Keyboard guitar musical instrument apparatus
First Claim
1. A musical instrument apparatus adapted for operation by a user, the musical instrument apparatus comprising:
- a body extending between a bridge and a head, the body including a neck having an upper surface at least partially extending between the bridge and the head;
multiple parallel strings secured between the bridge and the head above the upper surface, the multiple parallel strings defining a string line;
a keyboard overlay having keys operatively connected to hammers positioned in a hammer line, wherein the hammer line is positioned at an acute angle to the string line such that each hammer is operatively positioned to contact at least one of the multiple parallel strings; and
wherein the keys extend over the multiple parallel strings and the hammers are fixed underneath the keys such that the hammers and keys pivot together.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A musical instrument apparatus including multiple parallel strings defining a string line and a keyboard overlay positioned at an acute angle to the string line to allow for consistent playing feel by consistently positioning the hammers on the keys while allowing large key spacing with minimized distance between the strings. The hammers are directly mounted to the keys and are adapted to either cause vibration of the strings or clamp the strings against the upper surface of a neck board so that the strings may have multi tonal capabilities as is commonly used with a fret board neck on a guitar. The strings can be played with just the keyboard, but the strings also extend past an edge of the keyboard overlay so that the user can directly play the multiple parallel strings to achieve a guitar sound. Both an electrical pickup and an acoustical body are provided for further sound variety.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A musical instrument apparatus adapted for operation by a user, the musical instrument apparatus comprising:
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a body extending between a bridge and a head, the body including a neck having an upper surface at least partially extending between the bridge and the head; multiple parallel strings secured between the bridge and the head above the upper surface, the multiple parallel strings defining a string line; a keyboard overlay having keys operatively connected to hammers positioned in a hammer line, wherein the hammer line is positioned at an acute angle to the string line such that each hammer is operatively positioned to contact at least one of the multiple parallel strings; and wherein the keys extend over the multiple parallel strings and the hammers are fixed underneath the keys such that the hammers and keys pivot together. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14)
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11. A musical instrument apparatus adapted for operation by a user, the musical instrument apparatus comprising:
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multiple parallel strings spaced apart by a first distance, the multiple parallel strings secured between a bridge and a head and positioned above an upper surface, the multiple parallel strings defining a string line; and a keyboard overlay having keys spaced at a second distance that is greater than the first distance, the keys operatively connected to hammers positioned in a hammer line, wherein the hammer line is positioned at an acute angle to the string line such that each hammer is positioned to contact at least one of the multiple parallel strings; and wherein the keys extend over the multiple parallel strings and the hammers are fixed underneath the keys such that the hammers and keys pivot together. - View Dependent Claims (12, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification