United States Patent [19] [111 4,147,086 Cough, Jr. [45] Apr. 3, 1979

[54] GUITAR [57] ABSTRACT [76] Inventor: Roy L. Cough, Jr., P.O. B011 704, A pedal steel guitar comprises an improved pitch Concord, N.H. 0330i changer mechanism for effecting string pitch changes. [21] Appl. No.: 829,630 The mechanism comprises a plurality of pitch-changing ?ngers, each mounted for pivotal movement with re [22] Filed: Sep. 1, 1977 i spect to a selected axis and adapted to be connected to [51] Int. Cl.2 ...... G101) 3/14 a guitar string end, so that tension on the string end will [52] US. Cl...... 84/312 P urge the ?nger in a selected direction, a stop for limiting [58] Field of Search ...... 84/312 P movement of the ?ngers,a number of pitch bars each adapted to move relative to said axis and thereby me [56] References Cited chanically force at least one of said ?ngers to move so U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS as to change the pitch of the string attached thereto, and pull means for selectively moving the pitch bars so as to 2,257,995 10/1941 Abrams et a]...... 84/312 P selectively change the pitch of the strings attached to 3,422,716 l/l969 Alifano ...... 84/312 P said ?ngers. The changer mechanism may be adapted to Primary Examiner-L. T. l-lix raise or lower the pitch of each string. Assistant Examiner-Benjamin R. Fuller Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Schiller & Pandiscio 28 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures

1\V/ 01 01

42A U.S. Patent Apr. 3, 1979 Sheet 1 of 2 4,147,086 US. Patent Apr. 3, 1979 Sheet 2 0f.2 4,147,086

