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US006040510A

United States Patent (19) 11 Patent Number: 6,040,510


Yaun (45) Date of Patent: Mar. 21, 2000
54 ACOUSTIC STRINGED INSTRUMENT 4,984,493 1/1991 Schaller .................................... 84/313
ENHANCEMENT DEVICE 5,567,895 10/1996 Aspri et al. .. ... 84/294
5,567,896 10/1996 Gottschall ... ... 84/294
76 Inventor: James S. Yaun, 115 Captain Lowman 5,581,043 12/1996 Bowar - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 84/291
Rd., Chapin, S.C. 29036 5,739,444 4/1998 Borisoff .................................... 84/291
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
21 Appl. No.: 09/039,183 538717 6/1922 France.
22 Filed: Mar 16, 1998 357025 7/1921 Germany.
351046 3/1922 Germany.
Related U.S. Application Data s: tE. R
ermany .
60 Provisional application No. 60/046,305, May 13, 1997. 5713 of 1887 United Kingdom.
(51) Int. Cl. ................................................. G10D 3/02 256157 8/1926 United Kingdom.
52) U.S. Cl. ................................................. 84/294; 84/295 OTHER PUBLICATIONS
58 Field of Search .............................. 84/294, 295, 290,
84/267, 269, 270, 274, 276, 277 “Vital Statistics,” pamphlet published for the Chicago Trade
Show, Jul. 1958.
56) References Cited
Primary Examiner Robert E. Nappi
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS ASSistant Examiner Kim Lockett
66,347 7/1867 Hulskamp ................................. 84/275
Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Richard C. Litman
231,084 8/1880 Peaker ....... 84/295 57 ABSTRACT
493.875 3/1893 Quinlan. 84/269
685,920 11/1901. Heck ..... 84/294 An internal, acoustic enhancement device attached to a
1513,159 10/1924 Cremer. 84/295 Standard, conventional Stringed musical instrument without
1,539,961 6/1925 Scott ..... 84/295 causing damage thereto. The internal acoustic enhancement
1,560,372 11/1925 Berge ........................................ 84/269 device includes two or four tensioned Springs disposed in a
i.e. 12: ER. O. s: V-shaped or X-shaped configuration removably attached to
2,473,980 6/1949 Willner ... 84/295 vibration blocks secured within the soundbox of the stringed
3,623,390 11/1971 Pitt, Jr. ...... . 84/294 musical instrument.
3,690.210 9/1972 Imai et al. . ... 84/267
4,762,046 8/1988 Aspri et al. ............................... 84/294 13 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
U.S. Patent Mar. 21, 2000 Sheet 1 of 6 6,040,510
U.S. Patent Mar. 21, 2000 Sheet 2 of 6 6,040,510

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U.S. Patent Mar. 21, 2000 Sheet 3 of 6 6,040,510
U.S. Patent Mar. 21, 2000 Sheet 4 of 6 6,040,510
U.S. Patent Mar. 21, 2000 Sheet S of 6 6,040,510

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U.S. Patent Mar. 21, 2000 Sheet 6 of 6 6,040,510
6,040,510
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ACOUSTIC STRINGED INSTRUMENT adjustable resonator inside the body Stretched from one end
ENHANCEMENT DEVICE of the body to the other. Heck does not Suggest an acoustic
Stringed instrument enhancement device according to the
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED claimed invention.
APPLICATION U.S. Pat. No. 1,588,730, issued on Jun. 15, 1926 to Isidor
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Hessel, describes a resonator device for violins. Hessel does
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/046,305, filed May 13, 1997. not Suggest an acoustic Stringed instrument enhancement
device according to the claimed invention.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION U.S. Pat. No. 3,623,390, issued on Nov.30, 1971 to Jack
1. Field of the Invention R. Pitt, Jr., describes an adaptor for Stringed musical instru
The present invention relates to a Stringed musical instru ments comprising a plurality of parallel vibrating members
ment Such as an acoustic guitar, a mandolin, a violin, etc., rotatably mounted to a base at one end and disposed trans
and more particularly to an acoustic enhancement device verse to the Strings of a Stringed musical instrument So that
which enhances the amplification, Sustain, and reverberation 15
a head at the other end of each of the vibrating members is
of the Sounds generated by plucking, Striking or otherwise positioned to engage a String of the Stringed instrument.
