Tremolo apparatus having broken string compensation feature

Abstract

An improved tremolo apparatus for stringed musical instruments is provided. The improved tremolo apparatus comprises a tremolo means to which a plurality of strings of the musical instrument are adapted to be secured for movement therewith; a means for mounting the tremolo means on the stringed musical instrument for movement from a first position to a second position to simultaneously decrease the tension of the plurality of the strings, and for movement from the first position to a third position to simultaneously increase the tension of the plurality of strings; a means for moving the tremolo means from the first position towards the second position and for moving the tremolo means from the first position towards the third position; a means for biasing the tremolo means in a direction to return the tremolo means to the first position when the tremolo means is moved towards the second position; and, a stop member movable between an inactive position, at which it is out of engagement with the tremolo means, and an active position at which it is in engagement with the tremolo means when the latter is at its first position. The stop member and the tremolo means are constructed and arranged so that when the stop member is in its active position, it precludes movement of the tremolo means from the first position toward the third position but allows movement of the tremolo means from the first position toward the second position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.