Fine tuner for a string musical instrument, and string musical instrument

Abstract

A fine tuner for a string musical instrument, comprising a main body having an underside, a top side, a first abutment region and having a second abutment region for a string, wherein the second abutment region is spaced apart from the first abutment region, a gripping element for gripping a string portion that is located between the first abutment region and the second abutment region, and an adjusting device, which sits on the main body and acts on the gripping element, wherein a position of the gripping element relative to the main body is adjustable in a fixable manner using the adjusting device and the position of the gripping element determines a deflected position of the string at the fine tuner, and wherein the gripping element entrains the string portion counter to a direction that extends in a direction from the top side to the underside.

Claims

1. A fine tuner for a string musical instrument, comprising a main body having an underside, a top side, a first abutment region and having a second abutment region for a string, wherein the second abutment region is spaced apart from the first abutment region; a gripping element for gripping a string portion that is located between the first abutment region and the second abutment region; and an adjusting device, which sits on the main body and acts on the gripping element; wherein a position of the gripping element relative to the main body is adjustable in a fixable manner using the adjusting device and the position of the gripping element determines a deflected position of the string at the fine tuner; and wherein the gripping element entrains the string portion counter to a direction that extends in a direction from the top side to the underside.

2. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of (i) a height position of the gripping element along a height direction relative to the first abutment region and the second abutment region is adjustable in a fixable manner and (ii) a rotational position of the gripping element about an axis of rotation parallel to the height direction is adjustable in a fixable manner.

3. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein a displacement guide for the gripping element is arranged on the main body.

4. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 3, wherein the displacement guide has a sleeve in which the gripping element is guided.

5. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 4, wherein a sleeve axis is parallel to a displacement axis of the displacement guide, the displacement axis being parallel to the height direction.

6. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 4, wherein the sleeve has at least one open side.

7. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 6, wherein the gripping element protrudes beyond the open side.

8. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 6, wherein a third abutment region for a string is formed on the open side.

9. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 8, wherein the third abutment region has a flat abutment surface.

10. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 3, wherein the displacement guide is adapted to the gripping element in such a way that the gripping element is guided non-rotatably.

11. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 3, wherein a counter element for the gripping element is arranged on the main body, which counter element has a shorter height than the displacement guide along a displacement axis.

12. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 11, wherein the counter element at least one of (i) delimits a slot for receiving a string and (ii) covers a slot of the gripping element at a certain height position of the gripping element.

13. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein a blocking of a rotatability of the gripping element is effected via the string which is held on the gripping element and contacts the main body.

14. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 13, wherein at least one of (i) the first abutment region and (ii) the second abutment region has at least one blocking surface which is oriented parallel to an axis of rotation.

15. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 14, wherein at least one of (i) the first abutment region and (ii) the second abutment region has opposite blocking surfaces, between which there lies an abutment surface with an orientation transverse to the axis of rotation.

16. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 13, wherein the gripping element comprises at least one gripping hook with a blocking surface oriented parallel to the axis of rotation.

17. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 16, having a plurality of gripping hooks.

18. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein the adjusting device has a spindle that sits rotatably on the main body.

19. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 18, wherein the gripping element sits on the spindle.

20. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 18, wherein an actuating element sits on the spindle for conjoint rotation and is positioned outside the main body.

21. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein the gripping element has a receptacle to hold the string.

22. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 21, wherein the receptacle is formed as a slot.

23. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 21, wherein the receptacle is formed on a gripping hook.

24. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein the gripping element is or comprises a nut.

25. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 24, wherein the nut comprises a slot as receptacle for the string, or a first nut and a second nut are provided, with a slot being arranged between the first nut and the second nut to accommodate the string.

26. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein a further abutment region is formed on the main body for contact with a body of the string musical instrument.

27. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 26, wherein the further abutment region is formed on the underside of the main body.

28. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 27, wherein an actuating element of the adjusting device is positioned facing away from the underside.

29. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 26, wherein the further abutment region has an abutment surface which is convexly curved.

30. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein the first abutment region and the second abutment region are open towards the underside of the main body.

31. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein a receiving region of the main body for the string is open to the underside of the main body.

32. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of the first abutment region and the second abutment region are formed at a slot of the main body.

33. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one of the first abutment region and the second abutment region is formed at a slot in a further abutment region of the main body for contact with a body of a string musical instrument.

34. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein the gripping element is positioned at least approximately centrally between the first abutment region and the second abutment region.

35. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein a slot for the string is formed on the main body between the first abutment region and the second abutment region.

36. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 35, wherein the slot is formed between a sleeve for a displacement guide of the gripping element and a counter element positioned on the main body.

37. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein the main body has a length in a length direction between the first abutment region and the second abutment region which is greater than a width in a width direction transverse to the length direction.

38. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein the main body has at least one open side, which is oriented transversely to the underside of the main body, at least one free region being formed on the main body on the at least one open side, which free region is delimited upwardly in the height direction by a region of the main body.

39. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 38, wherein a sleeve of a displacement guide delimits the at least one free region.

40. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 37, wherein the at least one free region is open downwardly in the height direction.

41. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 37, wherein the main body at the at least one free region is step-shaped.

42. A fine tuner in accordance with claim 1, wherein the main body has a first region, where the first abutment region and the second abutment region are formed, and has a second region, where the adjusting device sits, the second region sitting in domelike manner on the first region and an actuating element of the adjusting device being positioned above the second region.

43. A string musical instrument, comprising at least one fine tuner, said fine tuner comprising: a main body having an underside, a top side, a first abutment region and having a second abutment region for a string, wherein the second abutment region is spaced apart from the first abutment region; a gripping element for gripping a string portion that is located between the first abutment region and the second abutment region; and an adjusting device, which sits on the main body and acts on the gripping element; wherein a position of the gripping element relative to the main body is adjustable in a fixable manner using the adjusting device and the position of the gripping element determines a deflected position of the string at the fine tuner; and wherein the gripping element entrains the string portion counter to a direction that extends in a direction from the top side to the underside.

44. A string musical instrument in accordance with claim 43, wherein the at least one fine tuner is positioned on a string region between a bridge and a holding peg.

45. A string musical instrument in accordance with claim 43, wherein the fine tuner is supported by the main body with a further abutment region on a body of the string musical instrument.

46. A string musical instrument, wherein said instrument is a zither instrument.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows an example of a string musical instrument, namely a zither, on which embodiments of a fine tuner are arranged;

(2) FIG. 2 shows a detailed view of the zither according to FIG. 1 in a plan view;

(3) FIG. 3 shows a sectional view along line 3-3 according to FIG. 2;

(4) FIG. 4 shows a perspective representation of an example of a fine tuner according to the invention;

(5) FIG. 5 shows a plan view in the direction A of the fine tuner according to FIG. 4;

(6) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view from below of the fine tuner according to FIG. 4 in the direction B in a tuning position;

(7) FIG. 7(a) shows the same view as FIG. 6 in a starting position;

(8) FIG. 7(b) shows the same view as FIG. 6 in an intermediate position;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a sectional view along line 8-8 according to FIG. 5 in a tuning position;

(10) FIG. 9(a) shows the same view as FIG. 8 in a starting position;

(11) FIG. 9(b) shows the same view as FIG. 8 in an intermediate position;

(12) FIG. 10 shows a side view of the fine tuner according to FIG. 4 in the direction C in a tuning position;

(13) FIG. 11(a) shows the same view as FIG. 10 in a starting position;

(14) FIG. 11(b) shows the same view as FIG. 10 in an intermediate position;

(15) FIG. 12 shows a view from below of the fine tuner according to FIG. 4 in the direction D;

(16) FIG. 13 shows a plurality of strings of a string musical instrument, on each of which a further embodiment of a fine tuner according to the invention is arranged, in a plan view;

(17) FIG. 14 shows a view from below of the arrangement according to FIG. 13;

(18) FIG. 15 shows a first perspective view of a further fine tuner according to the invention;

(19) FIG. 16 shows a different perspective view of the fine tuner according to FIG. 15; and

(20) FIG. 17 shows a view from below of the fine tuner according to FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(21) An example of a string musical instrument 10 (FIGS. 1 to 3) on which fine tuners 12 according to the invention can be used is a zither instrument and in particular a zither.

(22) Such a string musical instrument 10 comprises a sounding body 14. A bridge 16 sits on the sounding body 14.

(23) A plurality of holding pegs 18 are also arranged on the sounding body.

(24) Furthermore, a string holder 20 is arranged on the sounding body 14.

(25) The strings 22 run between the string holder 20 and corresponding holding pegs 18, in particular with adjacent strings 22 being arranged at least approximately in parallel. The strings 22 are guided over the bridge 16, They are firmly fixed to the string holder 20. The strings 22 are fixed to the corresponding holding pegs 18, in particular by being wound around said pegs.

(26) The holding pegs 18 are arranged basically rotatably on the sounding body 14. By turning a holding peg 18 with a string 22 wound around it, the string tension can be adjusted and thus the corresponding string 22 can be tuned.

