The present disclosure describes a device for sealing woodwind musical instrument tone holes.

The present invention relates to a flute key cap with an auxiliary key piece which allows even children with small hands to facilitate flute performance. In particular, the present invention relates to a flute key cap including: a key cover having a hollow interior with an open bottom corresponding to a shape of a flute key; and an auxiliary key piece formed on an upper surface of the key cover.

A key unit includes: a base portion that is fixable to a musical instrument body that includes a tube body; a key post that projects from the base portion; a key shaft that is attached to the key post; and a key that is attached to the key shaft.

The present disclosure provides improved octave key systems for use with (e.g., incorporation into) an instrument in the bassoon family.

The present disclosure provides improved octave key systems for use with (e.g., incorporation into) an instrument in the bassoon family.

Systems for raising pads on musical instruments to enable drying of pads and increase air flow around the pad and a body of the musical instrument. A vent spanner device, including a positioning feature and a retention feature, is placed between a pad and its corresponding vent to create an air gap. A pad prop is placed against a key mechanism or between the key mechanism and/or the body to raise a pad from sealing its corresponding vent. A linkage feature connects one or more vent spanners, pad props, end pieces, key mechanisms, or the body, and provides storage.

A key guard height adjuster for a brass instrument having a threaded rod configured to be received by a threaded bore of a key guard; a stem connecting the threaded rod to a key guard height adjuster head; and the adjuster head having a rounded top and a knurled edge. According to one approach, the adjuster head height can be in the range of about 4 mm to 10 mm. According to one approach, the adjuster head diameter is in the range of about 8 mm to 12 mm. According to one approach, the adjuster head is about 8 mm in width and about 6 mm in height.

A wind instrument includes a tubular body, a key, and an adjuster. The tubular body includes a tone hole. The key is mounted to the tube body, and includes a pad and an operation part. The pad is configured to cover the tone hole. The operation part is configured to move the pad away from the tone hole. The adjuster is configured to adjust a maximum distance the pad moves away from the tone hole by the operation part.

A wind instrument includes a tubular body, a key, and an adjuster. The tubular body includes a tone hole. The key is mounted to the tube body, and includes a pad and an operation part. The pad is configured to cover the tone hole. The operation part is configured to move the pad away from the tone hole. The adjuster is configured to adjust a maximum distance the pad moves away from the tone hole by the operation part.

This invention relates to new designs of tubular body flutes both to facilitate more natural and more consistent placement and orientation of the flute player's hands and to enhance the flexibility of the player's lips so as to more perfectly play the flute by greatly increasing the stability of the flute in the player's hands by firmly connecting the flute to the player's finger (and/or thumb) by provision of a finger connecting part through which the flute player's left index finger is inserted, as like wearing a ring. It firmly fixes the flute to the player's left index finger (and/or thumb) so that the flute is stabilized without pressure on the player's mouth. Thus, it enhances the flexibility of the player's lips to more perfectly form the airstream sounding the flute while also more exactly and repeatedly locating the player's fingers on the flute by preventing inadvertent rotation of the flute. This is especially beneficial for the player's lower lip, which, under extant art, is forcibly pinned against the lower teeth and gums so as to stabilize the flute. This benefit is achieved by completely stabilizing the flute in the player's hands by firmly connecting the flute to the player's finger (and/or thumb) with a finger connecting means incorporating an opening in the invention through which the flute player's left index finger (and/or thumb) is inserted, as like wearing a ring.

In the preferred embodiment the finger connecting means is a ring-like structure built onto the flute and for economy this additional device is hereafter referred to as a ring. The use of a ring provides a firm connection between the player's fingers and the flute permitting the left index finger and right thumb to completely stabilize the instrument with no pressure on the player's lips whatsoever, while completely preventing inadvertent rotation of the flute.

A very substantial benefit of the instant invention over extant art is that it allows the flute to be safely played by growing children without disrupting the proper development of their gums and teeth. Many parents permit their children to start their music education only with a piano or a violin because wind instruments have a tendency to put severe stress and strain on the mouth, teeth and gums, which can distort their development. Because the instant invention permits, even encourages, the best use of the flute without strong, or even any, pressure on the teeth and gums, a flute so equipped can be used even by young children without orthodontial concerns.