Musical instruments
OwnerTruxton K. Fultoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A musical instrument comprising a keyboard and related controls (i.e., foot pedals, stops or equivalent controls), which through electronic circuitry remotely direct the mechanical manipulation of taut strings of guitar gauge, enabling the keyboard musician to create the many sounds characteristic of the electric guitar. Apart from the mechanical apparatus engaged with the strings, this invention relates, to a large extent, to the employment and design of the controlling electronic circuitry.
Claims38
A musical instrument, comprising:
- a plurality of strings, each string having associated therewith means for changing the vibrating length of said each string;
- a keyboard including a plurality of keys, at least a portion of said keys having the note represented thereby capable of being sounded by any one of a group of strings;
- switching means responsive to the depression of each key for generating a related electrical signal;
- circuit means for routing each of said signals to actuate an appropriate length changing means, thereby selecting the string associated with said appropriate length changing means for sounding, said circuit means including note selector means responsive to the signals from each key of said portion of keys for selecting one string from said group of strings for sounding and for inhibiting a subsequent selection of said one string while said each key is maintained depressed;
- and
- sounding means responsive to said signals for causing said selected string to vibrate.
A musical instrument comprising, in combination, a keyboard including a plurality of keys, wherein associated with each key is switching means for electrical current;
- an equal plurality of taut strings of guitar gauge, wherein associated with each string are two confronting solenoids secured outwardly from the lower region of said string, having a common plunger with which a flexible plectrum is operatively engaged, whereby upon energization of one of said confronting solenoids said plectrum traverses said string in one direction, and upon energization of the other confronting solenoid said plectrum traverses said string in the opposite direction;
- electronic circuit means electrically located between said switching means and said solenoids, serving to regulate and drive said solenoids in response to electrical signals from said switching means, whereby said strings are plucked when their associated keys are depressed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.