Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
084314000 | Finger boards and frets | 27 |
20080271587 | Fret Dressing Mask - Fret Dressing Masks: In the manufacturing of guitars and other fretted stringed instruments, it is necessary to file level, after installation, the 20 or more metal frets which are inserted across the wood neck. This is not a job which can be performed by machines and requires the hand work of instrument craftsmen. To accomplish this operation without damaging the neck of the instrument, several layers of paper masking tape have historically been applied. This is a time consuming, expensive process. Fret Dressing Masks are a disposable tool, approximately twenty-two inches long, cut from thick vinyl, and have slots/windows-cut and registered to fit around the frets. In one motion, they are applied to protect the neck instead of masking tape. This process takes less than two minutes, which is one tenth of the time of the current task. Once the filing process is complete, the Fret Dressing Masks can be removed in seconds. Thirty or more minutes total can be saved in the manufacturing of fretted instrument necks, thus saving time and labor costs. | 11-06-2008 |
20090056520 | Fret and fingerboard for stringed instruments - A fret and fret board assembly for a stringed instrument provide increased fret stability and serve to increase the duration of fretted notes played on the instrument. Each fret includes a string-engageable cap, a relatively high-mass tang or resonation bar which fits snugly within a mating groove in the fret board and a pair of wings which extend outwardly in opposite directions from the cap and tang and engage the fret board to provide additional stability to the fret and further add to the mass of the fret. The tang preferably has a relatively large outer perimeter so that the interface between the fret board and each of the tang and wings is generally increased. The tang is preferably configured for installation and removal by sliding the fret lengthwise in and out of the groove. The fret board may include reinforcing rods. | 03-05-2009 |
20090071314 | STRINGED INSTRUMENT FINGERING GUIDE - An apparatus for a stringed instrument includes a replacement finger board for non-intrusive placement over an existing finger board that includes a plate having a top end and a bottom end. The plate has a varying thickness along the longitudinal length of a main axis connecting the top end and the bottom end, the thickness decreasing lengthwise from a first thickness at the first end of the plate to a second thickness at a second end of the plate. | 03-19-2009 |
20090114076 | Device for String Instruments - A device for string instruments comprising a fretboard with a plurality of frets, arranged at a distance from each other along the lengthwise direction of the fretboard and running transversely across the fretboard. Over the fretboard, at right angles to and above the frets, are lengthwise tensioned strings ( | 05-07-2009 |
20090120266 | Apparatus For Converting Fretless Fingerboard To Fretted Fingerboard On A Musical Instrument - An apparatus for converting a stringed musical instrument with a non fretted fingerboard board to a fretted fingerboard in which the instrument comprises a neck, a plurality of strings extending across said neck, a fingerboard on said neck having a front surface which is selectively engagable by depression of said strings for selective generation of desired sounds when said strings are physically engaged and vibrated, a sound generating chamber or sound pick up area for generating and/or amplifying sounds responsive to vibration of said strings wherein said apparatus comprises an elongate strip shaped to fit over said front surface of the finger board, said strip having a front side including a plurality of raised frets extending perpendicular to the length of the strings and the rear side including adhesive material and being attachable to the front surface of the fingerboard. The strip comprises a bottom plastic layer and each fret is formed from a filament positioned on upon the front surface of said bottom layer at desired spaced intervals along the strip, and a transparent plastic film layer is positioned over said filaments to secure them in place. Alternately, filaments may be embedded in the strip. | 05-14-2009 |
20090188371 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR STRINGED CONTROLLERS AND/OR INSTRUMENTS - Stringed instruments, game controllers, and related structures and methods are described. A game controller having one or more strings is described for a computer gaming application. Output signals may be sent from the controller to the gaming application indicative of fingering of the game controller and the time at which the strings of the game controller are struck. Multi-mode apparatus are also described. A stringed apparatus may be used as both a game controller and an instrument. Bracing structures and methods are also described for bracing stringed apparatus, such as stringed game controllers and instruments. | 07-30-2009 |
20090272248 | String Instrument Frets and Associated Fret Optical Apparatus - An instrument comprising a body, a neck and a plurality of strings. The neck comprises a first end having a headstock, a fretboard, at least one mineral fret coupled to the fretboard, and a second end one of coupled and integrated to the body. The mineral fret may be generally transparent. | 11-05-2009 |
