Detachable fretboard with customized frets

The fretboard system provides a replaceable fretboard with customized placement of frets along the fretboard for a stringed instrument. A configuration of magnets on the neck of the stringed instrument secure the fretboard to the stringed instrument. The magnets attract a metallic underside, such as a sheet metal, of the detachable fretboard. A separating layer, including but not limited to a layer of wood or other composite material, separates the magnets from the sheet metal. At least one, preferably two or more, reinforcing members extend longitudinally along the neck of the stringed instrument to reinforce the neck.

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a customized fretboard. More specifically, the present invention relates to a removable fretboard that enables users to customize placement of the frets along the fretboard of a stringed musical instrument, including but not limited to a guitar.

The removable fretboard provides a receiver, such as a guide aperture, that mates with the stringed instrument, including but not limited to a guitar. In one embodiment, the neck of the stringed instrument provides a guide finger with which the guide aperture mates for placement of the fretboard on the neck. Another embodiment provides an attachment finger on the neck that assists with installing and orienting the fretboard on the neck. The attachment finger moves along a corresponding track of the fretboard into an attachment aperture within the fretboard. The guide finger and attachment finger orient the fretboard on the neck. The attachment finger of the neck inserted into the attachment aperture of the fretboard limits movement of the fretboard on the neck.

II. Description of the Known Art

Patents and patent applications disclosing relevant information are disclosed below. These patents and patent applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,037,532 issued to Beckmeir on Mar. 14, 2000 (“the '532 patent”) teaches a stringed musical instrument having an elongate neck and a body which may have a resonant cavity at one end and a head at the other end thereof. The '532 patent teaches that strings extend across the neck and, when vibrated, generate musical sounds. The invention taught by the '532 patent relies upon fingerboards which are removable so that a fingerboard can easily be repaired and replaced, or otherwise so that one fingerboard may be substitutable for another type of fingerboard in order to generate sounds of different timber or of different qualities. The fretted fingerboards taught by the '532 patent are substitutable for non-fretted fingerboards. Moreover, the fingerboards taught by the '532 patent are slid into and out of slots having beveled edges in the neck of the instrument. By using double beveled slots, that is, a first bevel relative to the thickness of the fingerboard, and a second bevel relative to the transverse dimension of the fingerboard, the fingerboard taught by the '532 patent can be slid into a slot from one side of the neck and will precisely lie in proper marginal registration on that neck. The '532 patent teaches that other types of attachment mechanisms for holding the fingerboard on the neck are also provided. Depending upon the material of construction of the musical instrument, and which is usually wood, the neck taught by the '532 patent may be reinforced by a reinforcing member extending through the neck and into the head and the body.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,132,143 issued to Stone on Jan. 2, 1979 (“the '143 patent”) teaches that a fretted stringed musical instrument with a readily removable fingerboard to enable performance of musical compositions written in different tonal scales by removing a fingerboard having fret placement in accordance with one tonal scale, e.g. equal tempered scale, and installing another fingerboard having fret placement in accordance with a different tonal scale, e.g. just intonation scale. The '143 patent teaches that several alternate arrangements permit a given fingerboard to be quickly installed or removed without removing or slackening the strings so that fingerboards may be exchanged in the course of a concert to permit performance of musical pieces from several tonal systems on a single basic instrument.

The known art does not provide a similar attachment structure as the known art requires either beveled edges or magnets on both the fingerboard and the neck. The known art also does not provide the same reinforcement provided by the present invention as the present invention provides a layer of neck material adjacent the fretboard instead of a reinforcing member and also provides a metallic layer, such as a sheet metal.

The present invention provides an improved system that reinforces the neck while also providing an improved attachment of the fretboard to the neck. Such attachment of the present invention limits movement of the fretboard on the neck.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The improved fretboard of the present invention provides a replaceable fretboard with customized placement of frets along the fretboard. These frets may include at least one fret segment or multiple fret segments that are placed laterally across the neck. The fretboard provides individual grooves cut laterally into the fretboard. The individual grooves accept insertion of the fret segment(s). The grooves are cut the length of each fret segment required to achieve the tuning desired by the user.

