Abstract:
A device for assisting winding a string around a tuning post of a tuning machine of a stringed instrument, is disclosed. An enclosure has an exterior surface, a base, a cap, and a central bore passing through a base aperture. A string ingress aperture passes between the enclosure exterior surface and the central bore. A slot passes through the enclosure exterior surface extending from the ingress aperture to the base, and string egress aperture passes through the enclosure between the enclosure surface and the central bore. The enclosure is configured to substantially enclose the tuning post within the central bore.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/952,083, filed Mar. 12, 2014, entitled “Enclosure Device to Assist in the Replacement of Musical Instrument Strings,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to musical instruments, and more particularly, is related to stringing of stringed musical instruments. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    It is desirable to replace strings on musical instruments often, either to maintain sound quality as strings wear, or to replace broken strings. Replacing the strings of a musical instrument, such as a guitar, may be a difficult and tedious task to accomplish. Many users, for example, novice and/or young users, choose to consult a professional to change strings, resulting in lost time, enjoyment, and unnecessary costs. 
         [0004]    There are several devices that have been designed to aid an individual in the replacement of strings; however, there are some shortcomings to these devices. Some require expensive after-market installation of parts, such as locking tuners, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,580,022. Others are more affordable, but do not solve the problem entirely, such as string winders, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,953. 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  shows a partial view of the upper neck  50  and headstock  52  of a prior art guitar. Six conventional tuning machines  40  are located on the headstock  52 , each having a post  47  or peg, and a tuning button  46  or handle. Each tuning machine  40  is generally attached to the back surface of the guitar headstock  52 , with the post  47  extending through an aperture in the headstock  52 , and a winding shaft  44  extending outward from the back of the headstock  52 . The winding shaft rotates around an axis  71 . The post  47  is connected to the winding shaft  44  via a gear mechanism, which may be open or enclosed. The post  47  is generally secured to the top surface of the headstock  52  via a bearing  45 . To replace a string  13 , the user threads the string through a borehole  48  of the tuning post  47 . The user then repeatedly turns the winding shaft  44  via the tuning button  46 , causing the tuning post  47  to rotate. The string  13  is wound around the tuning post  47  as the tuning post  47  rotates. However, there are several factors that make this task difficult. 
         [0006]    For one, the user must hold the string  13  as it winds around the tuning post  47  to prevent the string  13  from slipping off the tuning post  47 . Strings  13  are commonly made of metal alloys and may be awkward to handle and cause discomfort and pain as tension is applied, particularly for novice and/or young users. Concurrently, to wind a string, the user must apply considerable force by turning the tuning button  46 . Due to the natural resistance of the string  13  to bending, the string  13  may not immediately wind flush around the tuning post  47 . Instead, the string  13  may begin to wind in large loops, which become successively smaller as the string  13  winds down. 
         [0007]    There is a point where the user must hold down the string  13  against its preferred position to prevent the loops of string  13  from sliding off the tuning post  47 . This may be difficult due to the high tension on the string  13 , and because the user has only one hand available, as the other hand is turning the tuning button  46 . If the string  13  slides off the tuning post  47 , the user will have to restart the process. In some cases, the bent string  13  may be crimped and is not salvageable, resulting in losses of time and money for the user. Therefore, there is a need in the industry to address one or more of the abovementioned shortcomings. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Embodiments of the present invention provide a device and method for replacement of musical instrument strings. Briefly described, the present invention is directed to a device for assisting winding a string around a tuning post of a tuning machine of a stringed instrument. A device enclosure has an exterior surface, a base, a cap, and a central bore passing through a base aperture. A string ingress aperture passes between the enclosure exterior surface and the central bore. A slot passes through the enclosure exterior surface extending from the ingress aperture to the base, and string egress aperture passes through the enclosure between the enclosure surface and the central bore. The enclosure is configured to substantially enclose the tuning post within the central bore. 
