Feb. 28, 1961 C. L.

FENDER 2,972,923
FLOATING TREMOLO AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
FOR LUTE-TYPE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Filed Nov. 6, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet

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FLOATING TREMOLO AND BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
2,972,923
FOR LUTE-TYPE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Filed Nov. 6, 1958 2 Sheets-Sheet 2

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 United States Patent Office 2,972,923
Patented Feb. 28, 1961
2
A further object of the invention is to provide a floating
bridge device which moves with the strings during tremolo
2,972,923 operation without friction, and which is fully adjustable
FLOATING TREMOLo AND BRIDGE CON. to change the effective length of each string, change the
5 elevation of each string above the body and the neck,
STRUCTION FOR LJTE-TYPE MUSICAL change the lateral position of each string, and change the
NSTRUMENTS
elevations of the strings as a group.
Clarence L. Fender, 2212 E. Revere, Fullerton, Calif. A further object is to provide a bridge construction
having a plurality of individual bridge elements, each of
Filed Nov. 6, 1958, Ser. No. 772,310 10 said elements being formed with a plurality of grooves
14 Claims. (CI. 84-313) into which a string may be selectively mounted to there
by adjust the lateral string position.
A further object is to provide a tremolo device in
which grip means are provided to movably associate the
This invention relates to a tremolo and bridge construc 15 tremolo control arm with other elements of the device
tion for stringed instruments, particularly guitars and and in such manner that long-continued movement of
similar lute-type instruments. The invention also relates the control arm with the hand of the guitarist does not
to a method of tuning a tremolo-type stringed instrument. create undesirable looseness or play tending to prevent
Conventional tremolo and bridge devices for guitars the control arm from remaining in a desired position.
and the like are characterized by the presence of one or 20 A further object is to provide a balanced tremolo in
more of a number of defects and limitations, some of corporating spring means which are readily adjustable
which will now be briefly indicated. In tremolo devices from the exterior of the guitar without removal of the
of the floating or balanced variety, in which the string cover plate, in combination with stop means which operate
tension is counter-balanced by a spring bias, the amount in conjunction with the spring means to determine the
of friction present is frequently such that the neutral posi 25 desired neutral position at which tuning may be readily
tion is not achieved with sufficient accuracy and reliability and accurately achieved and maintained.
to insure maintenance of proper intonation. Further A further object is to provide a tremolo device incor
more, and very importantly, such balanced or floating porating means to shift from tremolo to standard opera
tremolo devices are so constructed that it is a difficult tion without alteration of tuning, and incorporating means
and laborious operation to replace one or more strings to maintain the proper tuning of the remaining strings
and effect proper tuning thereof. This is because the after one string has broken.
breaking of a string results in an imbalance between the
over-all string tension and the counterbalancing spring tremolo-type stringedisinstrument.
A further object to provide a method of tuning a
bias, and has the effect of causing the unbroken strings
to become sharp. After the broken string is replaced, tionThese will
and other objects and advantages of the inven
be more fully set forth in the following specifica
the tuning thereof has the effect of changing the tuning tion and claims, considered in connection with the at
of the remaining or unbroken strings. The result is that
the strings must be alternately and repetitiously tuned, tached drawings to which they relate.
In the drawings:
by a tedious trial and error procedure, until perfect tuning Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a guitar
of all strings is again achieved. From the above, it will incorporating tremolo and bridge means constructed in
also be understood that the breaking of a string during
a performance renders the entire instrument substantially accordance with the present invention;
unusable for the performance, since the remaining strings of Figure the
2 is a greatly enlarged fragmentary pian view
tremolo and bridge portion of the guitar of
will then be out of tune and since proper tuning cannot Figure 1;
again be achieved except through a long and tedious 45 Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sec
procedure.
