Abstract:
An improved, universal, multi-position, tuning mechanism and bridge for stringed musical instruments, designed to provide quick, easy adjustment of the tension of the each string of musical instruments between one of two predetermined tension levels, as well as precise adjustment mechanisms for the traditional tension settings of each string, with all components being safely housed in an easily accessible main body. The present invention includes a support plate mounted to the front surface of the body of a musical instrument. A main body and roller-type bridge are mounted to the top of the support plate. Inside the main body, a plurality of levers, spring loaded plungers and tension adjustment screws are individually adjustable to vary the tension in each string. A multi-tuning lever arm adjusts the tension of the each string between one of two predetermined tension levels. A lever arm adjustment means allows quick and precise adjustment of the tension in each of these two pre-determined settings. It is envisioned that in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the main body is mounted just behind the head of the guitar, and is used in conjunction with a roller type nut, positioned on the guitar neck, just behind the main body.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to tuning devices for musical instruments, and, more particularly, to an improved, universal, multi-position, tuning mechanism and bridge for stringed musical instruments. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     As is well known, guitars are a popular form of musical expression in the United States and worldwide. The majority of guitars utilize a single tuning configuration, allowing only one setting of tuned strings per instrument. This tuning must be provided for each string before a song can be played in tune via string manipulation. 
     Many artists who perform with stringed instruments, such as guitars, wish to be able to change tuning occasionally. This is desired to change the sound that the strings make, and, consequently, the sound that the instrument can create. Artistic expression of the artist is, therefore, limited, if the musician cannot change the tuning configuration of the strings of a guitar quickly and efficiently. 
     Changing the tension of guitar strings manually can be a time-consuming process. It takes time to tune all the strings to be “on note” or “on key.” Performing this task between songs, as during a concert performance, is difficult if not impossible to accomplish. Changing the tuning of a guitar during a song with traditional tuning means is all but impossible, especially given the sophistication of today&#39;s live audiences, who can sense an out of tune string on a guitar. 
     Devices in the previous art, therefore, were designed to replace the traditional stop piece on guitars that incorporate separate stop piece/bridge configurations and permit the quick and accurate adjustment of string tension of a stringed instrument, thus providing the musician with more flexibility to facilitate artistic expression and creativity. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,902, issued in the name of Baker, discloses a multi-tuner for stringed musical instruments wherein an adjustable cam mechanism allows the user to select different predefined string tensions for all of the strings by rotating the cam. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,479,917, issued in the name of Zitnik, Jr. et al., discloses a multiple lever tone changer for guitars wherein individual levers are provided to allow the musician to create a vibrato effect, either on single strings or on the entire set of strings. 
     Two patents disclose bridge assemblies for guitars that incorporate adjustable intonation means: U.S. Pat. No. 4,867,031, issued in the name of Fender and U.S. Pat. No. 5,602,353, issued in the name of Juszkiewicz et al. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,599,524, issued in the name of Jones, discloses an adjustable bridge assembly for guitars wherein individual string saddles replace the nut and bridge, allowing for intonation adjustment from both ends of the string. 
     Several patents disclose bridge assemblies for guitars that incorporate adjustment means for changing individual string tension, intonation and saddle height: U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,613, issued in the name of Steinberger, U.S. Pat. No. 4,688,461, issued in the name of Stroh, U.S. Pat. No. 5,265,512, issued in the name of Kubicki et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,539,143, issued in the name of Rose. 
     Several patents disclose automatic string tension adjusting means for stringed instruments that maintains a predefined tone for each string by electronically monitoring the string tone and adjusting it via an electric motor. These include U.S. Pat. No. 2,624,027, issued in the name of Clark, U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,563, issued in the name of Murata et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,095,797, issued in the name of Zacaroli. Such devices, however, are expensive and complicated, and as such are prone to electronic component failure with repeated use. 
     A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. 
     Of considerable relevance is U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,330, issued in the name of Borisoff. The &#39;330 patent discloses a multi-tuner for stringed musical instruments wherein an adjustable lever mechanism allows the user to select, on a per string basis, from three different predefined string tensions. 
     There are several problems with the &#39;330 device, however. First, the &#39;330 device is designed to use the mounting mechanism on Fender™ guitars. Since the &#39;330 device is designed to function only with a Fender™ type guitar configuration, it is not designed to be used with the vast majority of stringed instruments. Second, the &#39;330 configuration is complex. Third, the &#39;330 device connects to the guitar face behind the bridge, therefore, taking up additional space on the face of the guitar face and, consequently, limiting the location where the device can be positioned on the guitar. This limitation on placement location further limits the &#39;330&#39;s applicability to non-Fender™ type guitars. 
     While the general concept of the per string, multi-position tuning feature is incorporated into this invention in combination, other elements are different enough as to make the combination distinguished over the inventors&#39; own prior art. Consequently, a need has therefore been felt for an improved but less complex mechanism that provides per string multi-position tuning capabilities for stringed musical instruments. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved, universal, multi-position, tuning mechanism and bridge for stringed musical instruments of simplified design, that can be used with all existing guitar configurations, including Fender™ guitars, is easy to install, provides improved multi-position tuning capabilities, provides the musician with two preset tuning positions per string, is capable of permitting variations in intonation, permitting instantaneous adjustments in string tuning between and during songs, without altering the acoustic characteristics of the soundboard to prevent structural damage to the instrument, and is comfortable to the musician while playing the musical instrument. 
     Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, an improved, universal, multi-position, tuning mechanism and bridge for stringed musical instruments is disclosed, designed to provide quick, easy adjustment of the tension of each string of musical instruments between one of two predetermined tension levels, as well as precise adjustment mechanisms for the traditional tension settings of each string, with all components being safely housed in an easily accessible main body. 
     The present invention comprises a support plate mounted to the front surface of the body of a musical instrument. A main body and roller-type bridge are mounted to the top of the support plate. Inside the main body, a plurality of levers, spring loaded plungers and tension adjustment screws are individually adjustable to change the tension of each of a particular string. A multi-tuning lever arm adjusts the tension of each string between one of two predetermined tension levels. A lever arm adjustment means allows quick and precise adjustment of the tension in each of these two predetermined settings. 
     It is envisioned that in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the main body is mounted just behind the head of the guitar, and is used in conjunction with a roller type nut, positioned on the guitar neck, just behind the main body. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that functions with not only a Fender™ type guitar configuration, but also with the vast majority of stringed instruments. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device onto which a bridge of a guitar can be mounted. This configuration provides several benefits. First, there are fewer pieces to buy. Second, the configuration is sturdier. Third, the present invention is easy to install. Fourth, more streamline aesthetic appearance is created. Fifth, the configuration permits the present invention to be mounted in a plurality of position along the elongated centerline of the face of the guitar, further widening its applicability to all guitars, both Fender™ and non-Fender™ configurations. Sixth, the dual configuration is more comfortable for the music player than a separate bridge/multi-tuner configuration. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that is simple in design. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a device that provides a multi-tuner string configuration that provides a consistent, stable, secure tuning position for the guitar strings at each preset tuning setting. As such, each tuning position will maintain each guitar string “on key” over the course of a performance, thus eliminating constant presetting of the string tuning control position on the device. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 20 
                 improved, universal, multi- 
               
