Abstract:
A removable and portable single pickup unit for stringed instruments such as guitars, and the like. The unit can be mounted inside of a sound hole of an acoustic guitar without damaging the guitar. The unit can combine inputs from three different pickups(such as a magnetic sensor, vibratory transducer, and a microphone) into a single small housing. The unit can include a pre-amplifier and circuitry within the unit along with three rotatable rheostat type control knobs for each of the pickups, and an overall volume control knob that are easily reachable to the user&#39;s fingers while the fingers are on the strings. An output cable connects the unit to a single external amplifier or three individual amplifiers for each of the three different pickups.

Description:
This invention claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application 60/440,135 filed Jan. 15, 2003. 

   FIELD OF INVENTION 
   This invention relates to pickup mounts for musical instruments, in particular to a combined triad pickup and preamp device that combines a magnetic sound-hole pickup, a transducer vibration pickup and a sound microphone pickup into a single housing, and methods of mounting and using the combined pickup with stringed instruments such as guitars, and connecting the combined pickup to exterior amplifiers, and the like. 
   BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
   Pickup blender devices have been used in guitar type stringed instruments and generally require the devices be mounted to the sides of the guitars. These blender devices further generally require slider switches that the user must slide in order to control the pickup devices. Thus, the location of these traditional pickup devices and the slider knob controls are undesirable and impractical to the user. For example, the user must physically remove their fingers from the strings to manipulate the slider type knobs. Additionally, the side mounting of these devices can be destructive to the guitar since a user must cut an opening in the side of a guitar type instrument. 
   Many of the known pickup blender devices rely on using one or more identical pickup sensors which further restricts the versatility of the device. Furthermore, the blender devices tend to combine the output into single cables that connect to externally mounted amplifiers. Thus, the pickup devices do not allow for much tenability, and do not allow for each of the pickup sensors to be individually tuned. 
   Throughout the history of acoustic pickup systems there have been three basic types of acoustic pickups: Magnetic Pickup, Transducer Pickup and Under the Bridge Saddle Transducer. Each one has its highlights and flaws and companies have endlessly attempted to engineer the best tone out of each design. The Magnetic Pickup: (Also called a sound-hole pickup.) have been installed in the sound-hole and “pick up” the magnetic responses of the strings-similar to a pickup used on an electric guitar. The pickup&#39;s coil windings, pole-piece sizes, and magnet size are all designed to produce the most accurate “acoustic” tone. The magnetic pickup is usually more bass responsive. The pickup actually receives its response from the magnetic steel core of bronze or brass acoustic guitar strings. These pick-ups produce very little feed back, do not normally need a pre-amp, some are portable “pop-ins,” and they are the most popular for quick installs and a decent tone. 
   Transducer pickups sense vibrations. Two types have been popular a stick-on style, which may be placed at different locations on the guitar top, and an Under-The-Bridge-Saddle pickup, which is installed under the bridge saddle. Unfortunately, with stick-on type transducers, the response from the top of the guitar will also pick up unwanted nuances such as finger, pick, and arm noises. The under-The-Bridge-Saddle transducer pickup reduces unwanted noises and has good acoustic tone. The tone is more “trebly” than the magnetic pickup. It may be used with or without a pre-amp. Using a pre-amp will increase the response, and with tone controls can be an excellent choice for a permanent install. 
   Condenser Microphone pickups have been known to be placed inside the guitar produce very good acoustic tones. However, care must be used because of increased feed back possibilities and the inherent proximity effect. Simply, the proximity effect will tend to produce higher levels of bass tones. Also, for superior tone, a condenser microphone would still must be used and driven by a battery powered pre-amp. 
   None of the prior art is known to adequately combine the various pickups. 
   Several patents have been proposed over the years related to pickup mounts for stringed type instruments. See for example, U.S. Patents: U.S. Pat. No. 3,869,952 to Rowe; U.S. Pat. No. 4,151,776 to Stich; U.S. Pat. No. 4,245,540 to Groupp; U.S. Pat. No. 4,872,386 to Betticare; U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,158 to Roboloff; U.S. Pat. No. 5,557,058 to Lace; U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,823 to Dodge; U.S. Pat. No. 5,693,898 to Fishman; U.S. Pat. No. 5,763,808 to Thomson; U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,912 to Eagen; U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,834 to Burke et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,111,184 to Cloud et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,121,537 to Pawar et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,059 to Lefton. 