20100064878 | STRINGED INSTRUMENT HAVING COMPONENTS MADE FROM GLASS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLING THE SAME - A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, having components made from glass, and methods of manufacturing and assembling the same are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides for manufacturing a glass fretboard, manufacturing glass frets, assembling the glass frets to the fretboard, and assembling the fretboard to the neck of the stringed instrument. In addition to the fretboard and frets, other components of the stringed instrument may also be made from glass. For example, the present invention further provides a method for manufacturing glass saddles and top nuts to allow the strings of the stringed instrument to substantially entirely contact glass. This produces a clean, crisp sound and overcomes the problem of generating an inferior sound that results from the imperfections found in natural wood components, for example. | 03-18-2010 |
20100122621 | DIATONIC MAPPING SYSTEM OF THE GUITAR FRETBOARD - A mapping system consisting of a set of diagrams delineating and identifying the diatonic arrangement of tones on the guitar fretboard based upon the principal of radial symmetry providing musicians with a way of finding notes on the guitar fretboard and understanding their diatonic relationships. These maps comprise several views of the diatonic system on the fretboard which take into account the varying position of the entire system of notes in each diatonic key. A framework of Zones and String Groups is laid out in a manner similar to a geographical map of the Earth which depicts the tones of each key as geometric configurations which are defined in terms of diatonic music theory. | 05-20-2010 |
20100186573 | String Instrument Frets and Associated Fret Optical Apparatus - An instrument comprising a body, a neck and a plurality of strings. The neck comprises a first end having a headstock, a fretboard, at least one mineral fret coupled to the fretboard, and a second end one of coupled and integrated to the body. The mineral fret may be generally transparent. | 07-29-2010 |
20110005367 | DEVICE AND METHOD TO DISPLAY FINGERBOARD OF MOBILE VIRTUAL GUITAR - Disclosed are a device and a method to display a fingerboard of a mobile vibration guitar in a mobile device, such as a cellular phone. A mobile device screen, such as a cellular phone screen, is too small to display a long fingerboard without causing difficulties when playing. The present invention is provided to display a whole fingerboard within a small screen of a mobile device without any difficulties when playing. A player may play the mobile virtual guitar by applying various playing techniques used to play the real guitar. The fingerboard is directly played with fingers on a mobile screen that is a touch screen supporting a multi-touch operation. Since a movement recognition sensor is attached inside the mobile device, and the fingerboard on the screen is synchronized with the longitudinal movement of the fingers, the fingerboard may move in the same direction and at the same speed as the movement of the fingers. The mobile device is equipped with the movement recognition sensor and the touch screen supporting the multi-touch operation. The fingerboard is displayed on the touch screen so that the player may play the guitar by pressing chords displayed on the touch screen with fingers. The touch screen displays the fingerboard according to the speed and movement of the fingers as the movement recognition sensor senses the fingers collinearly moved with the fingerboard. The whole actual fingerboard of the guitar is naturally displayed on a screen of a mobile device, such as a cellular phone having a small screen without an auxiliary device, and the player may play the mobile virtual guitar by applying various playing techniques used to play the real guitar. | 01-13-2011 |
20110239841 | Stringed musical instrument convertible between fretted and fretless playing configurations - A stringed musical instrument that is convertible between fretted and fretless playing configurations includes a body, a neck connected to the body at one of its ends, a fingerboard disposed on the neck, a plurality of movable frets spaced apart at positions along the fingerboard, a plurality of strings disposed above the frets, and, according to one aspect of the invention, at least one rod that extends through the frets, wherein the at least one rod is configured to function both as a spring and as a device for retaining the frets in the fingerboard. According to another aspect of the invention, at least one strip of material separates a metallic component of a fret adjustment device from another component of the instrument that is formed from metal, wherein the at least one strip of material is configured to provide permanent dry lubrication for the metallic component of the fret adjustment device. According to still another aspect of the invention, the fret adjustment device includes a plate member disposed in the body of the instrument and at least one cam rod extending beneath the plurality of frets, the plate member having at least one aperture disposed therein, wherein the at least one aperture of the plate member forms a passive connection with one end of the at least one cam rod. | 10-06-2011 |