With relation to conventional bridge constructions, it is tional view taken on line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sec
important that each string have its own individual bridge tional
which is fully adjustable in a number of directions. Fur 50 trating view the
taken on line 4-4 of Figure 2, and illus
tremolo elements in various positions;
thermore, it is undesirable that each tremolo movement Figure 4a is an enlarged schematic illustrating the
effect reltaive sliding or rubbing between each string and knife-edge relationship between the knife blade and the
the associated bridge element, which makes it important string plate;
that the bridge move automatically with the tremolo Figure 5 is an enlarged longitudinal fragmentary sec
means. However, the bridge movement should not be
such that the bridge elements change their vertical posi 55 ational view taken on line 5-5 of Figure 2, but omitting
showing of the wooden body of the guitar;
tions relative to the guitar body by any appreciable Figure 6 is an enlarged transverse fragmentary section
amounts, or that the bridge elements tip or cock relative on line 6-6 of Figure 4, showing the frictional gripping
to the guitar body.
in view of the above and other factors characteristic means for the stem of the tremolo control arm; and
of conventional tremolo and bridge devices, it is an ob 60 Figure 7 is a fragmentary section taken on line 7-7 of
ject of the present invention to provide a musical instru the Figure 3 and illustrating a rocking post at one end of
floating bridge means.
ment characterized by the absence of friction, extreme
simplicity of string replacement and fine tuning, com as embodiedtointheandrawings,
Referring the invention is illustrated
plete adjustability of the individual bridge elements rela fretted neck 11, head electric guitar having a body 10,
12, strings 13, and electromagnetic
tive to the strings, and the absence of any sliding or 65
rubbing between the strings and the bridge elements dur pickups 14 and 15. The pickups 14 and 15 are selective
ing tremolo movements or at any other time. ly operable to sense the vibrations of strings 13 and
A further object of the invention is to provide a tremolo transmit currents corresponding thereto to suitable am
device of the balanced type having a knife-edge fulcrum, plifying and loud-speaker means, not shown.
stop means to determine a neutral position at which tun The strings 13 are stretched or tensioned between suit
ing may be achieved and maintained, and adjustable spring able tuning pegs or screws (on head 12) and the tremolo
means to counteract the string tension. device 16 which forms part of the present invention. The
 2973,92s
4.
tremolo device 16, cooperates with a floating bridge. 17 extreme outer edge of force-arm portion 26 of the string
to provide a perfect tremolo action in the absence of plate. More specifically, the cylinder 41 is threaded,
friction and with complete adjustability. riveted, or otherwise secured over the shank 42 of an
Proceeding first to a detailed description of the tremolo actuating button 43 which is disposed above the base
device 16, and with particular reference to Figures 2 plate 9. Button 43 seats on a flat spring 44, the latter
and 4-6, the major portion of the tremolo device is providing frictional resistance to sliding of the button (and
mounted in a suitable cavity or recess 18 provided in thus stop means 41) longitudinally of the instrument
body 10. The recess or cavity is covered by a base or and between the limits permitted by a longitudinal slot 46
cover plate 19 which is fixedly secured to the guitar in the base plate.
body 10 by means of screws 2. Base plate 9 is formed When the stop 4i is in the retracted position shown
with a transverse slot 22 to receive, in non-interfering re in Figure 4, it is completely clear of the string plate
lationship, the upwardly extending force-arm portion 23 24 and does not interfere with pivotal movement of the
of a string plate or lever 24. String plate 24 also has string plate between the positions illustrated. On the
a relatively long force-arm portion 26 disposed in re other hand, when the stop is slid to the operative posi
cess 18 beneath and generally parallel to base plate 19. tion shown in Figure 5, it prevents upward pivoting of
Plate or lever 24 may also be termed a string-engaging the string plate past the illustrated position. Since the
element, or a connector element. force arm 26 of string lever 24 is much longer than the
The long and short force-arm portions 26 and 23 of force arm 23 thereof, it is pointed out that the posi
string plate 24 meet each other at a relatively sharp pivot tioning of the outer end of force arm 26 in engagement
angle or groove 27 (Figure 4a). Such angle or groove with, or very close to, stop 4s effects a very precise
is adapted to seat fulcrum means in the form of two positioning of the eyelets 32 at the ends of strings 3.
knife-blade portions 28 of a fulcrum element 29, the Thus, even in situations where the outer end of force
latter being suitably secured beneath base plate 19 by arm 26 is not exactly even with the lower surface of
means of screws 30. The knife-blade portions 28 are stop 42, but is still close to such lower Surface, the
provided at opposite sides of fulcrum element 29, and are 25 eyelets 32 will be very close to the neutral or inter
formed of hardened steel as is the string plate 24. The mediate positions assumed when the precise position of
result is a substantially frictionless pivoting action be Figure 5 is achieved.
