Musical instrument amplifier

Abstract

An onboard electronic system and associated method enables a player of an acoustic stringed instrument to control an electronic signal for modifying and amplifying sound while playing an instrument is described. The onboard electronic system is embedded in the tailpiece and/or the chinrest portions of the stringed instrument, and includes at least one pickup, a battery-powered amplification unit and at least one controller. The method includes steps for controlling sound amplification and tonal modification onboard an acoustic stringed instrument. The steps include sensing vibration from strings with a pickup, generating an electrical signal and transmitting the electrical signal to an amplification unit via an input cable, and modifying the electrical signal in response to one or more controllers located onboard the instrument.

Claims

1. An onboard electronic system in operation with an acoustic stringed musical instrument, comprising: a bridge having at least one pickup in electromagnetic alignment with one or more strings of the acoustic stringed musical instrument, wherein the at least one pickup senses vibrations of the one or more strings and generates electrical signals corresponding to the vibrations of the one or more strings; a tailpiece, comprising a first housing having a first hollow interior receiving space; a chinrest, comprising a second housing having a second hollow interior receiving space, the tailpiece and the chinrest each receiving at least a part of an electronic circuitry disposed within the respective first hollow interior and the second hollow interior; a battery powered amplification unit coupled to the electronic circuitry and disposed within the second hollow interior of the chinrest; an output of the electronic circuitry encoded by an analog to digital encoder and processed by a microcontroller communicatively coupled to a computer device via a network; and the tailpiece further comprising a first controller coupled to the battery powered amplification unit; and the chinrest further comprising a second controller coupled to the battery powered amplification unit.

2. The onboard electronic system of claim 1, comprises an output jack coupled between the battery powered amplification unit and a speaker.

3. The onboard electronic system of claim 1, wherein the first controller of the tailpiece and the second controller of the chinrest are each selected from one or more of the group consisting of a volume control, a tone control, and a potentiometer.

4. The onboard electronic system of claim 3, wherein the tailpiece further comprises.

5. The onboard electronic system of claim 4, further comprising a multi-channel input cable.

6. The onboard electronic system of claim 5, further comprising a blend controller.

7. The onboard electronic system of claim 6, wherein the blend controller in operation modifies an electrical signals.

8. An onboard electronic system in operation with an acoustic stringed musical instrument, comprising: a tailpiece comprising a plurality of controllers; an amplification unit housed within an interior compartment of the tailpiece of the acoustic stringed musical instrument, the plurality of controllers of the tailpiece coupled to the amplification unit; an input cable coupling electrical signals to the amplification unit from a plurality of pickups; a battery housed within the interior compartment of the tailpiece and operably coupled to the amplification unit; and an output of the amplification unit encoded by an analog to digital encoder and processed by a microcontroller connected to a computer device via a network.

9. The onboard electronic system of claim 8, further comprising an output jack attached to the tailpiece.

10. The onboard electronic system of claim 8, wherein a first controller of the plurality of controllers of the tailpiece comprises a volume control.

11. The onboard electronic system of claim 8, wherein a second controller of the plurality of controllers of the tailpiece comprises a tone control.

12. The onboard electronic system of claim 8, wherein a third controller of the plurality of controllers of the tailpiece comprises a potentiometer.

13. The onboard electronic system of claim 8, wherein the input cable receives electrical signals from the plurality of pickups disposed in various positions on the acoustic stringed musical instrument.

14. The onboard electronic system of claim 13, further comprising a blend controller.

15. The onboard electronic system of claim 14, wherein the blend controller in operation modifies an electrical signals.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the inventive subject matter describing tail piece.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the inventive subject matter describing the details of the electronics of the tail piece.

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates the bottom side view of an interior of the tail piece electronics.

(4) FIG. 4 illustrates the side view of the interior of the tail piece electronics.

(5) FIG. 5 illustrates yet another embodiment describing the steps involved in controlling sound amplification and tonal modification of a stringed musical instrument.

(6) FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the inventive subject matter describing the electronic circuitry hosted in the tail piece and chin rest portions.

(7) FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a stringed musical instrument in the usual playing position and orientation.

(8) FIG. 8 illustrates the front view of the instrument with the electronic circuitry embedded in the chin rest section.