The user installs the desired fretboard on the stringed instrument. In one embodiment, a unique configuration of magnets secures the fretboard to the stringed instrument. The fretboard of the present invention detaches from the stringed instrument. A different fretboard with different customized frets can then be attached to the stringed instrument. Installation of a different customized fretboard adjusts the sound of the stringed instrument to the user's desired configuration.

The present invention provides magnets installed on the neck of the stringed instrument. The magnets attract a metallic underside of the detachable fretboard. In one embodiment, a sheet metal is secured to the attachment side of the fretboard. The magnets secure the metallic attachment side to the neck of the stringed instrument. A separating layer, including but not limited to a layer of wood or other composite material, separates the magnets from the sheet metal. Such a separating layer provides a smooth layer for securing the fretboard to the neck. The separating layer reduces movement of the fretboard on the neck. Such movement of the fretboard may affect playing of the instrument and may affect the sound produced by the instrument.

The present invention also reinforces the neck of the stringed instrument. Removing the fretboard reduces the strength of the neck that is tensioned by the strings. The present invention provides at least one, preferably two or more, reinforcing members, that extend longitudinally along the neck. The reinforcing members of one embodiment are constructed from a carbon fiber. The present invention also provides one metallic layer that increases the strength of the fretboard and the neck.

The removable fretboard provides a receiver, such as a guide aperture, that mates with the guitar. In one embodiment, the neck of the stringed instrument provides a guide finger with which the guide aperture of the fretboard mates for placement of the fretboard on the neck. Another embodiment provides an attachment finger on the neck and attachment aperture for installing and orienting the fretboard on the neck. The attachment finger moves along a corresponding track into an attachment aperture. The guide finger and attachment finger orient the fretboard on the neck. The attachment finger inserted into the attachment aperture limits movement of the fretboard on the neck.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a customized fretboard with customized placement of the frets.

It is an object of the present invention to provide unique configurations of the frets.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a removable fretboard for customization of a stringed instrument.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method of producing a customized fretboard.

It is also an object of the present invention to reinforce the neck of the stringed instrument.

It is also an object of the present invention to attach the fretboard to the neck with a magnetic attachment.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a separating layer between the magnets and the fretboard.

It is also an object of the present invention to reduce movement of the fretboard on the neck.

It is also an object of the present invention to direct the fretboard to proper orientation on the stringed instrument.

It is also an object of the present invention to limit movement of the fretboard on the neck.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections and the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates generally to a fretboard system generally shown as100. The fretboard106attaches to the stringed instrument, such as a guitar. Musicians may require different placement of frets for capturing unique tonalities necessary for the music. The detachable fretboard106of the present invention provides the musician with the ability to customize the frets and the resulting frequencies of vibrating strings produced by the instrument. The user attaches the fretboard106needed for playing the instrument.

Referring toFIG. 1, the fretboard106extends along a longitudinal axis. The fret segments102,104extend laterally across the fretboard106. The fret segments102,104are placed according to the pitch needed to be produced. The placement of the fret segments102,104are determined according to a formula for achieving the desired tuning.

A computing device calculates the placement of the fret segments102,104for the desired tuning. A machine then cuts a channel within the upper surface of the fretboard106for placement of the fret segment.

The computing device also identifies the length of the fret segment102,104to be installed in the fretboard106. The length of fret wire needed for the fret segment is then cut for placement into the channel. In one embodiment, a machine cuts the length of fret wire needed for the channel.

The fret segment is then inserted into the channel to secure the fret segment with the fretboard106. In one embodiment, the fret segment is hammered into the fretboard106.

FIG. 2shows a side view of the neck108with the fretboard106and fret segment102secured to the neck108. A separating layer114separates the fretboard106from the neck108. The separating layer114provides an isolation layer from the magnets that secure the fretboard106to the neck108.

FIG. 3shows a side view of the neck108secured to the fretboard106with fret segment104. Magnets116,118,120secure the fretboard106to the neck108. The magnets116,118,120are secured to the neck108. Separating layer114also secures to the neck108. The magnets116,118,120and separating layer114are affixed to the neck108. In one embodiment, an adhesive secures the magnets116,118,120and the separating layer114to the neck108.

