Abstract:
Embodiments disclosed herein describe keyless locking tremolo systems and methods for musical instruments that are configured to tune and restrain strings for a musical instrument without an external tool. Embodiments are configured to adjust the vertical positioning of a tightening post and string clamp without an external tool.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims a benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Provisional Application No. 62/096,970 filed on Dec. 26, 2014, which is fully incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     Examples of the present disclosure relate to keyless locking tremolo systems and methods for musical instruments. More specifically, embodiments relate to a string restraining system for a nut and tremolo bridge of a musical instrument that is configured to lock and unlock a string without an external tool. 
     Background 
     Conventional locking tremolo systems may include a tremolo bridge configured to anchor strings to a body of a guitar and nut of the guitar. Tremolo bridges are configured varying the tension of the strings by controlling a lever. The lever enables a player to quickly and temporarily change the tension of the strings, changing the pitch of the strings. However, guitars equipped with conventional locking tremolos systems are more difficult to re-string, intonate, tune, and keep in tune than non-locking tremolo systems. In order to remove or replace a string in a conventional locking tremolo an Allen wrench is required to rotate a cap screw clamping the string restrained in the tremolo string saddle. Prior to use the replacement string must first have the ball end removed before being inserted into the string saddle. The Allen wrench is then required to rotate the cap screw again to clamp the string between the saddle and a saddle block within it to constrain the string. This requires a considerable force to be exerted in order to prevent the string from being pulled out when tension is applied. This repeated application of force can cause string saddles and saddle blocks to crack as well as damage the cap screw and the Allen wrench itself. Without first locating then using the external tool, broken or worn strings cannot be removed for replacement. Additionally, on conventional locking tremolos there are no provisions to precisely intonate the string saddles to compensate for various string gauges to allow the musical instrument to play in tune. Intonation requires first comparing an open string 12 th  fret harmonic to the fretted 12 th  fret note. If the fretted note is sharp or flat in pitch relative to the 12 th  fret harmonic the string length must be shortened or lengthened by adjusting the saddle closer to or further away from the nut. First the tension on the string must be reduced, a screw holding the saddle in place loosened, the saddle&#39;s position altered slightly by an approximate amount and the screw retightened, the string retuned to pitch and the 12 th  fret harmonic again compared to the fretted note at the 12 th  fret. If the two notes are not identical the entire process must be repeated again. This tedious trial and error process can take a substantial amount of time and must be performed for each individual string. 
     Conventional locking nut systems include a string clamp, wherein conventional string clamp fasteners are configured to be rotated by the external tool. In one example, by rotating the string clamp socket cap screw using an Allen wrench, the string clamp may be moved towards a locking nut base to sandwich the strings between the string clamp and a locking nut base. This force restrains movement of the strings at the locking nut preventing the strings from becoming out of tune from tremolo use. This requires great force to be applied to the string clamp, strings, and locking nut base. This same force is required to loosen the string clamps. This repeated application of force can lead to string clamp socket cap screws or tools becoming damaged preventing removal of the strings. Furthermore, once the strings are tightened via the external tool, the user can no longer change the gross tuning with the headstock tuning keys or replace the strings without the use of an external tool. 
     Thus, with conventional string restraining systems and locking tremolo bridges, tuning must be performed with either fine tuners or by using the external tool to first loosen the locking nut string clamps, adjust the string pitch with a headstock tuning key, and then retighten the string clamps with the external tool. This process can take a sufficient amount of time, the socket of the string clamp fastener or the tool itself may become worn out, or the user may not be able to find the external tool. 
     Accordingly, needs exist for more effective and efficient systems and methods for restraining strings on locking nuts and tremolo systems without an external tool. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments disclosed herein describe keyless locking tremolo systems and methods for musical instruments that securely clamp the strings to a musical instrument without an external tool. Embodiments may include a first locking system positioned at the nut of the musical instrument, and a second locking system positioned at the tremolo bridge of the musical instrument. 
     Embodiments of the first locking system may be configured to adjust the vertical positioning of a tightening post and string clamp without an external tool. Embodiments of the second locking system may be configured to anchor the string ahead of the ball end of the string by concentrically clamping the string. Embodiments may be configured to provide the high tuning stability of double locking tremolo systems, with the ease of using non-locking tremolos. Embodiments may not require external tools to tune or replace strings, and the strings may not need to have their ball ends cut. 