20120090444 | Fingerboard for Stringed Musical Instrument - This design is a fingerboard with an integrated neck adjustment mechanism to correct both up bow and back bow of a stringed instrument neck with the added ability to eliminate additional bulk associated with conventional guitar neck construction. It includes a metal plate as the fingerboard. Attached to the underside of the plate is a neck adjustment mechanism. By integrating the neck adjustment mechanism with the fingerboard a shallower depth for a routed truss rod channel is achieved. The metal plate reduces fingerboard bulk yet provides the stability needed to resist the string tension. This design also provides the ability of three characteristics to be used in one instrument that current designs and construction methods cannot achieve: thin necks, full scalloped fret boards and dual action truss rod functionality. | 04-19-2012 |
20120297954 | Fret removal tool - A hand tool for removing frets associated with guitars, banjos and other string instruments. The tool has a handle with a blade extending therefrom. At a distal end of the blade is a slot wider than a tang of a fret and smaller than a top of the fret. The tool is slid under the fret, thereby providing pressure both to raise the fret and at the same time also against the wood surrounding the tang to prevent undue breakage of the wood during removal of the fret. | 11-29-2012 |
20130180379 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR NODAL FRET WIRE - The present invention contemplates a variety of methods, systems, and apparatuses for Nodal Fret Wire. Nodal Fret Wire is an enhancement to traditional fret wire that allows the creation of a node at any fret-string intersection on a stringed instrument when used in conjunction with a Node Creation Device. A Node Creation Device holds down a musical instrument string directly adjacent to and behind a Nodal Fret Wire. Mutually connecting parts on the Node Creation Device and the Nodal Fret Wire secure the Node Creation Device to the Nodal Fret Wire. The Node Creation Device pushes the musical instrument string down into contact with the crown of the Nodal Fret Wire. This contact creates a node, which a player of the musical instrument uses to form musical notes. | 07-18-2013 |
20130247744 | Stringed musical instrument with string activated light emitting members - A stringed instrument is equipped with an electrical conductor electrically connected to the frets mounted in the fretboard of said stringed instrument. Said stringed instrument is also equipped with a power source, light emitting members in electrical contact with the strings of the instrument (in one embodiment light emitting diodes) and electrical conductors electrically connecting together the components of the invention. By means of pressing down anyone of the strings capable of transmitting electric current against anyone of the frets capable of transmitting electric current connected to the electrical circuit comprised of said electrical components, said circuit closes and the light emitting member(s) associated with the string that is pressed down against the fret is lit. Preferably each string of the stringed instrument has at least one specific light emitting member connected to it. | 09-26-2013 |
20130298746 | Convertible fret board - The convertible fret board is an independent fret board that can be inserted or removed from between the strings and permanent fret board of a slide style arranged string instrument. When installed, it raises the frets near to the strings, thus allowing finger style mote selection. When removed, slide style note selection is played. | 11-14-2013 |
20140216230 | Adjustable Zero Fret and Method of Use on a Stringed Instrument - An apparatus and method of varying the tonal aspects of a string instrument such as an acoustic or electric guitar which is commonly provided with a body and a fret board on the instrument's neck. The apparatus includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is configured to connect with the fret board and to provide a base for the upper portion, The upper portion is configured to engage the lower portion. The upper portion is also configured to receive and support an instrument's strings. The upper portion is selectively movable relative to the lower portion by an operator to change the tonal nature of the instrument. | 08-07-2014 |
20140318345 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING NAVIGATIONAL MARKS ON A STRINGED INSTRUMENT FINGERBOARD - Systems and methods for providing navigational marks on a fingerboard of a stringed instrument are provided. An example system may allow enhanced navigating of a player on the fingerboard of the stringed instrument. The system may comprise the fingerboard of the stringed instrument. Strings may be attached to the instrument over the fingerboard. A note may be produced by stimulating a part of a string associated with the note. The part of the string may be called a note location on the fingerboard. The navigational marks may be disposed on the fingerboard in association with the strings to mark note locations on the fingerboard and thus facilitate finding the note location. The navigational marks may include a plurality of types, with each type associated with a note of an octave and having a specific shape. | 10-30-2014 |
20150082966 | Compani Fingerboards for Stringed Musical Instruments - Conventional stringed musical instrument fingerboards are constructed with a constant longitudinal slope, relative to the string, along the fingerboard's length direction. Fingerboards with variations in their slope along their length direction could improve playability by shortening the string-to-fingerboard distances. A variable slope fingerboard is suggested to improve playability at locations close to the bridge. | 03-26-2015 |
