Patent ID: 7696420
Filing Date: 2010-04-13
Classification: G10D

Abstract:
1. A method of retrofitting a guitar with a new function, comprising steps of: providing a guitar having a body with a front surface defining a plane and having a tailpiece anchor attached to the body using fasteners and pre-existing fastener holes arranged in a known pattern, the tailpiece anchor anchoring guitar strings to the body over the front surface in a string-tensioned arrangement; removing the guitar strings; removing the fasteners and then removing the tailpiece; providing a string bender that includes a mounting plate with holes matching the known pattern and a lever pivoted to the mounting plate for movement; the lever including a first end defining a handle that is positioned generally adjacent one side of the strings when the strings are in the string-tensioned arrangement and including an opposite end attached to one of the strings for temporarily changing a tension of the one string and thus changing a pitch of the one string when the handle is moved; attaching the mounting plate to the body by extending the fasteners through the holes into the pre-existing fastener holes in the body; and re-attaching the strings by attaching most strings to the mounting plate but also attaching at least one of the strings to the opposite end of the lever.