Steven Edward Wolff

US Patent:

20040040432, Mar 4, 2004

Filed:

Feb 14, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/367274

Inventors:

Gary Erickson - Fountain Valley CA, US
Steven Wolff - Woodacre CA, US

International Classification:

G10D003/14

US Classification:

084/306000

Abstract:

A method and an apparatus provides for an optimum musical stringed instrument dynamic force chain comprised of simultaneous axial witness point adjustment mechanism, adjustable truss rod, high energy resilient and low friction tremolo bearing and mechanically optimized inline sensor structure. The invention provides simple to achieve accurate intonation adjustment of a vibrating string in relationship to a fixed divisional pitch system which optimizing the instruments energy balance. An inline vibration sensor is provided within the witness point structures whose mechanical impedance is tuned to provide optimum force chain admittance and is comprised of a piezoelectric composite or embedded within the entire instrument or various structural members. An adjustable truss rod is provided to insure optimum curvature of the neck and fingerboard insuring intonation and stability. A tremolo bearing comprised of hard and resilient material is provided under the tremolo pivot contact surfaces.