Capo tasto for fixing on a neck of a stringed musical instrument, comprising a first arm on which a string engaging region is arranged, a second arm on which a engaging region for a neck rear side is arranged, a slide bearing for holding the first arm for displacement on the second arm, the slide bearing having a displacement guide which is formed by at least one slot or at least one groove with an opening direction transverse to a displacement direction, at least one first contacting surface which is formed on the first arm, and at least one second contacting surface which is formed on the second arm, a movability apart of the first arm and the second arm, which increases the spacing between the string engaging region and the neck rear side engaging region being lockable by contact of the at least one first contacting surface and the at least one second contacting surface, and the opening direction being oriented at least approximately parallel to the first contacting surface and at least approximately parallel to the second contacting surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a capo tasto for fixing on a neck of a stringed musical instrument, comprising a first arm on which a string engaging region is arranged, and a second arm on which an engaging region for a neck rear side is arranged.

Capo tastos are used to shorten the vibrating length of strings of a stringed musical instrument. A capo tasto is clamped around the neck of the stringed musical instrument between two frets and presses the strings onto the frets. The string length between a bridge of the stringed musical instrument and the fret lying nearest the bridge then remains usable in terms of playing.

From DE 10 2006 059 821 B3 a capo tasto is known, which comprises a string contact device, a tensioning band for fixing the string contact device on the neck, and a fixing device for fixing the tensioning band on the string contact device. There is arranged on the string contact device at least one clip, by means of which the capo tasto can be hooked on the neck of the stringed musical instrument.

From EP 1 143 408 B1 a capo tasto is known, which comprises a string engaging arm, a clamping arm, and a pivotal connection to pivotally interconnect the clamping arm and the string engaging arm at a position along the arms. The pivotal connection includes a releasable locking mechanism to selectively lock the pivotal connection and the relative pivotal movement of the clamping arm and the string engaging arm against movement in an opening direction, whilst at the same time allowing relative pivotal movements in a closing direction.

From U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,234 a capo tasto is known, which comprises a rigid arm adapted to extend transversely across the neck over strings of a stringed musical instrument. A string engaging part is arranged on this arm. A spring-like, C-shaped part is connected to the arm. A clamping force can be applied by means of this part.

From U.S. Pat. No. 2,604,805 a capo tasto is known, which comprises two L-shaped parts which are connected by a bolt with a wing nut screwed thereon.

A capo tasto with a U-shaped frame is known from GB 2 141 860 A.

A further capo tasto is known from U.S. Pat. No. 6,573,440 B1.

From DE 358 280 a capo tasto for lutes and similar musical instruments with a spring for pressing down onto the strings is known. Two semicircular legs with handles are provided, which lie within a spiral spring such that when pressed together they lift the bridge connected to them off the strings. Rolls are provided, which slide on the neck of the instrument.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a capo tasto is provided, which is easily fixed to the neck of a stringed musical instrument and has advantageous features.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a slide bearing is provided for holding the first arm for displacement on the second arm, the slide bearing having a displacement guide which is formed by at least one slot or at least one groove with an opening direction transverse to a displacement direction, at least one first contacting surface which is formed on the first arm and at least one second contacting surface which is formed on the second arm are provided, a movability apart of the first arm and the second arm, which increases the spacing between the string engaging region and the neck rear side engaging region being lockable by contact of the at least one first contacting surface and the at least one second contacting surface, and the opening direction being oriented at least approximately parallel to the first contacting surface and at least approximately parallel to the second contacting surface.

The capo tasto in accordance with the invention can be easily manufactured with a minimization of the number of required components.

Single-handed operation of the capo tasto is possible. Fitting and release of the fixing are possible with one hand.

The contacting surfaces are configured so as to only be effective when a pressing force is exerted on the arms by the neck, i.e., when a fixing or prefixing has taken place on the neck of the stringed musical instrument. A proportioning of the clamping pressure is thereby made possible. Too great a clamping pressure on a string may cause the string to be put out of tune. Too low a clamping pressure may cause a whirring of the string. An optimized setting is possible with the solution in accordance with the invention.

The slide bearing has a displacement guide which is arranged on the second arm. Such a displacement guide can be constructed in a simple way. The displacement guide is formed by at least one slot or at least one groove on an arm (such as, for example, the second arm). The other arm (for example, the first arm) or an element fixed on the other arm can be guided in the at least one slot or in the at least one groove.