(27) In principle, the problem with a rotatable holding peg 18 is that the slip-stick effect occurs; due to frictional forces and especially static friction, a certain threshold force value must be exerted in order to cause any rotation at all of a holding peg 18. A jerky rotation may then occur, which goes beyond a desired rotation. This can make fine tuning of strings 22 difficult.

(28) For the fine tuning of strings 22, a fine tuner 12 according to the invention is provided for each string.

(29) In the following, there is designated as the body of the string musical instrument 10 that part which is not string 22. In particular, the body of the string musical instrument 10 comprises the sounding body 14 and the bridge 16.

(30) An example of a fine tuner 12 according to the invention (FIGS. 4 to 12) comprises a main body 24, The main body 24 is in particular formed in one piece.

(31) In one example, the main body 24 is made of a plastics material. It is also possible, in principle, that the main body 24 is made of wood, for example.

(32) The main body 24 has a first region 26. This first region 26 defines a length L of the fine tuner 12 in a length direction 28. It also defines a width B of the fine tuner 12 in a width direction 30 perpendicular to the length direction 28.

(33) The main body 24 also extends in a height direction 32, which is perpendicular to the length direction 28 and the width direction 30.

(34) A length L of one embodiment is approximately 1.5 cm.

(35) A second region 34 of the main body 24 sits on the first region 26. This second region 34 is in particular integrally connected to the first region 26. It sits preferably in a domelike manner on the first region 26 and has an upper end 36. At the upper end 36, the second region 34 is, in particular, flat.

(36) In the example shown, the second region 34 has a smaller length L′ in the length direction 28 than the main body 24 with the length L.

(37) In the example shown, it also has a smaller width B′ in the width direction 30 than the main body 24 with width B in this width direction 30.

(38) At a transition region 38 from the second region 34 to the first region 26, the main body 24 has no edges and is, in particular, rounded.

(39) The first region 26 has a top side 40, on which the second region 34 is located.

(40) On the top side 40, the first region 26 is free of edges and has rounded edges 42 in particular.

(41) The main body 24 has an underside 44, which faces away from the top side 40 or the upper end 36.

(42) The underside 44 forms a (further) abutment region 46, by means of which the fine tuner 12 with its main body 24 can be placed against a body of the string musical instrument 10 (see FIG. 3).

(43) The abutment region 46 on the underside 44 of the main body 24 is convex (in relation to a direction 48 along the height direction 32 from the upper end 36 towards the underside 44).

(44) In relation to the height direction 32, the abutment region 46 has an apex region 50 (FIG. 8), from which the abutment region 46 recedes in the length direction 28 in both directions (to the left and to the right in the drawing plane according to FIG. 8) in relation to the height direction 32, that is to say at the apex region 50, in relation to an envelope plane 52 at the upper end 36 of the main body 24, has the greatest spacing from this envelope plane 52 in the height direction 32, and to the left and right of this the spacing from the further abutment region 46 to the envelope plane 52 decreases, and in particular decreases continuously.

(45) The first region 26 has a peripheral wall 54, which surrounds an interior space 56.

(46) The underside 44 of the main body 24 is formed by an end face 58 of the wall 54.

(47) The wall 54 has a first wall region 60 and a second wall region 62. The first wall region 60 and the second wall region 62 are arranged on a body 64 of the first region 26 of the main body 24 and protrude beyond it. The first wall region 60 and the second wall region 62 form the peripheral wall 54 on the body 64, with the interior space 56 being delimited upwardly (opposite the direction 48) by the body 64 in the height direction 32.

(48) In one example, the rest of the abutment region 46 is only formed on the first wall region 60.

(49) The main body 24 has an open side 66, which is oriented transversely to the underside 44 and is delimited by the end face 58 of the second wall region 62 in the height direction 32. A free region 68 is formed on the main body 24 by means of the open side 66. This free region 68 is delimited by the body 64, or rather the second wall region 62. The main body 24 is stepped as a result of this. This free region 68 can receive a string 22, or a string 22 can be guided in a direction 70 by means of the open side 66 into the free region 68. If a string 22 is positioned in the free region 68, this positioning being permanent (see below) or temporary, then it is covered in the height direction 32 upwardly (counter to the direction 48) by the body 64 of the main body 24.

(50) The first wall region 60 has a first end 72 and a second end 74, between which it runs.

(51) The second wall region 62 has a first end 76 and a second end 78, between which it runs. The first end 72 of the first wall region 60 faces the first end 76 of the second wall region 62. The second end 74 of the first wall region 60 faces the second end 78 of the second wall region 62.