   However, none of the prior art adequately solves the problems presented above. Thus, the need exists for solutions to the above problems. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor pickup unit for stringed instruments and method of use that can be mounted without damaging the instrument, and does not require cutting unsightly, tone changing sections or holes. 
   A secondary objective of the present invention is to provide multi-sensor type pickup unit for stringed instruments and method of use that can be removably mounted in the sound hole. 
   A third objective of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor type pickup unit for stringed instruments and method of use having controls adjacent to the strings within easy reach of the user. 
   A fourth objective of this invention is to provide a multi-sensor type pickup unit for stringed instruments and method of use having easily adjustable non-slider controls for the unit. 
   A fifth objective of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor type pickup unit for stringed instruments and method of use having three different non-identical pickup sensors. 
   A sixth objective of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor type pickup unit for stringed instruments and method of use that provides separate tuning for each pickup sensor. 
   A seventh objective of the present invention is to provide a multi-sensor type pickup unit for stringed instruments and method of use that can include separate inputs for treble, middle and bass for each pickup sensor. 
   An eighth objective of the present invention is to provide a magnetic pickup for stringed instruments having an extremely low noise, and a single coil with individual string adjustments for balanced tone. 
   A ninth objective of the present invention is to provide an Under-The-Bridge-Saddle type (piezo-electric) transducer for a stringed instrument having independent response of each string, with a casing that provides a level surface for equal string volume. 
   A tenth objective of the present invention is to provide a high quality Condenser microphone for a stringed instrument that can be located the pickup device. 
   An eleventh objective of the present invention is to provide a pickup system for stringed instruments that can use Gold plated pole pieces, connectors, and End-Pin Jack. 
   A twelfth objective of the present invention is to provide a pickup system for stringed instrument having a pre-amp system that is conveniently “hidden” within the pickup assembly. 
   A thirteenth objective of the present invention is to provide a pickup system for stringed instruments that is easy to install, does not require soldering, and can be installed quickly within up to approximately 30 to approximately 45 minutes. 
   A fourteenth objective of the present invention is to provide a pickup system for stringed instruments that can be easily removed, as all components can use plug-style connectors. 
   A fifteenth objective of the present invention is to provide a pickup system for stringed instruments having easily reached volume controls for onboard adjustments. 
   A sixteenth objective of the present invention is to provide for multi-pickup sensors for a stringed instrument such as a guitar that includes controls that are easily reachable to the user&#39;s fingers while the fingers are on the strings of the instrument. 
   The novel triad pickup invention can utilize all three types of acoustic amplification devices that were described in the background section of the invention: a superior Magnetic pickup, a superb Under-The-Bridge-Saddle transducer pickup, and a high quality Condenser Microphone which is located inside triad device. The invention incorporates three separate pickups and a preamp, all part of one housing. 
   The novel triad pick-up system can include a main housing for being removably mounted into a sound hole of a stringed instrument, such as an acoustic guitar. Three different pickup sensors, such as a piezo-electric transducer, a microphone, and a magnetic sensor can be connected to the housing. The novel triad unit housing can include four easily reachable blender volume controls on the sides of the housing(two on each side) so that the performer can easily blend each pickup into a mono output. The unit housing can be attached to a power supply such as a 9 volt battery, and the like, and the mono signal can be easily amplified using a ¼ inch phonotype cable. 
   Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments which are illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective exterior view of a guitar with the novel triad pickup device. 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of the triad pickup device mounted in the music box in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a front view of the guitar of  FIG. 1  with mounted triad pickup device. 
       FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of the guitar of  FIG. 3  along arrow  4 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the guitar of  FIGS. 1 ,  3 . 
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the guitar of  FIG. 5  along arrow  6 . 
       FIG. 7  is another front view of the guitar of the preceding figures. 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mounted triad pickup device in the guitar of  FIG. 7  along arrow  8 . 
       FIG. 9  is another front view of the guitar of the preceding figures. 
       FIG. 10  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mounted triad pickup device in the guitar of  FIG. 9  along arrow  10 . 
       FIG. 11  shows the novel triad pickup device separated from the music box of the guitar of the preceding figures. 
       FIG. 11A  is an enlarged view of the separated triad pickup device of  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the novel triad pickup device of the preceding figures. 
       FIG. 13  is a front view of the main housing of the triad pickup device. 
       FIG. 14  is a top view of the main housing of  FIG. 13  along arrow  14 . 