If the opening direction of the at least one slot or the at least one groove is parallel to the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface, then with a simple constructional design, the movability apart can be locked in a simple way when the capo tasto is clamped on the neck, without any other aids being required for the fixing (such as screws or the like). This makes single-handed operability possible in a simple way. The number of components required is thereby minimized. Also, a setting of the pressing force is possible in a simple way as a movability towards each other is made possible.

The opening direction is a direction transverse to the displacement direction. It faces the exterior space and is an insertion direction via which (at least) one pin element of the other arm is inserted into the at least one slot or groove. The opening direction lies at least approximately parallel to the strings. Furthermore, it is oriented transversely to a side face of the corresponding arm.

The opening direction is that direction in which the at least one slot or the at least one groove is not bounded, at least at one side, by material of that arm on which the at least one slot or the at least one groove is formed.

The at least approximate parallelism of the opening direction to the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface exists in each contacting position of the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface and, in particular, in each position of the first arm in relation to the second arm.

In capo tastos known from the prior art, in which a first arm and a second arm are purely pivotally movable relative to each other, the fundamental problem occurs that once the fixing starts, a string engaging region is no longer optimally alignable. Up until a final clamping position is reached, an arm executes a circular movement owing to the pivot bearing. With the solution in accordance with the invention, the slide bearing makes a linear movement of the first arm possible, which is aligned transversely and, in particular, at least approximately perpendicularly to the strings of the musical instrument. A uniform distribution of pressure on all the strings can thereby be achieved and any errors owing to an imprecise fitting of the capo tasto can be easily corrected.

With the solution in accordance with the invention, the first arm or the second arm may, in each case, be of one-part or multipart construction.

It is expedient for the at least one first contacting surface and the at least one second contacting surface to be so constructed that upon contact the movability apart is locked when the capo tasto is clamped on the neck. A pressing force then acts, which locks the movability apart of the first arm and the second arm. A user can, however, still move the first arm towards the second arm if the clamping force is to be increased.

It is then expedient for the at least one first contacting surface and the at least one second contacting surface to be so constructed that a movability towards each other of the first arm and the second arm in a direction opposite to a direction of movability apart of the first arm and the second arm is enabled. The clamping force can thereby be set.

In particular, the displacement guide is a linear guide. It is sufficient for the first arm to be linearly displaceable on the second arm.

It has proven expedient for the at least one second contacting surface to lie at least approximately parallel to the displacement guide. A fixing position can thereby be secured in a simple way.

In a constructionally simple embodiment, the first arm is held by means of at least one pin element on the displacement guide. By means of the at least one pin element, which is inserted in the displacement guide, a displaceability of the first arm on the second arm can be implemented in a simple way. The at least one pin element may be an element which is separate from the first arm and fixed thereon. It may also be integrally formed on the arm. It may, for example, also be constructed as a peg.

A direction of longitudinal extent of the at least one pin element is parallel to the opening direction of the at least one slot or the at least one groove. This direction of longitudinal extent is then parallel to the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface.

In an advantageous embodiment, the slide bearing is constructed as a pivot-slide bearing, with the first arm being pivotable relative to the second arm. The fitting of the capo tasto on and the release of the capo tasto from the neck of the stringed musical instrument are thereby facilitated. The fitting on the neck is facilitated by a pivoting-apart of the first arm and the second arm, and, in particular, a single-handed fitting is facilitated. The release is also facilitated.

In particular, a pivot axis of the pivot-slide bearing lies perpendicular to the displacement direction. The pivot-slide bearing can therefore be constructed in a simple way. A pin element serving as displacement guide for the first arm on the second arm may also serve as shaft for the pivot bearing. The pivot axis is preferably parallel to the opening direction and, consequently, also parallel to the first contacting surface and the second contacting surface.

Expediently, the pivot-slide bearing has a shaft which is guided for displacement in a displacement guide and is rotatable in the displacement guide. The corresponding capo tasto can therefore be manufactured with minimized expenditure.