46 48 x52 62

32 I8 I26 B0 48A

70

56 4,147,086 1 2 ability over prior devices and can be made to provide GUITAR signi?cant advantages in performance. These and other objects hereinafter described or "This vinvention relates to musical instruments and made obvious are accomplished by providing a pitch more particularly'to pedal steel guitars, but is also appli changer mechanism comprising a plurality of pitch cable to Spanish guitars played with a slide, and banjos changing ?ngers, each mounted for pivotal movement which the performers often retune on stage. with respect to a selected axis and adapted to be con Steel guitars are so called after the fashion of per nected to a guitar string end, so that tension on the forming upon them by stopping off the strings with a string will urge the ?nger in a selected direction, a stop metal bar or slide. Pedal steel guitars are those in which for limiting movement of the ?ngers, a number of pitch the basic tuning of the instrument can be changed while bars each adapted to move relative to said axis and playing upon it by means of changer mechanisms oper thereby mechanically force at least one of said ?ngers to ated by foot pedals and/or knee levers. The changer move so as to change the pitch of the string attached Y mechanisms are adapted to change string pitch to the thereto, and pull means for selectively moving the pitch tone desired by increasing or decreasing the string ten bars so as to selectively change the pitch of thestrings sion. Typical changer mechanisms are capable of tight- ' attached to said ?ngers. The changer mechanism may vening or loosening individual strings separately or in be adapted to raise or lower the pitch of the string. concert to produce different tunings as desired by the Other features. and many of the attendant advantages operator. The usual pitch change mechanism is oper of the invention are speci?ed or made obvious by the ated by pedals and/or‘knee levers acting through cables following detailed descriptions of several embodiments or rods commonly known as “pulls”. Some systems, of the invention and the accompanying drawings notably Emmons, use rods which effect changes both wherein: . by pulling and pushing. - FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pedal steel guitar Existing pitch changer mechaisms are relatively com embodying a pitch changer which constitutes a pre plicated and expensive, particularly in the case where ferred form of the invention;v the‘ guitar, has a universal changer (any string pitch can FIG. 2 is a left side elevation, partly in section, of the be raised or lowered), double changer (any string can be pitch changer of the instrument of FIG. 1; , raised orlowered two separate pitches), and/or multi FIG. 3 is a plan view of the same pitch changer; ple changers (any string or group of strings can be FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevational view showing one raised or lowered to any pitch by any or all of the ped 30 of the pedal mechanisms for operating a “pull”; als). Other problems are excessive string wear due to FIG. 5 is a left side ‘view in elevation, partly in sec - unsatisfactory pitch changer design, a tendency for a tion, of a second form of pitch changer made in accor changer to become “untuned” as a consequence of dif?~ dance with thisinvention; , culty or criticality in adjustment of changer tuning or FIG. 6 is an end view in elevation of the changer _ inexact changer operations, and excessive pedal or knee shown in FIG. 5; and . lever stroke to effect a desired pitch change. In addition FIG. 7 is a plan. view of still another form of the .to these dif?culties, systems using rods connected to invention. - body-mounted bell cranks may cause the body to twist Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a pedal steel guitar _( or distort and detune strings other than those desired to which comprises a cabinet or-superstructure 2 consist change. Accordingly the primary object of this inven ing of an consisting of an upper panel 4, a front apron 6, I tion is to provide a pitch changer mechanism for steel a corresponding rear apron (not visible), and opposite end plates 8A and 8B. The top panel carries a fret board guitars which overcomes or substantially reduces the 12 and a tuning key head 14 provided with adjustable problems and limitations of prior. known pitch changing tuning keys or pegs 16. The metal guitar strings or wires devices. . . 45 A more speci?c object is to provide a simpli?ed pitch 18 are attached at one end to the pegs 16 and pass over > changer mechanism which is capable of producing an electronic pickup 20 which is mounted on the top panel 4. Suitable means (not shown) are used to couple string-pitch changes in a simple and positive manner the pickup to an ampli?er and speaker system (also not , and may be-adapted' to raise or lower the pitch of a - shown). To the extent already described the cabinet 2 ,single string or several strings simultaneously by opera and the structure which it supports are conventional tion of a single player-operated actuator. . and do-not differ substantially from pedal steel guitars Another speci?c object is to produce a pitch change of the type which have been (commercially available for steel guitars which is characterized by an economy for some time. The opposite ends of the strings are of mechanism unapproached by any prior art device of attached to a novel pitch changer head 22 which forms comparable versatilityof purpose and which improves 55 the essence of the present invention and is described in the‘ performance and- durability of the instrument. ~ detail hereinafter. Another