               
                   
                 position, tuning mechanism and 
               
               
                   
                 bridge for stringed musical 
               
               
                   
                 instruments 
               
               
                 30 
                 guitar 
               
               
                 40 
                 body 
               
               
                 50 
                 neck 
               
               
                 60 
                 head 
               
               
                 70 
                 tuning peg 
               
               
                 80 
                 string 
               
               
                 90 
                 fingerboard 
               
               
                 100 
                 support plate 
               
               
                 110 
                 bridge 
               
               
                 120 
                 cavity 
               
               
                 130 
                 pickup 
               
               
                 140 
                 support plate securement means 
               
               
                 150 
                 locking nut 
               
               
                 160 
                 roller-type bridge 
               
               
                 170 
                 main body 
               
               
                 180 
                 component cavity 
               
               
                 190 
                 support pillar 
               
               
                 200 
                 top plate 
               
               
                 210 
                 top plate screw 
               
               
                 220 
                 string hole 
               
               
                 230 
                 string cavity 
               
               
                 240 
                 string tuning assembly 
               
               
                 250 
                 fine tuning assembly 
               
               
                 260 
                 first string seat 
               
               
                 270 
                 groove 
               
               
                 280 
                 second string seat 
               
               
                 290 
                 cantilever bar 
               
               
                 300 
                 cantilever bar main shaft 
               
               
                 310 
                 cantilever bar cross beam 
               
               
                 320 
                 cantilever bar protrusion 
               
               
                 330 
                 second string seat pivot beam 
               
               
                 340 
                 cantilever bar hole 
               
               
                 350 
                 internal threads 
               
               
                 360 
                 cantilever bar pivot hole 
               
               
                 370 
                 cantilever bar pivot rod 
               
               
                 380 
                 fine tuning means 
               
               
                 390 
                 fine tuning means body 
               
               
                 400 
                 external threads 
               
               
                 410 
                 fine tuning means head 
               
               
                 420 
                 fine tuning means body 
               
               
                 430 
                 fine tuning means stop 
               
               
                 440 
                 multi-tuning assembly 
               
               
                 450 
                 lever arm 
               
               
                 460 
                 fulcrum point 
               
               
                 470 
                 lever arm pivot hole 
               
               
                 480 
                 lever arm pivot rod 
               
               
                 490 
                 springs 
               
               
                 500 
                 lever arm pivot rod stop 
               
               
                 510 
                 spring loaded plunger 
               
               
                 520 
                 lever arm adjustment means 
               
               
                 530 
                 lever arm adjustment means 
               
               
                   
                 body 
               
               
                 540 
                 lever arm adjustments means 
               
               
                   
                 head 
               
               
                 550 
                 lever arm adjustment means 
               
               
                   
                 hole 
               
               
                 560 
                 lever arm adjustment means 
               
               
                   
                 resting plate 
               
               
                 570 
                 roller type nut 
               
               
                 580 
                 lever arm protrusion 
               
               
                 590 
                 lever arm adjustment means 
               
               
                   