(52) In the region of their respective first ends 72 and 76, the first wall region 60 and the second wall region 62 have substantially the same height above body 64. Furthermore, the first wall region 60 and the second wall region have substantially the same height in the region of their respective second ends 74 and 78.

(53) In order to form the other abutment region 46 and because of the free region 68, the first wall region 60 has a greater height outside this transition region than the second wall region 62.

(54) In particular, the first wall region 60 at the apex region 50 has a greater height than the second wall region 62 compared to an equal length position in the longitudinal direction 28.

(55) On the main body 24, a first abutment region 80 for a string 22 is formed. The first abutment region 80 lies between the first end 72 of the first wall region 60 and the first end 76 of the second wall region 62.

(56) The first abutment region is formed at a slot 82 on the underside 44 of the main body 24.

(57) The slot 82 is formed in particular in the further abutment region 46.

(58) This slot 82 has such a width dimension in the width direction 30 that a string 22 can be inserted.

(59) Furthermore, a second abutment region 84 is formed on the main body 24, which is spaced apart from the first abutment region 80 in the length direction 28. This second abutment region 80 is formed as a slot and is located in particular between the second end 74 of the first wall region 60 and the second end 78 of the second wall region 62. The first abutment region 80 and the second abutment region 84 are aligned with each other in the length direction 28.

(60) The second abutment region 84 is basically the same as the first abutment region 80 and is used to receive the string 22.

(61) The fine tuner 12 comprises a gripping element 86 for gripping and tensioning a string 22. The gripping element 86 is held on an adjusting device 88, which is located on the main body 24.

(62) The adjusting device 88 comprises a spindle 90, which is mounted on the main body 24 so that it can rotate about an axis of rotation 92, The axis of rotation 92 is, in particular, parallel to the height direction 32.

(63) The spindle 90 is passed through the second region 34 and is, in particular, rotatably mounted there.

(64) At the end of spindle 90 there sits an actuating element 94, in particular in the form of a knurled knob. The actuating element 94 is positioned at the upper end 36 of the second region 34.

(65) By turning the actuating element 94, a user can turn the spindle 90.

(66) The spindle 90 is, in particular, fixed against displacement (in relation to the height direction 32) and is captively mounted on the main body 24.

(67) For example, the spindle 90 is mounted on the main body 24 by means of a slide bearing as a rotary bearing so that the spindle can rotate about the axis of rotation 92.

(68) The spindle 90 has a threaded region 96, on which the gripping element 86 sits. The threaded region 96 is, in particular, an external thread and the gripping element 86 has an internal thread, which engages in the threaded region 96.

(69) The gripping element 86 can be rotated relative to the spindle 90 about the axis of rotation 92.

(70) A displacement guide 98 is provided for the gripping element 86. The displacement guide 98 comprises a sleeve 100. The sleeve 100 sits on the body 64 and protrudes from it in the height direction 32. The sleeve 100 is connected in particular to the first wall region 60 at the apex region 100.

(71) The sleeve 100 has an interior space 102. The spindle 90 with its threaded region 96 is located in this interior space 102. Furthermore, the gripping element 86 is positioned in this interior space 102.

(72) The sleeve 100 is adapted to the gripping element 86 in such a way that the gripping element 86 is positioned non-rotatably in the interior space 102. A rotation of the spindle 90 about the axis of rotation 92 thus causes a displacement of the gripping element 86 in the height direction 32 in the direction 48 or in the opposite direction, depending on the direction of rotation of the spindle 90 (initiated by means of the actuating element 94).

(73) The sleeve 100 has a sleeve axis 104, which is parallel to a displacement axis 106 of the displacement guide 98. The displacement axis 106 in turn is parallel to the height direction 32, or rather parallel to the axis of rotation 92.

(74) The gripping element 86 and the interior space 102 thus matched are not rotationally symmetrical in relation to the sleeve axis 104 in order to achieve the rotationally fixed coupling.

(75) In one example, the interior space 102 has the shape of an n-sided hollow in cross-section, where n is six in particular, i.e. the interior space 102 is hexagonal in cross-section.

(76) The gripping element 86 has a hexagonal shape matched thereto.

(77) The gripping element 86 is, in particular, slidingly guided in the sleeve 100 along the displacement axis 106.

(78) The sleeve 100 has an open side 108, which faces the free region 68 and which also faces the second wall region 62. The open side 108 faces away from the first wall region 60.