purpose is to provide a pitch changer for The cabinet 2 is supported on four legs 24 at a suitable guitars which can be operated by either pedal or knee level above the ?oor. Extending across between the lever actuators, whichsmay be made with the capability two front legs 24 is a cross member which may be made ’ of changing one or several strings by one or more of any suitable material such as wood or metal. As de- . pitches; including the capability to raise and lower scribed in greater detail hereinafter, cross member 26 pitches simultaneously with one actuator. , supports a pedal mechanism identi?ed generally by the Still another purpose is to provide a pitch changer numeral 28. This pedal mechanism forms part of the where each pitch changer may be exactly adjusted by present invention and is described in greater detail here coaction of an adjustable pitch changing member with a 65 inafter. The instrument also may include one or more positive stop.v . > knee levers 30. Although not shown, it is to be under .A further object is to provide a steel guitar which stood that knee levers 30 are mounted to the underside *constitutes an improvement in simplicity, cost and reli of the cabinet 2 in any suitable ‘manner, preferably in the 4,147,086? 3 4 manner in which knee levers are commonly attachedv to; Although cross member 66 is shown as spaced from the superstructure of conventional pedal steel guitars. fingers 48 when the latter are substantially vertical, in Knee levers 30 and the pedal mechanism 28 are both practice the cross member may be located so that it will lever means and are connected to the pitch changer be engaged by the pitch changer ?ngers when the latter head 22 by suitable means for effecting the pitch change ‘ are vertical or nearly so. Pivotal movement of the pitch of one or more of the strings 18 with the knee or foot. ‘In changer ?ngers by the pitch bars in the opposite direc the case of the pedal mechanism, the lever means is in tion (i.e., clockwise as seen in FIG. 2) is limited by the the form of individual pedals, coupled to .the pitch extent ‘to which the pitch bars can move in slots. 54 changer mechanism bysheathed cables 32,,as hereinaf toward the ?ngers. However, as an alternative or added ter described. The knee levers may be connected to the 7 precautionary measure to prevent excessive tensioning pitch changer head by other sheathed cables (not. of the strings, the slots 46 may be formed so as to pro-v shown) similar to cables-32, or by non-sheathed cables ' vide surfaces 68 which are located so as to be engaged orpullssimilar to the manner in which knee levers are by and thereby limit pivotal movement of thefmgers'by ' conventionally coupled to pitch changer heads. thepitch bars before the pitch bars have reached ‘the Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the upper panel 4 limit of travel in slots.54 determined by pins 62 and of the cabinet is provided .with a suitable opening 36 holes 60. (FIG. 1) to1 accommodate the upper end of the base Each pitch ‘bar may be adapted to operate .one or V block 38 of the pitch changer head 22. Base block 38 is more pitch changer ?ngers. For this purpose each pitch secured to the upper-panel and preferably alsoto the bar is provided with one or more threaded ‘holes to front and rear aprons 6 of the cabinet so as to prevent it 20 accommodate tuning set screws 70. Each set screw 70 is from moving relative v'to the superstructure 2. Base located in line with a selected pitch changer ?nger, as, block 38 has a rear vertical surface 40 extendingv be ‘shown in FIG. 3. tween a pair of rearwardly-extending arms 42A and B. The upper end of each pitch ?nger is provided with _, The latter are cut away on top so as to: form ?at upper a peg or dowel 72 to accommodate thev so-called, “ball surfaces 44 thatare flush with upper panel 4 and inter ' end” of a, guitar string whereby each string is anchored sect rear surface 40. Base block 38 is formed with a to‘ a corresponding pitch ?nger. [Each ball end consists plurality of vertically extending slots 46 which intersect of a ring 74 to which the’end of a string is affixed, with rear surface'40. Slots 46 extend fully from the upper to . the ring being large enough to be slipped over a ‘peg 72. the lower end of the block and are sized so as to accom The‘upper ends of the pitch ?ngers are rounded as modate and make a close sliding ?t with individual 30 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 so as to minimize bending pitch changer'?ngers 48. The'upper ends of ?ngers '48 'stress‘cs'o'n the strings as the pitch ?ngers are pivoted to ' are ‘provided with openings to accommodate an axleor increase the tension on the strings. pivot shaft50 which pivotally supportsthe ?ngers. The As already indicated, the pitch ?ngers are operated opposite ends of axle 50 are secured in holes 52 formed by the pitch bars,"_and the latter in turn are operated by in the opposite ends of block 38. 35 the pedals or knee levers operating through sheathed Each arm 42A and B has a plurality of horizontal cables 32. For this purpose, the base block 38 has a slots 54 which extend at a right angle to the sots 46 and plurality of horizontally-extending holes 78 to slidably subdivide a portion of the arm into separator members accommodate the wire sections‘33 of cables 32.