tween the knife-blade portions 28 and the string plate 24 The pressure of bias spring 34 is adjusted, by turning
at the pivot angle or groove 27. the bolt 37 and as will be described in detail Subsequent
The upwardly extending force-arm portion 23 of string 30 ly, so that the string plate 24 will be in the neutral posi
plate or lever 24 is provided above base plate 19 with tion shown in Figure 5, even though the stop 41 is shifted
a plurality of transversely-spaced holes 3 adapted to re away from the illustrated stop position, when the strings
ceive the ends of the respective strings 13. The string 13 are all perfectly in tune. Should a string then break,
ends are connected to eyelets 32 which seat beneath an it merely required to shift the stop 41 to the Figure 5
upper hook portion 33 of the string plate to maintain 35 position. The outer end of the string plate 24 will then
the strings in tensioned condition. Since the strings are be biased upwardly (Figure 5) against the lower Sur
tensioned across the floating bridge 7 to the tuning face of stop 41, since the breaking of a string reduces the
screws on head 12 of the instrument, it will be under string tension tending to effect clockwise pivoting of the
stood that the strings provide a very substantial force 40 string plate 24. However, as soon as the broken string
tending to effect clockwise pivoting of string lever 24 strings is replaced and properly tuned, the over-all tension of
on the knife-edge means 28, as viewed in Figures 4 remain in13 the will again be such that string plate 24 will
neutral position (Figure 5) even after the
and 5.
Spring bias means are provided to adjustably counter stop 41 is shifted to its inoperative position (Figure 4).
balance the above-indicated force exerted by the ten If it is impossible to replace the string before continuing
sioned strings 13, and are illustrated to comprise a heli 45 playing, the stop 41 still prevents the remainder of the
cal compression spring 34 having its upper end seated strings from being out of tune.
The string plate 24 is manually pivoted about fulcrum
beneath the outer edge of the relatively long force arm
26 of string plate or lever 24. The lower end of spring 28, in order to effect the tremolo action when stop 41 is
34 seats on an adjustable seat element 36 comprising a inoperative, Figure 4, by means of a control arm 51 hav
frustoconical nut which is threaded over a bolt 37. The 50 ing a handle 52 adapted to ride with the hand of the
head of bolt 37 rests on the upper surface of base plate guitarist. Such riding is permitted by pivotally mount
ing a downwardly-extending stem portion 53 of control
19, and the shank of the bolt extends downwardly through
plate 19 and through a relatively large opening in force arm 51 in a socket device 54 which is mounted in the
arm 26. Turning of bolt 37, by means of a screw-driver force arm 26 and the adjacent inertia plate 38. Stated
more specifically, the socket device comprises a sleeve
or the like, has the effect of raising or lowering seat ele 5 5 56 which extends upwardly through an opening 57 in base
ment 36 depending upon the direction of bolt rotation, it
being understood that the force of spring 34 is sufficient plate 19 with sufficient clearance to prevent any inter
ference therebetween. Sleeve 56 is sufficiently large in
to prevent rotation of the seat or nut 36.
An inertia plate 38 is suitably connected beneath the internal diameter to permit insertion of stem 53 without
outer portion of force arm 26, and has an opening 39 60 substantial binding, and has an externally threaded por
into which the upper end of spring 34 is inserted for tion which is threaded into the force arm 26 and into
seating upon the lower surface of force arm 26. The inertia plate 38. Such threading is accomplished by
inertia plate 38 thus serves to effect proper positioning means of a nut or wrench-hold portion 58 having in
of the upper end of the spring, and also serves to give the tegral, downwardly-extending gripping bars or segments
string plate 24 sufficient mass that it will not tend to 65 59 (Figure 6) the normal internal diameter of which is
vibrate with the strings 3 and provide an undesired slightly smaller than that of stem 53. The nut 58 and
damping action. The tremolo action thus takes place gripping bars 59 are formed of hard, resilient metal, so
only upon deliberate pivoting of the string lever 24 as that the gripping bars 59 may be bent outwardly suffi
will be indicated subsequently. ciently to permit insertion of the stem to the position
Stop means 4i are provided to determine the neutral or 70 shown in Figure 4. However, the gripping bars 59 then
intermediate position of string plate 24, to thereby great resiliently grip the stem to resist movement thereof and
ly facilitate tuning and string replacement and also to provide a drag against pivoting of the steam in the socket
effect other functions as will be indicated. The stop means. . . . --
The described construction of socket 54 is Superior to
means is illustrated to comprise a short cylinder which
is slidably mounted beneath base plate 19 above the 75 previously-known constructions, in which the stem
 2,972,928
5 6
was threaded into a socket, since the gripping bars 59 screw 70 to maintain the associated bridge element, 63
provide the above-mentioned drag even though the de spaced the maximum permitted distance away from the
vice has been used for a long period of time. It is im channel flange through which screw 70 is inserted.