(9) FIG. 9 depicts an electronic system for amplification and tonal modification of sound from a stringed musical instrument.

(10) FIG. 10 represents the cross-sectional view of the tail piece portion and the chin rest portion hosting the control unit electronic circuitry.

(11) FIG. 11 illustrates a system block diagram showing interfaces of instrument computing platforms.

LIST OF SELECTED REFERENCE CHARACTERS

(12) 100 Amplification system 110 Tailpiece 120 First Controllers 130 Second Controllers 140 Third Controllers 150 Fourth Controllers 160 output jacks 182 Electronic circuitry 185 input cable 190 power source 200 Exemplary system 210 Tail piece 205 Instrument 201 First String 211 First slot 330 Fastener 215 Fret 220 first aperture 202 Second string 212 second slot 240 Dual tone controller 203 third string 204 fourth string 213 third slot 250 volume controller 214 fourth slot 270 micro potentiometer 285 input cable 306 first string end 316 string pad 380 amplification unit 385 wires 390 Power source 400 Side View Drawing 500-550 Method steps of signal processing 600-650 Method steps 780 chin rest 705 musical instrument 710 body 720 side 750 bridge 730 finger board 760 chin rest knob 770 S shaped sound holes 1020 internal connection circuit 1030 cables 1040 tone controller 1070 output cables

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(13) Stringed instruments produce sound from vibrating strings. Generally stringed instruments are constructed to include a portion of the instrument that vibrates with the strings, such as a soundboard or resonating chamber, in conjunction with an internal sound post.

(14) Electric stringed instruments typically sense the string vibrations to produce an electrical signal and convert the electrical signal back into sound with a speaker. Acoustic Stringed instruments may be fitted with a transducer that is configured to sense string or body vibrations and convert them to electrical signals, also known as a pickup, for electrically amplifying the electrical signals and converting them to sound with a speaker. However, in acoustic systems control over amplification and tonal modification of sound is performed using a system external to the instrument. The inventive subject matter described herein, in various embodiments, enables a player of a stringed musical instrument to control an electronic signal for modifying and amplifying sound while playing the instrument.

(15) Referring to FIG. 1, which depicts a system 100 for amplification and tonal modification of sound from a stringed musical instrument. The system 100 includes a tailpiece 110 for supporting one or more strings of a stringed musical instrument. Examples of stringed musical instruments that have a tailpiece include an upright bass, cello, violin, viola, archtop guitar, mandola, mandolin, octave mandolin. The tailpiece 110 is configured for housing the components of system 100 as described herein below.

(16) Components of the electronic system 100 include an amplification unit 180, which includes electronic circuitry 182 for amplifying and modifying electrical signals provided by an input cable 185. Electrical power is provided to electronic circuitry 182 via a battery power source 190. An output signal generated by electronic circuitry 182 is provided to an output jack 160 for electrically connecting to a speaker for producing sound. Modification to the electrical signal is achieved, for example, via a first controller 120, a second controller 130, a third controller 140, and a fourth controller 150. Controllers 120, 130, 140, 150 are electrically coupled to electronic circuitry 182 via wires for example. System 100 may include fewer or greater number of controllers without departing from the scope hereof.

(17) Tailpiece Configuration

(18) FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary electronic system 200 for amplification and tonal modification of sound from a stringed musical instrument. System 200 is an example of system 100 of FIG. 1, and includes a tailpiece 210, which is an example of tailpiece 110 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, 200 illustrates a front view of tailpiece 210 on an instrument 205. FIG. 3 depicts system 200 of FIG. 2 from a bottom side view of tailpiece 210. FIG. 4 depicts system 200 of FIG. 2 from a left side view. FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 are best viewed together with the following description.

(19) Tailpiece 210 supports one or more strings, such as a first string 201 by engaging first string 201 in a first slot 211. An opposite end of first string 201 is mechanically coupled to an instrument bridge, for example. Tailpiece 210 is mechanically coupled to instrument 205 via fastener 330 (see FIG. 3) and is held taught by tension of the at least one string. Fastener 330 may be made of KEVLAR (of DUPONT), steel, nylon cord or piping, or natural casing for example. Tailpiece 210 includes beveled three-dimensional topography configured to allow integration of electronic components for amplifying and modifying sound, while limiting visibility of the electronic components. Tailpiece 210 may be made of wood, carbon fiber, metal, plastic or other similar material for example. A fret 215 is located on tailpiece 210 to provide an intonation point for the at least one string.