20100005944 | Compensated adjustable nut for a stringed instrument - A fully adjustable compensated guitar nut is claimed to allow the strings of a guitar to be separately and continuously intonated accurately and easily whenever necessary. The nut employs small adjustable saddles, equal in number to the strings of the instrument. A vertical adjustment screw allows for vertical adjustment of string height (string action) and accommodation of various fingerboard radiuses and a horizontal adjustment screw allows for adjustment of the distance between the nut and the bridge of the instrument, allowing for precise intonation. In addition to vertical adjustment screws, shims can be added under the saddles for further vertical adjustment. This adjustable compensated guitar nut allows for correction of intonation problems related to scale length, string elasticity, string gauge, variation in fret height, variation in guitar action (height of strings above the finger board), as well as finger pressure of the fretting hand (playing style). This system has been tested and has been found to correct intonation not only from the first to the twelfth fret but also from the twelfth fret on up even after complete intonation adjustment of the bridge. | 01-14-2010 |
20100050851 | Intonated nut with locking mechanism for musical string instruments - The present invention provides in combination, an intonated string nut and striun locking mechanism for a musical string instrument with a fretted fingerboard where the combination intonated string nut and string locking mechanism includes a string nut fulcrum and a string locking means, where each string nut fulcrum may have a varying linear position in relation to each individual string in order to provide the optimum compensation amount for improviun the consistency and production of in-tune musical notes during play for musical string instruments with fretted fingerboards. | 03-04-2010 |
20100236376 | INTONATED NUT WITH LOCKING MECHANISM FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS OF USE - The present invention provides in combination, an intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism for a musical string instrument with a fingerboard where the combination intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism includes a string-nut fulcrum and a string-locking means, where each string-nut fulcrum may have a varying linear position in relation to each individual string in order to provide the optimum compensation amount for improving the consistency and production of in-tune musical notes during play for musical string instruments with fingerboards. Also disclosed are methods of use of various embodiments for the intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism. | 09-23-2010 |
20100300260 | STRINGED INSTRUMENT FRETBOARD FOR USE WITH LIGHT-SYSTEM - A fingerboard (or fretboard) for use with a stringed instrument and light-system is disclosed and has a bottom surface adapted to mate or be attached to a neck of the instrument, and has wells extending from the bottom surface toward, but not through, a top surface. The wells are sized to receive a light-emitting device, such as LEDs, and are positioned along the fingerboard according to finger positions of the instrument. Illumination from the light-emitting devices is visible to a player of the instrument, however, when the devices are not illuminated, the fingerboard appears substantially as one made without the wells. The structure is useful for learning to play the instrument, while not appearing as a learning device. | 12-02-2010 |
20120118125 | STRINGED INSTRUMENT - Provided is a stringed instrument using frets, in which a low-pitched sound range is extended without changing the size of the main body and the sound range before the low-pitched sound range has been extended can be restored by using a capotasto. The stringed instrument comprises: a high-pitched sound string nut which is attached to an end of a fingerboard and from which a low-pitched sound string portion is removed; a low-pitched sound string nut attached at a position selected so that the string length from a saddle extends over the position of the high-pitched sound string nut; a new fingerboard provided over the area extending to the low-pitched sound string nut from the portion where the low-pitched sound string portion of the high-pitched sound string nut is removed; a minus-one fret and a zero fret newly provided on the fingerboard; and a board used for attaching a capotasto for always pushing the low-pitched sound string against the zero fret and provided on the headstock side in the vicinity of the high-pitched sound string nut. | 05-17-2012 |
20120160076 | INTONATED NUT WITH LOCKING MECHANISM FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS OF USE - The present invention provides in combination, an intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism for a musical string instrument with a fingerboard where the combination intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism includes a string-nut fulcrum and a string-locking means, where each string-nut fulcrum may have a varying linear position in relation to each individual string in order to provide the optimum compensation amount for improving the consistency and production of in-tune musical notes during play for musical string instruments with fingerboards. Also disclosed are methods of use of various embodiments for the intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism. | 06-28-2012 |
20140352518 | THREE STRINGED FRETTED MUSICAL INSTRUMENT - The disclosed musical instrument is a fretted musical instrument with three strings wherein the fretboard has frets ( | 12-04-2014 |
