.1 , ... 2.88) along the longitudinal axis (30), so that the force required to actuate a key (2.1 , ... 2.88) is essentially equal for any of the keys (2.1 , ... 2.88).

9. Musical instrument (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the force required to actuate a key (2.1 , ... 2.88) is adjustable.

10. Musical instrument (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (3) comprises a plurality of bars (25.1 , ...

25. n), which bars extend at least partially along the longitudinal axis (30) and are arrangeable on the frame (3), and wherein each of the strings (4.1 , ... 4.88) is tensioned between two bars (25.1 , ...

25. n) and the part of each string (4.1 , ...4.88) between those two bars (25.1 , ...

25. n) defines the playable part of that string, and a surplus part of each string (4.1 , ... 4.88) is connectable to a tuning unit to tune the tension of each string (4.1 , ... 4.88).11 . Musical instrument (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation units (22.1 , ... 22.88) are hammer mechanic units.

12. Musical instrument (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuation units (22.1 , ... 22.88) are tracker actuation units.

13. Musical instrument (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an electromagnetic pickup and / or a MIDI sensor.

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