         [0009]    Other systems, methods and features of the present invention will be or become apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon examining the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, and features be included in this description, be within the scope of the present invention and protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principals of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram showing an upper neck and headstock of a prior art guitar. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram showing a front perspective view of a first embodiment of an enclosure device. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2B  is a schematic diagram showing a rear perspective view of the first embodiment of the enclosure device. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2C  is a schematic diagram showing a front view of the first embodiment of the enclosure device. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2D  is a schematic diagram showing a rear view of the first embodiment of the enclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2E  is a schematic diagram showing a side view of the first embodiment of the enclosure device. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2F  is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the enclosure device. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the enclosure device enclosing a tuning post. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4A  is schematic diagram demonstrating a first step of the function of the preferred embodiment of the enclosure device. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4B  is schematic diagram demonstrating a second step of the function of the preferred embodiment of the enclosure device. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4C  is schematic diagram demonstrating a third step of the function of the preferred embodiment of the enclosure device. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4D  is schematic diagram demonstrating a fourth step of the function of the preferred embodiment of the enclosure device. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4E  is schematic diagram demonstrating a fifth step of the function of the preferred embodiment of the enclosure device. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram showing several views of a second embodiment of an enclosure device that attaches to a tuning post. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of three views of a third embodiment of an enclosure device that attaches to a tuning post. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram showing fourth and fifth embodiments of enclosure devices that attach to a tuning post. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the devices of  FIGS. 5-7 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of a first exemplary tuning machine as modified to attach to an enclosure device. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram of a second exemplary tuning machine as modified to attach to an enclosure device. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram of a third exemplary tuning machine as modified to attach to an enclosure device. 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a schematic diagram of a fourth exemplary tuning machine as modified to attach to an enclosure device. 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram of a fifth exemplary tuning machine as modified to attach to an enclosure device. 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram of a sixth exemplary tuning machine as modified to attach to an enclosure device. 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  is schematic diagram a partial view of an embodiment of the device engaged with a modified tuning post. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 16A-16H  are step-by-step schematic diagrams demonstrating the function of an alternative embodiment of the enclosure device that may attach to the modified tuning post. 
           [0036]      FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram of an upper neck and headstock of a guitar with tuning machines modified to attach to an enclosure device. 
           [0037]      FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram of an upper neck and headstock of a guitar showing an open topped embodiment of the attachable enclosure device. 
           [0038]      FIG. 19  is a schematic diagram of an upper neck and headstock of a guitar a closed top embodiment of the attachable enclosure device. 
           [0039]      FIG. 20  is a flowchart of an exemplary method for stringing a musical instrument. 
           [0040]      FIG. 21  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an insert for use with one or more embodiment of the enclosure device. 
           [0041]      FIG. 22  is a schematic diagram of an exemplary of the first embodiment with a front opening configured to accommodate a bridge pin. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0042]    The following definitions are useful for interpreting terms applied to features of the embodiments disclosed herein, and are meant only to define elements within the disclosure. No limitations on terms used within the claims are intended, or should be derived, thereby. Terms used within the appended claims should only be limited by their customary meaning within the applicable arts. 
         [0043]    As used within this disclosure, the “string end” is the portion of an instrument string that is threaded through the tuning post. The “forward portion” of the string refers to a portion of the instrument string that does not pass through the tuning post, but rather extends toward the neck and body of the instrument. 
         [0044]    Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts. 
         [0045]    Embodiments of the present invention include a device and method for facilitating and expediting the replacement of instrument strings by providing an enclosure around the string and tuning post during string winding.  FIG. 2A  is schematic diagram showing a front perspective view of a first embodiment of an enclosure device  200 . Under the first embodiment, the device  200  does not attach to a tuning post  47  ( FIG. 1 ) of an instrument. The device  200  includes of a main body  202  and a grip  201 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 2C  is a schematic diagram showing a front view of the first embodiment of the enclosure device.  FIG. 2D  is a schematic diagram showing a rear view of the first embodiment of the enclosure.  FIG. 2E  is a schematic diagram showing a side view of the first embodiment of the enclosure device. 