Vibrating the instrument Strings. Pitts, Jr. does not Suggest an acoustic Stringed instrument
enhancement device according to the claimed invention.
2. Description of Related Art U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,046, issued on Aug. 9, 1988 to
It is well known that the resonance of a Stringed musical Roberto ASpri et al., describes a Sound reverberator device
instrument Sound box can be enhanced by incorporating for detachable connection to the Strings of a String musical
within or above the Sound box, a plurality of Springs, coils instrument. Aspri et al. 046 does not Suggest an acoustic
or Strings which can respond to the vibrations of the primary Stringed instrument enhancement device according to the
Strings. These Sound box Springs amplify and Sustain the claimed invention.
resonant effect of the Sounds generated by plucking, Striking U.S. Pat. No. 4,984,493, issued on Jan. 15, 1991 to
or otherwise Vibrating the instrument Strings. Those acoustic 25
enhancement devices which are attached to the outside of Helmut F. K. Schaller, describes a mechanism for applying
the instrument can alter the balance of the instrument, an adjustable counter-tension to the Spring anchor of a
interfere with a performer's playing, and be visually dis tremolo device used with a guitar or similar Stringed musical
tracting. Therefore, it is preferable if the acoustic enhance instrument. Schaller does not Suggest an acoustic Stringed
ment device is disposed within the soundbox of the instru instrument enhancement device according to the claimed
ment.
invention.
Those existing acoustic enhancement devices which are U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,895, issued on Oct. 22, 1996 to
interiorly disposed are generally designed according to one Roberto Aspri et al., describes a Sound reverberator of a
of two arrangements. In one arrangement, the Springs are String musical instrument comprising one or more pre
Stretched across the entire interior of the Sound box longi 35 tensioned metal Springs Secured internally of the Sound box.
tudinally from the neck end to the shoulder Strap attachment ASpri et al. 895 does not Suggest an acoustic Stringed
end, Substantially parallel to the instrument Strings. Due to instrument enhancement device according to the claimed
invention.
their length, the Springs are able to pick up a Substantial
portion of the vibrations present within the soundbox. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,567,896, issued on Oct. 22, 1996 to Peter
40
due to being Stretched across the longitudinal centerline of Gottschall, describes a String musical instrument having an
the Soundbox, the resonating Springs more effectively intermediate plate mounted in the interior of the Sound box
re-emit Sound out of the Soundbox through the Sound hole. at a predetermined inclination to provide Sound amplifica
In the Second arrangement, one end of the Springs is tion. Gottschall does not Suggest an acoustic Stringed instru
connected to the inside top Surface of the Soundbox, directly ment enhancement device according to the claimed inven
45 tion.
under the bridge, and the other end of the Springs is
connected to the neck end of the Soundbox. The Springs in U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,043, issued on Dec. 3, 1996 to
this latter arrangement do not pick up the vibrations from the Richard D. Bowar, describes a Stringed musical instrument
interior of the Soundbox as well as in the former arrangement with adjustable baffles within the Sound box that enable the
because the Springs of the latter arrangement are shorter and 50
user to change or adjust the wavelength of the music
span a Smaller portion of the Soundbox. However, by being produced by the instrument to more closely coincide with
connected to the Soundbox directly under the bridge, the the overtone transmission capability of the ambient envi
Springs more effectively pickup vibrations from the bridge. ronment. Bowar does not Suggest an acoustic Stringed
The Springs in this arrangement are also stretched acroSS the instrument enhancement device according to the claimed
longitudinal centerline of the Soundbox, So they too effec invention.