                 protrusion 
               
               
                 600 
                 Allen screw locknut 
               
               
                 610 
                 mounting screw 
               
               
                 620 
                 mounting beam 
               
               
                 630 
                 central portion 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of an improved, universal, multi-position, tuning mechanism and bridge for stringed musical instruments  20  connected to an electric guitar; 
     FIG. 2 is a top view of the preferred embodiment; 
     FIG. 3 is a rear view thereof; 
     FIG. 4 a  is a top view thereof with the top plate removed; 
     FIG. 4 b  is a cross sectional view of the main body cut along lines IV—IV. 
     FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the main body with internal components connected therein, cut along lines V—V; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the fine tuning means assembly; 
     FIG. 7 a  is a front view of the first string seat; 
     FIG. 7 b  is a front view of the second string seat; 
     FIG. 8 a  is a top view of the cantilever bar; 
     FIG. 8 b  is a side view of the cantilever bar; 
     FIG. 9 a  is a top view of the fine tuning means; 
     FIG. 9 b  is a side view thereof; 
     FIG. 9 c  is a top view of the fine tuning means head; 
     FIG. 10 a  is an exploded side view of the multi-tuning assembly in the standard position; 
     FIG. 10 b  is a back view thereof; 
     FIG. 10 c  is an exploded side view of the multi-tuning assembly in the non-traditional position; 
     FIG. 10 d  is a back view thereof; 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of the spring loaded plunger. 
     FIG. 12 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention in position on a guitar; 
     FIG. 13 is a side view of a lever arm; 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention in position on a guitar via a mounting beam; and 
     FIGS. 15 a  &amp;  15   b,  are a top view and rear view, respectively, of a mounting beam. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the FIGS. 1 through 11. 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, an improved, universal, multi-position, tuning mechanism and bridge for stringed musical instruments  20  is shown, designed to be used with stringed instruments. In FIG. 1, an exemplary guitar  30  is shown. The guitar  30  is of the electric guitar  30  configuration, having a solid body  40 , a neck  50  extending from the body  40 , and a head  60  disposed at the end of the neck  50 . The head  60  has a plurality of tuning pegs  70  which can selectively increase of decrease the tension placed on the strings  80 . As is commonly known in the previous art, an end of the string  80  winds around the tuning peg  70  and the string  80  is pulled tight across the neck  50  and body  40  by continued rotation of the tuning peg  70 . On the front surface of the neck  50 , a fingerboard  90  is attached, which has individual frets, or finger positions (not shown). The musician presses the strings  80  against the fingerboard to sound individual notes. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1 &amp; 2, the preferred embodiment of the present invention consists of a support plate  100 , of a generally rectangular configuration, generally centered on the front surface of the body of the guitar  30 , along the elongated centerline of the stringed instrument, toward the back of the stringed instrument, behind the location where a traditional stringed instrument bridge  110  would be located. The support plate  100  has an associated cavity  120  which is sized to enable traditional guitar  30  pickups  130  to fully extend through it. 
     Located on either end of the support plate  100 , in vertical linear alignment when installed and in use, is a plurality of support plate securement means  140 . The support plate securement means  140  are horizontally elongated, planar protrusions of a generally rectangular configuration, extending outward from the sides of the support plate  100 , with the bottom surface of said support plate securement means  140  being in the same plane as the bottom surface of the support plate  100 . Semicircular indentations, of a cross sectional diameter greater than a traditional stud post used on guitars  30 , is used to secure the support plate  100  to the guitar  30  face via locking nuts  150 . 
     It is envisioned that a roller-type bridge  160  is mounted to the front surface of the support plate  100 , thus comprising a one-piece unit for purposes of attaching and detaching said support plate  100  from the front surface of the stringed instrument. It is envisioned that locking nuts  150 , of an otherwise traditional configuration, are used with the present invention. Further, the present invention is designed to fit most Gibson™ guitars  30  without alterations being made to the guitar  30 . 