084314000 | Nuts | 7 |
20080271587 | Fret Dressing Mask - Fret Dressing Masks: In the manufacturing of guitars and other fretted stringed instruments, it is necessary to file level, after installation, the 20 or more metal frets which are inserted across the wood neck. This is not a job which can be performed by machines and requires the hand work of instrument craftsmen. To accomplish this operation without damaging the neck of the instrument, several layers of paper masking tape have historically been applied. This is a time consuming, expensive process. Fret Dressing Masks are a disposable tool, approximately twenty-two inches long, cut from thick vinyl, and have slots/windows-cut and registered to fit around the frets. In one motion, they are applied to protect the neck instead of masking tape. This process takes less than two minutes, which is one tenth of the time of the current task. Once the filing process is complete, the Fret Dressing Masks can be removed in seconds. Thirty or more minutes total can be saved in the manufacturing of fretted instrument necks, thus saving time and labor costs. | 11-06-2008 |
20090056520 | Fret and fingerboard for stringed instruments - A fret and fret board assembly for a stringed instrument provide increased fret stability and serve to increase the duration of fretted notes played on the instrument. Each fret includes a string-engageable cap, a relatively high-mass tang or resonation bar which fits snugly within a mating groove in the fret board and a pair of wings which extend outwardly in opposite directions from the cap and tang and engage the fret board to provide additional stability to the fret and further add to the mass of the fret. The tang preferably has a relatively large outer perimeter so that the interface between the fret board and each of the tang and wings is generally increased. The tang is preferably configured for installation and removal by sliding the fret lengthwise in and out of the groove. The fret board may include reinforcing rods. | 03-05-2009 |
20090071314 | STRINGED INSTRUMENT FINGERING GUIDE - An apparatus for a stringed instrument includes a replacement finger board for non-intrusive placement over an existing finger board that includes a plate having a top end and a bottom end. The plate has a varying thickness along the longitudinal length of a main axis connecting the top end and the bottom end, the thickness decreasing lengthwise from a first thickness at the first end of the plate to a second thickness at a second end of the plate. | 03-19-2009 |
20090114076 | Device for String Instruments - A device for string instruments comprising a fretboard with a plurality of frets, arranged at a distance from each other along the lengthwise direction of the fretboard and running transversely across the fretboard. Over the fretboard, at right angles to and above the frets, are lengthwise tensioned strings ( | 05-07-2009 |
20090120266 | Apparatus For Converting Fretless Fingerboard To Fretted Fingerboard On A Musical Instrument - An apparatus for converting a stringed musical instrument with a non fretted fingerboard board to a fretted fingerboard in which the instrument comprises a neck, a plurality of strings extending across said neck, a fingerboard on said neck having a front surface which is selectively engagable by depression of said strings for selective generation of desired sounds when said strings are physically engaged and vibrated, a sound generating chamber or sound pick up area for generating and/or amplifying sounds responsive to vibration of said strings wherein said apparatus comprises an elongate strip shaped to fit over said front surface of the finger board, said strip having a front side including a plurality of raised frets extending perpendicular to the length of the strings and the rear side including adhesive material and being attachable to the front surface of the fingerboard. The strip comprises a bottom plastic layer and each fret is formed from a filament positioned on upon the front surface of said bottom layer at desired spaced intervals along the strip, and a transparent plastic film layer is positioned over said filaments to secure them in place. Alternately, filaments may be embedded in the strip. | 05-14-2009 |
20090188371 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR STRINGED CONTROLLERS AND/OR INSTRUMENTS - Stringed instruments, game controllers, and related structures and methods are described. A game controller having one or more strings is described for a computer gaming application. Output signals may be sent from the controller to the gaming application indicative of fingering of the game controller and the time at which the strings of the game controller are struck. Multi-mode apparatus are also described. A stringed apparatus may be used as both a game controller and an instrument. Bracing structures and methods are also described for bracing stringed apparatus, such as stringed game controllers and instruments. | 07-30-2009 |
20090272248 | String Instrument Frets and Associated Fret Optical Apparatus - An instrument comprising a body, a neck and a plurality of strings. The neck comprises a first end having a headstock, a fretboard, at least one mineral fret coupled to the fretboard, and a second end one of coupled and integrated to the body. The mineral fret may be generally transparent. | 11-05-2009 |