       FIG. 15  is a right side view of the main housing of  FIG. 13  along arrow  15 . 
       FIG. 16  is a rear view of the main housing of  FIG. 14  along arrow  16 . 
       FIG. 17  is a left side view of the main housing of  FIG. 13  along arrow  17 . 
       FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the main housing of  FIG. 13  along arrow  18 . 
       FIG. 19  is a schematic of the circuit configuration for all input signals from the transducer pickup, microphone pickup and magnetic pickup as a triad pickup sensors to be amplified and mixed into one composite output signal. 
       FIG. 20  is a schematic of the circuit configuration of  FIG. 19  for all input signals from the triad pickup sensors to be amplified and the transducer signals to be output individually. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. A list of the components used in the figures is given below.
       1  Instrument     2  Saddle     5  Bridge     10  Strings     12  Triad Pickup Device     15  Housing     20  Soundboard Surface     25 MG Magnetic Transducer Potentiometer Knob     25 PI Piezoelectric Transducer Potentiometer Knob     25 MC Microphone Transducer Potentiometer Knob     25 MAS Master Potentiometer Knob     30  Clamping Screw     35  Sound Hole     40  Magnet Pole Screw     43   2  Conductor Cable     45  Output Jack     50  Battery     55  Battery Connector Harness     60  Inside Soundboard Surface     65  Piezo Pickup Connector Harness     70  Output Connector Harness     75  Microphone     80  Clamp     85  Elastomer Pad     87  Magnetic Transducer     90  Coil     95  Magnet     100  Adjustment Bar     105  Piezo Transducer     110  Control Circuit Board     115  Preamp Board Retainer Screw     120  Coil Retainer Screw     125  Housing Slot     130  Preamp Board     135  Threaded Body     140  Threaded Aperture     145  Microphone Aperture     150  Resonator Cavity     160  Battery Clip     170  Adhesive Pad     175  Magnet Pole Screw Aperture     180  Screw Boss     185  Inside Wall     190  Output Jack Aperture     195  Output Jack Nut     200  Triple Output Connector     210  Hard Wired Cable to Housing     215   4  Conductor Output Jack     220   4  Conductor Jack     225  External Cable     230  Microphone Output     240  Piezo Transducer Output     250  Magnetic Transducer Output     300  External Amplifier     310  Cable to Amplifier   

     FIG. 1  is a perspective exterior view of a stringed instrument  1  such as a guitar, and the like, with the novel triad pickup device  12 .  FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of the triad pickup device  12  mounted in the music box  35  in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  is a front view of the guitar  1  of  FIG. 1  with mounted triad pickup device  12 .  FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of the guitar  1  of  FIG. 3  along arrow  4 .  FIG. 5  is a side view of the guitar  1  of  FIGS. 1 ,  3 .  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the guitar  1  of  FIG. 5  along arrow  6 .  FIG. 7  is another front view of the guitar  1  of the preceding figures.  FIG. 8  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mounted triad pickup device  12  in the guitar  1  of  FIG. 7  along arrow  8 .  FIG. 9  is another front view of the guitar  1  of the preceding figures.  FIG. 10  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the mounted triad pickup device  12  in the guitar  1  of  FIG. 9  along arrow  10 .  FIG. 11  shows the novel triad pickup device  12  separated from the music box of the guitar  1  of the preceding figures.  FIG. 11A  is an enlarged view of the separated triad pickup device  12  of  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the novel triad pickup device  12  of the preceding figures.  FIG. 13  is a front view of the main housing  15  of the triad pickup device  12 .  FIG. 14  is a top view of the main housing  15  of  FIG. 13  along arrow  14 .  FIG. 15  is a right side view of the main housing  15  of  FIG. 13  along arrow  15 .  FIG. 16  is a rear view of the main housing  15  of  FIG. 14  along arrow  16 .  FIG. 17  is a left side view of the main housing  15  of  FIG. 13  along arrow  17 .  FIG. 18  is a bottom view of the main housing  15  of  FIG. 13  along arrow  18 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1–18 , the novel musical instrument audio triad pickup device  12  provides a system to allow three different transducers  75 ( FIG. 6 ),  87 ( FIG. 8 ),  105 ( FIG. 11A ) to be located at three different locations within a stringed instrument  1 , such as a guitar, and the like. Due to the mechanical variations of the construction of most instruments, audio frequencies and harmonics are attenuated or enhanced based on the location of the sampling transducer. This invention incorporates a microphone  75 ( FIG. 6 ) inside the sound cavity  35  of an instrument  1 , to capture the acoustic wave pressures as a function of the string( 10 ) energy absorbed in the sound board  20  of the instrument  1 , a piezo pressure transducer  105  to directly detect the mechanical resonate energy of the string at the bridge  5 , and a magnetic transducer  87  to detect string ( 10 ) motion. 