     Embodiments of the first locking system may include a locking base and locking system. 
     The locking base may include a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and tightening post receivers. The first sidewall may be positioned at a front end of the lock base, and the second sidewall may be positioned at a back end of the locking base. The first sidewall and the second sidewall may protrude from the locking base to form a channel between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall may also include notches, indentions, scores, etc., wherein strings of the musical instrument are configure to be positioned within the notches. The tightening post receivers may be threaded holes, fasteners, etc. positioned on the channel through the locking base, wherein the tightening post receivers may extend through the locking base. 
     The locking system may include string clamps, tightening posts, and levers. The string clamps may be configured to be inserted into the channel on the locking base between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The string clamps may have a clamping surface that is configured to anchor the strings in place between the clamping surface and the channel on the locking base. The string clamps may also include recessed holes and springs extending through a body of the string clamps, wherein the holes are configured to align with the tightening post receivers. 
     The tightening posts may include a threaded portion, a lever engagement mechanism, a smooth shaft, and a lever. The threaded portion may be configured to be inserted through the hole in a string clamp, and the tightening post receivers within the locking base. The lever engagement mechanism may be configured to allow the lever to engage and disengage with the tightening post to tighten or loosen the tightening post yet remain coupled. The smooth shaft may be configured to allow the lever to be rotated without turning the tightening post when the lever is disengage from the lever engagement mechanism. The lever may be configured to disengage and engage with the tightening post to tighten or loosen the tightening post. The lever may be configured to apply sufficient torque by hand to tighten or loosen the tightening post without needing an external tool. Embodiments may include three levers, wherein each lever is associated with two strings. The levers may be spring loaded, wherein each of the levers may be independently lifted and rotated. 
     In embodiments, responsive to the lever being engaged with the lever engagement mechanism and rotated in a first direction, the threaded portion of the tightening post may tighten the string clamp into the locking base to anchor one or more strings between the base and the string clamp. Responsive to the lever being engaged with the lever engagement mechanism and rotated in a second direction, the string clamp may be loosened or moved away from the base. 
     In embodiments, responsive to vertically moving the lever, the lever may be disengaged with the lever engagement mechanism, and be rotated in the first or second direction without tightening or loosening the string clamp. This action may allow for reciprocal movement within the tight confines of adjacent string clamps and tightening posts in a musical instrument. In embodiments, the lever may remain coupled to the tightening post in the engaged and disengaged positions so that the lever is readily accessible to a user. 
     The second locking system may include a circumferential clamp with a collet and a closer. The collet and closer may be configured to anchor the string ahead of a ball end of the string. By concentrically clamping the circumference of the string ahead of the ball end, any issue of slack between the ball end and a wire loop may be negated. In implementations, when the string is tensioned up to pitch, the collet may be configured to prevent the ball end of the string from pulling through the circumferential clamp. Responsive to a tremolo arm being depressed or raised to allow the string tension to decrease or increase, the force of the closer on the collet may be sufficient to prevent the string from reversing or being pulled out of the circumferential clamp. 
     Embodiments may also include an internally threaded knurled cylinder that concentrically surrounds the closer. The threaded knurled cylinder may be configured to adjust the intonation of the musical instrument. The threaded knurled cylinder may be configured to be positioned against a surface of a tremolo base plate holding a loosened string saddle in place while adjusting the saddle for correct intonation. 
     Embodiments may include a string ramp that is configured to allow a string to more easily pass through and over a conventional saddle. The string ramp may have a lower break angle over the saddle, wherein the string ramp is less than a ninety degree angle. This may reduce string breakage. 
     In embodiments, the combination of a locking tremolo system with a keyless locking nut and a keyless locking tremolo may provide the high tuning stability of a double locking tremolo system with the ease of using a non-locking tremolo system. In embodiments no tools are required to tune or replace strings, no expensive or hard to find special strings are required, any industry standard strings may be used, and there is no need to first cut off the ball end of the string. The keyless locking system may serve as a built in string extractor that can safely and easily remove the strings eliminating finger injury trying to remove small broken off pieces of strings from the saddles in existing tremolos. 
     Embodiments may also provide greater overall contact area for the strings for improved tone. There may be less string breaking due to the shallower angle of the string entering the saddle. The keyless locking systems may work on both left and right handed instruments. 