(20) One or more through apertures, such as a first aperture 220, allow string removal and replacement. Each of the one or more through holes is positioned adjacent to a slot for securing a string. For example, first aperture 220 allows a string end, such as a first string end 306 (shown in FIG. 3), to pass through tailpiece 210 for engaging in first slot 211. A first-string pad 316 is located between first string end 306 and tailpiece 210 to minimize vibration there between. First aperture 220 may remain open, as depicted in FIG. 2, or first aperture 220 may be configured to include a component of system 200, such as a controller or output jack for example, without departing from the scope hereof.

(21) A second string 202 is for example engaged in a second slot 212 as shown in FIG. 2. A second aperture through tailpiece 210 may be configured to house a component of system 200, such as a dual tone controller 240. In an embodiment, dual tone controller 240 is a dual concentric trim potentiometer that provides base control via an outer knob and treble control via an inner knob. Inner and outer knobs of dual tone controller 240 may be configured for adjustment by hand.

(22) A third string 203 is for example engaged in a third slot 213. A third aperture through tailpiece 210 may be configured to house a component of system 200, such as a volume controller 250 that provides control of sound loudness produced from an external speaker. Volume controller 250 may include a knob configured for adjustment by hand.

(23) A fourth string 204 is for example engaged in a fourth slot 214. A fourth aperture through tailpiece 210 may be configured to house a component of system 200, such as an output jack 260. Output jack 260 provides electrical connection for outputting an electrical signal produced by system 200. An output cable may be used to electrically connect system 200 to an external speaker and/or amplifier via output jack 260, for example.

(24) In another embodiment, an output signal of system 200 is transmitted wirelessly via radio waves to an external speaker equipped with a radio receiver.

(25) In an embodiment, system 200 includes a micro-potentiometer 270 for enhancing and adjusting sound in mid-range frequencies by, for example, attenuating mid-range frequency signals. Micro-potentiometer 270 may be configured for adjustment with a tool (e.g., a screwdriver), or it may be configured with a knob for adjustment by hand. Micro-potentiometer 270 may be housed in front or behind tailpiece 210 or located in a aperture through tailpiece 210, such as first aperture 220 for example.

(26) At least one pickup is located beneath first, second, third, and fourth strings 201, 202, 203, 204, to sense vibration of the strings and to generate an electrical signal of the vibration. An input cable 285 couples the electrical signal to an amplification unit 380. In an embodiment, a plurality of pickups is located beneath the strings to sense vibration at a plurality of locations on instrument 205, thereby generating a plurality of electrical signals. The plurality of pickups may be located at various positions on the instrument body or bridge for example. The plurality of electrical signals is transmitted from the plurality of pickups via input cable 285. Input cable 285 is for example a multiple-channel input cable with multiple input jacks to receive a plurality of electrical signals.

(27) In an embodiment, first aperture 220 is configured to include a blend controller for blending electrical signals from the plurality of pickups. The blend controller includes a control knob or dial, for example, to enable a player to modify blending of the electrical signals while playing the stringed instrument.

(28) As shown in FIG. 3, system 200 further includes an amplification unit 380 for amplifying, blending, and modifying an electrical signal from at least one pickup. Amplification unit 380 is mounted to bottom side of tailpiece 210 with an adhesive for example. Alternatively, amplification unit 380 may be set into a small recession of tailpiece 210 and secured with a band or strap. Wires 385 electrically couple amplification unit 380 to at least one controller, such as dual tone controller 240 or volume controller 250, to enable modification of the electrical signal by a player of the instrument. In an embodiment, amplification unit 380 is a BARTOLINI uTCT tone control module. An amplified and modified signal is transmitted via electrical coupling from amplification unit 380 to output jack 260. An output cable may be inserted into output jack 260 for transmitting the amplified and modified signal from system 200 to at least one speaker and/or amplifier for producing sound. System 200 may include a power source 390, such as a battery pack that ranges from 3V-9V, for example, to provide electrical current via leads 395 for powering amplification unit 380. Power source 390 is secured to tailpiece 210 using a clamp 392, for example.