portant that the control arm 51 remain at any position Method of tuning and operation
desired by the guitarist, since otherwise it will pivot due
to the action of gravity, or due to movement of the guitar, Let it be assumed that the instrument is initially with
and interfere with playing. Threaded constructions have out strings, and that spring 34 is relatively loose. The
the desired effect for a certain period of time, but after guitarist then inserts the strings 13 through the holes 31
Substantial use the threads wear and result in play or in force arm portion 23 of string lever or plate 24, and
clearance which causes the handle to pivot loosely in the O connects them in taut condition, but not up to pitch, to
Socket and not remain in the position desired. the tuning screws on thead 12. Each string is mounted
Proceeding next to a detailed description of the floating across an individual bridge or barrel element 63.
bridge 17 which moves with the strings 13 upon actuation The guitarist then pushes actuating button 43 to slide the
of the control arm 51 to pivot string plate 24 about knife stop 41 to operative position or to the left as viewed in
means 28, this comprises a support channel or plate 61 5 Figures 4 and 5, after which he turns the screw 37 to effect
which is rockably mounted upon a pair of rock post Substantial upward shifting of seat element 36. The latter
assemblies 62. A plurality of individual bridge elements effects compression of spring 34 to force the relatively
63 are adjustably supported on the upper surface of the long force arm portion 26 of string plate 24 relatively
web of channel 61 and provide support for the individual tightly against stop 41. Such spring tightening is caused
strings 13. It is an important feature of the floating 20 to be sufficient that the string plate will not pivot away
bridge means 17 that the rock post assemblies are rela from the stop 41 even though the tension of strings 13 is
tively long, and pivot about support or fulcrum points increased until the strings are brought up to pitch.
disposed a substantial distance beneath the strings 13, The strings 13 are then brought up to perfect pitch, and
in order that the bridge movement resulting from shift all adjustments of the tuning screws and of the bridge 17
ing of the strings 13 does not effect substantial tipping 25 are made. It is emphasized that each string 13 may be
of channel 61 but instead merely causes the channel to tuned and perfectly adjusted individually, without regard
move longitudinally of the instrument. Stated otherwise, to the other strings. This would not be possible were it
the channel 61 does not tip, cock or toggle a substantial not for the presence of the stop 41 which operates, in
amount, to thereby cause substantial variation in the conjunction with the tightly set spring 34, to lock the
elevation of string 13, but instead merely moves lon 30 string plate 24 during adjustment of the string tension for
gitudinally with the strings 13 between the positions tuning purposes.
shown in solid and phantom lines in Figure 7. The piv The bridge 17 is adjusted in a number of ways, the first
otal movement of channel 61 is about an axis parallel to of which relates to changing the height of the strings 13
the axis of string lever 24, and disposed a substantial above the fretted neck 11. In this regard it is desired that
distance below the face of the body 10. 35 the individual bridge or barrel elements 63 be as close
Each rock post assembly 62 is adjustable in length, as possible to the web or plate portion of channel 61,
and to this end is constructed with an internally-threaded since mounting of an element 63 an excessive distance
sleeve element 64 having threadedly inserted therein a above the web of channel 61 may result in undesirable re
threaded pin or screw 66. The upper end of each sleeve sults including tipping over of the element 63 when the
64 is rigidly secured in an opening in the web of bridge 40 associated string is picked strongly or sharply.