It is quite particularly advantageous for the displacement guide to be oriented at least approximately perpendicularly to the strings when the capo tasto is fitted on the neck. A uniform distribution of pressure on the strings can thereby be achieved. As a result of a linear and at least approximately perpendicular movability of the first arm with the string engaging region onto the string during the clamping, all of the strings are at least approximately uniformly subjected to pressure.

It is quite particularly advantageous for a pivotable rocker with the string engaging region seated thereon to be arranged on the first arm. In this case, the pivot bearing is, in particular, arranged at the center of the rocker. The clamping pressure of the string engaging region on the strings is uniformly distributed by the pivotable rocker. The pressure distribution on the strings is thereby prevented from varying, which may result in some strings being put out of tune and other strings whirring as a result of too low a pressure. Consequently, a larger pressure range or clamping range is also available to the user before strings are audibly out of tune. Furthermore, owing to the provision of a pivotable rocker, a capo tasto in accordance with the invention is universally usable. There is no longer any necessity for individual adaptation of the clamping width to individual instruments. The uniform distribution of clamping pressure enables use with different fret lengths.

In capo tastos known from the prior art, the fundamental problem occurs that immediately upon contact, a fixing occurs, and, as a result, an optimum alignment of a string engaging region is no longer possible. With the solution in accordance with the invention, owing to the displaceability of the first arm on the second arm, a linear movement, oriented transversely and, in particular, at least approximately perpendicularly to the strings, of the first arm can be performed. If the capo tasto in accordance with the invention is not fitted quite precisely by a user, then this error can be compensated by the pivotable rocker.

In particular, a pivot axis of the rocker is parallel to a pivot axis of a pivot-slide bearing by means of which the first arm is held on the second arm. An optimized distribution of forces is thereby achieved in a simple way.

In an embodiment, the string engaging region is formed by an elastic material. A uniform distribution of forces is thereby achieved in a simple way.

It is quite particularly advantageous for the string engaging region to be formed by an elastic pad. This is, for example, made of one piece. A uniform distribution of pressure on the strings is thereby also achieved if a stringed musical instrument has a curved neck.

It is quite particularly advantageous for the elastic pad to have an engaging surface for strings which varies transversely to a direction of extent of the strings, with the effective engaging surface being smaller for strings of larger diameter than for strings of smaller diameter. The effective engaging surface with which a string engages the elastic pad results from the diameter of the string times the length of contact of the string with the elastic pad. With the same length of contact on the elastic pad, a larger effective engaging surface would result for strings of larger diameter. The string might therefore penetrate the pad to a lesser depth. Owing to the corresponding different formation of the engaging surface for the strings, which ensures that the length of contact of strings of different diameter is different for the engagement at the engaging surface, it is ensured that the effective engaging surface of different strings is at least approximately identical. For example, thicker strings (low pitch strings) are thereby prevented from being able to penetrate the elastic pad to a lesser depth than thinner strings. This, in turn, reduces the risk of thicker strings being able to deviate during the playing of the stringed musical instrument.

In an embodiment which is expedient in terms of manufacturing technology, the elastic pad has a triangular free space. This triangular free space provides a varying string engaging surface which increases in size in one direction. This direction lies transverse to the directions of extent of the strings. Effective string engaging surfaces which are at least approximately identical can thereby be provided for thicker strings and for thinner strings.

It is quite particularly advantageous for the engaging region for the neck rear side to be formed by an elastic pad. Damage caused by placing the second arm on the rear side of the neck is thereby avoided. Furthermore, a fixing of the capo tasto on the neck in a simple way is therefore possible. By exerting pressure on the elastic pad, it is compressed, and, in this way, if the first arm is in a corresponding displacement position in relation to the second arm, a locking position can be achieved by contact of the at least one first contacting surface and the at least one second contacting surface. The locking position can, in turn, be released in a simple way by a further force being exerted on the elastic pad so as to enable a relative pivotability between the first arm and the second arm.

In a constructionally expedient embodiment, the first arm has a channel-shaped region with upwardly extending side rims at which the string engaging region is arranged. The string engaging region can therefore be fixed in a simple way on the first arm and, in particular, pivotally fixed.

In particular, a rocker is pivotally fixed on the upwardly extending side rims. At the side rims, a pin element can be fixed, which, for example, forms an outer shaft for the rocker.

