GB339690A - - Google Patents

Abstract

339,690. Magat, E., and Savage, H., (trading as Magat & Savage, E.). March 25, 1929, [Convention date]. Keyboard stringed instruments bridges; tuning - devices. - A stringed instrument comprises keys 10, Fig. 1, carrying strips of cardboard 12, Fig. 2, which " stop " the strings from underneath. The keys simultaneously operate a vibrato device, comprising a padded pivoted bar 20 adjustably weighted at 24 and resting on the strings near one end, by means of an escapement pawl 13 which raises and lets fall a longitudinal bar 16 pivoted at 17. The bar 16 by a lug 18 similarly actuates the vibrato bar 20 through a screw 19. The vibrato bar may be put out of action when desired by a cam 26 operated by a button 28. The strings may be bowed by hand, or plucked by the fingers. Or the keys 10 may actuate a hammer or hammers 30, Fig. 4, by means of the bar 16 which is provided with another lug 29 for the purpose. The hammers may be put out of action when desired, by a cam 32 operated by a button 34. Alternatively or simultaneously the strings may be sounded by a spring-mounted plectrum 39 (or plectra) operated by pressure of the fingers. The key-levers 9 may be gapped so as to act at 12 on certain strings only, to enable chords to be produced (Fig. 9, not shown). More than one keyboard may be employed (Fig. 10, not shown). It is stated that the bar 20 causes the tension of the strings to be unaffected by operation of the key-levers (Fig. 5, not shown). The strings are fine-tuned by pressure of screws 8, Fig. 8. Fig. 11 shows a bridge 4 with an arm under which the strings pass. Fig. 12 shows an arrangement with two sound boards or boxes, the keylevers 9 pressing the strings against frets on the under side of the upper box.