Patent ID: 8283552
Filing Date: 2012-10-09
Classification: G10H

Abstract:
1. A pickup module assembly for removable insertion into a body of an electric stringed instrument having longitudinal strings, the body defining a transverse cavity extending from a lateral edge, a first fixation device attached to the body and positioned in the cavity, the first fixation device having electrically conductive first and second contact members, and an electrical jack being connected to the body and electrically connected to the contact members of the first fixation device, the pickup module assembly comprising: a base configured for slidable insertion into the transverse cavity along an axis from the lateral edge between removed and inserted positions; a plurality of pickups carried by the base in an arrangement such that upon insertion into the cavity each of the plurality of pickups is in operative proximity to the strings; a second fixation device attached to the base and positioned to slideably engage the first fixation device when the base is slideably inserted into the cavity into the inserted position, the second fixation device configured for securely nesting with the first fixation device; first and second electrical connectors electrically coupled to the plurality of pickups and connected to the second fixation device, the first electrical connector positioned to engage the first contact member of the first fixation device when the base is moved to the inserted position, and the second electrical connector positioned to engage the second contact member of the first fixation device when the base is moved to the inserted position, the first and second electrical connectors are positioned to sequentially engage the first and second contact members when the base is moved toward the inserted position, at least one of the first and second electrical connectors being a détente that engages the first fixation device and releaseably engages the first fixation device to limit lateral movement of the base away from the inserted position; and a plurality of modulating electronics coupled to the base and electrically connected to the first and second electrical connectors.