55
tively re-emit sound out of the soundbox through the sound German Patent document 351,046, published on Mar. 30,
hole. 1922, describes a tone enhancer device for a Stringed musi
The related art is represented by the following patents of cal instrument. German '046 does not Suggest an acoustic
interest. Stringed instrument enhancement device according to the
U.S. Pat. No. 231,084, issued on Aug. 10, 1880 to Thomas 60
claimed invention.
Peaker, describes a violin with two or more adjustable German Patent document 2,818,168, published on Nov. 8,
Strings or iron bars inside the body Stretched from one end 1979, describes an undesirable resonance damper for
of the body to the other. Peaker does not Suggest an acoustic Stringed musical instruments. German 168 does not Suggest
Stringed instrument enhancement device according to the an acoustic Stringed instrument enhancement device accord
claimed invention. 65 ing to the claimed invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 685,920, issued on Nov. 5, 1901 to August Great Britain Patent document 256,157, published on
Heck, describes a Stringed musical instrument with an Aug. 5, 1926, describes a resonator device for violins. Great
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Britain 157 does not Suggest an acoustic Stringed instru The first embodiment of the Stringed instrument acoustic
ment enhancement device according to the claimed inven enhancement device comprises the following components. A
tion. Vibration transmitting block, Such as a block of wood, is
These devices all suffer from multiple deficiencies. affixed to the inside top Surface of the upper Sounding board
Foremost, the existing devices are designed to be perma directly under and substantially parallel to the saddle by
nently built into the instrument at the time of the instru conventional means Such as epoxy glue. Two conventional
ment's construction. Hence, most acoustic enhancement eye hooks are Screwed into the vibration transmitting block.
devices cannot be attached to previously constructed, stan One of the two block eye hooks is screwed into the vibration
dard Store-bought guitars. Those devices that can be later transmitting block below the three lower pitched guitar
attached, require that the Soundbox be disassemble and Strings, and the other block eye hook is Screwed into the
reglued, or that additional holes be drilled into the soundbox, vibration transmitting block below the three higher pitched
in order to incorporate the acoustic enhancement device guitar Strings.
thereinto. Thus, even if later retrofitting is theoretically Two opposedly spaced bottom blocks are affixed to the
feasible, Such an acoustic enhancement device would not be
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inside bottom surface at the neck end of the soundbox by
desirable because the Standard musician does not have the conventional means Such as epoxy glue. One conventional
proper tools nor Skill to properly disassemble and reas eye hook is screwed into each of the bottom blocks. Two
semble his or her instrument. Further, even if skill, tools and Springs are tensionally disposed within the Soundbox in a
cost are not considerations, a musician would be reticent to V-shape configuration. The first Spring has an upper end
make Such major Structural alterations because of the risk removably attached to the first block eye hook, and has a
that it could detrimentally alter the instrument's acoustics. lower end removably attached to the one of the two bottom
Another deficiency with existing acoustic enhancement blocks which is disposed adjacent to String. The Second
devices is that most can not be Selectively engaged or Spring has an upper end removably attached to the Second
disengaged, as desired by the musician. U.S. Pat. No. block eye hook, and has a lower end removably attached to
5,567,895 issued to Asprietal. does disclose a pre-tensioned the one of the two bottom blocks which is disposed adjacent
interior Spring which can be engaged or disengaged Selec 25 to String.
tively. However, to accomplish this Selective-engagement The Second embodiment of the Stringed instrument acous
function, the Aspri et al. 895 invention incorporates a tic enhancement device comprises the following compo
complex mechanism for into the guitar design which nents. A vibration transmitting block, Such as a block of
requires extra holes be drilled into the soundbox. The device Wood, is affixed to the inside top Surface of the upper
is not intended for use by attachment to a Standard Store Sounding board directly under and Substantially parallel to
bought guitar. Therefore, a need exists for an unobtrusive, the Saddle by conventional means Such as epoxy glue. Four
adjustment-free, Stringed instrument acoustic enhancement conventional eye hooks are Screwed into the vibration
device which can be removably placed within the soundbox transmitting block. Two of the four eye hooks are screwed
of a Standard, conventional Stringed instrument without 35
into the vibration transmitting block below the three lower
causing damage thereto. pitched Strings, and the other two eye hooks are Screwed into
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either the vibration transmitting block below the three higher
Singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant pitched guitar Strings.