(79) The open side 108 lies on a wall 110 of the sleeve 100. This wall 110 defines a third abutment region 112 for the string 22. The third abutment region 112 has, in particular, a flat abutment surface 114. This flat abutment surface 114 is oriented parallel to the sleeve axis 104 or the displacement axis 106 (or the axis of rotation 92). It is in alignment with the first abutment region 80 and the second abutment region 84, i.e. a straight line which passes through the first abutment region 80 and the second abutment region 84 and which is, in particular, oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction 28 also touches the third abutment region 112 (with a maximum deviation equal to or less than one string thickness).

(80) The gripping element 86 is constructed so that it protrudes with a region 116 from the sleeve 100 on the open side 108.

(81) The fine tuner 12 has a centre plane 118 (see FIG. 7a), which is parallel to the longitudinal direction 28 and runs through the first abutment region 80 and the second abutment region 84. In particular, the third abutment region 112 lies in this centre plane 118 or at most one string thickness away from it.

(82) The region 116 of the gripping element 86 protrudes in the direction of the second wall region 62 beyond this centre plane 118.

(83) A counter element 120 is arranged on the body 64 opposite the open side 108 of the sleeve 100. This counter element 120 is spaced from the sleeve 100. Between the counter element 120 and the sleeve 100 there is formed a slot 122, which is limited in the height direction 32 by the body 64. A string 22 can be passed through this slot 122, or can be positioned in the slot 122.

(84) The counter element 120 protrudes above the body 64. It has a height in the height direction 32 (with respect to the protrusion spacing) which is smaller than that of the sleeve 100. In particular, the counter element 120 does not protrude beyond the second wall region 62 and, for example, has a smaller height than this.

(85) In one embodiment, the second counter element 120 with the second wall region 62 is, in particular, in the region of a centre of the second wall region 62 (in relation to the length direction 28). It is set back in relation to the end face 58 of the second wall region 62.

(86) A spacing between the counter element 120 and the sleeve 100 is arranged so that the region 116 of the gripping element 86 can be positioned in the slot 122.

(87) The gripping element 86 is formed by a nut 124, which sits on the spindle 90.

(88) This nut 124 has a slot 126 in particular in the form of an annular slot. In particular, this slot 126 is located at least approximately in the middle between a lower end 128 and an upper end 130 of the nut 124 with respect to the height direction 32.

(89) In an alternative embodiment, the gripping element 86 is formed by means of a first nut and a second nut, the two nuts being spaced apart from one another. Due to the spacing, a (ring) slot is formed between them.

(90) The slot 126 is used to receive a string 22, moreover a string portion 132, which is positioned between the first abutment region 80 and the second abutment region 84 and is positioned there abutting against the main body 24 in the interior space 56.

(91) In one embodiment, the slot 126 is arranged and configured to receive the string portion 132 when the corresponding string 22 is in contact with the third abutment region 112 on the sleeve 100.

(92) Relative to the longitudinal direction 28, the sleeve 100 and the spindle 90 are positioned at least approximately centrally between the first abutment region 80 and the second abutment region 84 on the main body 24.

(93) The main body 24 has a centre plane 134 which is perpendicular to the centre plane 118 and to which the height direction 32 is parallel. Furthermore, the width direction 30 is parallel to this centre plane 134. The longitudinal direction 28 is perpendicular to this centre plane 134. (The longitudinal direction 28 is parallel to the centre plane 118 and the height direction 32 is parallel to the centre plane 118; the width direction 30 is perpendicular to the centre plane 118).

(94) In one embodiment (see FIG. 5), the fine tuner 12 is not symmetrical with respect to the centre plane 118; the axis of rotation 92 is offset in the width direction 30 from the centre plane 118. It lies, in particular, in the centre plane 134.

(95) Accordingly, the sleeve 100 of the sleeve axis 104 is then positioned offset to the centre plane 118; the displacement axis 106 does not lie in the centre plane 118. See also FIG. 10.

(96) The spindle 90 of the adjusting device 88 is held captively on the main body 24. The corresponding rotary bearing is formed in such a way that, in particular, no displacement of the spindle 90 is possible and, in relation to the height direction 32, the spindle 90 is always positioned identically on the main body 24. Furthermore, the gripping element 86 is held captively on the spindle 90.

(97) A fine tuner 12 according to the invention functions as follows:

(98) The fine tuner 12 is placed on a string 22 in a starting position of the gripping element 86.

(99) In an embodiment with the free region 68, the fine tuner 12 can be placed from above or in direction 70 until the string 22 contacts the third abutment region 112 (on the abutment surface 114).

(100) The gripping element 86 is positioned in the starting position so that the string 22 can be introduced into the slot 126 (FIGS. 7(a), 9(a), 11(a)).

