Guitar tremolo method and apparatus

• US 4,171,661 A
• Filed: 01/03/1977
• Issued: 10/23/1979
• Est. Priority Date: 01/03/1977
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Floyd D. Rose
• Original Assignee: Floyd D. Rose
• Inventors: Rose, Floyd D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Franklin, Lawrence R.
• Application Number:
  US05/756,190
• Time in Patent Office: 1,023 Days
• Field of Search: 84/297 R, 84/298, 84/299, 84/307, 84/312 P, 84/313, 84/314, 84/214
• US Class Current: 84/313
• CPC Class Codes: G10D 3/153 Tremolo devices

Abstract

This is a method and apparatus for performing the method, for the use of tremolo devices complimented by string restraining assemblies for guitars which are designed in such manner that the tremolo device can be used without altering the basic tuning when the tremolo device returns to the normal, inactive, position. The method and device incorporate the use of a tremolo device base plate anchoring means anchoring the tremolo device base plate to the face of the guitar at a tilt point in such manner that there is no movement allowed other than the normally desired tremolo tilting movement. This is accomplished by utilization of special anchoring means, string restraining assemblies, and means to return the tremolo device to its original starting position when being inactivated.

Claims

1. The method of providing a tremolo device in combination with a guitar comprising the steps of:

(1) affixing anchor means to said guitar in a fixed relationship spaced above the body and sounding board of said guitar;

(2) mounting a tremolo device base plate in association with said anchor means in such manner that the base plate may tilt upon said anchor means;

(3) providing a bridge on said base plate;

(4) providing resilient connection means between the tremolo device base plate and the body of the guitar in such manner that the base plate will be maintained in a fixed position with relation to the body of the guitar except when the tremolo device is activated;

(5) affixing a first restraining means to said bridge to restrain the strings of said guitar; and

(6) affixing second restraining means to the nut of the guitar in such a manner as to prevent sliding of the strings with relation to the nut.

2. Guitar tremolo means, in combination with a guitar, comprising:

(1) anchor means mounted on said guitar;

(2) a tremolo base plate means tiltably associated with said anchor means;

(3) bridge means mounted on said base plate;

(4) nut means mounted on the neck of said guitar;

(5) first string restraining means adjustably clamping the strings to said bridge means; and

(6) second string restraining means adjustably clamping the strings to said nut means.

3. In combination with a guitar, a tremolo device and string restraining means, comprising:

(1) anchor means comprising two screws, each having an enlarged head and a flange adjacent said head affixed to the face of the guitar at a spaced apart relationship to one another;

(2) tremolo device base plate means comprising an essentially flat plate having two shoulders each of which include an elongated slot with tapered edges, said slots engaging the said screws between the head and flange;

(3) means connected to said base plate to enable the same to be tilted with relationship to the said anchor screws;

(4) a bridge located on said base plate, said bridge having a pair of blocks clamping at least one string of the guitar to said bridge;

(5) string restraining means comprising a clamping block holding said at least one string in fixed relationship upon the nut of the guitar; and

(6) spring return means suitable to return the tremolo device base plate to its initial position after each use.