   These transducers  75 ,  87 ,  105  can be connected to a battery-powered  50  preamp  130  built into the body of the device  12 . The preamp circuitry  130  allows the player to proportionally control the output levels of these sampling transducer&#39;s signals and output this signal to an external audio amplifier  300  as a mixed signal or as a separate channel for each transducer. This allows a broad range of audio frequencies to be adjusted by the player to be more pleasing the listener. The player can manipulate these controls  25 MG,  25 PI,  25 MC and  25 MAS on the main body  15  of the device  12  clamped in the sound hole  35  of the instrument  1 . The output is made accessible through a connector jack  45  in the side wall of the instrument  1 . This device  12  can be field-installable by the player as an after-market modification. 
   Installation of Triad Device  12   
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  6 ,  12  and  14 , the triad device can be installed in a normal operating position, in instrument  1 , with strings  10  in proximity of the magnetic pole screw  40 . The housing  15  can be clamped into sound hole  35  on sound board surface  20  by clamp  80  contacting the inside soundboard surface  60  and held in position by a fastener such as a clamping screw  30 , wherein the clamp  80  sandwiches a portion of the sound board edge therebetween. An elastomer pad  85  can be placed between the housing  15  and the sound board surface  20  to prevent slippage and to protect the sound board surface. The housing  15  can include a size of no more than approximately 4¼ inches by approximately 1 inch high by approximately 1 inch deep so as to be easily fit into a sound hole  35  of a stringed instrument  1  without having to damage the instrument. 
   Magnetic Transducer  87   
   Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 12 , a magnetic transducer  87  can include a magnet  95 , in close proximity to magnetic pole screw  40 , that induces magnetic flux through magnetic pole screw  40  and onto ferrous string  10 . The instrument string  10 , which is set in motion by the player can vibrate within this flux concentration, causing the magnetic field through the magnetic pole screw  40  to vary in close proximity to coil  90 . This flux variation causes current flow proportional to the string  10  vibration in coil  90 . A resulting electrical signal is sent to the preamp board  130  for signal processing. The magnetic pole screw  40  can be adjusted for string height variations and optimum flux concentration by turning the threaded body of magnetic pole screw  40  into the threaded aperture  140  in the adjustment bar  100 . This adjustment can raise or lower magnetic pole screw  40  relative to the instrument string  10 . 
   Piezo Transducer  105   
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , the piezo transducer  105  can be located under bridge  5 . The string  10 , set in motion by the player, vibrates, which propagates through bridge  5  and onto Piezo transducer  105 . When piezoelectric material in the piezo transducer  105  is compressed by this vibration, an electric charge collects on its surface which is proportional to the instrument string  10  vibration. This electrical signal can be sent to the  FIG. 12  preamp board  130  via piezo pickup connector harness  65  for signal processing. 
   Microphone Transducer  75   
   Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 12 , a microphone  75  is press-fitted into a microphone aperture  145  on interface board  130 . (This is located within the confines of the resonator cavity  150 .) The instrument string  10 , set in motion by the player, vibrates, which propagates through bridge  5 , through the saddle  2  and onto the soundboard surface  20 . This vibrating motion translates to acoustic wave energy in the resonator cavity  150 , which is detected by microphone  75 , creating an electrical signal sent to the interface board  130  for signal processing. 