invention as claimed. Two opposedly spaced bottom blocks are affixed to the
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 40 inside bottom surface at the neck end of the soundbox by
conventional means Such as epoxy glue. One conventional
The internal acoustic enhancement device of the present eye hook is screwed into each of the bottom blocks. First and
invention enhances the amplification, Sustain, and reverbera third Springs are tensionally disposed within the Soundbox in
tion of the Sounds generated by plucking, Striking or other a V-shape configuration. The first Spring has an upper end
wise vibrating the Strings of a Stringed musical instrument. 45 removably attached to the first block eye hook, and has a
The internal acoustic enhancement device can be attached to lower end removably attached to the one of the two bottom
a Standard, conventional Stringed acoustic instrument with blocks which is disposed adjacent to String. The third Spring
out causing damage thereto. This goal is achieved by attach has an upper end removably attached to the Second blockeye
ing tensioned Springs to hooks which are disposed within the hook, and has a lower end removably attached to the one of
Soundbox of the Stringed musical instrument. The hooks are 50 the two bottom blockS which is disposed adjacent to String.
disposed within the Soundbox without damaging the instru Two opposedly spaced bottom blocks are affixed to the
ment by Screwing the hooks into a vibration transmitting inside bottom Surface of the lower Sounding board at the
material, Such as a block of wood. The Woodblocks are then, shoulder Strap attachment end by conventional means Such
in turn, affixed to the Soundbox, by conventional means Such as epoxy glue. One conventional eye hook is Screwed into
as epoxy glue. 55 each of the bottom blockS. Second and fourth Springs are
Abasic configuration of a Stringed musical instrument has tensionally disposed within the Soundbox in a V-shape
a body consisting of an upper Sounding board, a lower configuration. The Second Spring has an upper end remov
Sounding board, Sides, and a neck which ends on a head. A ably attached to the first block eye hook, and has a lower end
bridge base is Secured to the upper Sounding board. Strings removably attached to the one of the two bottom blocks
are stretched from the head where they are fastened to tuning 60 which is disposed adjacent to String. The fourth Spring has
machines. The Strings are tensioned between the tuning an upper end removably attached to the Second block eye
machines and the bridge base where they pass over a Saddle. hook, and has a lower end removably attached to the one of
The upper Sounding board also includes a Sound hole that the two bottom blockS which is disposed adjacent to String.
extends through the top of the upper Sounding board The four Springs are resultantly configured in the Soundbox
between the neck and the bridge. Upraised metal ridges 65 in an X-shape configuration.
called frets are located at designated intervals on the neck Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
perpendicular to the Strings. provide a Stringed instrument acoustic enhancement device
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which enhances the amplification, Sustain, and reverberation musical instrument, provided with a first embodiment of an
of the Sounds generated by plucking, Striking or otherwise internal acoustic Sound enhancement device according to the
Vibrating the Strings of a Stringed musical instrument. present invention that enhances the amplification, Sustain,
It is another object of the invention is to provide a Stringed and reverberation of the Sounds generated by plucking,
instrument acoustic enhancement device which can be Striking or otherwise vibrating the instrument Strings. The
placed within the Soundbox of a conventional Stringed guitar 10 has a body consisting of an upper Sounding board
musical instrument. 12, a lower Sounding board, Sides, and a neck 14 which ends
on a head. The upper Sounding board 12 and the lower
It is another object of the invention to provide a Stringed Sounding board each have a neck end and a shoulder Strap
instrument acoustic enhancement device which can be attachment end. A bridge base 20 is Secured to the upper
placed within the Soundbox of a Stringed musical instrument Sounding board 12. A shoulder Strap attachment 24 is affixed
without cutting, drilling, or Scratching the instrument. to a Side disposed between the shoulder Strap attachment end
It is a further object of the invention to provide a Stringed of the upper Sounding board 12 and the lower Sounding
instrument acoustic enhancement device which does not board. Strings generally designated 16, including bass
need adjustment. 15 Strings and treble Strings, are stretched from the head where
It is a further object of the invention to provide a Stringed they are fastened to tuning machines 18. The Strings 16 may
instrument acoustic enhancement device which is removable be steel, gut or any type String ordinarily used with an
for optional playing of the instrument without acoustic acoustic guitar. The Strings 16 are tensioned between the
enhancement. turning machines 18 and the bridge base 20 where they pass
It is still a further object of the invention to provide an over Saddle 22. The upper Sounding board 12 also includes
unobtrusive Stringed instrument acoustic enhancement a Sound hole that extends through the top of the upper
device which does not interfere with a performer's playing sounding board 12 between the neck 14 and the saddle 22.