‘ Each ' 55. Each slot in arm 42A is aligned with the correspond hole 78 is at the ‘vertical level of one of the‘pitch‘ bars ing slot in arm 42B. Slots 54 may be deep enough to 40 and extends through the vertical surface 40 between a intersect the plane of vertical wall 40. Preferably, how pair of ‘.pitch changer ?ngers. Each 'wire 33 _'extends ever, slots 54 terminate shortof wall "40 as shown in " through a hole in one of the pitch bars and is anchored FIG. 2. The'slots 54 accommodate pitch bars 56. As thereto as shown at 35 in FIG. 3. Each hole '78-also is shown, slots‘ 46and 54>are formed withrflat opposing counterbored to receive the sheath portion 34 ofa cable ‘ sides, andpich changer ?ngers 48 and pitchbars 56'are 45 32. The sheath 34 is anchored in the counterbore in a correspondingly provided with ?at opposite surfaces, suitable manner, e.g‘. by a force or'fr'iction ?t or:-by thereby assuring that the pitch changer fingers and soldering or brazing. The wires 33 of more than one ‘ pitch bars will slide easily and smoothly in their respec-‘ cable 32 ‘may be connected to the same‘ pitch bar, so that tive slots. Each pitch bar is formed at its opposite ends each'zpitch bar may be connected to and be operable-by with elongate holes 60 (FIG. 3), each accommodating a 50 ‘a single cable or selectively operable by any one-‘of two retainingpin62; The two pins extend through holes in or more cables. ' . separator members '55 and have their upper and lower The opposite ends of the sheaths 34 ‘of cables 32 may endsanchored in the upper and lower sections of arms all :be‘ connected ‘to the pedal mechanism 28, or one or‘ 42A and B. Retainer pins 62 function to limit reciprocal more of them may be connected mom of the knee movement of pitch bars 56 toward and away from pitch levers 30. In‘ the case of the pedal mechanism, the‘oppo changer ?ngers 48. By suitably dimensioning the elon~ site end of each cable sheath 34 is secured in a socket 80 » gate holes 60 and the diameters of retainer pins 62, it is (FIGS. 1 and 4) that is affixed to an angle iron 82 af?xed ' possible to assure that both ends of each pitch 'bar will to cross member 26. ‘Angle iron 82 and a Z-bar 84‘ are move evenly with one another toward and away from secured to opposite sides of cross ‘member 26 by suitable‘ the pitch changer ?ngers, thereby avoiding possible means such as screws 86 and nuts 88. The Z-member 84 binding of the pitch bars. -‘ ' is formed with a’ plurality of holes to accommodate-two Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, ‘the upper‘ surface 44 ‘or more eye bolts 90 which are secured to the Z-bar in of arms 42A and B are provided with a groove for any suitable manner,‘ such as by threaded nuts or cotter accommodating a stop inthe form of a cross member pins. The eye bolts support a pedal axle 92 which ex 66. Cross member 66 is immobilized with respect to the tends through the- eye portion or hole of the eye bolts base block andis sized and located so as to limit pivotal and also through the opposite side walls 96 of channel movement of the pitch changer ?ngers 48in‘a counter shaped pedal members 94. Thus, each pedal member 94 clockwise direction (as viewed in FIG. 2) about'axle 50. is essentially a lever pivotally supported by axle 92. One 4,147,086 6 or several pedals 94 may be mounted on axle .92 and latter. away from the former, whereby pitch bar 56A is suitable means such as- tubular spacer sleeves, snap drawn forward toward base block 38 and thereby ‘.‘pre rings, cotter pins or the like , (not shown) may be loads” the strings whose pitch changer ?ngers are en mounted on the axle for the purpose of preventing the gaged by theset screws 70 carried by pitch bar 56A. axle from slipping out of its eyebolt supports and also One of the cables 32A has its wire 33 extend slidably for keeping the pedals mutually spaced so as to allow through aligned holes in auxiliary pitch bar 110 and base each pedal to be operable without interference from an block 38 and anchored in another pitch bar 56B, while adjacent pedal. . the sheath of the same cable is anchored in a suitable The wire 83 of each sheathed cable extends slidably counterbore in auxiliary pitch bar 110. Pitch bars 56A through a hole in angle iron 82 and is attached to a pedal and B both have set screws 70. With this arrangement, 94. This connection may be achieved by providing a the cable 32A is deliberately made long enough to pro hole in the upper section of the pedal through which the vide slack, particularly where it is secured to the auxil wire can be passed, and securing the free end of thewire iary pitch bar 110, so that depressing the pedal to which tov a soldered or brazed termination 98. Preferably, a cable 32A is connected will cause a pull on that cable rubber grommet Y100 and a metal washer 102 are dis 5 which will resolve itself by pulling on wire 33 (and posed between the upper portion of each pedal and the - hence pulling pitch bar 56B forward) and partly by termination 98 for shock absorption. Pivotal movement simultaneously thrusting the sheath of cable 32A of each of the pedals may be limited by suitable stop toward pitch bar 110 so as to cause the latter to com means. By way of example but not limitation, the stop press spring 114. Thus the preload tension (determined means may comprise a screw 104 carried by the angle 20 by the set screw(s) of slide bar 56A) on the string(s) iron 82 and extending through an oversized hole in the attached to the ?nger(s) engaged by the set screw(s) on upper portion of the pedal, with a suitable nut 106 se pitch bar 56A is relaxed. Each such ?nger is allowed to cured to the screw and acting 'to prevent the screw from rotate under the tension of the string to which it is being withdrawn from the pedal. The position of the attached to a new position dictated by a corresponding nut screw 104 may be adjusted to vary the extent to 25 set screw 70 of the pitch bar 56B, whereby the pitch of which the pedal can be‘ forced