20100064878 | STRINGED INSTRUMENT HAVING COMPONENTS MADE FROM GLASS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING AND ASSEMBLING THE SAME - A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, having components made from glass, and methods of manufacturing and assembling the same are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides for manufacturing a glass fretboard, manufacturing glass frets, assembling the glass frets to the fretboard, and assembling the fretboard to the neck of the stringed instrument. In addition to the fretboard and frets, other components of the stringed instrument may also be made from glass. For example, the present invention further provides a method for manufacturing glass saddles and top nuts to allow the strings of the stringed instrument to substantially entirely contact glass. This produces a clean, crisp sound and overcomes the problem of generating an inferior sound that results from the imperfections found in natural wood components, for example. | 03-18-2010 |
20100122621 | DIATONIC MAPPING SYSTEM OF THE GUITAR FRETBOARD - A mapping system consisting of a set of diagrams delineating and identifying the diatonic arrangement of tones on the guitar fretboard based upon the principal of radial symmetry providing musicians with a way of finding notes on the guitar fretboard and understanding their diatonic relationships. These maps comprise several views of the diatonic system on the fretboard which take into account the varying position of the entire system of notes in each diatonic key. A framework of Zones and String Groups is laid out in a manner similar to a geographical map of the Earth which depicts the tones of each key as geometric configurations which are defined in terms of diatonic music theory. | 05-20-2010 |
20100186573 | String Instrument Frets and Associated Fret Optical Apparatus - An instrument comprising a body, a neck and a plurality of strings. The neck comprises a first end having a headstock, a fretboard, at least one mineral fret coupled to the fretboard, and a second end one of coupled and integrated to the body. The mineral fret may be generally transparent. | 07-29-2010 |
20110005367 | DEVICE AND METHOD TO DISPLAY FINGERBOARD OF MOBILE VIRTUAL GUITAR - Disclosed are a device and a method to display a fingerboard of a mobile vibration guitar in a mobile device, such as a cellular phone. A mobile device screen, such as a cellular phone screen, is too small to display a long fingerboard without causing difficulties when playing. The present invention is provided to display a whole fingerboard within a small screen of a mobile device without any difficulties when playing. A player may play the mobile virtual guitar by applying various playing techniques used to play the real guitar. The fingerboard is directly played with fingers on a mobile screen that is a touch screen supporting a multi-touch operation. Since a movement recognition sensor is attached inside the mobile device, and the fingerboard on the screen is synchronized with the longitudinal movement of the fingers, the fingerboard may move in the same direction and at the same speed as the movement of the fingers. The mobile device is equipped with the movement recognition sensor and the touch screen supporting the multi-touch operation. The fingerboard is displayed on the touch screen so that the player may play the guitar by pressing chords displayed on the touch screen with fingers. The touch screen displays the fingerboard according to the speed and movement of the fingers as the movement recognition sensor senses the fingers collinearly moved with the fingerboard. The whole actual fingerboard of the guitar is naturally displayed on a screen of a mobile device, such as a cellular phone having a small screen without an auxiliary device, and the player may play the mobile virtual guitar by applying various playing techniques used to play the real guitar. | 01-13-2011 |
20110239841 | Stringed musical instrument convertible between fretted and fretless playing configurations - A stringed musical instrument that is convertible between fretted and fretless playing configurations includes a body, a neck connected to the body at one of its ends, a fingerboard disposed on the neck, a plurality of movable frets spaced apart at positions along the fingerboard, a plurality of strings disposed above the frets, and, according to one aspect of the invention, at least one rod that extends through the frets, wherein the at least one rod is configured to function both as a spring and as a device for retaining the frets in the fingerboard. According to another aspect of the invention, at least one strip of material separates a metallic component of a fret adjustment device from another component of the instrument that is formed from metal, wherein the at least one strip of material is configured to provide permanent dry lubrication for the metallic component of the fret adjustment device. According to still another aspect of the invention, the fret adjustment device includes a plate member disposed in the body of the instrument and at least one cam rod extending beneath the plurality of frets, the plate member having at least one aperture disposed therein, wherein the at least one aperture of the plate member forms a passive connection with one end of the at least one cam rod. | 10-06-2011 |