         [0047]    Under the first embodiment, the grip  201  includes a substantially flat rectangular profile tab extending from the cap  241  of the body  202 , such that the grip  201  may be held between the fingers of a user to secure the device in place during use. One or more surfaces of the grip  201  may be smooth, or may be textured to prevent slipping. While  FIGS. 2A-2F  depict the grip  201  as being substantially rectangular, in alternative embodiment the grip  201  may take other forms. For example, the grip  201  may be implemented as a textured exterior surface or surface portion of the body  202 . Similarly, the surfaces of the grip may be indented or padded to facilitate finger gripping. Other implementations are also possible. The grip  201  may be shaped to facilitate holding by hand tools, such as pliers or a wrench. For example, the grip  201  may be implemented as a hex shaped extension from the body  202  to facilitate being held by a wrench. 
         [0048]    Under the first embodiment, the main body  202  is substantially cylindrical in shape, having a cap  241  and a base  242 . As shown in  FIG. 2F , the main body  202  is substantially hollow, having a central bore  243  formed through the base  242 . The central bore  243  is sized to accommodate the tuning post  47  when the enclosure device  200  is place over the tuning post  47  ( FIG. 3 ). For example, the central bore  243  may have a substantially circular cross sectional shape, as viewed from the base  242 , corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the tuning post  47  ( FIG. 3 ). The main body  202  is preferably formed of a substantially rigid material, for example, plastic, hard rubber, metal, wood, or other materials. 
         [0049]    A front opening  203  and a rear exit  204 , shown in  FIG. 2B , are configured to facilitate a guitar string  13  ( FIG. 1 ). The front opening  203  and rear exit  204  may be disposed on substantially opposite sides of the main body  202 , generally corresponding to the borehole  48  ( FIG. 3 ) of the tuning post  47  ( FIG. 3 ). The front opening  203  and rear exit  204  each extend from an outer surface of the main body  202  through to the central bore  243  ( FIG. 2F ). The front opening  203  extends vertically through and upward from the base  242 , forming a slot through the body  202 . Under the first embodiment, the front opening  203  extends laterally from either side of the slot to form a “T” shape to allow the string  13  ( FIG. 3 ) to move into a preferred position as the string  13  ( FIG. 3 ) is threaded through the borehole  4  ( FIG. 3 ) wound around the post  47  ( FIG. 3 ). For example, the crossbar portion of the T may be sized to allow for some clearance for the main body  202  to rotate somewhat around the post  47  without deflecting the string  13 . Similarly, the crossbar portion of the T may be sized provide room to maneuver the string somewhat within the central bore  243  inside the main body  202 . 
         [0050]    The front opening  203  meets the base  242  of the main body  202  such that the string  13  ( FIG. 3 ) may exit the front opening  203  when the enclosure  200  is removed after string winding is complete.  FIG. 2F  is a cross-sectional view of the enclosure device  200  from a perspective  220  ( FIG. 2A ) and cut along a plane  6  ( FIG. 2A ). The central bore  243  has a bore opening  212  and a closed ceiling  205 . The ceiling  205  may be cone-shaped to accommodate the tuning posts  47  ( FIG. 3 ) of various sizes. As described further below, the ceiling  205  may be configured such that a portion of the tuning post  47  ( FIG. 3 ) contacts the ceiling  205  when the device  200  is placed over the tuning post  47 , for example, when the base  242  is adjacent to the instrument headstock  52  ( FIG. 1 ). Such an arrangement may facilitate pinching the string  13  ( FIG. 3 ) between the tuning post  47  ( FIG. 3 ) and the ceiling  205 , for example, to hold the string  13  during winding. 
