Patent ID: 7541530
Filing Date: 2009-06-02
Classification: G10D

Abstract:
1. A tone plate for use in a keyboard-type tone plate percussion instrument, comprising: a longitudinal central portion; first and second ends; first and second supported portions respectively located at first longitudinal locations in the tone plate which are closer to said first and second ends than to said longitudinal central portion and at each of which a vibration node can be formed; first and second mass concentrating portions extending toward said first and second ends from second longitudinal locations in the tone plate on sides of said first and second ends with respect to said first and second supported portions, respectively, said first and second mass concentrating portions not including said first and second supported portions, respectively; and first and second thinner portions respectively provided between said longitudinally central portion and said first supported portion and between said longitudinally central portion and said second supported portion, wherein the tone plate is made of a single material and formed into one piece, the tone plate vibrating to generate a musical tone of a specific tone pitch when it is struck with being supported at said first and second supported portions thereof.