It has proven expedient for the string engaging region to extend beyond a front end of the first arm, i.e., in relation to an end of the string engaging region lying closest to the second arm, the string engaging region has a greater length than the first arm. It has been found that a more uniform clamping pressure is thereby exertable on the strings.

It is expedient for a spring mechanism to be arranged between the first arm and the second arm to exert a force for pushing and/or pivoting the first arm away from the second arm. A capo tasto in accordance with the invention can thereby be fixed in a simple way on the neck, and the fixing can be released in a simple way. During the fixing, the first arm and the second arm then have a maximum opening width relative to each other, so that an easy fitting is possible. For the release, a pushing-apart can be effected by corresponding application of force.

In particular, the spring mechanism is supported on the first arm and the second arm in order to bring about a corresponding application of force.

It is quite particularly advantageous for the spring mechanism to have a spring region and, in particular, a free end, which is displaceable relative to the second arm and is supported thereon. The spring action is therefore not influenced by the displaceability of the second arm on the first arm. On the other hand, the displaceability of the first arm on the second arm is ensured.

In a compact design, one or more windings of the spring mechanism is or are arranged around a shaft of a pivot-slide bearing.

It is expedient for the at least one contacting surface to be formed by an outer contour region of the first arm, which faces the second arm. This results in a compact construction. The contacting surfaces are then produced by corresponding formation of the outer contours.

For the same reason, it is expedient for the at least one second contacting surface to be formed by an outer contour region of the second arm, which faces the first arm.

In terms of manufacturing technology, it is, furthermore, advantageous for the at least one first contacting surface to be integrally formed on the first arm. For the same reason, it is expedient for the at least one second contacting surface to be integrally formed on the second arm. Therefore, no further components need be fixed for formation of a contacting surface on the respective arm.

Expediently, the one arm is constructed at a coupling region with the other arm in the shape of a fork, with opposed fork elements engaging over the other arm. The other arm can thereby be inserted in an intermediate region between fork elements. The two arms can thereby be held in a simple way on each other, and contacting surfaces for locking a fixing position can also be implemented in a simple way.

In particular, at least one contacting surface for the other arm is formed at an intermediate region between the fork elements. A capo tasto in accordance with the invention can therefore be constructed in a compact manner and also easily operated, and, in particular, operated with one hand.

It is expedient for the at least one spring mechanism to be so arranged and constructed that a fixing position on the neck is releasable by exerting pressure on the first arm in the direction of the neck rear side engaging region. In particular, this releasability is possible by exerting pressure in the proximity of a front end of the first arm. A capo tasto can therefore be released in a simple way with single-handed operation.

The following description of preferred embodiments serves in conjunction with the drawings to give a detailed explanation of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A capo tasto is a device that is used to shorten the vibrating length of strings10of a stringed musical instrument such as a guitar, a mandolin or a banjo. A capo tasto is placed on a neck14of the stringed musical instrument between two frets12a,12b(FIGS. 1,2) and clamped around the neck14. The strings10are thereby pressed onto the frets12a,12b. The string length that is usable in terms of play is then the length between a bridge of the stringed musical instrument and the one of the two frets that lies nearest the bridge. In the embodiment in accordance withFIG. 2, this is fret12b.

Capo tastos are used, for example, to adapt the corresponding stringed musical instrument to a singing voice. Shortening the strings by means of a capo tasto raises the pitch of the stringed musical instrument; a piece of music therefore no longer has to be transposed into a suitable target key. Capo tastos are also used to convert a piece of music into a form that is technically easy to play without having to change the key in which it sounds.

An embodiment of a capo tasto in accordance with the invention which is shown inFIGS. 1 to 5and denoted there by16comprises a first arm18(string contacting arm) and a second arm20(neck rear side contacting arm). The first arm18serves for placement on the strings10and comprises or holds a string engaging region22. The second arm20serves for placement on a rear side24of the neck14and comprises or holds a neck rear side engaging region26.

The first arm18is held for displacement on the second arm20by means of a slide bearing28. In the embodiment shown and described, the slide bearing is constructed as a pivot-slide bearing30, by means of which the first arm18is also pivotable relative to the second arm20.

The arm20is of C-shaped configuration with a first region32on which the pivot-slide bearing30is arranged, and a second region34on which the neck rear side engaging region26is arranged.

