HK1073381B - A plectrum - Google Patents

Description

String plectrum

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a string plectrum for plucking or flicking a string of a musical instrument. More particularly, the present invention relates to a plectrum for securing between a thumb and other fingers.

Background

As an alternative to nails, string picks or plectrums for stringed instruments, such as guitars, banjos, harps, and the like, have long been used to pick or flick strings. These plectrums are very useful devices for users who wish to play stringed musical instruments.

Typically, the user selects a plectrum based on the characteristics of the plectrum, the type of strings used on the instrument, and its playing skill and style.

A conventional plectrum is a flat piece of material that may be made of plastic, wood, bone, shell, or other suitable material. In use, plastic plectrums have become very popular and are becoming more popular because of their suitability for use with nylon strings. The metal plectrum is very hard and most suitable for metal strings. These materials have their own characteristic stiffness and are used to produce different tones and timbres.

Likewise, conventional strings may be drawn into various shapes. The conventional shape is triangular or oval (or melon seed or tear drop). Three factors that affect the particular timbre that can be produced by plectra are: a pinch point between the thumb and other fingers; the distance from the clamping point to the playing edge; and the thickness of the playing edge.

A problem with flat plectrums is that it is difficult to have a good grip between the thumb and the other fingers. This affects the plucking accuracy of the individual strings of the instrument. To overcome this problem to provide a good handle, especially for plastic molded plectrums, the prior art has shown embossing or texturing of the grip points. Another approach is to provide an opening at the clamping point. By providing a good grip on the plectrum, the user is enabled to precisely pluck the string to produce a specific tone and to express his style and skill of playing with confidence.

The size of the plectrum is another factor. There is a trade-off between the size of the plectrum and the ease with which it can be gripped. The large plectrum provides a larger grip area but its size prevents flexible rotation between the thumb and other fingers. On the other hand, while the smaller size provides greater flexibility for the user, the grip area for smaller plectrums is limited.

Typically, these conventional plectrums, having thicknesses of substantially 1, 0.7 and 0.5mm, are illustrated as "thick", "medium" and "thin", respectively. For example, for use in playing a guitar, a "thick" plectrum produces a larger and more powerful sound, such as a fancy or a joker. A "thin" plectrum produces a gentle and soft sound, such as an acoustic background sound. A "medium" thickness plectrum may be used for normal or ordinary sounds.

Conventional plectrums have a limited number of playing edges. The playing side is usually located at one end of the plectrum. When the pitch or sound needs to be changed, the user needs to switch between several playing sides of the plectrum. Otherwise, he would have to change to a different plectrum while playing the instrument. This may be necessary when a user needs to produce timbre over a range of heavy metal rock types to a soothing whisking sound, for example, for a 12-string acoustic guitar.

The present invention aims to overcome or at least reduce some of the above-mentioned disadvantages or problems of conventional plectrums. One purpose is: with the help of plectrum, the user is provided with control and variation in producing the tone and quality of the stringed instrument.

Disclosure of Invention

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a plectrum for a stringed musical instrument, comprising:

(a) a first portion having a plurality of string engaging means;

(b) a second portion having another string engaging device; and

(c) an integrally formed connecting member connecting the first and second portions and shaped in an arc across the plectrum; wherein

The plurality of string engaging devices and the other string engaging device are arranged as: enabling a user to play the stringed instrument by engaging one or more strings of the stringed instrument with one or more of the string engaging means of the first and second parts; and

the connecting part provides a grip for gripping between the fingers and thumb of the user.

The connecting member is ridged or stepped.

The ridged or stepped member has at least one end forming another string engaging surface.

The arcuate shape of the connecting member extends into the first portion.

The arcuate shape of the connecting member extends into the second portion.

The plectrum also includes a grip region provided for the user's thumb or finger, the grip region including a recessed area defined by the arc of the connecting member.

The first and second portions are flat, wherein the first portion is displaced relative to the second portion by the thickness of the plectrum.

The connecting member is a curved groove that extends through the plectrum face.

The connecting member includes a curved ridge extending through a first face of the plectrum and a curved groove extending through a corresponding opposing face of the plectrum.

The curved ridge and the curved groove are disposed through the middle of the plectrum and the shape of the curve is the same.

The connecting member is a combination of a groove on a first face of the plectrum and a parallel groove on the opposite face, which forms an S-shaped cross-section in the plectrum.