down by the operator. the affected string or strings is lowered. It should be As is believed obvious from the foregoing disclosure, noted that the lowest pitch of the strings in question can when apedal 94 is depressed it will cause the wire 33 to be provided by allowing ‘the ?nger(s) to contact the slide longitudinally within the sheath 34" of a sheathed stop 66. Thus, any string can be lowered through more cable 32, whereby the pitch bar to which the wire cable 30 than one pitch change and still go to a positive stop is connected will be drawn toward the pitch changer (either by contacting the set screws 70 of pitch bar 56B.v ?ngers. The pitch bars do not directly engage the pitch or contacting stop 66) for each change. This point is changer ?ngers. Instead, when a pitch bar is drawn made because many prior art mechanisms depend upon forward, the set'screws 70 carried by that pitch bar will some vsort of balance spring to hold the ?ngers at, a engage whatever ?ngers are located in the path of those mid-position; the present mechanism is different in that set screws. In other words, each of the set screws is all stops may be solid and positive without depending aligned with a particular ?nger and functions to actuate on such prior art mechanisms. ' that ?nger when the pitch bar to which‘ the set screw is FIGS. 5 and 6 show another form of construction mounted ‘is' drawn forward by operation of a pedal as with two alternatively employable features. One feature previously described. The set screws can be moved in 40 involves providing notches 122 in upstanding mutually or out relative to the pitch bars to adjust the degree of spaced side wall sections 120 of base block 38A to ac pitch change. The amount by which the pitch changer commodate the pivot axle 50 of pitch changer ?ngers ?ngers are ‘pivoted is determined by the setting of 48A and another axle 124 which supports a plurality of screws 70. Thus, as the pitch bars are drawn towards rollers 126, one for each string 18. Each roller 126 may, the'?ngers, whatever ?nger is engaged by a set screw 70 45 but need not, have a peripheral groove to accommodate will be pivoted clockwise (as seen in FIG. 2) and ‘will a string ‘18, but preferably the peripheral surface of each thereby increase'the tension on the string to which the roller 126 is ?at from one side to the other. Roller 126 ?nger is connected. Increasing'the string tension has the is located in advance of each ?nger 48A and each string effect of raising the" string pitch. Thus, by appropriately 18 is threaded through an oversized hole in the upper positioning a set screw, it is possible for that set screw to end of the respective ?nger and is anchored thereto by move a ?nger far enough to effect one pitch change or an enlarged end‘ termination 128 such as a ball end of the more than one pitch change. Because of the tension on ring type previously described. A stop in the form of a the strings, eachpitch ?nger will move counterclock bar 130 of rectangular or square cross-section extends wise to" its original position against stop member 66 between and is secured in side wall sections 120 directly when'the pedals which placed it under increased ten 55 in front of the ?ngers. Stop 130 limits counterclockwise sion is_ ‘released. ' rotation of ?ngers 48A and thus sets the at-rest position FIG. 2 also shows howthe same type of mechanism of those ?ngers. Each roller 126 may be located as can be used to lower the pitch of a string. In this case, shown so that the string which engages it is not bent by an auxiliary pitch bar 110 is provided. The ends of the the roller when the corresponding ?nger is in its at-rest auxiliary pitch bar are slidably mounted between and position. However, rollers 126 also may be raised - are supported by- separator members 55A (which are slightly so that the portions of the strings running be extensions of base block 38) in a similar manner as previ tween the rollers and the ?ngers‘tend to be at an angle ously described with respect to the pitch bars 56. Auxil to the portion of the strings running from the rollers iary pitch bar 110 is connected to one of the pitch bars back to the fret board. By using rollers 126 it is vvpossible 56A by- means of a wire pull 112. Wire pull 112 is an 65 to reduce costs, facilitate attachment of the strings to chored at its ends to pitch bars‘l10 and 56A and is the ?ngers, and extend string life since the string is not surrounded by a compression spring 114 which acts bent over as severe a radius as in the embodiment of between base block 38 and pitch bar 110 to force the FIGS. 1-3. 4,147,086 7 . T A second alternative feature shown in FIGS. 5- and 6 latter are operated by cables 32. In this case, as in the is a different way of ‘slidably supporting and spacing the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, by screwing a set screw in or pitch. bars. In: this case, each pitch bar 136 is formed out it is possible to vary the amount a pitch changer with’. grooves at each end to slidably accommodate ?nger is moved by a pitch bar and thereby to control cantilever slide support rods 138'which are attached at the amount of resultant pitch ehange.