     These, and other, aspects of the apparatus will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. The following description, while indicating various embodiments of the apparatus and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the apparatus, and the apparatus includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions or rearrangements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a first keyless locking system positioned proximate at the headstock end of a fingerboard as a nut of a stringed musical instrument, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  depicts an exploded via of a locking base and locking system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a top view of a locking system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  depicts a side view of a locking system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  depicts a side view of a locking system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  depicts a keyless tremolo locking system that may be retrofitted to an existing locking tremolo, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  depicts an exploded view of a circumferential clamp, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  depicts a circumferential clamp, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  depicts a circumferential clamp, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  depicts a circumferential clamp, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  depicts a side view and top view of a keyless tremolo lock with an intonation adjustment head, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a side view and top view of a keyless tremolo lock with an intonation adjustment head, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  depicts a side view of a keyless tremolo lock and string saddle assembly for converting non locking tremolos to locking, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  depicts a top view of keyless tremolo lock and string saddle, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  depicts a side view and a top view of keyless tremolo lock, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  depicts a side view and a top view for a replacement assembly for a keyless locking fulcrum tremolo, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  depicts a side view of a keyless locking tremolo saddle, according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components throughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one having ordinary skill in the art that the specific detail need not be employed to practice the present invention. In other instances, well-known materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present invention. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 1  depicts a first keyless locking system  100  positioned as a nut of stringed musical instrument  105 , according to an embodiment. Locking system  100  may be configured to separate the strings  107  of musical instrument  105  at even intervals, and to anchor strings  107  in place to prevent movement of strings  107 . First locking system  100  may include a locking base  110  and locking system  120 . 
     Locking base  110  may be configured to be positioned to replace the non-locking nut of musical instrument  100 . Locking base  110  may be configured to extend across a neck of musical instrument  105 . Locking base  110  may be configured to receive locking system  120 , wherein strings  107  are anchored between locking base  110  and locking system  120 . 
     Locking system  120  may include a plurality of levers  125 . Each of the plurality of levers  125  may be associated with two strings  107  and a string clamp  130 . Levers  125  may be configured to rotate in a first direction to tighten a string clamp  130  to anchor the corresponding strings  107  via string clamp  130 . Levers  125  may also be configured to rotate in a second direction to loosen string clamp  130 . In other embodiments, more or fewer levers  125  may be positioned on locking system  120 , and each of the levers  125  may be associated with more of fewer strings  107 . 
     Each lever  125  may include an arm or projection  127  that is configured to extend away from a body of lever  125 . The projection  127  may be configured to increase the mechanical advantage of lever  125  to increase the torque of lever  125  to more efficiently rotate lever  125 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts an exploded via of locking base  110  and locking system  120 , according to an embodiment. As depicted in  FIG. 2 , locking base  110  may include a first sidewall  210 , second sidewall  212 , channel  214 , and tightening post receivers  216 . 
     First sidewall  210  may be positioned on a first side of locking base  110 , and second sidewall  212  may be positioned on a second side of locking base  110 . First sidewall  210  and second sidewall  212  may be configured to extend away from an upper surface of locking base  110  to form channel  214  between first sidewall  210  and second sidewall  212 . First sidewall  210  and second sidewall  212  may include aligned notches, grooves, indentations, etc. (referred to hereinafter individually and collectively as “notches  220 ”). 
     Notches  220  may be substantially “V-Shaped”, wherein strings of a musical instrument are configured to be positioned within notches  220 . The notches  220  may be configured to assist in anchoring the strings in place with proper spacing. 
     Channel  214  may be configured to extend from a first end of locking base  110  to a second end of locking base  110 . Channel  214  may have a width that is long enough to receive string clamps  232 . Positioned at even intervals through channel  214  may be tightening post receivers  216 . Tightening post receivers  216  may be threaded holes, fasteners, etc. positioned through locking base  110 . 
     Locking system  120  may include string clamps  230 , tightening posts  240 , and levers  250 . 
     String clamps  230  may be configured to be inserted onto an upper surface of channel  214  on locking base  110 . Strings clamps  230  may be positioned between first sidewall  210  and the second sidewall  212 . 
     String clamps  230  may have a clamping surface that is configured to anchor the strings in place between the clamping surface and channel  214 . String clamps  230  may also include holes  232 . Holes  232  may extend through a body of string clamps  230 , wherein holes  232  are configured to align with tightening post receivers  216 . As tightening posts  240  are tightened, tightening posts  240  may apply force to position string clamp  230  more proximate to locking base  110  so that guitar strings may be anchored between locking base  110  and string clamps  230 . In embodiments, three string clamps  230  may be used, wherein each string clamp  230  is configured to anchor two strings. However, in different embodiments a different number of strings clamps  230  may be used. 
