Dual-Surface Guitar Neck With Thumbboard for Expanded Playability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The shape and construction of guitar necks and string arrangement limit the participation of the thumb in playing, restricting reach and finger mobility, thereby limiting the ability to play certain notes or combinations of notes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an angled elongate thumb board along the neck, with dedicated strings and tuning mechanisms, allowing the thumb to reach and play notes more easily, enhancing playability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the traditional guitar neck design is used, then the structure is simple and familiar, but the thumb reach and finger mobility are severely limited
Solution Approach 1:
The neck is divided into two separate playing surfaces: the traditional fretboard for finger play and a new thumbboard for thumb play. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for its specific playing technique, with the thumbboard providing extended reach and mobility for thumb-based playing without interfering with conventional finger technique on the fretboard.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumbboard extends the playing surface into a new spatial dimension by protruding from the side of the neck perpendicular to the fretboard. This dimensional extension creates additional playing area that is accessible to the thumb while maintaining the traditional fretboard configuration for finger play, effectively adding a new layer of playability without replacing the existing structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the thumbboard is added to extend thumb reach, then playability is improved, but the neck construction becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The neck assembly is segmented into modular components: the base neck with fretboard, the protruding thumbboard with its own strings and frets, and the integrated bridge system. This modular segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of each component and simplifies assembly while providing the versatility of multiple playing surfaces with different string configurations and tonal characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumbboard is designed as a multi-functional extension that can be played independently with the thumb or in combination with the fretboard using fingers. It provides additional playable compositions and tonal ranges while maintaining compatibility with traditional guitar playing techniques, making the instrument adaptable to various playing styles and musical genres.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated strings and tuning pegs are added for the thumbboard, then tonal range is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The string and tuning mechanism system is segmented into two independent sets: one set for the fretboard with traditional tuning pegs and another set for the thumbboard with dedicated tuning pegs. This segmentation allows each string set to be tuned and adjusted independently, expanding the tonal range without requiring a complete redesign of the existing tuning system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding multiple strings to the traditional fretboard configuration, the invention inverts the approach by creating a separate thumbboard with its own strings and tuning mechanisms. This inversion allows the thumbboard strings to be optimized specifically for thumb-based playing and lower register tones, complementing rather than competing with the traditional string arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
A string instrument according to the principles of the invention includes a neck having two playing surfaces. One of the playing surfaces is positioned for easy access by the thumb. The surfaces can be fretted or fretless.