The separating layer114installs vertically above the magnets116,118,120. Separating layer114of one embodiment is constructed from wood, wood composite, or other material from which guitars are constructed. In one embodiment, the separating layer114is constructed from a paper composite material, a phenolic resin/cellulose composite material, or a material such as Richlite. In one embodiment, the separating layer and the fretboard are constructed from the same material, including but not limited to, a paper composite material, a phenolic resin/cellulose composite material, or a material such as Richlite.

The fretboard106secures to the neck108via magnets116,118,120. The fretboard106of one embodiment is constructed from wood, wood composite, or other material from which guitars are constructed. In one embodiment, the fretboard106is constructed from a paper composite material, a phenolic resin/cellulose composite material, or a material such as Richlite.

The neck108of one embodiment is constructed from wood, wood composite, or other material from which guitars are constructed. In one embodiment, the neck108is constructed from a paper composite material, a phenolic resin/cellulose composite material, or a material such as Richlite.

A metallic layer122secures to the fretboard106. In one embodiment, an adhesive secures the metallic layer affixed to the fretboard106. Magnets116,118,120secured to the neck108attract the metallic layer122. The magnetic attraction of the magnets116,118,120with the metallic layer122secures the fretboard106to the neck108.

The use of metallic layer122with magnets116,118,120provide sufficient alignment of the magnets116,118,120with the metallic layer122. The increased size of the attraction surface of the magnetic layer122provides an improved attachment of the neck108with the fretboard106. The increased surface area reduces movement of the fretboard106on the neck108. In one embodiment, the metallic layer is a sheet metal, such as steel or other ferrous metals. The metallic layer122also provides additional reinforcement of the neck and the fretboard.

The neck108is also reinforced with reinforcing members110,112extending longitudinally through the neck108. The reinforcing members110,112reinforce the neck108to allow for removal of the fretboard106from the neck108. With the fretboard106removed, the neck108will be tensioned due to the strings causing strain on the neck108that could damage the stringed instrument. The reinforcing members110,112strengthen the neck108.

The reinforcing members110,112are constructed from a rigid material to support the neck108. In one embodiment, the reinforcing members110,112are constructed from carbon fiber to support the neck108. The reinforcing members110,112are positioned within grooves running longitudinally through the neck108.

FIG. 4shows the attachment surface107for securing the fretboard to the neck108. Magnets116,118,120,124,126,128,130,132,134,136,138,140,142,144secure to the neck108to form the attachment surface107. The magnets116,118,120,124,126,128,130,132,134,136,138,140,142,144affix to the neck108. In one embodiment, the magnets116,118,120,124,126,128,130,132,134,136,138,140,142,144adhere to the neck108via an adhesive.

In one embodiment, the magnets116,118,120,124,126,128,130,132,134,136,138,140,142,144are arranged with alternating polarity as shown inFIG. 4. Magnets116,118,120, magnets124,126,128, magnets130,132,134, and the magnets extending to magnets136,138,140, and magnets140,142,144alternate polarity laterally across the neck108. Similarly, magnets116,124,130to magnets134,140, magnets118,126,132, to magnets136,142, and magnets120,128,134to magnets138,144alternate polarity longitudinally across the neck108. The polarity of the magnets is demonstrated by N (north) and S (south). The magnets can be arranged according to a different polarity.

The magnets116,118,120,124,126,128,130,132,134,136,138,140,142,144attract the fretboard to the neck to secure the fretboard to the neck108. The magnets116,118,120,124,126,128,130,132,134,136,138,140,142,144attract the metallic layer of the fretboard.

FIG. 5shows an exploded view of the detachable fretboard106and neck108assembly. The fret segment104inserts into a groove in the fretboard106. The metallic layer122secures vertically below the fretboard106for attraction to the magnets116,118,120secured to the neck108. The metallic layer122and fretboard106are affixed together to form a first component that attaches to the neck108.

The neck108, magnets116,118,120, and separating layer114secure to each other to form a second component that serves as a base for attracting the fretboard106and metallic layer122.

The reinforcing members110,112insert into the grooves146,148. The reinforcing members110,112strengthen the neck108to counter the tension on the neck due to the strings.

FIGS. 6 and 7show a sectional view of the fretboard system100. The fretboard106and metallic layer122position vertically above the magnets120,144and the separating layer114that are adhered to the neck108.