     The tightening posts  240  may include a threaded portion  242 , lever engagement mechanism  244 , smooth shaft  246 , spring  260 , and screw  270 . 
     Threaded portion  242  may be configured to be inserted through the hole  232  in string clamp  230 , and the tightening post receivers  216  within the locking base  110 . Responsive to turning tightening post  240  in a first direction, more of threaded portion  242  may be configured to be inserted into tightening post receivers  216  and hole  232 . Responsive to turning tightening post  240  in a second direction, less of threaded portion  242  may be configured to be inserted into tightening post receivers  216  and hole  232 . 
     Lever engagement mechanism  244  may be positioned between threaded portion  242  and smooth shaft  246 . Lever engagement mechanism  244  may be configured to allow lever  250  to engage and disengage with tightening post  240  to tighten or loosen tightening post  240 . Lever engagement mechanism  244  may have a polygonal shape, such as a hexagon, octagon, etc., wherein a bottom surface of lever  250  may have a corresponding shape. Responsive to placing lever  250  onto lever engagement mechanism  24 , the polygonal shape may be configured to receive force from lever  250  to turn tightening post  240 . 
     Smooth shaft  246  may be positioned above lever engagement mechanism  244 , and may have a diameter that is less than a diameter of lever engagement mechanism  244 . Responsive to moving lever  250  around smooth shaft  246 , smooth shaft  246  may be configured to allow lever  250  to be rotated without turning tightening post  240 . 
     Lever  250  may be configured to disengage and engage with the tightening post  240  to tighten or loosen the tightening post  240  within locking base  110 . Lever  250  may have a hollow chamber extending through a body of lever  250 . A lower surface of the hollow chamber may be configured to receive tightening post  240 , and an upper surface of the hollow chamber may be configured to receive screw  270 , wherein spring  260  may be stored within the hollow chamber. 
     A bottom surface of the hollow chamber associated with lever  250  may have an opening with a shape corresponding to a shape of the lever engagement mechanism  244 . In embodiments, responsive to vertically moving lever  250 , lever  250  may be disengaged with the lever engagement mechanism  244 , and be rotated in the first or section direction without tightening or loosening string clamp  230 . This action may allow for reciprocal movement within the tight confines of adjacent string clamps  130  and tightening posts  240  in a musical instrument. 
     In other words, responsive to moving lever engagement mechanism  244  within the opening on the bottom surface of lever  250 , lever  250  may be engaged with tightening post  240 . When lever  250  is engaged with the lever engagement mechanism  244  and rotated in a first direction, the threaded portion  242  of the tightening post  240  may be tightening into the locking base  110  to anchor one or more strings between the locking base  110  and the string clamp  230 . Responsive to the lever  250  being engaged with the lever engagement mechanism  244  and rotated in a second direction, string clamp  230  may be loosened or moved away from locking base  110 . Lever  250  may remain coupled to tightening post  240  when engaged or disengaged so that lever  250  is always accessible to a user. 
     Spring  260  may be configured to be positioned between an upper surface of lever  250  and screw  270 , wherein spring  260  may be positioned within the hollow chamber within lever  250 . Spring  260  may be configured to be compressed or stretched slightly from rest. In embodiments, responsive to lever  250  being vertically raised, spring  260  may be compressed such that smooth surface  246  may be encompassed by the body of lever  250 . Thus, when spring  260  is compressed, lever  250  may be disengaged from tightening post  240 . Spring  260  may be configured to be elongated when a user is not applying upward force to lever  250 . Accordingly, when no force is applied to lever  260 , lever  250  may be engaged to tightening post  240 . In other embodiments, spring  260  may be positioned below lever  250 , such that when no pressure is applied to lever, spring  260  may positioned lever  250  in the disengaged position. In an alternative embodiment, when spring  260  is positioned below lever  250 , a user may apply downward pressure to lever  250  to position lever  250  in the engaged position  260  with lever engagement mechanism  244 . 