A displacement guide38extending in a linear direction36is arranged on the first region32. When the capo tasto is fitted, the displacement guide38is oriented transversely and, in particular, at least approximately perpendicularly to the strings10(seeFIG. 3).

At least in the area of the displacement guide38, the second arm20has an interior space40which is covered outwards at one side (FIG. 4). This interior space is open towards another side42. At the side42, the second arm20has an outer contour44which is at least approximately parallel to the linear direction36. As will be explained in greater detail below, a second contacting surface46for the first arm18is formed by way of this outer contour44.

The displacement guide38is formed by continuous slots48formed in alignment with one another in walls50which bound the interior space40at the sides. The slots48have an opening direction51(FIGS. 5 and 7). The slot48is not bounded by material in the opening direction. The opening direction51faces the exterior space.

The second region34is arranged at an angle to the first region32. The second arm20has a curved outer contour at the transition from the first region32to the second region34. Opposed side faces52a,52bof the second arm20are of substantially flat configuration and parallel to each other. The neck rear side engaging region26is formed by an elastic structure such as, for example, an elastic pad54, which is fixed to or in the proximity of a front end of a second region34of the second arm20.

In the embodiment shown, the elastic pad54has, when no pressing forces are being exerted thereon, a triangular cross-sectional shape with a rounded-off tip in the direction of the string engaging region22.

The first arm18has approximately the shape of a large L. It is connected to the second arm20by a coupling region56. The coupling region56is of fork-shaped construction with a first fork element58aand a second fork element58b(FIG. 4). The first fork element58aand the second fork element58bare spaced apart with an intermediate space60between them. The second arm20extends into the intermediate space60, and the first fork element58aand the second fork element58bembrace the second arm20at the side faces52aand52b.

A pin element62is fixed to the first fork element58aand to the second fork element58b. It passes through the slots48in the second arm20. A direction of passage is parallel to the opening direction51. The pin element62is displaceable in the displacement guide38in a direction/opposite direction64. In this way, the first arm18is also displaceable relative to the second arm20. The displacement direction64lies transverse and, for example, perpendicular to the opening direction51. A direction of longitudinal extent of the pin element62lies at least approximately parallel to the opening direction51.

The pin element62is fixed in a rotationally fixed or rotational manner at the coupling region56of the first arm18. It is guided with such play in the displacement guide38that it is rotatable therein. The pin element62thereby forms a shaft66of the pivot-slide bearing30, by means of which the first arm18is pivotable relative to the second arm20about a pivot axis68. The pivot axis68lies perpendicular to the direction/opposite direction64(i.e., also perpendicular to the linear direction36). The pivot axis68preferably lies parallel to the opening direction51.

A spring mechanism70is arranged on the first arm18and the second arm20. It comprises a spiral spring72which is supported on the first arm18and the second arm20. The spiral spring72comprises spring windings74which are arranged around the pin element62on the second arm20. The internal diameter of the spring windings74is greater than the external diameter of the pin element62. The spiral spring72is thereby held loosely on the pin element62.

A spring region76extends from an associated last winding into a fixing region78of the first arm18. This spring region76is securely fixed to the fixing region78.

A spring arm80is led from the first winding to the second arm20and is “loosely” supported in the interior space40. The support is such that the displaceability of the first arm18is not impeded by the spring mechanism70, i.e., the spring arm80is displaceable in the interior space40. The spring arm80is, however, permanently supported on the second arm20so as to be able to exert a spring force on the first arm18.

The spring force of the spring mechanism70acts in such a way that it attempts to move the first arm18away from the second arm20, i.e., to enlarge the spacing between the string engaging region22and the neck rear side engaging region26.

The first arm18has an upper side82, which comprises a first hollow region84at or in the proximity of the coupling region56, and a second hollow region86at or in the proximity of a front end88. The first hollow region84serves as engagement surface for the finger of a user when the capo tasto16is to be fixed on the neck14. The second hollow region86serves as engagement surface for the finger of a user when the capo tasto16is to be released from a fixing position.

The upper side82of the first arm18is of smooth configuration. In the direction towards the neck rear side engaging region26, the first arm18is of channel-shaped configuration with upwardly extending side rims92a,92b, between which an intermediate space94lies, which is open towards the neck rear side engaging region26.