FIG. 7shows the fret apertures150that are positioned throughout the fretboard106. The fret segments insert into the fret apertures150that are located within the fretboard106. A metallic layer secured to the fretboard106is located vertically below the fretboard106. The separating layer122provides a layer of rigid to somewhat rigid material between the magnets120and the fretboard106. The magnets120and separating layer secure to the neck of the guitar108as shown inFIG. 7. In one embodiment, an adhesive secures the magnets and the separating layer to the neck108. An adhesive also secures the metallic layer to the fretboard106.

FIGS. 8-10show cross sections of other embodiments of the present invention from the cross section shown inFIG. 1.FIGS. 8-10show different arrangements of the magnets116,118,120in relation to metallic layer122.FIGS. 9 and 10also show an additional metallic layer150.

FIG. 8shows the magnets116,118,120positioned in the separating layer114adjacent metallic layer122. The magnets116,118,120contact the metallic layer122in such an embodiment. The separating layer114of one embodiment is constructed from the same material as fretboard106. In one embodiment, the separating layer114is constructed from the materials described above. The separating layer114separates the magnets116,118,120from the neck108of the guitar. The magnets116,118,120and separating layer114are secured to the neck108. Metallic layer122and fretboard106detach from the magnets116,118,120and neck108.

FIG. 9shows the magnets116,118,120positioned in the separating layer114adjacent metallic layer150. Metallic layer150is constructed from a sheet metal similar to metallic layer122as described above. The magnets116,118,120contact the metallic layer150in such an embodiment. The additional metallic layer150provides additional reinforcement of the neck of the stringed instrument. Separating layer114separates the magnets116,118,120from the metallic layer122. The separating layer114of one embodiment is constructed from the same material as fretboard106. In one embodiment, the separating layer114is constructed from the materials described above. The metallic layer150, magnets116,118,120, and separating layer114are secured to the neck108. Metallic layer122and fretboard106detach from the magnets116,118,120and neck108.

FIG. 10shows the magnets116,118,120positioned in the separating layer114adjacent metallic layer122. The magnets116,118,120contact the metallic layer122in such an embodiment. Metallic layer150is constructed from a sheet metal similar to metallic layer122as described above. The additional metallic layer150provides additional reinforcement of the neck of the stringed instrument. The separating layer114of one embodiment is constructed from the same material as fretboard106. In one embodiment, the separating layer114is constructed from the materials described above. The separating layer114separates the magnets116,118,120from the neck108of the guitar and the metallic layer150. The metallic layer150, magnets116,118,120, and separating layer114are secured to the neck108. Metallic layer122and fretboard106detach from the magnets116,118,120and neck108.

The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a customized fretboard as shown inFIG. 11. The fretboard places fret segments along the fretboard for assisting the artist. The fret segments are placed along the fretboard to assist the artist with creating the identified notes.

The customized fretboard places the frets along the fretboard to produce sounds identified by the artist. The artist identifies the notes to be associated with each string of the stringed instrument at Step200. These notes specified by the user are input into a computing device. The computing device calculates the placement of the frets to produce the notes identified by the artist at Calculation Step202.

The computing device also calculates the length of each fret segment to be installed at each identified location at Identify Length Step204. A machine or a user may then cut the specified lengths of fret wire to form the fret segment.

The computing device may supply the information needed for the length of the cutting machine to cut the desired length of the fret segment. The cutting machine then cuts the appropriate lengths of fret wire for each fret segment of the fretboard.

The computing device also supplies the placement of the fret apertures to be cut into the fretboard to a machine. The machine forms the fret apertures in the appropriate location for each fret segment at Cutting Step206.

After the fret apertures are formed into the fretboard, each fret segment must be installed into the fret apertures at Installation Step208. Each fret segment is inserted into the appropriate fret aperture. In one embodiment, the fret segments are hammered into the appropriate fret aperture.

The customized fretboard is then installed onto the stringed instrument via magnets. The user may then play the stringed instrument with customized fret placement for the artist's desired usage.

FIGS. 12-14show another embodiment of the fretboard106. The fretboard106of this embodiment may include the fretboard or the fretboard component discussed above having the fretboard attached with the metallic layer, such as the sheet metal122shown inFIGS. 3 and 5. The fretboard106provides the adjustment finger210. The adjustment finger210extends laterally outward from the fretboard. The lateral extension of the adjustment finger provides a surface that extends laterally outward from the neck. The adjustment finger is positioned laterally from the neck to provide a surface for the user to grip the fretboard106. The user may grab the adjustment finger210for removing the fretboard106from the neck of the stringed instrument.