     Screw  270  may be configured to be positioned above spring  260 , and may be configured to be coupled to the upper surface of lever  250  and contact an upper surface of tightening post  240 . In embodiments, screw  270  may be inserted into or screwed into the tightening post  240 . Screw  270  may be configured to apply pressure against spring  260  to retain spring  260  in the elongated position when no force is applied to lever  250 , or apply pressure against spring  260  to allow spring  260  to compress when upward force is applied to lever  250 . 
     Embodiments may also include a spring  280  that is configured to be positioned between a lower surface of string clamp  230  and channel  214 . Spring  280  may be configured to be compressed and decompressed to assist in the anchoring of strings. Responsive to turning tightening post  240  in a first direction, spring  280  may become compressed. Responsive to turning tightening post  240  in a second direction, spring  280  may become decompressed. A first end of spring  280  may be configured to be positioned within a recessed ledge within hole  232 , wherein the first end of spring  280  may apply pressure against the recessed ledge to move string clamp  230  away from channel  214 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts a top view of locking system  120 , according to an embodiment. As depicted in  FIG. 3 , locking system  120  may include a plurality of levers  250 , including a first lever  310 , second lever  320 , and third lever  330 . Each of the levers  310 ,  320 ,  330 , may individually rotate to clamp corresponding tightening posts and string clamps against a locking base. 
     Each of the levers  310 ,  320 ,  330  may include a corresponding projection  312 ,  322 ,  332 , which can each be rotated in a first direction and/or a second direction independently and simultaneously. The rotation of the first projection  312  may be limited based on the positioning of the second projection  322 , the rotation of the second projection  322  may be limited based on the positioning of the first projection  312  and the third projection, and the rotation of the third projection  322  may be limited based on the positioning of the second projection  322 . Accordingly, based on the positioning of the projections  312 ,  322 ,  332  the angle of rotation allowable for each lever  250  may be dynamically changed, wherein the angle of rotation for each of the levers  250  may be different from each of the other levers. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a side view of locking system  120 , according to an embodiment. As depicted in  FIG. 4 , a projection  410  associated with a lever  400  may run substantially parallel to a headstock of the musical instrument, and perpendicular to a body of lever  400 . A length of the projection  410  may be less than a distance between lever  400  and a tuner  420  of the musical instrument. 
     In embodiments, the vertical movement of lever  400  and the positioning of a tightening post may be offset from an angle of the neck of the musical instrument. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a side view of locking system  120 , according to an embodiment. As depicted in  FIG. 5 , a projection  510  associated with a lever  500  may be retrofitted to a musical instrument with an existing nut so that the existing nut may function with a keyless locking base without the necessity of removing the existing nut from the musical instrument. As further depicted in 
       FIG. 5 , lever  550  may be positioned in between the nut  520  and tuner  530  of the musical instrument. Additionally, projection  510  may be positioned at an angle with regards to the post of the guitar. Therefore, an end of projection  510  may be configured to be positioned over a tuner  530 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of a keyless tremolo locking system  600  that may be retrofitted to an existing locking tremolo. Keyless locking system  600  may be a secondary locking system positioned at a tremolo. Keyless locking system  600  includes a plurality of circumferential clamps  610 , which are each configured to anchor a first end of guitar strings  620 . Each guitar string  620  may be positioned over a saddle ramp  630  in a saddle assembly  640  in a tremolo base  650 . 
     Each circumferential clamp  610  may be configured to be aligned longitudinally with a string  620  so that string  620  is held substantially along it&#39;s circumference without requiring a bend in string  620  at the point of clamping. This may allow circumferential clamp to hold string  620  at the ball end and not force a  90  degree bend in the string  620 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts an exploded view of a circumferential clamp  610 , according to an embodiment. Circumferential clamp  610  may include a threaded end  705 , a shaft  710 , lock closer threads  715 , clamping member  720 , lock closer  725  and saddle ramp  730 , wherein circumferential clamp  610  includes a hollow chamber extended from threaded end  705  to clamping member  720 . In embodiments, a musical instrument string may be configured to be positioned through the hollow chamber. 
     Threaded end  705  of circumferential clamp  610  may be configured to be coupled with a saddle assembly, wherein threaded end  705  may be screwed into the saddle assembly. 
     Shaft  710  may be positioned between threaded end  705  and lock closer threads  715 , and shaft  710  may not have threaded sidewalls. In embodiments, shaft  710  may also include intonation threads  717 . Intonation threads may be configured to receive an intonation adjustment head. 