(101) By placing the fine tuner 12 on the corresponding string 22, the string is in contact with the first abutment region 80 and the second abutment region 84 of the main body 24.

(102) In particular, it is also provided that the further abutment region 46 is placed against the bridge 16 of the string musical instrument (see FIG. 3). The convex form of the abutment region 46 means that there is a certain amount of variability for the contact.

(103) In principle, it is also possible to fix the fine tuner 12 only on a string 22, without abutment against a body of the string musical instrument. It is also possible that the fine tuner 12 is fixed to a played region of the string 22 (in the example of the musical instrument 10 then between the string holder 20 and the bridge 16) on the particular string 22 to be tuned.

(104) By pushing the gripping element 86 upwardly in the height direction 32 counter to the direction 48, the string 22 is deflected at the fine tuner 12 and tensioned. The string 22 is in contact with both the first abutment region 80 and the second abutment region 84. The sliding of the gripping element 86 in the height direction 32 is effected by rotating the actuating element 94 about the axis of rotation 92 in the appropriate direction. This rotation causes the spindle 90 to rotate relative to the gripping element 86. The rotationally fixed positioning of the gripping element 86 in the interior space 102 of the sleeve 100 then causes a relative displacement of the gripping element 86 in the sleeve 100.

(105) By displacing the gripping element 86 in the height direction 32, the string portion 132, which is located between the first abutment region 80 and the second abutment region 84, and which is positioned with a region in the slot 126, is entrained and thus the string 22 is deflected (see FIGS. 7(b), 9(b), 11(b)).

(106) By displacing the gripping element 86 in the height direction 32 counter to the direction 48, the string is pulled and in particular pulled away from the body (sounding body 14) of the string musical instrument 10. This allows fine tuning when space is tight, since the string 22 is moved away from the sounding body 14 (in contrast to a movement towards the sounding body).

(107) Furthermore, the fine tuner 12 can be positioned retrospectively on the string 22 and a fine tuning of the string 22 can be achieved. The fine tuner 12 does not need to be mounted on the string musical instrument 10 outside the string 22, By pulling the string portion 132 up by means of the gripping element 86, the fine tuner 12 itself provides abutment surfaces (namely the abutment regions 80, 84) as counter surfaces. The gripping element 86 pulls the string portion 132 upwardly relative to the abutment regions 80, 84.

(108) This allows the string 22 to be tuned by means of the fine tuner 12 without having to turn the holding peg 18.

(109) In this way a high degree of tuning precision can be achieved.

(110) FIGS. 6, 8, 10, 12 show a possible final position of the gripping element 86 with tuning of the string 22 having been achieved.

(111) In particular, the gripping element 86 is then positioned opposite the counter element 120, and in one embodiment there may be contact. The region of the string portion 132 positioned in the slot 126 is then also positioned in the slot 122. The counter element 120 on the one hand and the third abutment region 112 on the other hand prevent this region of the string portion 132 from “slipping out” of the slot 126. The counter element 120 covers the slot 126 facing away from the sleeve 100.

(112) While the string 22 is being tuned by means of fine tuner 12, the string portion 132 in particular is in contact with the third abutment region 112. When moving the gripping element 86 in the height direction 32, it can slide along the third abutment region 112, This results in effective tunability.

(113) The fine tuner 12 can be made compact so that it can be used, for example, also for a zither instrument (FIGS. 1 to 3) having a large number of strings 22 spaced relatively closely to one another, and each string 22 can be associated with its own fine tuner 12.

(114) This results in the possibility for fine tuning with a compact fine tuner 12, which is precise and easy to operate.

(115) In particular, it is possible, by means of the abutment region 46, to support the fine tuner on the musical instrument 10, moreover on a body (such as the bridge 16) of the musical instrument 10.

(116) The free region 68 allows a string 22 to be easily positioned on the fine tuner 12, or rather allows the fine tuner 12 to be easily positioned on a string 22, in particular between the bridge 16 and the holding peg 18.

(117) The construction of the fine tuner 12 with a relatively small width in the width direction 30 (in relation to the length direction 28), with the length in the length direction 28 being at least 1.2 times greater than the width B of the width direction 30 (and preferably at least 1.5 times greater) in one embodiment in particular, means that fine tuners 12 can also be used when the spacing between adjacent strings 22 is relatively small.

(118) FIG. 13 shows a plan view of an example in which a number of fine tuners 138 are each arranged on separate strings 136. The fine tuners 138 are basically the same as described above with an adjusting device 88 with sleeve 100.

(119) An actuating element 140 in the form of a rotary knob is provided. The fine tuners 138 have a first abutment region 142 and a second abutment region 144, as described above.