         [0051]      FIG. 3  illustrates the device  200  placed over a tuning post  47 . The string  13  travels through the front opening  203  of the device  200 , through the borehole  48  of the tuning post  47 , and through the rear exit  204  of the device  200 . The rear exit  204  may preferably be placed higher than the front opening  203  relative to the base  242  in order to pinch the string  13  between the tuning post  47  and the ceiling  205  and/or inner wall  211  of the device  200 . Pinching may assist positioning the string  13  for better winding and may prevent the tail end  10  of the string  13  from undesirable winding, thus facilitating the forward end  9  of the string  13  to wind around the tuning post  47 . It should be noted that while the tail end  10  of the string  13  may experience some winding around the post  47 , this is generally inconsequential as the string tail end  10  is typically cut off and discarded after winding. In alternate embodiments, for example but not limited to, where the grip  201  is not positioned on the cap  241  of the body  202 , the exit opening  204  may be disposed through the cap  241  of the body  202 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 21 , the device  200  may optionally include a removable central bore insert  2100 , for example, so that the central bore  243  may accommodate differently sized tuning posts  47 . The central bore insert  2100  is configured to line at least a portion of the inner wall  211  of the central bore  243 . In addition, the central bore insert  2100  may further be configured to cover a portion of or all of the ceiling  205 . The central bore insert  2100  may be made of the same material as the main body  202 , or may be formed of another material. For example, the central bore insert  2100  may be formed of a compressible material to assist pinching of the string tail end  10  ( FIG. 4A ) against the post  47  during winding. The central bore insert  2100  may generally be configured to have apertures (not shown) corresponding to the front opening  203  and rear exit  204  of the main body  202 . 
         [0053]    As shown in  FIG. 22 , the T shape of the front opening  203  may optionally be configured such that the device  200  serves as a bridge pin puller. For example, the T shaped crossbar portion may be configured such that a head  2210  of a bridge pin  2200  fits through the cross bar portion, and a stem  2220  of the bridge pin  2200  fits through the vertical slot of the front opening  203 , so that the slot accommodates the stem  2220  beneath the bridge pin head  2210  so pulling on the grip  201  dislodges the bridge pin  2200  from a bridge pin hole. 
         [0054]      FIG. 20  is a flowchart of an exemplary method  2000  for stringing a stringed musical instrument. It should be noted that any process descriptions or blocks in flowcharts should be understood as representing modules, segments, portions of code, or steps that include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process, and alternative implementations are included within the scope of the present invention in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by persons reasonably skilled in the art of the present invention. The method  2000  is illustrated with drawings of the device  200  shown in  FIGS. 4A-4E , although it should be noted that the method  2000  is also applicable to other embodiments of the device. 
         [0055]    In  FIG. 4A , the tail end  10  of the string  13  is threaded through the borehole  48  of the tuning post  47 , as shown by block  2010 . In  FIG. 4B , the tail end  10  of the string  13  is threaded in through the central bore opening  212  and out through the rear exit  204 , as shown by block  2020 . In  FIG. 4C , the main body  202  is placed over the tuning post  47 , substantially covering the tuning post  47 , as shown by block  2030 . A forward end of the string  9  is drawn through front opening  203 , for example up the slot of the opening  203  and into the ‘T’ crossbar portion, as described above. Downward pressure may be applied on the device  200  toward the headstock  52  by the user via the grip  201 , causing the string  13  to pinch or crimp between the tuning post  47  and the ceiling  205  and/or inner wall  211  of the device  200 . 
         [0056]    The user rotates the tuning post  47 , as shown by block  2040 . The user generally rotates the tuning post by turning the tuning button  46 .  FIG. 4D  shows the device in place against the headstock  52 , for example, held by the user pressing the grip  201  with one hand and turning the tuning button  46  with the other, causing the tuning post  47  to rotate. The rotation of the tuning post  47  draws the forward end of the string  9  through the front opening  203  as the string  13  winds around the tuning post  47 .  FIG. 4E , illustrates the device  200  as it is lifted off the tuning post  47 , where the tail end of the string  10  is threaded back through the rear exit  204 , and the forward end of the string  9  slides out through the front opening  203 . 
         [0057]    The device  200  simplifies the mechanics for the user when winding a string: the device  200  is held by one hand while the tuning button  46  is rotated by the other hand. The enclosure device  200  is simple in structure. It preferably consists of a single piece that may be easily manufactured for low cost by mass-production processes, such as, but not limited to, plastic injection molding or metal die casting. As noted above, the general structure may be cylindrical with a closed or open top end and an open bottom end to receive the tuning post. There may be a grip, either ingrained on the outer face of the device or placed at the top. There is an opening on the front face of the device to receive the string, and another opening, for example, directly opposite on the back face, to also receive the string, such that the string may be threaded through the device and tuning post concurrently. 