     A main body  170 , of a generally rectangular configuration, is located on top of the support plate  100 , behind the roller-type bridge  160 , farther from the head of the guitar  30 , when the support plate  100  is mounted on a guitar  30  body  40 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 3,  4   a  &amp;  4   b,  a series of equally spaced, identical component cavities  180  is formed in the main body  170 , each component cavity  180  extending downward from the top of the main body  170 , toward the support plate  100 . The number of component cavities  180  equals the number of strings  80  used on a given guitar  30 . The configuration of each component cavity  180  is designed to hold the internal mechanical components of the present invention without leaving unnecessary space inside the main body  170 . 
     A series of support pillars  190  is located inside the main body  170 , and form the walls of the component cavities  180 . Each support pillar  190  extends the height of the main body  170 . A top plate  200 , of a generally rectangular configuration, releasably secures to the main body  170  via connection to the support pillars  190 , so as to form a closed area with the top plate  200  being the top surface and the main body  170  forming the remainder of the closed area. Securement of the top plate  200  is accomplished via top plate screws  210 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 5, a plurality of string holes  220 , equal to the number of strings  80  on the guitar  30 , is located along the side of the main body  170 , opposite the roller-type bridge  160 . The string holes  220  are in linear alignment, parallel to the centerline of the roller-type bridge  160 . Each string hole  220  is the opening to a string cavity  230  that extends inside of the main body  170 , thus providing access for the string  80  to the interior area of the main body  170 . Each string hole  220  and string cavity  230  is of a sufficient cross sectional diameter to allow the string  80  to pass through yet, small enough to embrace the stop piece on the end of the string  80 . 
     Multiple setting tuning capabilities are provided by a plurality of string tuning assemblies  240 , located inside of the main body  170 . The number of string tuning assemblies  240  is equal to the number of strings  80  used in a particular guitar  30 . The string tuning assemblies  240  are located inside the component cavities  180  of the main body  170 . Each string  80  passes through and is adjusted by a separate string tuning assembly  240 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 7 a , each string tuning assembly  240  is further comprised of a fine tuning assembly  250 . A first string seat  260  is of a roller type configuration, with a groove  270  located in the middle of the external circumferential surface. The first string seat  260  is connected to the interior, bottom surface of the component cavity  180 , near the side closer to the roller-type bridge  160 . The first string seat  260  rotates in the vertical plane along the elongated centerline of the body  40  of a guitar  30 , in an arc of 360 degrees, so as to facilitate the smooth movement of the guitar  30  string  80  within the main body  170 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 7 b,  a second string seat  280  is also of a roller type configuration, with a groove  270  located in the middle of the external circumferential surface. The second string seat  280  rotates in the vertical plane along the elongated centerline of the body  40  of a guitar  30 , so as to facilitate the smooth movement of the guitar  30  string  80  along its exterior surface. The second string seat  280  is located near the side of the main body  170  near the roller-type bridge  160 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 5,  8   a  &amp;  8   b,  the second string seat  280  is attached to the end of a cantilever bar  290 . The cantilever bar  290  is of a generally block shaped Y-type configuration, much like a goal post, with a linearly elongated, rectangular shaped cantilever bar main shaft  300 . The midpoint of a linearly elongated cantilever bar cross beam  310  intersects the end of the cantilever bar main shaft  300 , perpendicular to the elongated centerline of the cantilever bar main shaft  300 . Two cantilever bar protrusions  320  extend outward from the ends of the cantilever bar cross beam  310 , perpendicular to the elongated centerline of the cantilever bar cross beam  310 , and away from the cantilever bar main shaft  300 . All components are in the same plane. A second string seat pivot beam  330  passes through the second string seat  280  and connects to the interior surface area of the ends of the two cantilever bar protrusions  320 , opposite the cantilever cross beam, using connection means known in the industry, so as to permit the second string seat  280  to rotate along an arc of 360 degrees. The end of the cantilever bar  290 , opposite the second string seat  280 , has a cantilever bar hole  340  with internal threads  350 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a cantilever bar pivot hole  360  is located in the center of the cantilever bar  290 , through which a cantilever bar pivot rod  370  passes. The cantilever bar pivot rod  370  is positioned perpendicular to the radial centerline of the cantilever bar main shaft  300 , and the cantilever bar pivot rod  370  attaches to the sides of the component cavity  180 , so as to permit the cantilever bar main shaft  300  to pivot in the vertical plane. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 5,  6 , &amp;  9   a - 9   d,  attached to the end of the cantilever bar main shaft  300 , opposite the second string seat  280 , is a fine tuning means  380 . The fine tuning means  380  consists of a fine tuning means body  390 , of an elongated cylindrical configuration, with external threads  400 . 