(120) The fine tuners 138 also have a free region 146, which is arranged and configured in such a way that a string 136′ which is adjacent to a string 136′ which is to be tuned can be positioned in said free region without contact.

(121) When the fine tuner 138 is held at the string 136, it also covers the string 136′ upwardly by means of its main body 148. A separate fine tuner 138′ is provided for the string 136′ (see FIG. 14).

(122) The free region 146 allows a plurality of fine tuners to be used on a string musical instrument, even if the strings 136, 136′ are spaced closely together.

(123) The fine tuners 138, 138′ may be formed to be symmetrical with respect to a centre plane 150, which is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction between the first abutment region 142 and the second abutment region 144.

(124) An additional clearance 146 is provided, which prevents the fine tuner 138 from touching an adjacent string (string 136′ to be tuned by another fine tuner).

(125) In addition, the free region corresponding to the free region 68 can be provided for lateral insertion and positioning on the sleeve 100.

(126) According to the invention, a fine tuner 12 is provided for a string musical instrument 10, and especially for a zither instrument such as a zither or a table harp, which fine tuner can be made compact with a relatively simple construction. A precise fine tuning of strings 22 can be achieved. The slip-stick effect, which occurs when tuning by means of the holding peg 18 for a string 22, is avoided.

(127) If necessary, the fine tuner 12 can be supported by means of the abutment region 46 on the body of the string musical instrument 10.

(128) A user can easily carry out fine tuning by turning the spindle 90 by means of the actuating element 94.

(129) A further example of a fine tuner according to the invention, which is shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 and denoted by 202, comprises a main body 204. A spindle 208 of an adjusting device 209 is arranged captively on the main body 204 and can be rotated about an axis of rotation 206. The axis of rotation 208 is parallel to a height direction 210 of the main body 204 and thus also of the fine tuner 202.

(130) The spindle 208 is connected to an actuating element 212 for conjoint rotation.

(131) A gripping element 214 sits on the spindle 208. The spindle 208 is provided with an external thread. The gripping element 214 is designed as a nut with an adapted internal thread.

(132) In principle, the gripping element 204 is positioned on the spindle 208 so as to be able to rotate about the axis of rotation 206. The gripping element 214 can be rotated relative to the spindle 208. It is also possible to rotate the gripping element 214 about the axis of rotation 206 with rotation of the spindle 208.

(133) The gripping element 214 comprises a plurality of gripping hooks 216. The gripping hooks 216 are peripherally distributed in relation to the axis of rotation 206 and in particular are evenly distributed on a nut element 218 of the gripping element 214. The nut element 218 sits directly on the spindle 208.

(134) The gripping hooks 216 each have a blocking surface 220 on a lug 222. The blocking surface 220 is at least approximately parallel to the axis of rotation 206. (A normal to the blocking surface 220 is perpendicular to the axis of rotation 206).

(135) A gripping hook 216 is open upwardly in the height direction 210, so that a string 22 can be inserted into a gripping hook 216 from above. For this purpose, receptacles 224 associated one with each gripping hook 216 are formed on the gripping element 214. The receptacles 224 are delimited laterally outwardly by the blocking surface 222.

(136) A first abutment region 226 is formed on the main body 204. Furthermore, a second abutment region 228 is formed on the main body at a spacing from the first abutment region 226.

(137) The first abutment region 226 comprises a first blocking region 230 and an opposite second blocking region 232 the first blocking region and the second blocking region 232 are oriented at least approximately parallel to the axis of rotation 206. (A normal of the first blocking surface 230 or 232 lies transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the axis of rotation 206).

(138) Between the first blocking surface 230 and the second blocking surface 232 there is an abutment surface 234 for the string 22. The abutment surface 234 is oriented transversely to the axis of rotation 206.

(139) The second abutment region 228 is basically the same as the first abutment region 226 with first blocking surface, second blocking surface, and abutment surface.

(140) The abutment surface 234 is an abutment surface for the string 22 which allows the string 22 to be supported on the main body 204 upwardly in the height direction 210.

(141) The first blocking surface 230 and the second blocking surface 232 are blocking surfaces which by contact prevent the string 22 from deflecting in a direction transverse to the axis of rotation 206.

(142) Whether the first blocking surface 230 or the second blocking surface 232 is effective depends on the direction of rotation of the spindle 208 about the axis of rotation 206.

(143) The fine tuner 210 functions as follows:

(144) When positioning the fine tuner 202 on a string 22, the string is hooked in at a suitable gripping hook 216. The string is positioned in the corresponding holder 224 from above in the height direction 210.

