US 12,646,494 B2 · Attaching hand-actuated music controllers to a saxophone

Abstract

The presence of saxophonists furthering their musical horizons by playing keyboard instruments inspires the invention of a novel device to connect a light-weight keyboard or MIDI grid controller to a saxophone to facilitate the convenient and rapid switching between playing either instrument. Battery power and Bluetooth technology combine with innovations in plastics technology to facilitate the creation of strong, lightweight structures to facilitate such a device. With the addition of looping software on a laptop computer, a saxophonist so equipped can create music to accompany themselves, obviating the need for other musicians to function as a musical ensemble. This innovation may be the harbinger for other musicians on other single note instruments—trumpet, trombone, violin, etc. to join this trend using either instrument-attached, strap-on or wearable keyboards. This could blend the boundaries between acoustic and electronic instruments, and increase the enjoyment and musical enrichment of musicians and audiences alike.

Claims19

Dependent claims

An apparatus for attaching a saxophone and a hand actuated music controller, comprising:

a support framework,
wherein the support framework comprises a first plurality of coupling structures constructed and arranged to removably clamp the saxophone to the support framework, and;
a second plurality of coupling structures to removably couple the hand actuated controller to the support framework,
wherein a first coupling structure of the first plurality of coupling structures is configured for coupling to the saxophone at a first location on a lower section of the saxophone, the lower section of the saxophone comprising the portion of the saxophone located below a center of mass of a complete assembly, the complete assembly comprising the saxophone, the framework and the hand actuated music controller, when the complete assembly is in a saxophone playing position, and
wherein a second coupling structure of the first plurality of coupling structures is configured for coupling to the saxophone at a second location on an upper section of the saxophone, the upper section comprising the portion of the saxophone located above the center of mass of the complete assembly when the complete assembly is in the saxophone playing position.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Attaching hand-actuated music controllers to a saxophone

Life of this patent

Attaching hand-actuated music controllers to a saxophone

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19