Acoustic microphone support bracket

• US 20070144329A1
• Filed: 12/23/2005
• Published: 06/28/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ryan Hollander
• Original Assignee: Ryan Hollander
• Inventors: Hollander, Ryan
• Granted Patent: US 7,390,950 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 84/290
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/08 Mouthpieces; Microphones; Attachments therefor

Abstract

A stringed instrument microphone which is particularly optimized for many players of stringed instruments is disclosed. Uniformity and faithfulness of the electrical output is provided by employing a high-quality microphone mounted by a fraction to the sound box at a fixed position in which it does not interfere with the playing of the instrument. At the same time gone variation of this position is accommodated with a structure which maintains position rigorously. This is important because infinitesimally small variations in position will produce clearly audible distortions. In accordance with the invention it has been discovered that such variations may be caused, among other factors, by vibration of the sound box, a flexible or otherwise displaceable bracket structure and resonance in the bracket. The present invention optimizes the solution by providing a mounting configuration, multiple bracket material selections and arrangements, microphone characteristics and bracket configuration which cooperate to minimize distortions.

Claims

1. A bracket, comprising:

a base member having first and second ends;

an upper mounting member secured to one end of said base member;

a lower mounting member secured to the other end of said base member; and

a microphone holder secured to one of said mounting members.

2. A bracket as in claim 1, wherein said upper and lower mounting members comprise a pair of adjustable jaw members which may be adjusted to engage the obverse and reverse of a stringed instrument.

3. A bracket as in claim 2 wherein said jaw members may be locked into position.

4. A bracket as in claim 3, wherein said jaw members are fitted with shock absorbing protective pads.

5. A bracket as in claim 4, wherein said shock absorbing protective pads are made of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber-like materials or felt-like materials.

6. A bracket as in claim 1, wherein said base member is of adjustable length.

7. A bracket as in claim 2, wherein said jaw members include shock absorber members which bear against the upper and lower sides of the instrument.

8. A bracket as in claim 1, wherein said microphone holder is supported by a pair of vibration absorbing members.

9. A bracket as in claim 1, wherein the bracket is configured to positively engage a body of the instrument without friction.

10. A bracket as in claim 2 wherein at least one of said jaw members bears against an upper or lower side of the instrument.

11. A bracket for a musical instrument as in claim 1, wherein said base member is configured to extend between the obverse and a reverse of a musical instrument, and said upper mounting member and said lower mounting member each incorporate at least one suction cup, said suction cups positioned to face toward each other.

12. A bracket mounted microphone, comprising:

a base member having first and second ends;

an upper mounting member secured to one end of said base member;

a lower mounting member secured to the other end of said base member;

a microphone holder secured to one of said mounting member; and

a microphone secured to said microphone holder.

13. A musical instrument, comprising:

a resonant body having first and second ends;

a fretboard with first and second ends, said first end of said fretboard being secured to said first end of said resonant body;

a plurality of strings disposed between said second end of said resonant body and said second end of said fretboard;

a base member having first and second ends;

an upper mounting member secured to one end of said base member;

a lower mounting member secured to the other end of said base member, said instrument being disposed between said upper and lower mounting members and over said base member;

a microphone holder secured to one of said mounting members; and

a microphone secured to one of said mounting member.

14. A musical instrument as in claim 13, wherein said microphone is aimed to pick up sound at the juncture between the fretboard and the resident body.

15. A musical instrument as in claim 14, wherein said upper and lower mounting members comprise a pair of adjustable jaw members to engage and provide pressure over the side wall of the musical instrument.

19. A musical instrument as in claim 13, wherein said microphone is wireless.

16. A bracket, comprising:

a base member comprising at least one suction cup;

a boom secured to said base member; and

a microphone holder secured to said boom.

17. A bracket as in claim 16, wherein said suction cup may be engaged and disengaged by a lever mechanism.

18. A bracket as in claim 16, wherein said base member comprises three suction cups.