(145) The fine tuner 202 is first placed on the string 22 from above. The spindle 208 is placed against the string 22, with the gripping element 204 being arranged at such a height position that the string 22 can then be gripped. The spindle 208 is then turned until the string 22 hooks onto a gripping hook 216. The string 22 then contacts the relevant abutment surface 234 of the first abutment region 226 and the second abutment region 228.

(146) The actual fine-tuning process then takes place. The spindle 208 is turned by means of the actuating element 212. In so doing, the gripping element 214 is firstly entrained with the spindle 208, which means that the rotation of the spindle 208 causes a synchronous rotation of the gripping element 214 at the spindle 208. As a result of this, depending on the direction of rotation, the string 22 with regions 236a, 236b contacts the first blocking surface 230 of the first abutment region 226 and the second abutment region 228, or the second blocking surface 232 of the first abutment region 226 and the second abutment region 228. The contact at the first blocking surfaces 230 or the second blocking surfaces 232 is determined by the direction of rotation.

(147) The gripping hook 216 is hooked to the string 22. Further rotation of the gripping element 214 in this direction of rotation is then blocked; the string 22 and in particular the string region which abuts against the blocking surfaces 230 or 232 between the first abutment region 226 and the second abutment region 228 blocks the gripping element 214 from rotating further relative to the main body 204.

(148) A further rotation of spindle 208 in this direction of rotation then causes a displacement of the gripping element 214 towards the spindle 208 in the height direction 210 due to this blocked rotation of the gripping element 214 towards the main body 204; the gripping element 214 can then rotate relative to the spindle 280. Due to the blocked rotation, this causes (due to the rotation of the spindle 208 relative to the main body 204) a height displacement of the gripping element 204 on the spindle 208 and in particular also of the gripping hook 216, which has gripped the string 22, in the height direction 210.

(149) This results in a deflection of the string 22 in the corresponding height direction 210, and fine tuning can be carried out.

(150) In the case of the fine tuner 202, a rotationally fixed positioning of the gripping element 214 in relation to the main body 204 is established after a kind of “jamming” with the string 22, with the blocking surfaces 230 and 232 being important here.

(151) After this blocking of rotation, a displacement movement of the gripping element 214 in the height direction 210 takes place as rotation continues.

(152) The string 22 is necessary for a rotationally fixed positioning of the gripping element 214 in relation to the main body 204.

(153) In the case of the fine tuners 12 and 202, the essential deflection for a fine tuning process on a string 22 is achieved by displacing the gripping element 214 in the height direction 210.

(154) Otherwise, the fine tuner 202 functions as described above.

(155) In principle, it is also possible, alternatively or additionally, that a substantial deflection of a string 22 is implemented in a direction transverse to the height direction 210, for example, by means of a rotational movement resulting in a lateral deflection (a transverse deflection).

(156) As mentioned, a combination of transverse deflection and height deflection is also possible.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(157) 10 String musical instrument 12 Fine tuner 14 Sounding body 16 Bridge 18 Holding peg 20 String holder 22 String 24 Main body 26 First region 28 Length direction 30 Width direction 32 Height direction 34 Second region 36 Upper end 38 Transition region 40 Top side 42 Rounded edges 44 Underside 46 Further abutment region 48 Direction 50 Apex region 52 Envelope plane 54 Wall 56 Interior space 58 End face 60 First wall region 62 Second wall region 64 Body 66 Open side 68 Free region 70 Direction 72 First end 74 Second end 76 First end 78 Second end 80 First abutment region 82 Slot 84 Second abutment region 86 Gripping element 88 Adjusting device 90 Spindle 92 Axis of rotation 94 Actuating element 96 Threaded region 98 Displacement guide 100 Sleeve 102 Interior space 104 Sleeve axis 106 Displacement axis 108 Open side 110 Wall 112 Third abutment region 114 Abutment surface 116 Region 118 Centre plane 120 Counter element 122 Slot 124 Nut 126 Slot 128 Lower end 130 Upper end 132 String portion 134 Centre plane 136 String 136′ String 138 Fine tuner 138′ Fine tuner 140 Actuating element 142 First abutment region 144 Second abutment region 146 Free region 148 Main body 150 Centre plane 202 Fine tuner 204 Main body 206 Axis of rotation 208 Spindle 209 Adjusting device 210 Height direction 212 Actuating element 214 Gripping element 216 Gripping hooks 218 Nut element 220 Blocking surface 222 Lug 224 Receptacle 226 First abutment region 228 Second abutment region 230 First blocking surface 232 Second blocking surface 234 Abutment surface 236a String region 236b String region