(29) In an embodiment, components of system 200, including wires 385, leads 395 and amplification unit 380, are housed in a box mounted to tailpiece 210 to hide from view. Onboard power source 390 may be located inside the box behind a removable panel, for example, to enable easy replacement.

(30) Now referring back to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. which depict the system attached to the reverse side of the tailpiece. By way of example the length of a full-size violin tailpiece 210 is 115 mm and the width is 42 mm. The system 200 may also be dimensioned to be incorporated and integrated within the tailpiece is such a manner that the electronics lay flat within the exterior curve dimensions of the tailpiece. Implementations may further include the use of rechargeable lithium ion batteries so that the components do not project over the curved edge of the tailpiece. Other implementations may encapsulate the amplifier and the rechargeable battery within one component system.

(31) FIG. 5 shows steps of a method 500 for controlling sound amplification and tonal modification onboard an acoustic stringed instrument. In an example of method 500, an onboard electronic system 200 is used to amplify and modify sound from instrument 205 of FIG. 2. In step 510, method 500 senses vibration from at least one string with a pickup. In an example of step 510, a pickup located on instrument 205 senses vibration of first string 201, second string 202, third string 203, and fourth string 204.

(32) In step 520, method 500 generates an electrical signal of the vibration sensed in step 510. In an example of step 520, the pickup generates an electric signal corresponding to vibration of first string 201, second string 202, third string 203, and fourth string 204.

(33) In step 530, method 500 transmits the electrical signal generated in step 520 to an amplification unit via an input cable. In an example of step 530, the electrical signal is transmitted from the pickup to amplification unit 380 via input cable 285.

(34) In step 540, method 500 modifies the electrical signal in response to at least one controller located onboard the instrument. In an example of step 540, amplification unit 380 modifies the electrical signal in response to dual tone controller 240, which provides base control via an outer knob and treble control via an inner knob. In another example of step 540, amplification unit 380 modifies the electrical signal in response to volume controller 250, which provides onboard control of sound loudness produced from an external speaker.

(35) In step 550, method 500 outputs the modified electrical signal to a speaker to produce sound. In an example of step 550, the modified electrical signal is outputted via output jack 260 to an output cable that is electrically connected to an external speaker.

(36) System 200 that executes method 500 may provide a player of acoustic stringed instruments ability to amplify, modify, and pre-condition an electrical signal of sound without interfering with sound quality or playing ability of the instrument.

(37) FIG. 6 shows steps of a method 600 for controlling sound amplification and tonal modification of a stringed musical instrument. In an example of method 600, an electronic system 200 is used to control, amplify and modify sound from instrument 205 of FIG. 2.

(38) In step 610, method 600 senses vibration from one or more strings with a plurality of pickups located at various locations on the stringed instrument. In an example of step 610, a plurality of pickups located on instrument 205 sense vibrations of first string 201, second string 202, third string 203, and fourth string 204.

(39) In step 620, method 600 generates a plurality of electrical signals from the vibration sensed with a plurality of pickups in step 610. In an example of step 620, the plurality of pickups generates a plurality of electric signals corresponding to vibration of first string 201, second string 202, third string 203, and fourth string 204 at various locations on instrument 205.

(40) In step 630, method 600 transmits the plurality of electrical signals generated in step 620 to a blend controller via a multi-channel input cable. In an example of step 630, the plurality of electrical signals is transmitted from the plurality of pickups to the blend controller via input cable 285.

(41) In step 640, method 600 blends the plurality of electrical signals with the blend controller. In an example of step 640, the blend controller includes a control knob or dial to enable a player to modify blending of the electrical signals while playing instrument 205.

(42) In step 650, method 600 transmits the blended electrical signal to the amplification unit. In an example of step 650, the blended electrical signal is transmitted from the blend controller to amplification unit 380.

(43) In step 660, method 600 modifies the blended electrical signal in response to one or more controllers located the instrument. Step 660 is an example of step 540 of FIG. 5. In an example of step 640, amplification unit 380 modifies the blended electrical signal in response to dual tone controller 240, which provides base control via an outer knob and treble control via an inner knob. In another example of step 640, amplification unit 380 modifies the blended electrical signal in response to volume controller 250, which provides control of sound loudness produced from an external speaker.