   Operation 
   Referring to  FIGS. 12 ,  19 , and  20 , the signal for microphone  75 , piezo transducer  105  and magnetic transducer  87 (magnetic coil  90 ) can be sent to the preamp board  130  for signal processing. The  FIG. 19  schematic shows the circuit configuration for all input signals to be amplified and mixed into one composite output signal. The  FIG. 20  schematic shows the circuit configuration for all input signals to be amplified and the transducer signals to be output individually. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1–18 , the proportion of the transducer signal strength is controlled by one transducer potentiometer  25 MG,  25 PI,  25 MC, dedicated to each transducer, and one master volume potentiometer  25 MAS for volume. The signal levels are controlled by the player turning the potentiometer knob  25 MG,  25 PI,  25 MC attached to each potentiometer. The knobs  25 MG,  25 PI,  25 MC and  25 MAS can be disc shaped with raised knurled edges for easy turning by the user. The location of the knobs allows the user to use one finger to turn the knobs to desired settings. The knob controls are easily reachable to the user&#39;s fingers while the fingers are on the strings. The device  12  is powered by battery  50  such as a 9 volt battery connected to preamp board  130  by battery connector harness  55  located in resonator cavity  150 . The battery  50  is secured by battery clip  160  and adhesive pad  170  attached to the inside wall  185  of the resonator cavity  150 . The output signal is sent to the output jack  45  via the output connector harness  70 . Output jack  45  from 2 conductor cable  43  is attached to the inside wall  185  of the resonator cavity  150  and secured with output jack nut  195 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 12 ,  16  and  18 , the housing  15  holds magnetic pole screw  40  in the position in the Magnet Pole Screw Aperture  175 , a molded feature of the housing  15 . Magnetic pole screw  40  is also constrained by the adjustment bar  100  which clamps the coil  90  and magnets  95  by means of the coil retainer screws  120  and screw boss  180 , a molded feature of housing  15 . The control circuit board  110  is held in place by the housing slot  125  in housing  15  and is soldered to the preamp board  130 . The preamp board  130  is secured to housing  15  by preamp board retainer screw  115  and screw bosses, a molded feature of housing  15 . 
   Referring to FIGS.  1  and  13 – 18 , each of the four volume controls,  25 MG,  25 PI,  25 MC and  25 MAS, on the triad device  12  can include volume indication setting levels. In a preferred embodiment on each control, there can be three settings for volume indicators. For example, One hash mark can be equal to zero volume; two hash marks can be equal to approximately 50% volume; and three hash marks can be equal to approximately 100% volume. By first using the three pickup volume controls  25 MG,  25 PI,  25 MC, an infinite number of blends can be attained. Once the desired tone is achieved, the overall volume can then be controlled by the master control  25 MAS. 
   In order to start using the triad pickup device  12 , all the controls  25 MG,  25 PI,  25 MC and  25 MAS should be turned to their lowest setting. Next, a high quality, low capacitance type cable  310  should be used to connect the stringed guitar instrument  1  to an external amp  300 . Blending the output of the stringed instrument can include the following steps:
     1. Adjust the MASTER control,  25 MAS to approximately ⅔ volume.   2. Adjust the MIC control  25 MC to a comfortable level, somewhere around approximately 50%. If feedback is heard, then lower control slightly. This microphone tone will sound very acoustic and can actually be used independently.   3. Adjust the PIEZO control  25 PI until you hear brilliant higher tones with good acoustic quality. This control can be adjusted slightly higher than the MIC control  25 MC.   4. Adjust the MAG control  25 MG until you hear deep lows, a strong mid-range, and plenty of sustain. With all three pickups now functioning, you will only need to fine tune your settings to the room acoustics.   5. Adjust the master volume  25 MAS which controls overall volume control for all 3 pickups to a desired playing volume.   

   Although the preferred embodiment described in reference to  FIG. 1  shows a mono output with a single external amplifier  300  that is attached to the pickup device  12  by line  310  to a 2-conductor stereo output plug  195 ( FIG. 11A ), the invention can be modified for three pickup amplifier sound  200 . The novel triad pickup device  12  can be connected to three separate external amplifiers  235 ,  245 ,  255  through output jacks  230  for each of the microphone transducer,  240  for the piezo transducer, and  250  for the magnetic transducer, so that each pickup can be connected to its own amplifier. Thus, each pickup can be tone modified for the best possible sound. 
   A 4-conductor cable line  210  can be hard wired directly to housing  15  with a 4 conductor output jack  215 . A 4 conductor jack  220  can connect output jack  215  to three separate outputs  230 ,  240 ,  250  by an external cable  225 . Microphone Output jack  230 , Piezo Transducer Output jack  240  and Magnetic Transducer Output jack  250  can then be connected to respective external amplifiers  235 ,  245 ,  255  so that each of the pickup transducers can each be individually tone modified for sound. 
   The invention can also include separate inputs for treble, middle and bass for each of the pickup transducers. 
   Although the preferred embodiment references three volume settings for each of the volume knob controls, the invention can include other numbers of settings, such as for example up to approximately nine settings (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) 
   While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.