channel 61, the relationship being such that a small To the above end, wrenches are inserted into the sleeves
wrench may be inserted downwardly through the sleeve 64 to turn the threaded pins or screws 66 in a direction
and into a socket 67 (Figure 7) in the upper end of lengthening the rock post assemblies 62, and until the
screw 66 in order to effect adjustment of the latter. The bridge channel 61 is relatively far above the face of body
lower end of each screw 66 is rounded to seat in a 50. The various leg elements 69 are then rotated to shift
rounded socket at the bottom of a thimble 68 which is the associated threaded barrels 63 and thereby adjust the
seated fixedly in a round hole in body 10. The internal exact elevation of each string 13 above the neck. If it de
diameter of each thimble 68 is substantially greater than velops that one or more of the barrels 63 must be shifted
that of the sleeve 64 inserted therein, permitting rocking downwardly into engagement with the web of channel 61,
of each rock post assembly 62 without interference. It the screws 66 are turned in directions effecting lowering of
is therefore a simple matter to alter the effective length channel 61. If, on the other hand, it develops that none
of the rock post assembly 62 by merely inserting the of the barrels 63 is very close to the web of channel 61, the
previously-indicated wrench and turning the pins or pins 66 are turned in directions effecting further elevation
screws 66. of the channel 61. The end result is that one or more
Each of the individual bridge elements 63 comprises a 55 barrels 63 should be relatively close to the channel web,
short cylinder or barrel which is externally threaded to and the remainder of the barrels spaced thereabove by
provide support for a string 13 at any one of a plurality different distances as desired by the particular guitarist
of selected lateral positions. The depths of the threads and as required by the neck construction.
of the various cylinders 63 are related to the diameters The guitarist then makes minute adjustments in the
of the strings 13 to be associated therewith, in such man 60 lateral positions of the strings 13 on the bridge. This is
ner as to insure that the strings will remain in desired accomplished by shifting the strings in one lateral direc
grooves in which they are placed by the guitarist. tion or the other until various threads of barrels 63 are
Each bridge 63 is supported on a pair of leg elements engaged. Such an adjustment constitutes a substantial im
69 comprising screws threaded transversely therethrough provement over previous constructions, in which only a
and extending downwardly into engagement with the 65 single bridge groove was provided for each string 13.
web of bridge channel 61. The legs or screws 69 may The guitarist may then adjust the effective length of
be turned, by means of a suitable wrench, to adjust the each string by turning the associated screw 70 to shift the
elevation of the bridge element above the bridge plate. barrel 63 longitudinally of the string. This adjustment is
Adjustment of each bridge elment 63 longitudinally of the made with reference to string harmonics and in a manner
instrument is effected by means of a screw 70 which is 70 known to the art. It is pointed out that before this adjust
rotatably inserted (not threaded) through one of the ment is made the guitarist makes certain that the rock
webs of bridge channel 61, and is threaded through a post assemblies 62 are coaxial with thimbles 68, and are
bridge element 63 perpendicular to the axis thereof and not tipped to either of the positions illustrated in Figure 7.
also perpendicular to a plane containing the legs 69. A The friction of the strings 13 upon the barrels 63 then
helical compression spring 71 is provided around each 75 causes the barrels 63 to move with the strings instead of
 2,972,928
7. 8
sliding relative thereto, so that the barrels and support a plurality of strings connected to tuning screws at the
channel 61 rock with the assemblies 62 about the pivot or outer end portion of said neck, said strings extending
fulcrum points at the lower ends of screws 66. Such rock longitudinally above said, neck and over said body, a
ing occurs due to operation of the tremolo device 6 to string element pivotally connected to said body for piv
tension or relax the strings 13, as previously stated. otal movement about an axis transverse to said strings,
After the guitar is completely adjusted, and in perfect means to connect said string element to Said strings on
tune, the guitarist turns the screw 37 (Figures 4 and 5) in one side of said, axis, to thereby tend to effect pivotal.
a direction effecting lowering of the seat element 36 and movement of said string element in a predetermined di
consequent reduction in the pressure of spring 34. This rection around said axis, spring bias means provided be
should be accomplished relatively slowly, and is accom 0 tween said spring element and said body and tending
panied by a slight tapping by the hand of the guitarist to effect pivotal movement of said spring element in the
against the underside of control arm 5. As soon as the opposite direction about said axis to thereby counter
pressure of spring 34 is reduced sufficiently to permit force balance the tension of said strings, adjustable stop means.