~lt also is ‘recog one‘end to'base block 38A. Rods 138 are rigid an thus nized that the ‘cable system for operating the pitch each pair can act to effectively support a particular changer mechanism makes the invention applicable to a pitch bar in close but sliding relation to each adjacent guitar which is carried by a sling around the neck of the pitch bar. If desired the ends of rods 138 remote from player who stands up- in the manner of a "Dobro” base block 38A also may be anchored, e.g. by-locating p player, in which case the pedal mechanism 28 may be them inclose ?tting holes in end plate v8A. As in the mounted on a separate ?oor stand with the cables 32 embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, each pitch bar has holes for running from the ?oor stand to the sling-supported accommodating the wires 33 of a cable 32 and tapped instrument. I ‘ ' r holes for set screws‘70." ' I ' = _ It is‘ also recognized that the pitch changer mecha FIGS. 7 shows another modi?cation. In this case the 15 nism may comprise two or more rows of pitch changer base block 38B has arms 42A and B which are slotted‘ ?ngers 48, with separate cables being employed to oper for a limited distance-from their front ends (the ends of ate pitch changer ?ngers in‘each row. It is also appreci the slots are indicated at 140) to accommodate several ated that the pitch changer mechanism may be modi?ed pitch bars 56 which are pivotally secured at one end to by having a'spring loaded pitch bar 56 coupled to a arm 42B by a pivot pin 142. Although not shown, it is to 20 pitch changer ?nger 48 by a cable tether or a' pivotal be understood that the wires 33 of sheathed cables 32 link of adjustable length, ‘with the associated operating are attached to pitch' bars 56 and also to pedals 94 and cable 32 having its cable member 33 attached to a sta /or knee levers 30in the same manner as described in tionary block and its sheath 34 anchored to the pitch connection with FIGS: 1-4. ' With this arrangement, bar, so that operation of thecorresponding pedal will depressing *a pedal 94 to exert a pull on awire 33 will 25 cause the aforesaid cable sheath to move the pitch barin have the effect of causing a pitch bar 56 to pivot coun a direction to cause the coupled pitch changer ?nger to terclockwise as seen in FIG. 7 to tighten the tension on lower'the pitch of a guitar string. 7 -v one or more strings. The actual amount of pivotal travel Since still otherchanges may be made in the above of the pivotally mounted pitch bar may be .relatively apparatus without departing from the scope of the in small for a single pitch change,» e.g'., 10-15’. pivotal 30 vention herein involved,.it is intended that all matter movement about pivot axis of the pin 142. ' ' The guitar thus described has several advantages contained in the above description or ' shown. in the over prior art devices. Speci?cally, the pitch changer accompanying drawings shall be interpreted in an illus mechanism of the present invention is capable of pro trative and not in a limiting sense. . ducing‘ stringapitchchanges in a simple and positive 35 v_What is claimed'is: _‘ l I manner and may be adapted to raise or lower ‘the pitch 1. A guitar comprising a plurality of stringsqeach ‘of a single string or raise and lower several strings si having a ?rst end. and a second end, means for securing multaneously by a single player-operated actuator; The said. ?rst string ends to a ?xed support, and end means use of set screws 70‘and stops 66 and 130 provide posi for securing said second stringends to a ?xed support, tive stop. action so as to’ provide more reliable string said end means comprising pitch changer means for pitch changes Further, the pitch .changer mechanism adjusting the tension of at least two of said strings so as assures reliable tuning of the instrument and also pro topitch vary changer the string means ‘pitch comprising of said at leasta base two block; strings, at- ‘least vides an economy of mechanisms unapproached by any prior art device of ‘comparable versatility of purpose two ?ngers each having an upper end and a lower end, and» instrument‘durability. In this connection it should 45 an axlepivotally securing the upper end of ?ngers ber‘noted that each pedal or knee lever maybe ‘con to said base block so that said ?ngers are spaced- from nected‘to more than one cable 32, so as to-permit more one another, means securing said at least two strings to than ‘one pitch bar 56 to be operated by a single action said at leasttwo fmgersso that the tension on said. of the player.‘ A' very considerable advantage is pro vstrings will vary according to thepositions of said’?n vided by using sheathed cables 32 since they not only 50 gers, at least one elongate pitch bar mounted for move permit the use of a push-pull action as described hereto ment relative to said base block toward vand away from fore of raising and lowering pitches, but which :canbe said ?ngers, adjustable means carried by said at least bent around to- pull thev ?ngers directly backward. one pitch bar for directly applying a force to at least one These cables provide'an advantage to the performer in of said ?ngers and moving said at least one ?nger in a that the assembly and disassembly of the instrument is direction to alter the string tension of any-string which greatly simpli?ed. Instead of the necessity of removing is secured on said ?nger when said at least one pitch bar a plurality of rods, the cables are simply wrapped is moved in a selected direction, a. ?exible cable at aroundithe pedal bar. Another advantage is that .the tached to each of said at least one pitch bars having one stresses of the pitch changing mechanism are concen end extending between said at least two ?ngers and trated within the changer-pedal mechanism (or knee .60 attached ' to said pitch bar, and operating means for lever)'complex and are not transferred to the guitar exerting a pull-on said at least one cable so as to cause body, thereby avoiding stress-induced distortion of the said cable to move said at least one pitch bar’ in said guitar body. ‘ ' . ' ‘selected direction. -‘ ~ ' v , . , Still another advantageis that the invention is suscepq. ._ 2. A guitar according to claim 1 wherein said operat tible of a number of modi?cations in addition to those ing means includes lever means and means mounting already-described. Thus, for example, tuning set screws said lever means for movement 'by the player of the 70-. could be mounted ‘to the pitch changer ?ngers 48 in guitar, said lever means being connected to said at’ least ‘ position to be engaged by the pitch bars 56 when the one cable. “ " -' 4,147,086 10 3. A guitar according to claim 1 wherein said pitch string will vary according to the radial position of said” changer means comprises at least two separate pitch ?nger, a ?rst pitch bar assembly mounted in front of bars operatively associated with one of said ?ngers. said front edge of said at least one ?nger for movement 4. A guitar according to claim 1 wherein said end towards and away from said front edge, said ?rst pitch means further comprises at least three of said ?ngers, a bar assembly being adapted to engage said front edge plurality of said pitch bars each adapted to engage at and thereby move said at least one ?nger in a direction least one of said ?ngers, plurality of cables each con to increase the tension on said at least one string when nected to each of said pitch bars, and lever means re said ?rst pitch bar is moved in a ?rst direction, a second motely located from said pitch bars and connected to pitch bar assembly mounted in front of the front edge of each of said cables. said at least one ?nger and adapted for movement paral 5. A guitar according to claim 1 wherein said at least lel to said ?rst pitch bar assembly, and a third pitch bar one elongate pitch bar extends parallel to said ?nger assembly mounted behind said rear edge of said ?nger axle. and adapted for movement parallel to said ?rst and 6. A guitar according to claim 1 wherein said at least second pitch bar assemblies, means for coupling said one pitch bar is pivotally mounted at one end. 15 third pitch bar to said second pitch bar assembly, and 7. A guitar according to claim 1 wherein said at least means yieldably forcing said third pitch bar assembly one pitch bar is mounted so that both ends thereof are away from said rear edge of said ?nger so that (1) said slidable relative to said base block. second pitch bar assembly will normally engage said 8. A guitar according to claim 1 comprising a plural front edge of said ?nger and thereby hold said ?nger ity of said pitch bars each carried by said base block, from engaging said ?rst pitch bar assembly, and (2) with each of said strings being connected to a different when said third pitch bar is suitablyforced towards said one of said ?ngers. rear edge of said ?nger, said second pitch bar assembly 9. A guitar according to claim 1 wherein said ?xed will move in a second opposite direction from said ?n support is a ?at plate, and further wherein said at least ger and said ?nger will move in a direction to decrease two ?ngers are pivotally mounted to an axle which is 25 the tension on said at least one string, and operating ?xed and extends parallel to said plate and said at least means for causing said ?rst and third pitch bar assem one pitch bar extends parallel to said plate, and further blies to move toward and away from said at least one wherein said at least two ?ngers are provided with a ?nger. pair of ?xed stops to limit their travel about said axle. 16. A guitar according to claim 15 wherein said oper 10. A guitar according to claim 9 wherein said end 30 ating means includes sheathed cable attached to each of means comprises a plurality of said pitch bars and a said ?rst and third pitch bar assemblies. plurality of said ?ngers, with said ?ngers being disposed 17. A guitar according to claim 16 wherein said oper parallel to one another across the width of said plate, ating means includes lever means and means mounting and said pitch bars being disposed one above the other said lever means for movement by the player of the parallel to said plate and on one side of said at least two guitar, said lever means being connected to at least one ?ngers. of said sheathed cables. 11. A guitar according to claim 1 wherein said at least 18. A guitar according to claim 15 comprising a plu two ?ngers are rounded at said upper end for accommo rality of ?ngers and a plurality of ?rst pitch bars, with dating said string and said means for securing said string each of said strings connected to one of said ?ngers and to said ?nger includes a peg disposed on said ?nger. 40 each of said ?rst pitch bars being adapted to move at , 12. A guitar according to claim 1 wherein at least one least one of said ?ngers in a direction to alter the string of said ?ngers includes a hole at said upper end thereof tension of the string attached to said one ?nger when for accommodating a string which is secured on said said ?rst pitch bar is moved in a selected direction. ?nger, and roller means disposed in advance of said at 19. A guitar according to claim 15 wherein said ?rst least one ?nger so that said string which is secured on 45 pitch bar assembly is pivotally mounted at one end. said ?nger contacts said roller when said ?nger is in a 20. A guitar according to claim 15 wherein said ?rst rest position. pitch bar assembly is mounted so that both ends thereof 13. A guitar according to claim 1 wherein said base are slidable relative to said base block. block includes a slot for accommodating said axle. 21. A guitar according to claim 15 comprising a plu 14. A guitar according to claim 1 having a superstruc 50 rality of said ?ngers‘ and a plurality of said pitch