String instrument with improved acoustic properties and fixing plate for fixing one end of the strings of a guitar

#The present invention relates to a method for improving the sound properties, in particular the sustain, of a string instrument. The invention also relates to an improved fixing plate for affixing each end of the strings of an a guitar, in particular an electric guitar or an electric bass guitar, with which fixing plate yields an improvement of the sound properties, in particular the sustain, of a guitar or an electric bass guitar.

#On string instruments, the strings are tensioned so that, after having been struck, they vibrate at a specific frequency and generate a corresponding note. The tensioned strings are fastened on both ends, with one end of the strings generally being fastened so as to not be adjustable or only slightly adjustable and with the other end of the strings, for example, being wound on a wedge or another device for adjusting the length and tension of the strings.

#Thus, guitars, in particular electric guitars and electric bass guitars, can be roughly divided into a body, a neck and a head. The strings of the instruments which generate the sound are tensioned at the head via the neck* up to the body. The strings with a first end are affixed to a fixing plate, on electric guitars frequently in the form of a so-called tremolo system block, that is attached to the body of the instrument. From there, the strings extend along the body via the neck to the head where they are wound on tuning pegs. By turning the tuning pegs, the strings are tightened or loosened and thereby tuned. *[Translator's note: In the source text, the term “Steg” (bridge) is mistakenly used to describe the neck of the guitar.]

#FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of an electric guitar;

#FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic representation of a cross section through the tremolo system block along line II-II seen in FIG. 1; and

#FIG. 3 shows a segment of the tremolo system block in a cross-sectional diagram similar to the one shown in FIG. 2, except that the design differs slightly from the practical example of FIG. 2.

#In the figures, identical or identically functioning components have the same reference numbers.

#In the practical example, the invention is explained based on a practical example [sic] of an electric guitar in which the fixing plate is a tremolo system block. This practical example serves to explain the invention, without however limiting the invention to this specific application. Instead, the invention comprises the entire spectrum as specified in the claims.

#FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of an electric guitar 1 in a three-dimensional view. The electric guitar 1 comprises a body 2, a neck 3 and a head 4. The so-called tremolo system block is disposed on the body 2. A first end of strings 6a to 6f of the electric guitar 1 is affixed on said tremolo system block in a manner that will be described in detail based on FIGS. 2 and 3. The other end of strings 6a to 6f is wound around tuning pegs 7 that are disposed on head 4 of the electric guitar 1, and said tuning pegs 7 can be turned by turning the peg winders 8 so that strings 6a to 6f can be tensioned or loosened to tune the electric guitar 1.