(44) In step 670, method 600 outputs the modified electrical signal to a speaker to produce sound. Step 670 is an example of step 550 of FIG. 5. In an example of step 670, the modified electrical signal is outputted via output jack 260 to an output cable that is electrically connected to an external speaker.

(45) System 200 that executes method 600 may provide a player of stringed instruments ability to blend electrical signals from a plurality of pickups located at various positions on the instrument, and to amplify, modify, and pre-condition the blended signal without interfering with sound quality or playing ability of the instrument.

(46) Chinrest Configuration

(47) In an alternate implementation, as shown in FIG. 7, the amplification subsystem is incorporated into the chinrest of the stringed instrument. The chinrest amplifier system 700 is illustrated with an instrumentalist who simultaneously uses the controls that are mounted within the chin rest 780 to simultaneously support the chin of the musician and provide ease of access to amplifier controls.

(48) Referring to FIG. 7, stringed musical instrument 705 having a body 710 and sides 720. One or more strings 201 are tensioned over the bridge 750 connected between pegs (not shown) and the tail piece 210 and above the finger board 730. The chin is placed on the chin rest 780. The musician 790 the chin rest adjuster knob. 760 represents the knob for adjusting the tuning of the stringed musical instrument. 770 represent the S-shaped sound holes.

(49) Referring FIG. 8 illustrates the front view of the instrument with the chin rest and the tail piece sections hosting the onboard electronic system for amplification and tonal modification of sound from an acoustic stringed instrument.

(50) Referring to FIG. 9, which depicts an electronic system 900 for amplification and tonal modification of sound from a stringed musical instrument. System 900 includes a tailpiece 110 for supporting one or more strings of a stringed musical instrument. Examples of stringed musical instruments include an upright bass, cello, violin, viola, archtop guitar, mandola, mandolin, octave mandolin and any other instrument that typically includes a tailpiece. System 900 also includes a chinrest section 780. Tailpiece 110 and chinrest 780 are configured for housing components of system 900 as described herein below.

(51) Components of the electronic system 900 include an amplification unit 180, which includes electronic circuitry 182 for amplifying and modifying electrical signals provided by an input cable 185. Electrical power is provided to electronic circuitry 182 via a battery power source 190. An output signal generated by electronic circuitry 182 is provided to an output jack 160 for electrically connecting to a speaker for producing sound. Modification to the electrical signal is achieved, for example, via a first controller 120, a second controller 130, a third controller 140, and a fourth controller 150. Controllers 120, 130, 140, 150 are electrically coupled to electronic circuitry 182 via wires for example. System 900 may include fewer or greater number of controllers without departing from the scope hereof. In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 10, 1000 represents the cross-sectional view of the tail piece portion 210 and the chin rest portion 780 hosting the control unit electronic circuitry for achieving the fine-tuning control. The slots 210 of the tail piece 210 make way for the strings to give out the signal to the electronic circuitry through the internal connection circuit 1020. The cables 1030 carry the signals for blending and amplifying to the desired levels through the tone controller 1040 and the amplifier 380. The entire circuit is powered by a battery source 390 located adjacent to the circuit. The output cables 1070 carry the blended and amplified signals to the output jack 1080 to an externally placed loudspeaker.

(52) Now referring to FIG. 11 in conjunction with FIG. 1, the controllers 120-150 are connected to the electronic circuitry 182. The output of the electronic circuitry 182 is encoded by suitable analog to digital encoder in the audio range. The encoded signal is processed by a controller 1060. The controller 1060 would typically be any small, low power microcontroller, such as the Arduino Uno sold by Sparkfun electronics. The controller 1060 and the encoder 1030 may be incorporated within one physical package. The wireless output 1050 of the controller 1060 may be routed via a network 1040 which is then connected to personal computing device 1080. The personal computer device 1080 may be any computing platform, such as a laptop, cell phone, or tablet. Alternately, the output from the controller may be communicated on standard audio communication bus 1055 such as the MIDI interface.

(53) The many aspects and benefits of the invention are apparent from the detailed description, and thus, it is intended for the following claims to cover all such aspects and benefits of the invention which fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. In addition, because numerous modifications and variations will be obvious and readily occur to those skilled in the art, the claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described herein. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents should be understood to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed herein.