20120090444 | Fingerboard for Stringed Musical Instrument - This design is a fingerboard with an integrated neck adjustment mechanism to correct both up bow and back bow of a stringed instrument neck with the added ability to eliminate additional bulk associated with conventional guitar neck construction. It includes a metal plate as the fingerboard. Attached to the underside of the plate is a neck adjustment mechanism. By integrating the neck adjustment mechanism with the fingerboard a shallower depth for a routed truss rod channel is achieved. The metal plate reduces fingerboard bulk yet provides the stability needed to resist the string tension. This design also provides the ability of three characteristics to be used in one instrument that current designs and construction methods cannot achieve: thin necks, full scalloped fret boards and dual action truss rod functionality. | 04-19-2012 |
20120297954 | Fret removal tool - A hand tool for removing frets associated with guitars, banjos and other string instruments. The tool has a handle with a blade extending therefrom. At a distal end of the blade is a slot wider than a tang of a fret and smaller than a top of the fret. The tool is slid under the fret, thereby providing pressure both to raise the fret and at the same time also against the wood surrounding the tang to prevent undue breakage of the wood during removal of the fret. | 11-29-2012 |
20130180379 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR NODAL FRET WIRE - The present invention contemplates a variety of methods, systems, and apparatuses for Nodal Fret Wire. Nodal Fret Wire is an enhancement to traditional fret wire that allows the creation of a node at any fret-string intersection on a stringed instrument when used in conjunction with a Node Creation Device. A Node Creation Device holds down a musical instrument string directly adjacent to and behind a Nodal Fret Wire. Mutually connecting parts on the Node Creation Device and the Nodal Fret Wire secure the Node Creation Device to the Nodal Fret Wire. The Node Creation Device pushes the musical instrument string down into contact with the crown of the Nodal Fret Wire. This contact creates a node, which a player of the musical instrument uses to form musical notes. | 07-18-2013 |
20130247744 | Stringed musical instrument with string activated light emitting members - A stringed instrument is equipped with an electrical conductor electrically connected to the frets mounted in the fretboard of said stringed instrument. Said stringed instrument is also equipped with a power source, light emitting members in electrical contact with the strings of the instrument (in one embodiment light emitting diodes) and electrical conductors electrically connecting together the components of the invention. By means of pressing down anyone of the strings capable of transmitting electric current against anyone of the frets capable of transmitting electric current connected to the electrical circuit comprised of said electrical components, said circuit closes and the light emitting member(s) associated with the string that is pressed down against the fret is lit. Preferably each string of the stringed instrument has at least one specific light emitting member connected to it. | 09-26-2013 |
20130298746 | Convertible fret board - The convertible fret board is an independent fret board that can be inserted or removed from between the strings and permanent fret board of a slide style arranged string instrument. When installed, it raises the frets near to the strings, thus allowing finger style mote selection. When removed, slide style note selection is played. | 11-14-2013 |
20140216230 | Adjustable Zero Fret and Method of Use on a Stringed Instrument - An apparatus and method of varying the tonal aspects of a string instrument such as an acoustic or electric guitar which is commonly provided with a body and a fret board on the instrument's neck. The apparatus includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is configured to connect with the fret board and to provide a base for the upper portion, The upper portion is configured to engage the lower portion. The upper portion is also configured to receive and support an instrument's strings. The upper portion is selectively movable relative to the lower portion by an operator to change the tonal nature of the instrument. | 08-07-2014 |
20140318345 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING NAVIGATIONAL MARKS ON A STRINGED INSTRUMENT FINGERBOARD - Systems and methods for providing navigational marks on a fingerboard of a stringed instrument are provided. An example system may allow enhanced navigating of a player on the fingerboard of the stringed instrument. The system may comprise the fingerboard of the stringed instrument. Strings may be attached to the instrument over the fingerboard. A note may be produced by stimulating a part of a string associated with the note. The part of the string may be called a note location on the fingerboard. The navigational marks may be disposed on the fingerboard in association with the strings to mark note locations on the fingerboard and thus facilitate finding the note location. The navigational marks may include a plurality of types, with each type associated with a note of an octave and having a specific shape. | 10-30-2014 |
20150082966 | Compani Fingerboards for Stringed Musical Instruments - Conventional stringed musical instrument fingerboards are constructed with a constant longitudinal slope, relative to the string, along the fingerboard's length direction. Fingerboards with variations in their slope along their length direction could improve playability by shortening the string-to-fingerboard distances. A variable slope fingerboard is suggested to improve playability at locations close to the bridge. | 03-26-2015 |