of the instrument. Upraised metal ridges called frets are located at designated
It is an object of the invention to provide improved intervals on the neck 14 perpendicular to the Strings.
elements and arrangements thereof in a Stringed instrument 25 The first embodiment of the Stringed instrument acoustic
acoustic enhancement device for the purposes described enhancement device comprises the following components. A
which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in Vibration transmitting block 21 Such as a block of wood, is
accomplishing its intended purposes. affixed to the inside top Surface 34 of the upper Sounding
board 12 directly under and substantially parallel to the
These and other objects of the present invention will Saddle 22 by conventional means Such as epoxy glue. The
become readily apparent upon further review of the follow vibration transmitting block 21 is then, in turn, affixed to the
ing Specification and drawings. upper sounding board 12. Two conventional eye hooks 40
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS and 42 are screwed into the vibration transmitting block 21.
The first of the two block eye hooks 40 is screwed into the
FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of a con 35 vibration transmitting block 21 below the three lower
ventional guitar with a first embodiment of the acoustic pitched guitar Strings, and the Second bridge block eye hook
enhancement device according to the present invention 42 is screwed into the vibration transmitting block 21 below
depicted in phantom lines within the guitar Soundbox. the three higher pitched guitar Strings.
FIG. 2 is a Side view of a conventional guitar including a Two opposedly spaced bottom blocks 28 and 32 are
cutaway side view of the first embodiment of the invention 40 affixed to the inside bottom surface 36 of the lower sounding
disposed within the soundbox. board at the neck end by conventional means Such as epoxy
FIG. 3 is a fragmented bottom view of the inside surface glue. One conventional eye hook is Screwed into each of the
of the soundbox top wall of the guitar shown in FIGS. 1 and bottom blocks 28 and 32. Two springs 26 and 30 are
2 showing a bridge block according to the present invention tensionally disposed within the soundbox. The first spring 26
attached thereto and an exploded fragment view of the first 45 has an upper end removably attached to a block eye hook 40,
embodiment of the Soundbox Springs. and has a lower end removably attached to a bottom block
FIG. 4 is an environmental perspective view of a con 28. The second spring 30 has an upper end removably
ventional guitar with a Second embodiment of the acoustic attached to a block eye hook 42, and has a lower end
enhancement device according to the present invention removably attached to a bottom block 32. It is preferable if
depicted in phantom lines within the guitar Soundbox. 50 the first spring 26 is thinner than second spring 30 for
improved resonance of both high and low notes. It is
FIG. 5 is a Side view of a conventional guitar including a particularly preferable if the thinner spring 26 of the two
cutaway side view of the second embodiment of the inven springs 26.30 is disposed within the Soundbox below the
tion disposed within the soundbox. higher pitched Strings and the thicker Spring 30 is disposed
FIG. 6 is a fragmented bottom view of the inside surface 55 below the lower pitched strings. Optimally, the thinner
of the soundbox top wall of the guitar shown in FIGS. 4 and Spring 26 should be approximately 4 inch thick, and the
5 showing a bridge block according to the present invention thicker spring 30 should be approximately 73 inch thick.
