US 8,263,846 B1 · Internal virtual extender tube for marimba resonator tube

Abstract

An improved percussive instrument such as a marimba employs a resonator comprising an external tube (100), an inner or virtual extender tube (115), and a bottom stop (105) and a plug (110) within the outer tube. The region between the external tube and the virtual extender tube defines a volume of air (116). The size, shape, and length of the virtual extender tube enhances performance of the resonator and thereby also the instrument. A key (800) of the instrument is suspended by pivots (805) above the plug and the opening (120) of the resonator. When struck by a mallet (810), the key vibrates and air driven by the key enters the resonator through the opening. When the resonator and key are tuned to the same frequency, or a harmonic thereof, air will enter and leave the resonator in a resonant fashion, creating louder and richer sounds than just the key alone. Numerous variations on shape and location of the various components are possible.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A resonator for a percussive instrument, comprising:

an outer tubular element having first and second ends with a plug at said first end and a stop at or near said second end, said plug having upper and lower surfaces,
an open internal tubular element or virtual extender tube having first and second ends, said first end of said internal tubular element lying substantially in the plane containing said plug at said first end of said external tubular element, said second end of said internal tubular element extending into said external tubular element a predetermined distance,
said external tubular element and said internal tubular element defining a predetermined volume of air therebetween,
whereby when a resonance is excited in said resonator the quality of said resonance is enhanced by said internal tubular element and its effect on the total volume of air within said outer tubular element.

1 more element

A method for creating resonant tones from a percussive instrument, comprising:

providing a resonator comprising an outer tubular element having first and second ends with a plug having upper and lower surfaces and an opening at said first end and a stop at or near said second end, said resonator further including an open internal tubular element having first and second ends, said first end of said internal tubular element lying substantially in the plane containing said plug and said first end of said external tubular element, said second end of said internal tubular element extending into said external tubular element a predetermined distance,
said external tubular element and said internal tubular element defining a predetermined volume of air therebetween,
providing a percussive instrument having a mallet and a key that is suspended so as to be able to vibrate when struck by said mallet,
suspending said internal tubular element adjacent to said key,
striking said key with said mallet, thereby causing air to move in and out of said resonator,
whereby when said key is struck by said mallet said resonator and said key create an enhanced resonant tone.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Internal virtual extender tube for marimba resonator tube

Life of this patent

Internal virtual extender tube for marimba resonator tube

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20