The connecting member is a combination of ridges and grooves adjacent to each other on at least one side of the plectrum.

The first and second portions are each planar members.

The string-engaging means formed on the first or second portion is at least one point-like string-engaging edge.

The string engaging means formed on the first or second portion is a plurality of serrated or scalloped edges.

The string-engaging means formed on the first or second portion is a tear-drop shaped string-engaging edge.

The first portion includes a short pointed string engaging edge adjacent one of the plurality of serrated or scalloped edges.

The short pointed and jagged playing edges are shaped and dimensioned to engage the guitar strings to produce a soft chord.

In the plectrum according to the invention: the first portion comprises a first flat member; the second portion comprises a second planar member; the integrally formed connecting member includes a ridged or stepped portion, and the connecting member is shaped to pass through the plectrum middle.

The string engaging means of both said first and said second portions comprise one or more string engaging edges.

The ridged or stepped member has a string-engaging edge at one or both ends.

The plectrum is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, alloy and fiberglass.

Drawings

The invention will now be illustrated by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a plectrum according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the plectrum as shown in FIG. 1 displayed with the thumb and other fingers in use;

FIG. 3 is another side view showing the plectrum shown in FIG. 1 held between the thumb and other fingers;

fig. 4 and 5 are perspective and side views, respectively, showing a second embodiment of a plectrum according to the present invention;

fig. 6 and 7 show a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of a third embodiment of a plectrum according to the invention;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective and side views, respectively, showing a fourth embodiment of a plectrum according to the present invention;

fig. 10 and 11 are perspective and side views, respectively, showing a fifth embodiment of a plectrum according to the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to the drawings, fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a plectrum 1. The plectrum 1 comprises two parts 10 and 12, respectively. The two portions 10 and 12 are not coplanar but are laterally offset by a distance substantially the thickness of the plectrum 1. The two parts 10 and 12 are connected by an integrally formed step part 14. The step section 14 is arcuate in shape with the apex of the arc extending into the first section 10.

The first portion 10 has two corners 114 and 118 opposite each other, while the portion 12 has an egg (or melon seed or tear drop) shaped corner 112 that is remote from the other corners 114, 118. These corners define three playing edges 112, 114, 118 for engaging the strings of the instrument. However, additional playing sides will be explained below.

The playing edge 112 is near elliptical (oblong) or oval and has a rounded apex. The striking edge 112 is adapted for ordinary striking and for plucking a single string, both in an up-and-down striking motion. The pointed playing edge 114 is sharper than the edge 112 and is suitable for fast-playing. Similar to edge 114, edge 118 is another point-like edge, but it is connected to a jagged or scallop-like playing edge 116.

The arcuate step 14 creates a concave surface 102. In use, for example with the playing edge 112 engaging the strings of the instrument, the concave face 102 defines a gripping area for the thumb and a corresponding area for the index finger on the back of the plectrum 1. In this gripping position, the curve of the back of the thumb ball comfortably engages the curved step 14 (as shown in fig. 2). The curved step 14 provides a firm and positive grip for the thumb on the plectrum 1. Similarly, the curved step on the back of plectrum 1 also provides a positive grip for the other fingers. With the provision of a more robust handle, the string plectrum 1 can be easily rotated between the thumb and other fingers each time the user transitions between a plucking and a pressing stroke.

When the string is engaged with the pointed edge 114, the clamping area is located, for example, at 103. The distance from pinch point 103 to edge 114 is shorter than the distance from 102 to 112. This makes the corners 114 stiffer and thereby the edges 114 are suitable for quick dialing or for producing a louder sound, for example for solo. In this gripping position 103, the front curve of the thumb mates with the curved step 14, which curved step 14 provides a positive grip for the thumb. The point-like striking edge 114 at this corner of the plectrum 1 is also designed to make the edge 114 at a desired angle of 30 ° to the string to grasp the edge 114 for quick plectrum and also to produce a clear tone.

Scallop 116 includes at least three small curved edges 117. These sub-edges 117 form a convex profile for the edge 116. When a string is stroked with this edge 116, each string is stroked multiple times in each stroke and produces a harmonic sound like a 12-string guitar. The edge 116 may also be used to produce a change in the flicking sound, for example to give more than a triple effect. The edge 116 provides good contact with the strings and is suitable for playing nylon and string instruments.