attached thereto and an exploded fragment view of the A conventional acoustic guitar 50 provided with a Second
Second embodiment of the Soundbox Springs. embodiment of an internal acoustic Sound enhancement
Similar reference characters denote corresponding fea 60 device according to the present invention is illustrated in
tures consistently throughout the attached drawings. FIGS. 4-6. The guitar 50 has a body consisting of an upper
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
Sounding board 52, a lower Sounding board, Sides, and a
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS neck 54 which ends on a head. The upper sounding board 52
and the lower Sounding board each have a neck end and a
Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 65 shoulder Strap attachment end. A bridge base 60 is Secured
1-3, there is shown generally a basic configuration of a to the upper Sounding board 52. A shoulder Strap attachment
conventional acoustic guitar 10, as an example of a Stringed 64 is affixed to a side disposed between the shoulder strap
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attachment end of the upper Sounding board 12 and the devices disclose angling the lower ends of the Springs
lower Sounding board. Strings generally designated 56, outward in a V-shapes or X-shape configuration. A V-shape
including bass Strings and treble Strings, are Stretched from or X-shape configuration is preferable because it enables
the head where they are fastened to tuning machines 58. The longer Springs to be extended into the outcurving contours of
StringS 56 may be Steel, gut or any type String ordinarily used the Soundbox. This configuration is an improvement because
with an acoustic guitar. The StringS 56 are tensioned between it combines the benefit of attaching the Springs directly
the turning machines 58 and the bridge base 60 where they underneath the bridge with the additional benefit of utilizing
pass over Saddle 62. The upper Sounding board 52 also Springs which are longer than could be used if the Springs
includes a Sound hole that extends through the top of the extended from the bridge, parallel under the Strings. Also,
upper sounding board 52 between the neck 54 and the saddle because the upper ends of the Springs are positioned close
62. Upraised metal ridges called frets are located at desig together at the longitudinal centerline of the guitar, the
nated intervals on the neck 54 perpendicular to the Strings. Springs Still pass in close proximity to the Sound hole. In
The Second embodiment of the Stringed instrument acous combination, these three factors increase the vibrations
tic enhancement device comprises the following compo picked up by the Springs and retransmitted out of Sound hole.
nents. A vibration transmitting block 63, such as a block of 15 Thus, this configuration enhances the acoustic resonance
wood, is affixed to the inside top surface 82 of the upper beyond that attained by the current art and particularly
sounding board 52 directly under and substantially parallel
to the Saddle 62 by conventional means Such as epoxy glue. brings out the 12th harmonic of the Strings.
The vibration transmitting block 63 is then, in turn, affixed Thirdly, the individual pieces of the device may be sold
to the upper Sounding board 52. Four conventional eye together in a kit. The kit could additionally include
hooks 88.90.92.94 are screwed into the vibration transmit directions, a template, or both, thereby facilitating the user
ting block 63. The block eye hooks 88 and 90 are screwed in positioning the Vibration transmitting blocks within the
into the vibration transmitting block 63 below the three Sound box. Alternatively, because the vibration transmitting
lower pitched guitar Strings, and the block eye hookS 92 and blocks are attached to the Sound block independently of each
94 are screwed into the vibration transmitting block 63 other, the user may adjust the placement of the blockS
below the three higher pitched guitar Strings. 25 according to the users individual preference.
Two opposedly spaced bottom blocks 68.76 are affixed to It is to be understood that the present invention is not
the inside bottom Surface 84 at the neck end of the lower
Sounding board by conventional means Such as epoxy glue. limited to the Sole embodiment described above, but encom
One conventional eye hook is Screwed into each of the passes any and all embodiments within the Scope of the
bottom blocks 68,76. First and third springs 66.70 are following claims.