20100005944 | Compensated adjustable nut for a stringed instrument - A fully adjustable compensated guitar nut is claimed to allow the strings of a guitar to be separately and continuously intonated accurately and easily whenever necessary. The nut employs small adjustable saddles, equal in number to the strings of the instrument. A vertical adjustment screw allows for vertical adjustment of string height (string action) and accommodation of various fingerboard radiuses and a horizontal adjustment screw allows for adjustment of the distance between the nut and the bridge of the instrument, allowing for precise intonation. In addition to vertical adjustment screws, shims can be added under the saddles for further vertical adjustment. This adjustable compensated guitar nut allows for correction of intonation problems related to scale length, string elasticity, string gauge, variation in fret height, variation in guitar action (height of strings above the finger board), as well as finger pressure of the fretting hand (playing style). This system has been tested and has been found to correct intonation not only from the first to the twelfth fret but also from the twelfth fret on up even after complete intonation adjustment of the bridge. | 01-14-2010 |
20100050851 | Intonated nut with locking mechanism for musical string instruments - The present invention provides in combination, an intonated string nut and striun locking mechanism for a musical string instrument with a fretted fingerboard where the combination intonated string nut and string locking mechanism includes a string nut fulcrum and a string locking means, where each string nut fulcrum may have a varying linear position in relation to each individual string in order to provide the optimum compensation amount for improviun the consistency and production of in-tune musical notes during play for musical string instruments with fretted fingerboards. | 03-04-2010 |
20100236376 | INTONATED NUT WITH LOCKING MECHANISM FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS OF USE - The present invention provides in combination, an intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism for a musical string instrument with a fingerboard where the combination intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism includes a string-nut fulcrum and a string-locking means, where each string-nut fulcrum may have a varying linear position in relation to each individual string in order to provide the optimum compensation amount for improving the consistency and production of in-tune musical notes during play for musical string instruments with fingerboards. Also disclosed are methods of use of various embodiments for the intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism. | 09-23-2010 |
20100300260 | STRINGED INSTRUMENT FRETBOARD FOR USE WITH LIGHT-SYSTEM - A fingerboard (or fretboard) for use with a stringed instrument and light-system is disclosed and has a bottom surface adapted to mate or be attached to a neck of the instrument, and has wells extending from the bottom surface toward, but not through, a top surface. The wells are sized to receive a light-emitting device, such as LEDs, and are positioned along the fingerboard according to finger positions of the instrument. Illumination from the light-emitting devices is visible to a player of the instrument, however, when the devices are not illuminated, the fingerboard appears substantially as one made without the wells. The structure is useful for learning to play the instrument, while not appearing as a learning device. | 12-02-2010 |
20120118125 | STRINGED INSTRUMENT - Provided is a stringed instrument using frets, in which a low-pitched sound range is extended without changing the size of the main body and the sound range before the low-pitched sound range has been extended can be restored by using a capotasto. The stringed instrument comprises: a high-pitched sound string nut which is attached to an end of a fingerboard and from which a low-pitched sound string portion is removed; a low-pitched sound string nut attached at a position selected so that the string length from a saddle extends over the position of the high-pitched sound string nut; a new fingerboard provided over the area extending to the low-pitched sound string nut from the portion where the low-pitched sound string portion of the high-pitched sound string nut is removed; a minus-one fret and a zero fret newly provided on the fingerboard; and a board used for attaching a capotasto for always pushing the low-pitched sound string against the zero fret and provided on the headstock side in the vicinity of the high-pitched sound string nut. | 05-17-2012 |
20120160076 | INTONATED NUT WITH LOCKING MECHANISM FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS OF USE - The present invention provides in combination, an intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism for a musical string instrument with a fingerboard where the combination intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism includes a string-nut fulcrum and a string-locking means, where each string-nut fulcrum may have a varying linear position in relation to each individual string in order to provide the optimum compensation amount for improving the consistency and production of in-tune musical notes during play for musical string instruments with fingerboards. Also disclosed are methods of use of various embodiments for the intonated string nut and string-locking mechanism. | 06-28-2012 |
20140352518 | THREE STRINGED FRETTED MUSICAL INSTRUMENT - The disclosed musical instrument is a fretted musical instrument with three strings wherein the fretboard has frets ( | 12-04-2014 |