A rocker90is pivotally arranged on the first arm18. For this purpose, a pin element96which extends through the intermediate space94is fixed at the side rims92a,92b. The rocker90is seated on this pin element96.

The pin element96forms an (outer) shaft of a pivot bearing98. A pivot axis100of this pivot bearing98is parallel to the pivot axis68of the pivot-slide bearing30.

The string engaging region22is, in turn, arranged on the rocker90. It is of such width that it can extend over all the strings of a fingerboard of the corresponding stringed musical instrument.

Facing an inner side of the first arm18, the rocker90is of such configuration that a pivotal movement is possible within a certain angular range of, for example, between −5° and +5°.

The rocker90extends with a front end102beyond the front end88of the first arm18.

A first contacting surface104which in cooperation with the second contacting surface46locks a fixing position of the capo tasto16on the neck14is arranged on the first arm18. (It is also possible for several first contacting surfaces104and second contacting surfaces46to be provided; for example, such a plurality of contacting surfaces is created by providing partial areas. For the sake of simplicity, one contacting surface will always be referred to below; in principle, this may also be of multipart configuration.)

The opening direction51is oriented parallel to the first contacting surface104and the second contacting surface46.

The first contacting surface104is formed on the coupling region56between the first fork element58aand the second fork element58b. The second arm20with its second contacting surface46extends, depending on the displacement position of the first arm18, into the intermediate space60, and the first contacting surface104can abut against the second contacting surface46.

The first contacting surface104and the second contacting surface46are each formed integrally on the associated arm18and20, respectively. They are formed on an outer contour facing the other arm. The outer contour44of the second arm20, on which the second contacting surface46is formed, then faces a boundary surface of the intermediate space60, on which the first contacting surface104is formed. In a corresponding manner, an outer contour of the first arm18faces the coupling region56of the outer contour44of the second arm20.

The first arm18and the second arm20are made of, for example, a plastic material. The rocker90is also made of a plastic material.

In an embodiment shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the string engaging region22is configured as an elastic pad106. In particular, it is made in one piece. This elastic pad106is arranged on the rocker90. The elastic pad106has an engaging surface108for strings10, with which it acts on the strings10. The engaging surface108varies in its configuration in a direction110which lies transverse to the strings10: The engaging surface108increases in size away from the pivot-slide bearing30. For example, the elastic pad106has, for this purpose, a free space112which is of triangular configuration. The elastic pad106therefore has a first flank114aand a second flank114b, between which the free space112lies. The free space112does not have any engaging region for the strings10. The first flank114aand the second flank114bare connected by a bridge element116in the area of the front end102of the rocker90.

The elastic pad106has a wedge-shaped recess over the free space112. This shortens the area of contact of a string10on the string engaging region22.

The neck14of a stringed musical instrument is often curved. Such a curve can be compensated transversely to the strings10by the elastic pad106.

Musical instruments are stringed with strings of various thicknesses. Thicker strings produce lower notes and thinner strings produce higher notes. These differences, which give rise to different effective engaging surfaces, can be compensated on the capo tasto16by the formation of the engaging surface108with a varying configuration. The effective engaging surface of a string on the elastic pad106results from the product of the diameter of the corresponding string10and the length of contact of the corresponding string10on the pad106. The length of contact on the pad can be shortened by the free space112as the engaging surface decreases in size in direction110. The effective engaging surfaces of all strings can thereby be made to match one another at least approximately. For thinner strings that are further away from the pivot-slide bearing30, the diameter is indeed smaller, but the length of contact on the elastic pad106is greater. For strings that are closer to the pivot-slide bearing30(low pitch strings) the diameter is greater and owing to the free space112the length of contact is smaller.

A uniform depth of penetration of all strings10into the elastic pad106is thereby achieved. In particular, thinner strings are thereby prevented from penetrating deeper into the elastic pad106than thicker strings, which might cause the thicker strings to deviate sideways during play.

The neck rear side engaging region26is formed, for example, by an elastic pad118which is pushed onto the second arm20and, for example, in a region120(FIG. 6) hooked thereto. The elastic pad118is, for example, additionally adhesively connected to the second arm20. It preferably extends over a total region122of the second arm20, which may come into contact with the neck14of the stringed musical instrument.

In other respects, the first arm18and the second arm20are constructed in the same way as described above.