arm 26 to pivot a slight distance away from the underside movable to an operative position which limits the
of stop 41, such slight tapping upon the underside of the 5 amount of pivoting of said string element due to the
control arm produces a click which is audible to the guitar action of said spring bias means and maintaining, said,
ist. The guitarist then knows that the spring 34 is almost string element in a predetermined position despite an
in perfect balance with strings. 13. He then turns the increase in the pressure exerted by said spring bias.
screw 37 a very slight amount in the opposite direction, means, means to adjust the pressure of said spring bias.
until the upper surface of force arm 26 is in very light en 20 means until the spring tension on said string element is
gagement with the underside of stop 41. exactly neutralized when said string element is in said
The guitarist then pushes button 43 in a direction to predetermined position, a bridge element mounted be--
shift stop 41 to the inoperative position shown in Figure 4. tween said strings and said body and located interme
Because of the balancing operation previously described, diate said string element and said neck, means to piv
such shifting of the stop 41 out of the way of force arm 25 otally associate said bridge element with said body, to
26 does not effect any movement, or only an infinitesimal permit pivotal movement of said bridge element rela
movement, of the string lever 24. tive to a second axis generally parallel to said first-men
The instrument is then in condition to be played with tioned axis and spaced therefrom whereby said bridge.
tremolo operation. The guitarist causes the handle 52 30 element may move with said strings, the distance be
of the control arm 51 to ride in his hand, this being per tween said bridge element and said second axis being
mitted due to the pivotal relationship between stem 53 and sufficiently great that movement of said bridge element
socket 54. When a tremolo is desired, the guitarist moves with said strings produces only a slight tipping of said.
the handle. 52 upwardly and downwardly, causing rocking bridge element, and manually-operable means to effect
of string plate or lever 24 between the phantom line posi 35 pivoting of said spring element about said first-men
tion shown in Figure 4, or between various intermediate tioned axis when said stop means is in inoperative po
positions. Such rocking of the string plate effects relaxa sition in order to increase and decrease the tension on.
tion or tensioning of strings 13 to lower or raise the pitch said strings and thus provide a tremolo effect.
thereof and thus produce the tremolo both above and 2. The invention as claimed in claim 1, in which said:
below perfect pitch. As the strings 13 are relaxed, the 40 bridge element includes a plurality of individual bridges
bridge channel 61 moves to the right to the position shown one for each string, a support plate for said individual
in solid lines in Figure 7 or to a similar position. As the bridges, and means to shift said individual bridges in
strings are tightened, the bridge 61 moves to the phantom dependently both longitudinally of said strings and to
line position of Figure 7 or to a similar position. Ward and away from said support plate; and in which said
The above rocking actions occur without engagement or fileans to pivotally associate said bridge element with
interference between any of the described elements. The said body includes relatively long rocker posts connected
only points of friction are at the bottoms of screws 66 to said support plate and adjustable in length to vary the
and at the knife-edge elements 28. The friction produced spacing between said support plate and said body.
at these points is so extremely small that, upon release of 3. A bridge for a guitar or the like, which comprises
the control arm 51, the string plate 24 returns to the exact a pair of sockets adapted to be mounted in the body
neutral position producing the perfect pitch to which the 50 of Said guitar and having fulcrum or pivot surfaces at
instrument was tuned. In fact, the construction may be the lower inner portions thereof, a bridge channel, a
assumed to befrictionless. pair of sleeves connected to said bridge channel and ex
Should one of the strings 13 break while the musician tending downwardly into said sockets, said sleeves being
is actually engaged in playing a piece during a public
performance, the musician may maintain the perfect pitch 55 much Smaller in diameter than said sockets, a pair of
of the remaining strings by merely sliding the stop button Screws threadedly associated with said sleeves and ex
43 to the left and thereby causing the string plate 24 to tending downwardly therefrom for engagement with said
remain in the neutral position shown in Figure 5. This fulcrum or pivot surfaces of said sockets, a plurality of
movement of the stop may be accomplished after down threaded barrels mounted on the upper surface of said
ward pivoting of arm 51 to overcome the increased result 30 bridge channel between the flanges thereof with their
axes generally parallel to the plane of said sleeves and
ant upward bias on arm 26. The musician may thereafter, Said Screws, a pair of threaded legs threaded down
at the first available opportunity, replace the broken string Wardly through each of said threaded barrels for en
in a minute or two and tune it without reference to the
tuning of the other strings. When the broken string is gagement with the upper surface of the web of said bridge
properly tuned, it is known that the string plate 24 will channel, said threaded legs extending perpendicular to
again remain at the neutral position even after the stop 4 the axis of each threaded barrel and also perpendicular
is slid back to the inoperative position shown in Figure 4. to said channel web, a plurality of screws rotatably in
Tremolo operation may then be resumed. Serted through one of said flanges and threaded one
Various embodiments of the present invention, in addi through each of said threaded barrels perpendicular to
tion to what has been illustrated and described in detail, 70 the axes thereof and also perpendicular to said plane,
may be employed without departing from the scope of the and a helical compression spring mounted around each
accompanying claims. of Said last-mentioned screws and seated between the
I claim: . associated channel flange and threaded barrel.