         [0058]    The front opening  203  is preferably in the shape of a “T” for several reasons. The top horizontal bar (“crossbar”) of the “T” shape allows for left and right movement of the string  13  to align to its preferred position as it winds around the tuning post  47 , thus reducing unnecessary tension in the string  13 . The vertical stem of the “T” allows the string to enter and exit the front opening  203  through the base  242  of the device, such that the base of the “T” opening  203  meets the base  242  of the device. This allows the device  200  to be removed from the tuning post  47  after use without being impeded by the forward end  9  of the string  13 . 
         [0059]    The rear exit  204  on the back face of the device  200  may be placed level to the borehole  48  and front opening  203 ; however, this may result in both ends of the string  13  winding simultaneously, thus increasing winding time and effort. Therefore, the rear exit  204  is preferably positioned above or below the borehole  48  of the tuning post  47  such that the string  13  becomes crimped when the device  200  is placed onto the tuning post  47 . In this way, the tail end  10  of the string is held in place, allowing only the front end  9  of the string  13  to wind around the tuning post  47 . 
         [0060]    Inside the device  200 , the ceiling  205  may be cone-shaped or set with a predetermined number of protruding teeth so as to accommodate various tuning post sizes. A curved profile of the ceiling  205  may also be desirable for use with certain tuning machines. The base  242  is preferably held adjacent to headstock  52  and/or bearing  49  to provide a substantially enclosed area in which the string  13  can wind. The device  200  may also be magnetized, for example, if made from die cast metal, or a magnetized strip may be added to line the base  242  if the body  202  is not magnetic, for example, non-metal, so as to better attach to the base of the tuning post  47 . 
         [0061]    The device  200  may be made in a variety of sizes to correspond to the size of tuning posts  47  and the thickness of musical instrument strings  13 . As tuning posts  47  and strings  13  vary slightly in size and thickness, the device  200  may too vary in size. As described above, a removable insert  2100  ( FIG. 21 ) or inner sleeve may be provided for broader compatibility with variously sized tuning posts  47 , both in terms of height and thickness of the tuning post  47 . 
         [0062]    In further embodiments, described below, the device and/or the tuning posts may be modified such that the user may attach and detach the device from the tuning posts as desired. For example, an exemplary system may include an enclosure device and paired with modified tuning posts. For instance, matching threading or locking mechanisms may allow the tuning post to receive the alternative device. In this way, the tuning post and device can be configured for a secure, removable fit during restringing. An additional piece, such as a rubber ring or spring, may be used for compression/expansion in the function of the locking mechanism. The alternative device may remain on the tuning posts, or removed for aesthetic purposes, once the string has been wound. 
         [0063]      FIG. 5  shows several views a second embodiment for an enclosure device  500  that is attachable to tuning pegs by a fastening mechanism. The tuning pegs may be equipped with a mating fastening mechanism to engage with the fastening mechanism on the enclosure device  500 . The second embodiment includes left and right symmetrical units for use with left and right positioned tuning pegs. The left unit  60 L has an open top  64 L, ingrained grip  62 L, front opening  66 L, and rear exit  68 L. The right unit  60 R has an open top  64 R, ingrained grip  62 R, front opening  66 R, and rear exit  68 R. The interior view of the right unit shows the rear exit  68 R positioned below the front opening  66 R. The notch  69 R slides into a locking track  104 R ( FIG. 9 ) of a tuning machine ( FIG. 9 ). Since the second embodiment  500  has an open top, the rear exit  68 L,  64 R may optionally be omitted, and the string tail end  10  ( FIG. 1 ) may instead exit the device  500  through the open top  64 L,  64 R. In alternative embodiments, the enclosure device  500  may attach to the tuning machine  40  ( FIG. 1 ) without modification to the tuning machine  40  ( FIG. 1 ), for example, by a friction fit over the bearing  49 . Such a friction fit could be further facilitated by a compressible insert  2100  ( FIG. 21 ), as described above. 
         [0064]      FIG. 6  shows a third embodiment for an enclosure device  70  that is attachable to modified tuning pegs by a locking mechanism. The third embodiment includes a single unit for use with both left or right positioned modified tuning pegs. The device  70  has an open top  74 , ingrained grip  72 , front opening  76 , and rear exit  78 . The interior view of the unit shows the rear exit  78  positioned below the front opening  76 . The notch  79  slides into the locking track of the modified tuning peg. 