The capo tasto in accordance with invention operates as follows:

When the pin element62, as shown inFIG. 1, is pushed upwards, then the string engaging region22is spaced farthest from the neck rear side engaging region26. The spring force of the spring mechanism70also presses the first arm18in a pivoting direction about the pivot axis68away from the second arm20until a surface which bounds the intermediate space60abuts against an upper region of the outer contour44. The capo tasto16then has a maximum opening width, and it can be easily fitted on the neck14of a stringed musical instrument.

In this case, single-handed operation is possible.

The capo tasto16is fitted on the stringed musical instrument such that thicker strings (low pitch strings) lie closer to the pivot-slide bearing30and thinner strings (high pitch strings) are further away. It is thereby ensured that the length of contact of the corresponding strings on the elastic pad106will behave at least approximately reciprocally to the diameter of the corresponding string10.

A user then pushes down the arm18at the displacement guide38in the direction/opposite direction64, and the string engaging region22is thereby displaced towards the neck rear side engaging region26.

The easiest way to do this is for the second arm20to be held at its underside with one or more fingers and for the user to act with his thumb in the first hollow region84on the first arm18in order to displace it.

In doing so, the user exerts pressure on the first arm18. A pushing onto the strings10and a tightening are thereby effected. No further pivotal movement takes place.

The at least approximately perpendicular orientation of the displacement guide38to the strings10enables a uniform application of pressure to all strings10. Since no pivotal movement occurs, which, in principle, results in different strings being subjected to pressure of different strength, a uniform pressing of the strings on the frets12a,12bis achieved for all strings10.

The fixing is released by a user pressing, for example, with his thumb on the second hollow region86. He simultaneously applies tension from below to the second arm20. Owing to the elastic construction of the neck rear side engaging region26, the fixing can be released, and the arm18is pushed upwards on the second arm20in the displacement guide38by the spring force of the spring mechanism70.

As mentioned above, the fixing and the locking are possible with one hand.

If too high a clamping pressure was selected or the position of a fixed capo tasto16has to be changed, it is possible to bring about the release without changing the hand grip. The thumb then only has to be shifted from the first hollow region84to the second hollow region86.

The spring mechanism70and the pivotable bearing of the first arm18on the second arm20serve for simple fitting/releasing of the capo tasto16on the neck14. The provision of an “only”-slide bearing and the provision of a first contacting surface104and a second contacting surface46suffice for fixed holding of the capo tasto16on the neck14.

When the capo tasto16is held under pressure on the neck14, then the first contacting surface104presses against the second contacting surface46and a locking position is fixed. There is no need for any other aids such as screws or the like for fixing this locking position. The fixing of the locking position results from the parallel orientation of the opening direction51to the first contacting surface104and the second contacting surface46. If a greater clamping force (tightening force on the strings10) is to be applied, then the first arm18can be displaced further in the displacement guide38. A proportioning of the tightening force is therefore possible. The movement apart of the first arm18and the second arm20is locked by the first contacting surface104and the second contacting surface46in one direction only, which increases the spacing between the string engaging region22and the neck rear side engaging region46. In the direction opposite thereto, a further movability (by the application of force) is possible to increase the tightening force.

The clamping pressure can be distributed uniformly onto the strings10by the rocker90on which the string engaging region22is arranged. In particular, for this purpose, the pin element96, which forms a shaft for the rocker90, is arranged at the center of the rocker90, so as to enable uniform distribution of the clamping pressure.

Consequently, with the solution in accordance with the invention it is no longer absolutely necessary for the capo tasto16to be placed exactly on the strings10. (In capo tastos known from the prior art an exact fitting on the strings is absolutely necessary, otherwise the distribution of pressure on the strings will vary greatly. A widely varying distribution of pressure may result in some of the strings being out of tune owing to too high a pressure, while the pressure on other strings is too low, which may cause a corresponding string to whirr.)

With the solution in accordance with the invention, a larger pressure range is also available to a user before strings10are audibly out of tune.

In principle, it is the case that different stringed musical instruments have different fret lengths. Since a uniform application of pressure on the strings10is achievable with the solution in accordance with the invention, there is no necessity for the clamping width to be adapted to the respective fret length. This means that the capo tasto16is universally usable.

The clamping pressure with which the string engaging region22acts on the strings10may be individually set by a user.