1. A musical instrument of the lute class, which com 4. In a guitar-type instrument having a plurality of
prises a body, a neck connected to one end of said body, tuned strings thereon, a string plate lever element con
 2,972,928
9 10
nected to at least one of said strings, said lever element said lever element is indented to receive the knife edge
having a pivotal association with said instrument, said of said fulcrum element.
string being connected to an end portion of said lever, 11. The Invention as claimed in claim 4, in which said
resilient means operatively associated with said lever, string plate lever element is connected to a plurality of
and a stop means on said instrument, opposed to said the strings of said instrument, in which manually-oper
resilient means and in operative association with said able actuating means are connected to said lever element
lever. to effect pivoting thereof and thus vary the pitch of said
5. The invention as claimed in claim 4, in which said plurality of strings, and in which a bridge element is
string plate lever element is connected to a plurality of pivotally mounted on said instrument in operative as
the strings of said instrument, in which said stop means 0 sociation with said plurality of strings, said bridge ele
is movably mounted on said instrument for manual move ment being adapted to pivot about an axis which is
ment to a position out of operative association with said transverse to said strings and is disposed sufficiently far
lever element, and in which said resilient means is dis from said strings that operation of said actuating means
posed in opposition to the tension of said plurality of does not effect substantial tipping of said bridge element.
strings. 15 12. The invention as claimed in claim 11, in which
6. The invention as claimed in claim 4, in which said said axis is disposed a substantial distance below the face
string plate lever element is connected to a plurality of of the body of said instrument.
the strings of said instrument, in which manually-oper 13. The invention as claimed in claim 4, in which the
able actuating means are connected to said lever element means to effect pivotal association between said lever
to effect pivoting thereof and thus vary the pitch of 20
said plurality of strings, and in which said resilient element and said instrument include a pivot element as
means is disposed in opposition to the tension of said sociated with the body of said instrument, in which
plurality of strings. means are provided to connect all strings of said in
strument to said lever element on one side of said pivot
7. The invention as claimed in claim 4, in which said 25 element and relatively close thereto, in which said re
string plate lever element is connected to a plurality of silient means comprises spring means operating between
the strings of said instrument, in which said resilient said body and a portion of said lever element located on
means is disposed in opposition to the tension of said the other side of said pivot element and relatively re
plurality of strings, in which manually-operable actuating mote therefrom, said spring means being adapted to coun
means are connected to said lever element to effect piv 30 terbalance the tension of said strings to thereby maintain
oting thereof and thus vary the pitch of said plurality of said lever element in floating relationship, in which means
strings, and in which said stop means is movably mount are connected to said lever element and are manually oper
ed on said instrument for manual movement between a able to effect pivoting thereof about said pivot element to
position in operative association with said lever element thereby vary the tension of said strings to alter the pitch
and a position out of operative association with said thereof, in which said stop means comprises a movable ele
lever element. ment movably mounted on said body, said stop element
8. The invention as claimed in claim 4, in which said being movable between a first position adapted to limit the
string plate lever element is connected to a plurality of degree of movement of said lever element in the direc
the strings of said instrument, in which said resilient tion effected by an increase of the bias of said spring
means is disposed in opposition to the tension of said 4. means, said stop element also being movable to an in
plurality of strings, and in which manually operable operative position permitting free movement of said lever
means are provided to vary the bias exerted on said lever element, and in which means are provided to adjust the
element by said resilient means, said last-named means bias of said spring means.