The adjustment finger210is located adjacent the curve212of the fretboard106. Tab214provides extra surface for the user to grab the adjustment finger210. The tab214is located between the curve212and the adjustment finger210.

FIGS. 15 and 16show the neck108of one embodiment of the present invention. The neck of one embodiment may be a neck or a neck component as discussed above constructed from one or more of the separating layer114, the magnets and magnet arrangements, and metallic layer150as discussed above.

The guide finger216of the neck is positioned against the nut218. The guide finger216provides a curved surface that is raised above the neck108. The guide finger216provides a surface that guides the fretboard onto the neck. The guide finger216also positions the fretboard onto the neck. The fretboard106provides a corresponding guide aperture222shown inFIGS. 19 and 20. The guide finger216mates with the guide aperture222to align the fretboard106with the neck.

FIGS. 17 and 18show the attachment finger220. The attachment finger220is raised above the neck108similar to guide finger216. The attachment finger220guides the fretboard106onto the neck. The guide finger216and the attachment finger220are located at different sides of the neck108located longitudinally from the center of the neck. The guide finger216and the attachment finger220provide two different contacts for securing the two ends of the fretboard to the neck. The guide finger220and the attachment finger are located longitudinally on two different sides of the center of the neck108.

The attachment finger220fits within the track224and the attachment aperture226of the fretboard shown inFIGS. 19 and 21. The track224is recessed within a rear surface of the fretboard106. The attachment finger220inserts into the track224. In one embodiment, the track224terminates prior to reaching the lateral edge of the fretboard106.

The track224guides the attachment finger220to the attachment aperture226. The track224narrows to the attachment aperture226to direct the attachment finger into the attachment aperture226. The attachment aperture226of one embodiment is recessed deeper into the rear surface of the fretboard than the track224. The attachment finger220inserts into the attachment aperture226to place the fretboard106flush with the neck108.

FIGS. 19-21show the guide aperture222, the track224, and the attachment aperture226of the fretboard106. The fretboard106of this embodiment may include the fretboard or the fretboard component discussed above having the fretboard attached with the metallic layer, such as the sheet metal122shown inFIGS. 3 and 5. The guide aperture222and the attachment aperture226are located on two different longitudinal sides from the center of the fretboard106.

The guide finger216of the neck108inserts into the guide aperture222of the fretboard106. The curvature of the guide finger216and the guide aperture222secure one end of the fretboard with the neck108. The curvature allows the alignment of the fretboard106with the neck108.

FIGS. 19 and 21show the track224and attachment aperture226. Track224guides the attachment finger220shown inFIG. 17to the attachment aperture226. The track224provides a recess in the rear surface of the fretboard106. The recess of the track224guides the attachment finger220to the attachment aperture226. The track224narrows towards the attachment aperture226to direct the attachment finger to the attachment aperture226.

The attachment aperture226is recessed deeper into the rear surface of the fretboard106than the track224. The attachment finger220inserts into the attachment aperture226to cause the fretboard106to be flush with the neck108. The fretboard106does not sit flush with the neck108when the attachment finger220is in the track224.

The attachment finger and the guide finger position the fretboard onto the neck. Mating the attachment finger with the attachment aperture and the guide finger with the guide aperture aligns the fretboard onto the neck. Mating the attachment finger with the attachment aperture and the guide finger with the guide aperture also reduces movement of the fretboard on the neck.

The guide aperture and the attachment aperture have been described as being on the fretboard. The fretboard may include the fretboard of the system that includes a metallic layer such as the sheet metal secured to the fretboard. Such guide aperture and attachment aperture provide a recess in the rear surface of the fretboard. The guide aperture and the attachment aperture may also extend through the metallic layer, including the sheet metal, of the fretboard. Extending through the metallic layer, such as the sheet metal, allows the installation of the fretboard with the metallic layer onto the neck.

The neck108has been described as a neck of a stringed instrument. The neck may include the neck of the system that includes the separating layer114, the metallic layer150, the reinforcing members, the magnets and/or magnet arrangement, or other variations of the neck described for the system.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages which are inherent to the structure.