Scalloped edge 116 is truncated to another pointed playing edge 118. Edges 116 and 118 are adjacent to each other and provide the user with the option of brushing the string with edges 116 and 118 or with edge 118 alone. By having a firm grip at location 104, such as provided by curved edge 14, the user can rotate plectrum 1 about his thumb and fingers, and this gives him the benefit of freely joining edges 116 and 118 relatively easily. When the string is stroked with edge 118 at an angle with plectrum 1 while allowing edge 116 to contact the string, a simulated soft chord is produced.

On both sides of the plectrum 1, the step edge 12 is cut to be Z-shaped. The Z-shaped edges 120, 120' are adapted to drag the strings of the instrument. This replaces pinching of strings with fingers to produce a loud or light sound effect.

The surface of each pinch point 102, 103, 104 may have depressions or protrusions to provide further grip for the thumb or other finger.

Plectrum 1 provides flexibility to the user when playing a stringed instrument as choices are made among the playing points 112, 114, 116, 118, 120'. The step edge 14 also provides a reference for the user to move his grip point when alternating different playing edges. This helps him to locate the exact playing point for quick and accurate use. For example, after playing with the edge 112, he can use his fingers and thumb and with the feeling of the step edge 14, for example, moving his grip point to the point 103, and relatively easily and accurately rotate the plectrum 1 with the playing edge 114. This feature is particularly helpful for users who play quickly.

Compared with the string plectrum sleeved on the thumb or other fingers, the string plectrum 1 can also be flexibly controlled by holding the string plectrum 1 between the thumb and other fingers. This allows the user to control the angle of inclination with respect to the string during plucking/flicking of the up or down stroke. This also allows the user to rotate the plectrum 1 about the pinch point and thereby reduce twisting of the finger itself. The freedom of rotation about the pinch point between the thumb and the other fingers and the alternating use of the front and rear of the playing side also allows the musician to express his style and playing technique and to synthesize the desired tone.

Due to the stepped edge 14, the plectrum 1 is not flat and can be easily lifted from a table or from its container.

From the rounded playing edge 112 to the serrated edge 116, the plectrum 1 has a size of substantially 30 mm; from the point-like playing edge 114 to the edge 118, the plectrum 1 has a size of substantially 28 mm. The plectrum 1 is made of plastic and is suitable for manufacturing, for example by injection moulding. Plectrum 1 may also be made to have thicknesses of about 1, 0.7 and 0.5mm and expressed as "thick", "medium" and "thin", respectively.

The same reference numerals have been left to indicate features common to the first and subsequent embodiments. Letters a, b, etc. may be added to distinguish similar features in the embodiments.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment plectrum 1 a. The plectrum 1a has a planar body 20 with three corners and an integrally formed arcuate ridge 201. The first corner includes an oval (or melon seed or tear drop shaped) playing edge 112a, which is normally used for normal playing. The second corner includes a point-like playing edge 114a, and the third corner includes another point-like playing edge 118 a. A serrated or scalloped playing edge 116a is connected to playing edge 118a and is coterminous with 114 a. The ridge 201 is curved and extends through the plectrum 1a, which divides the first corner 112a from the other two corners 114a, 118 a. The apex of the ridge 201 is offset from the first corner 112 a. The ridge 201 terminates in edges 120a, 120 a' flanking the plectrum 1 a. These edges 120a, 120 a' are also suitable as further string-engaging edges. Fig. 5 shows a side view of the plectrum 1 a.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment plectrum 1 b. Plectrum 1b has a planar body 30 with three corners and an integrally formed arcuate groove 202. The first corner includes an oval (or melon seed or tear drop shaped) playing edge 112b, which is normally used for normal playing. The second corner includes a point-like playing edge 114b, and the third corner includes another point-like playing edge 118 b. A serrated or scalloped playing edge 116b is connected to playing edge 118b and is coterminous with 114 a. The apex of the slot 202 is offset from the first corner 112 b. The groove 202 terminates at edges 120b, 120 b' flanking the plectrum 1 b. These edges 120b, 120 b' are also suitable as string-engaging edges for playing the instrument. Fig. 7 shows a side view of the plectrum 1 b. As shown, the grooves 202 on opposite sides of the plectrum 1b are offset from each other so as not to adversely affect the thickness of the plectrum 1 b.

Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment plectrum 1 c. The plectrum 1c has a combination of arcuate ridges 201 on one surface and arcuate grooves 202 on the opposite surface. Fig. 9 shows a side view of the plectrum 1 c. The playing edges are 112c, 114c, 116c and 118c, which are used to generate the characteristic tones of each of these edges, as described above.

Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a fifth embodiment plectrum 1 d. The plectrum 1d has a combination of arcuate ridges 201 and arcuate grooves 202 on the same surface. Alternatively, the opposite face may have a similar combination of ridges 201 and grooves 202. Fig. 11 shows a side view of the plectrum 1 d.

While only a few embodiments of the plectrum have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the invention is susceptible to variations, modifications and changes within its scope. The variations of the plectrum described above are mirror images of each embodiment, and such mirror images are suitable for left-handed users. Another improvement is that the arcuate ridges 201 or grooves 202 extend only substantially across the plectrum 1 and not across the entire width of the plectrum 1. In addition, the arcuate ridges 201 or grooves 202 may be formed in discrete portions. Other materials such as metals, metal alloys or fiberglass may be used. Other manufacturing methods are also suitable for manufacturing the plectrum 1, such as metal injection molding or powder metallurgy.

Claims (22)

1. A plectrum for a stringed musical instrument, comprising:

(a) a first portion having a plurality of string engaging means;

(b) a second portion having another string engaging device; and

(c) an integrally formed connecting member connecting the first and second portions and shaped in an arc across the plectrum; wherein

The plurality of string engaging devices and the other string engaging device are arranged as: enabling a user to play the stringed instrument by engaging one or more strings of the stringed instrument with one or more of the string engaging means of the first and second parts; and

the connecting part provides a grip for gripping between the fingers and thumb of the user.

2. A plectrum according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is ridged or stepped.

3. A plectrum according to claim 2, wherein the ridged or stepped member has at least one end which forms a further string engaging surface.

4. A plectrum according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the arc of the connecting member extends into said first portion.

5. A plectrum according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the arc of the connecting member extends into said second portion.

6. A plectrum according to claim 2, further comprising a grip region provided for a user's thumb or finger, the grip region comprising a recessed area defined by the arc of the connecting member.

7. A plectrum according to claim 2, wherein the first and second portions are flat, wherein the first portion is displaced relative to the second portion by the thickness of the plectrum.

8. A plectrum according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is a curved groove extending through the plectrum face.

9. A plectrum according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member comprises a curved ridge extending across a first face of the plectrum and a curved groove extending across a respective opposite face of the plectrum.

10. A plectrum according to claim 9, wherein the curved ridge and curved groove are provided through the middle of the plectrum and the shape of the curve is the same.

11. A plectrum according to claim 8, wherein the connecting member is a combination of grooves on a first face of the plectrum and parallel grooves on an opposite face which form an S-shaped cross-section in the plectrum.

12. A plectrum according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the connecting part is a combination of ridges and grooves adjacent to each other on at least one face of the plectrum.

13. A plectrum according to claim 1, wherein the first and second portions are each planar members.

14. A plectrum according to claim 1, wherein the string engaging means formed on the first or second portion is at least one point-like string engaging edge.

15. A plectrum according to claim 1, wherein the string engaging means formed on the first or second portion are a plurality of serrated or scalloped edges.

16. A plectrum according to claim 1, wherein the string engaging means formed on the first or second portion is a tear-drop shaped string engaging edge.

17. A plectrum according to claim 15, wherein the first portion comprises a short pointed string engaging edge adjacent one of the plurality of serrated or scalloped edges.

18. A plectrum according to claim 17, wherein the short pointed and serrated playing edges are shaped and dimensioned to engage with a guitar string to produce a soft chord.

19. The plectrum of claim 1, wherein:

the first portion comprises a first flat member;

the second portion comprises a second planar member;

the integrally formed connecting member includes a ridged or stepped portion, and the connecting member is shaped to pass through the plectrum middle.

20. The picking of claim 19, wherein the string engaging means of both said first and said second portions include one or more string engaging edges.

21. A plectrum according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the ridged or stepped member has a string engaging edge at one or both ends.

22. The plectrum of claim 1, wherein the plectrum is made of a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, alloy and fiberglass.