bars ture which serves as said ?xed support, and further each carried by said base block, with each of said strings wherein the stresses of the pitch changer means are being connected to a different one of said ?ngers. concentrated in said means and are not transferred to 22. A guitar according to claim 15 wherein said ?xed said superstructure. support is a ?at plate, and further wherein said ?nger is 15. A guitar comprising a plurality of strings each pivotally mounted to an axle which is ?xed and extends having a ?rst end and a second end, a ?xed support, ?rst parallel to said plate and said pitch bars extend parallel means securing said ?rst string ends to said ?xed sup to said plate. ' port, and second means for securing said second string 23. A guitar according to claim 15 wherein said end ends to said ?xed support, said second end means com means comprises a plurality of said ?rst pitch bars and a prising pitch changer means for adjusting the tension of 60 plurality of said ?ngers, with said ?ngers being disposed . at least one of said strings so as to vary the string pitch parallel to one another across the width of said plate, of said at least one string, said pitch changer means and said pitch bars being disposed one above the other comprising a base block af?xed to said ?xed support, at parallel to said plate. least one ?nger having an upper end and a lower end 24. A guitar according to claim 16 wherein one of and a front edge and a rear edge, an axle pivotally secur 65 said sheathed cables is disposed so that its sheath por ing the upper end of said at least one ?nger to said base ' tion is attached to said third pitch bar assembly and its block, means securing at least one of said strings to said cable portion is attached to said second pitch bar assem at least one ?nger so that the tension on said at least one bly. 4,147,086 11 12 25. A guitar according to claim 15 wherein said ?nger of ?rst pitch bars mounted on said base block in front of has a hole at one end for accommodating one of said saidfront edges of said ?nger for movementltowards strings, and roller means disposed in advance of said andv away from said front edges, said ?rst pitch bars ?nger so that said one string contacts said roller when being adapted to selectively engage said front edges and said ?nger is in a rest position. thereby'move said engaged fingers in a ?rst direction 26. A guitar according to claim 15 wherein said base when said pitch bars are urged against said front edges, block includes a slot for accommodating said axle. a plurality of second pitch bars adapted for movement 27. A guitar according to claim 15 having a super parallel to said ?rst pitch bars toward and away from structure which serves as said ?xed support, and further said ?ngers, and a plurality of third pitch bars mounted wherein the stresses of the pitch changer means are behind said rear edges of said ?ngers and adapted for concentrated therein and are not transferred to said movement parallel. to said ?rst and second pitch bars superstructure. toward and away from said ?ngers, means coupling 28. A guitar comprising a plurality of strings each each of said third pitch bars to one of said second pitch having a ?rst end and a second end, means‘ securing said bars, and spring means yieldably forcing said third pitch ?rst string ends to a fixed support, end means for secur bars away from said rear edges of said' ?ngers so that _(1) ing said second string ends to a ?xed support, said end said second pitch bars will normally engage said front means comprising pitch changer means for adjusting edges of said ?ngers and thereby hold said ?ngers from the tension of said strings so as to vary the string pitch engaging said ?rst pitch bars, and (2) when said third of said strings, said pitch changer means comprising a pitch bars are forced towards said rear edge of said base block, a plurality of ?ngers each having ?rst‘ and 20 ?ngers, said second pitch bars will be disengaged from second opposite ends, a front edge and a rear edge, an said ?ngers and said ?ngers will move in the direction axle pivotally securing the ?rst ends of ?ngers to said of said ?rst pitch bars, and operating, means for selec base block, means securing each of said strings to one of tively causing said ?rst and third pitch bar assemblies to said ?ngers so that the tension on said strings will vary move toward and away from said ?ngers. according to the pivot position of said ?nger, a plurality 25 # Ill * i Ill

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65 UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO. 1 4147086 ' ' DATED : April 3, 1979 INVENTOR(S) ': Roy L. Clough, Jr. It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below: I

Claim 16, column 10, line 30, the word "a" should be inserted before the word "sheathed".

Paragraph [76] the inventor's name should be changed

from "Roy L. Cough, Jr." to -- Roy L. Clough, Jr. —-. Signed and Sealed this T wenty-sixth D a)’ Dr June 1979 {SEAL} Arrest:

RUTH C. MASON D 0 NALD W. B A NE R Arresting O?icer Commissioner of Parents and Trademarks UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

DATED ’ : April ‘3, 1979 . INVENTOR(S) : Roy L. Clough, Jr.‘ It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Claim 16, column 10, line 30, the word "a" should be ‘inserted before the word "sheathed".

Paragraph [76] the inventor's name should be changed

from "Roy'L. Cough, Jr." to -- Roy L. Clough, Jr. —-. . SugncdI and Scalcd thisI Twenty-sixth Day Of June I979 [SEAL] Q Arrest.

‘ DONALD W. BANNER RUTH C. MASON ‘ Arresting O?icer Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks .

Q