Patent ID: 8440897
Filing Date: 2013-05-14
Classification: G10D

Abstract:
1. A guitar comprising: a guitar frame; at least two strings held in tension by the guitar frame for free vibration of a central portion of the string; at least one string vibration sensor measuring vibration of the strings to provide a vibration signal for each string; a motorized tensioner associated with each string and receiving a drive signal and mechanically communicating with one end of an associated string to apply tension thereto; a controller receiving the vibration signals and a note pitch signal associated with each string and providing an intended pitch of the associated string, the controller providing drive signals to each motorized tensioner to tension a string to a pitch based on the vibration signal and the note pitch signal; further including stability springs communicating with each string so that a force of tension of the string is transferred at least in part to the stability spring, with each such stability spring attached to only one string, the stability springs each having a spring constant less than half a spring constant of an associated string, the stability springs each operating to increase the necessary movement of the motorized tensioner, as applied to an associated string, to effect a given pitch change.