     Lock closer threads  715  may be configured to receive lock closer  725 , wherein lock closer  725  may be screwed onto the threads of lock closer threads  715 . Responsive to turning lock closer  725  in a first direction, lock closer  725  may tighten and compress clamping member  720  around the string. 
     Clamping member  720  may be a collet configured to anchor the string forward of the ball end, wherein the ball end of the string may be cut, or retained to facilitate removal of a broken string. In embodiments, clamping member  720  may be configured to be inserted into and removed from a hollow chamber extending through circumferential clamp  610 . Clamping member  720  may be configured to form a collar around the string to anchor the string in place. Clamping member  720  may exert a strong clamping force on the string when tightened. Clamping member  720  may include a sleeve with a cylindrical inner surface and a conical outer surface. The collet of clamping member  720  may be squeezed such that its inner surface contracts to a smaller diameter, anchoring the string in place. In embodiments where the ball end is retained, the string may be positioned through lock closer  725 , ahead of the ball end, and anchored via clamping member  720 . 
     Lock closer  725  may be may be configured to be rotated to anchor the string ahead of the ball end of the string. Responsive to mating threads within lock closer  725  with lock closer threads  715  and rotating lock closer  725  in a first direction, lock closer  725  may squeeze clamping member  720  such that the diameter of clamping member  720  is decreased. By decreasing the diameter of clamping member  720 , the inner sidewalls of clamping member  720  may apply a clamping force against the string to anchor the string in place. By concentrically clamping the circumference of the string ahead of the ball end via lock closer  725  and tightening clamping member  720 , any issue of slack between the ball end and a wire loop may be negated. When the string is tensioned up to pitch, clamping member  720  and lock closer  725  may be configured to prevent the ball end of the string from pulling through the clamping member  720 . Responsive to a tremolo arm being depressed or raised to allow the string tension to decrease or increase, the clamping force of lock closer  725  on clamping member  720  may be sufficient to prevent the string from reversing out or being pulled out of the locking mechanism. In embodiments, responsive to rotating threads within lock closer  725  with respect to lock closer threads  715  in a second direction, lock closer  725  may loosen clamping member  720 . This may allow the diameter of clamping member  720  to increase. 
     Saddle ramp  730  may be configured to guide the string over a portion of a tremolo from the hollow chamber of circumferential clamp  610 . Saddle ramp  730  may include a first edge that is longer than a second edge, and an inclined top surface. The inclined surface is configured to guide the musical instrument string. In embodiments, the combination of saddle ramp  730  and circumferential clamp  610  may be configured to allow conversion of conventional locking tremolos to a keyless locking system. Saddle ramp  730  may be configured to allow a string to more easily pass through and over a conventional locking string saddle. Saddle ramp  730  may have a lower break angle over the saddle via the inclined top surface, which is less than a ninety degree angle. This may reduce string breakage. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a circumferential clamp  800 , according to an embodiment. As depicted in  FIG. 8 , circumferential clamp  800  may include a threaded area on the first end and the second end. The threaded area on the second end of circumferential clamp  800  may be configured to receive an intonation adjustment head (not shown). The intonation adjustment head may be an internally threaded knurled cylinder that concentrically surrounds the closer, and is threaded onto a body of the second locking system. The threaded knurled cylinder may be configured to finely adjust the intonation of the musical instrument. The threaded knurled cylinder may be configured to be positioned against an edge of a tremolo base plate holding a loose saddle in place while adjusting the saddle for correct intonation. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a circumferential clamp  900 , according to an embodiment. As depicted in  FIG. 9 , circumferential clamp  900  may have a tapered second end  910  and a sliding collar  920 . Sliding collar  920  may be configured to slide between a threaded area and the second end  910  of circumferential clamp  900 . Responsive to positioning sliding collar  920  more proximate to the second end  910  of circumferential clamp  900 , the tapered second end may compress to anchor a string within a hollow chamber of circumferential clamp  900 . Responsive to positioning sliding collar  920  more proximate to the threaded area, the tapered second end may expand to allow the string to move within the hollow chamber. 
       FIG. 10  depicts a circumferential clamp  1000 , according to an embodiment. As depicted in  FIG. 10 , circumferential clamp  1000  may include a reverse closer  1010 , and circumferential clamp  1000  may be a collet that is tightened against a string when closer  1010  is moved outward towards the second end of circumferential clamp  1000 . In embodiments, a threaded area  1120  on the shaft of circumferential clamp  1000  may be configured to receive an intonation adjustment head. 