being adapted to adjust said bias until it counteracts the 14. The invention as claimed in claim 4, in which said
combined tension of said plurality of strings when said 45 instrument has a body with a recess or opening therein,
lever element is in the predetermined position at which in which a base plate is fixedly mounted over at least
movement thereof in at least the string-tension increas a portion of said recess and has a slot therein extending
ing direction is prevented by said stop means. transverse to said strings, in which said lever element
9. The invention as claimed in claim 4, in which said has a relatively long force arm portion disposed in said
string plate lever element is connected to a plurality of 50 recess beneath said base plate and extending generally
the strings of said instrument, in which said resilient parallel thereto, said lever element also having a rela
means is disposed in opposition to the tension of said tively short force arm portion extending upwardly through
plurality of strings, in which manually-operable actu said slot, said lever element also having a groove portion
ating means are connected to said lever element to ef between said long and short force arm portions, in which
fect pivoting thereof and thus vary the pitch of said 55 means are provided to connect said relatively short force
plurality of strings, in which said stop means is mov arm portion to all of the strings of said instrument, in
ably mounted on said instrument for manual movement which a knife element is mounted on said base plate in
between a first position in operative association with said said recess and in engagement with said groove portion of
lever element and a second position out of operative as said lever element to provide a fulcrum therefor and to
sociation with said lever element, and in which manually 60 divide said lever element into said relatively long and
operable means are provided to vary the bias exerted on relatively short force arm portions, in which said stop
said lever element by said resilient means, said last means comprises a stop movably mounted on said base
named means being adapted to adjust said bias until it plate in said recess and adapted when in operative po
counteracts the combined tension of said plurality of sition to prevent movement of said relatively long force
strings when said lever element is in the predetermined 65 arm portion toward said base plate after a predetermined
position at which movement thereof in at least the position of said lever element has been achieved, in
string-tension increasing direction is prevented by said which said resilient means comprises a compression
stop means, whereby said plurality of strings may all be spring disposed in said recess and engaged with said
tuned when said stop means is in said first position and relatively long force arm portion at the outer end portion
will remain tuned when said stop means is shifted to said 70 thereof, in which adjustable seat means are provided for
second position. said spring and are positioned to cause said relatively
10. The invention as claimed in claim 4, in which said long force arm portion to pivot toward said stop, said
lever element is pivotally associated with said instrument seat means including means operable from the outer side
by means of a knife-edge shaped element mounted on of said base plate to adjust the bias of said spring until
said instrument and forming a fulcrum, and in which s the tension of said strings is exactly counteracted when
 2,972,928
11 12
said lever element is in engagement with said stop, and 1,839,395 Kaufman -------------- Jan. 5, 1932
in which an actuating arm is connected to said lever 2,073,226 Schrickel ------------- Mar. 9, 1937
element to effect limited pivotal movement thereof. 2,152,783. Beauchamp ------------ Apr. 4, 1939
2,573,254 Fender ---------------- Oct. 30, 1951
References Cited in the file of this patent 5: 2,740,313. McCarty --------------- Apr. 3, 1956
UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,741,146 Fender --------------- Apr. 10, 1956
2,786,382 Melita ---------------- Mar. 26, 1957
462,519 Van Dusen ------------ Nov. 3, 1891 2,846,915. Daria ----------------- Aug. 12, 1958
1,707,069 Wendell -------------- Mar. 26, 1929

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 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE
CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
Patent No. 2,972,923 February 28, 1961
Clarence L. Fence?
It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered pat
ent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as
corrected below.
Column 8 lines 10, 11, 20 and 34 for "spring each
occurrence read -- string -...
Signed and sealed this 12th day of September 1961.

(SEAL)
Attest: -----

ERNEST W. SWIDER DAVID L. LADD

Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents
USCOMM-DC
 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE
CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
Patent No. 2,972,923 February 28, 1961
Clarence L. Fender
It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered pat
ent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as
corrected below.
Column 8 lines 10, 11, 20 and 34 for "spring", each
occurrence, read -- string - ...
Signed and sealed this 12th day of September 1961.

(SEAL)
Attest:
ERNEST W. SWIDER DAVID L, LADD
Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents
USCOMM-DC