I claim:
tensionally disposed within the Soundbox in a V-shape
configuration. The first Spring 66 has an upper end remov 1. In combination: an acoustic Stringed instrument
ably attached to block eye hook 86, and has a lower end enhancement device and a Stringed instrument, the Stringed
removably attached to a bottom block 68. The third spring instrument including a soundbox having a neck end, a
74 has an upper end removably attached to the block eye 35
shoulder Strap attachment end, an upper Sounding board
hook 92, and has a lower end removably attached to a having an inner Surface, a lower Sounding board having an
bottom block 76. inner Surface, a bridge and a Saddle disposed upon the upper
Two opposedly spaced bottom blocks 72.80 are affixed to Sounding board, a Sound hole extending through the upper
the inside bottom surface 82 of the lower sounding board at Sounding board, and a plurality of Strings Stretched over the
the shoulder Strap attachment end by conventional means 40
Saddle and above the Sound hole, and Said acoustic enhance
Such as epoxy glue. One conventional eye hook is Screwed ment device comprising:
into each of the bottom blocks 72.80. Second and fourth a vibration transmitting block affixed to the inner Surface
springs 74.78 are tensionally disposed within the soundbox. of the upper Sounding board directly under and Sub
The Second Spring 74 has an upper end removably attached Stantially parallel to the Saddle;
to a block eye hook 90, and has a lower end removably 45 two bottom blockS affixed in Spaced opposition on the
attached to a bottom block 72. The fourth spring 78 has an inner Surface of the lower Sounding board at the neck
upper end removably attached to a block eye hook 94, and end of the Soundbox;
has a lower end removably attached to a bottom block 80. a first tensioned Spring having an upper end removably
The four springs 66,70.74.78 are resultantly configured in attached to Said vibration transmitting block, and hav
the Soundbox in an X-shape configuration. It is preferable if 50 ing a lower end removably attached to one of Said
second and fourth springs 74.78 are thinner than first and bottom blocks;
third springs 66.70 for improved resonance of both high and a Second tensioned Spring having an upper end removably
low notes. It is particularly preferable if the thinner Springs attached to Said vibration transmitting block, and hav
74.78 of the four springs are disposed within the soundbox ing a lower end removably attached to the other of Said
below the higher pitched Strings and the thicker Springs 55 bottom blocks, and,
66.70 are disposed below the lower pitched strings. wherein the two tensioned Springs are disposed within the
Optimally, the thinner Springs should be approximately 4 Soundbox in a V-shaped configuration.
inch thick, and the thicker Springs should be approximately 2. The combination according to claim 1, wherein each of
% inch thick. Said blocks are glued to the Soundbox.
This invention is an improvement for Several reasons. 60 3. The combination according to claim 1, wherein eye
First, open ends can be provided on either the Springs, the Screws are Screwed into each of Said vibration transmitting
hooks, or both. The attached springs would thereby be and bottom blocks for attaching Said ends of Said tensioned
Selectively detachable, providing the musician with the Spring to Said vibration transmitting and bottom blockS.
option of playing the instrument with or without the acoustic 4. The combination according to claim 1, wherein Said
enhancement device. 65 first Spring is disposed below three lower pitched Strings and
A Second improvement relates to the positioning of the Said Second Spring is disposed below three higher pitched
tensioned Springs. No patents for acoustic enhancement Strings.
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5. The combination according to claim 4, wherein Said wherein Said first, Second, third and fourth tensioned
first Spring disposed below three lower pitched Strings is Springs are disposed within the Soundbox in an
thicker than Said Second Spring disposed below three higher X-shaped configuration.
pitched Strings. 8. The combination according to claim 7, wherein each of
6. The combination according to claim 4, wherein Said 5 Said blocks are glued to the Soundbox.
first Spring disposed below the three lower pitched Strings is 9. The combination according to claim 7, wherein eye
approximately 72 inch thick and Said Second Spring disposed Screws are Screwed into each of Said blocks for attaching
below the three higher pitched Strings is approximately 74 Said ends of Said tensioned Springs to Said blockS.