       FIG. 11  depicts a side view and top view of a keyless tremolo lock  1100  with an intonation adjustment head  1110 , according to an embodiment. In embodiments intonation adjustment head may be configured to be coupled with circumferential clamp  1115  and bear against a tremolo baseplate  1105  to provide intonation adjustment of a string saddle while the string is under tension. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 11 , the intonation adjustment head  1110  is configured to be coupled with a threaded area  1120  of circumferential clamp  1115 , wherein intonation adjustment head  1110  may include a hollow chamber with an inner circumference. Intonation adjustment head may be configured to encompass lock closer  1125  when lock closer  1125  is coupled to lock closer threads  1130 . When intonation adjustment head  1110  is coupled with threaded area  1120 , an outer circumference of lock closer  1125  may be positioned adjacent to an inner circumference of intonation adjustment head  1110 . 
     Intonation adjustment head  1110  may include a swivel joint  322  and central bore  324 . Swivel joint  322  may configured to allow intonation adjustment head  1110  to freely turn to finely adjust the string. The fine adjustment of the intonation may be accomplished by turning intonation adjustment head  110  by hand, or alternatively using a wrench on central bore  324 , or other tool which engages the intonation adjustment head  1110 . Intonation adjustment head  1110  may be configured to bear against the edge of the tremolo base plate  1105  holding a loosened saddle in place while the string is under tension. This may simulate depressing a tremolo to release the string tension in order to adjust the intonation of the musical instrument. Accordingly, intonation adjustment head  1110  may not require the tremolo to be depressed to release the string tension. By circumferential clamp  1115  being positioned adjacent to rearward edge  1107  of tremolo baseplate  1105 , intonation adjustment head  1110  may finely adjust a string saddle, wherein the intonation adjustment head  1110  may not interfere with the fine tuner while allowing a single intonation adjustment head to be used on all strings. This may reduce time required for checking, detuning, or retuning strings. Additionally, this may eliminate the tedious trial and error of intonating a locking tremolo. 
       FIG. 12  depicts a side view and top view of a keyless tremolo lock  1200  with an intonation adjustment head  1210 , according to an embodiment. As depicted in  FIG. 12 , a threaded area  1220  is positioned on lock closer  1230  instead of on the shaft of the shaft  1230 . 
       FIG. 13  depicts a side view of a keyless tremolo lock string saddle  1300  for a non-locking tremolo, which may be configured to replace an existing non-locking saddle. Keyless locking tremolo saddle  1300  may include an intonation screw  1305  that is configured to adjust the position of keyless locking tremolo saddle  1300 . As depicted in  FIG. 14 , a top view of keyless locking tremolo saddle  1300 , saddle height adjustment screws  1410  may be configured to allow for individual precise adjustment of keyless lock  1300  to match the radius of any fingerboard of a musical instrument. 
       FIG. 15  depicts a side view of keyless tremolo lock  1500 , and a top view of keyless tremolo lock  1500 , according to embodiments. Keyless lock  1500  may include a circumferential string clamp  1510  and an intonation screw  1520  to adjust the position of tremolo lock  1530 . In embodiments, saddle height adjustment screws  1535  may be configured to allow precise adjustment of tremolo lock  1530  to match the radius of a neck of a musical instrument. This may allow a drop in replacement of a conventional tremolo assembly that has a better profile with lower positioned locks. 
       FIG. 16  depicts a side views and a top view for a replacement assembly for a keyless locking fulcrum tremolo  1600 . Keyless lock  1600  may include a tremolo lock  1610  with both a circumferential string clamp, intonation screw  1620 , and fine tuners  1630  inserted and threaded through baseplate  1640 . Intonation clamping screws  1650  may be configured to anchor tremolo lock  1610  in place after adjustment of intonation adjustment screw  1620 . Height adjustment screw  1660  may allow for individual precise adjustment of tremolo lock  1620  to match the radius of a neck of a musical instrument. This example provides a complete double locking drop in replacement to be used in conjunction with a keyless locking nut. In this case, the saddles are “split” with the side holding the string able to rotate, and the other side fixed to the baseplate  1640 . 
       FIG. 17  depicts a side view of a keyless locking tremolo  1600  saddle. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases in one embodiment“, in an embodiment”, “one example” or “an example” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, it is appreciated that the figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     Although the present technology has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.