         [0065]      FIG. 7  shows a fourth embodiment  80  and a fifth embodiment  90  of enclosure devices that may each attach to modified tuning pegs by a threading mechanism. The unit  80  has an open top  84 , ingrained grip  82 , front opening  86 , and rear exit  88 . The interior view shows the threading  89 . The unit  90  has an open top  94 , ingrained grip  92 , front opening  96 , and rear exit  98 . The interior view shows the threading  99 , which matches the threading  154  of the modified tuning post  152  shown in  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 8  shows an alternative design for an enclosure device having a closed top  100 . 
         [0066]    The tuning posts  47  may be modified in several ways to facilitate the second, third, fourth and fifth embodiments, as shown by  FIG. 9  through  FIG. 14 .  FIG. 9  shows an exemplary left unit  102 L with a track  104 L that is molded into the material of the bearing  49  such that the enclosure device  500  ( FIG. 5 ) can lock onto it. There may be a symmetrical right unit  102 R with a track  104 R.  FIG. 10  shows a left unit  112 L with a different track  114 L that extends downward to improve locking ability. There may be a symmetrical right unit  112 R with track  114 R.  FIG. 11  shows yet another left unit  122 L with a track  124 L that extends upward to improve locking ability. There may be a symmetrical right unit  122 R with track  124 R. 
         [0067]      FIG. 12  shows a left unit  132 L with left track  134 L and an additional rubber ring  136 L that may compress and expand against the enclosure device to lock it into the track. There may be a symmetrical right unit  132 R with track  134 R and ring  136 R.  FIG. 13  shows a left unit  142 L with track  144 L and a rubber ring  146 L placed toward the top of the unit. There may be a symmetrical right unit  142 R with track  144 R and ring  146 R.  FIG. 14  shows a threaded tuning post  152  with threads  154  on an outer surface of the bearing  49 , configured to mate with threads  89 , 99  ( FIG. 7 ) on a corresponding enclosure. 
         [0068]      FIG. 15  shows a partial view of the right unit  60 R placed over a modified tuning post  132 R. The top of the tuning post  132 R meets the top opening  64 R. The inner wall  67 R of the unit  60 R is shaped such that it is flush with the tuning post  132 R at the top and bottom, while leaving room in the main cavity  65 R for the string to wind. When the rubber ring  136 R is compressed, it provides upward force against the unit  60 R such that the notch  69 R (seen in  FIG. 5 ) locks into the track  134 R. 
         [0069]      FIGS. 16A-16H  are each step-by-step diagrams demonstrating the function of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary method for stringing a guitar using the enclosure device  60 R that may attach to the modified tuning machine  102 R. The method is similar to the method shown by flowchart of  FIG. 20 , and demonstrated by  FIGS. 4A-4E , with the addition of the locking step shown in  FIG. 16D , where the enclosure  60 R is attached to the tuning machine  102 R, and the unlocking step shown in  FIG. 16F , where the enclosure  60 R is de-attached from the tuning machine  102 R. 
         [0070]      FIG. 17  shows an upper neck and headstock of a guitar with a tuning machine modification.  FIG. 18  shows an upper neck and headstock of a guitar showing an open topped embodiment of the attachable enclosure device.  FIG. 19  shows an upper neck and headstock of a guitar a closed top embodiment of the attachable enclosure device. 
         [0071]    While the above enclosure devices have generally been described and depicted as being cylindrical in shape, other variations are possible. For example, the body may have a substantially rectangular exterior profile, to facilitate handling via fingers or pliers, or a hex shaped profile, to facilitate handling via fingers or a wrench. For such alternative embodiments, the shape of the body may serve in lieu of a separate grip. 
         [0072]    While the above embodiments have generally been directed to application to a guitar, the embodiments are not limited to guitar, but are further applicable to other stringed instruments, for example, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and other instruments. 
         [0073]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the structure of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. In view of the foregoing, it is intended that the present invention cover modifications and variations of this invention provided they fall within the scope of the following claims and their equivalents.