inch thick. 10. The combination according to claim 7, wherein said
7. In combination: an acoustic Stringed instrument first Spring and Said third Spring are disposed below three
enhancement device and a Stringed instrument, the Stringed lower pitched Strings and Said Second Spring and Said fourth
Spring are disposed below three higher pitched Strings.
instrument including a Soundbox having a neck end, a 11. The combination according to claim 10, wherein said
shoulder Strap attachment end, an upper Sounding board first Spring and Said third Spring disposed below three lower
having an inner Surface, a lower Sounding board having an pitched Strings are each thicker than Said Second Spring and
inner Surface, a bridge and a Saddle disposed upon the upper 15 Said fourth Spring disposed below three higher pitched
Sounding board, a Sound hole extending through the upper Strings.
Sounding board, and a plurality of Strings Stretched over the 12. The combination according to claim 10, wherein said
Saddle and above the Sound hole, and Said acoustic enhance first Spring and Said third Spring disposed below the three
ment device comprising: lower pitched Strings are each approximately 72 inch thick
a vibration transmitting block affixed to the inner Surface and Said Second Spring and Said fourth Spring disposed
of Said upper Sounding board directly under and Sub below the three higher pitched Strings are each approxi
Stantially parallel to the Saddle; mately 4 inch thick.
two bottom blockS affixed in Spaced opposition on the 13. In combination: an acoustic Stringed instrument
inner Surface of the lower Sounding board at the neck enhancement device and a Stringed instrument, the Stringed
end of the Soundbox; 25 instrument including a Soundbox having a neck end, a
shoulder Strap attachment end, an upper Sounding board
two bottom blockS affixed in Spaced opposition on the having an inner Surface, a lower Sounding board having an
inner Surface of the lower Sounding board at the shoul inner Surface, a bridge and a Saddle disposed upon the upper
der Strap attachment end of the Soundbox; Sounding board, a Sound hole extending through the upper
a first tensioned Spring having an upper end removably Sounding board, and a plurality of Strings Stretched over the
attached to Said vibration transmitting block, and hav Saddle and above the Sound hole, and Said acoustic enhance
ing a lower end removably attached to one of Said ment device comprising:
bottom blocks affixed in spaced opposition on the inner a vibration transmitting block affixed to the inner Surface
Surface of the lower Sounding board at the neck end of of the upper Sounding board directly under and Sub
the Soundbox; 35 Stantially parallel to the Saddle;
a Second tensioned Spring having an upper end removably two bottom blockS affixed in Spaced opposition on the
attached to Said vibration transmitting block, and hav inner Surface of the lower Sounding board at the neck
ing a lower end removably attached to the other of Said end of the Soundbox;
bottom blockS affixed in Spaced opposition on the inner a first tensioned Spring having an upper end removably
Surface of the lower Soundings board at the neck end of 40
attached to Said vibration transmitting block, and hav
Soundbox; ing a lower end removably attached to one of Said
a third tensioned Spring having an upper end removably bottom blocks;
attached to Said vibration transmitting block, and hav a Second tensioned Spring having an upper end removably
ing a lower end removably attached to one of Said attached to Said vibration transmitting block, and hav
bottom blockS affixed in Spaced opposition on the inner 45
ing a lower end removably attached to the other of Said
Surface of the lower Sounding board at the shoulder bottom blocks, and,
Strap attachment end of the Soundbox; wherein Said first and Second tensioned Springs are dis
a fourth tensioned Spring having an upper end removably posed within the Soundbox in a V-shaped configuration,
attached to Said vibration transmitting block, and hav 50
Said first tensioned Spring being disposed below three
ing a lower end removably attached to the other of Said lower pitched Strings and Said Second tensioned Spring
bottom blockS affixed in Spaced opposition on the inner being disposed below three higher pitched Springs.
Surface of the lower Sounding board at the shoulder
Strap attachment end of the Soundbox, and, k k k k k

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