     The fine tuning means body  390  extends downward from the top plate  200  to the end of the cantilever bar main shaft  300  and into the cantilever bar hole  340 . The external threads  400  on the fine tuning means body  390  mate with the internal threads  350  of the cantilever bar hole  340 . 
     A fine tuning means head  410  is connected to the end of the fine tuning means body  390 , opposite the cantilever bar main shaft  300 , and extends outward from the top plate  200 , through a fine tuning means hole  420  located in the top plate  200 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, the plurality of fine tuning means heads  410  is located on the exterior surface of the top plate  200 , equally spaced, in linear alignment with each other, and parallel to the centerline of the roller-type bridge  160 , thus facilitating ease of adjustment. 
     The fine tuning means head  410  is used to adjust string  80  tension by being rotated. Together, the fine tuning means  380  and the cantilever bar  290  act as a cantilever mechanism in the vertical plane, and are configured such that turning the fine tuning means head  410  either clockwise or counterclockwise either lowers or raises the second string seat  280  in the vertical plane, relative to the top surface of the support plate  100 . In this manner, the tension on each string  80 , and corresponding pitch created by the string  80  at that particular tension setting, can be precisely adjusted manually. 
     Referring now to FIG. 5, throughout its range of motion, the second string seat  280  remains in a position closer to the support plate  100  than the top of the roller-type bridge  160 . Thus the string  80  is held firmly in the first string seat  260  and second string seat  280  due to the tension on the string  80  and the incline at which the string  80  travels up to the roller-type bridge  160 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 6, a fine tuning means stop  430  is located on the end of the fine tuning means body  390 , opposite the fine tuning means head  410 , below the cantilever bar  290 , and is designed to create mechanical interference with the cantilever bar  290  to keep the fine tuning means body  390  from disengaging from the cantilever bar hole  340 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 5 &amp; 6 &amp;  10   a,  behind each cantilever mechanism, farther from the roller-type bridge  160 , inside each component cavity  180 , each string tuning assembly  240  further comprises a multi-tuning assembly  440 . Each multi-tuning assembly  440  is designed to permit the operator to select from two predetermined string  80  tension settings for each string  80 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 10, a linearly elongated, cylindrical lever arm  450  adjusts the tension of each string  80  between one of two predetermined tension levels. 
     The lever arm  450  terminates in a fulcrum point  460 , located nearer the fine tuning means  380  and second string seat  280 . A lever arm pivot hole  470  is positioned at the fulcrum point  460  at the end of the lever arm  450 , and is designed to allow vertical pivoting of the lever arm  450 . 
     A lever arm pivot rod  480  passes through the lever arm pivot hole  470 , perpendicular to the radial centerline of the lever arm  450 , and connects to the sides of the component cavity  180 , so as to permit the lever arm  450  to pivot in the vertical plane. Springs  490  are located on the lever arm pivot rod  480 , on either side of the lever arm  450  hole. Two lever arm pivot rod stops  500  keep the springs  490  in place, preventing their movement along the lever arm pivot rod  480 . The springs  490  are designed to permit limited lateral movement of the lever arm  450  along the radial centerline of the lever arm pivot rod  480 . 
     The end of the lever arm  450 , opposite the lever arm pivot hole  470 , extends outward, outside of the side of the main body  170  that is opposite the roller-type bridge  160 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 2 &amp; 10, each lever arm  450  extends outward from the side of the main body  170  opposite the roller-type bridge  160 , parallel to the elongated centerline of the guitar  30 . The lever arms  450  are equally spaced, in linear alignment with each other, and are parallel to the centerline of the roller-type bridge  160 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 10 a  &amp;  11 , located between the lever arm  450  and guitar  30  string  80  is a spring loaded plunger  510 . The spring loaded plunger  510  is spring biased in a direction away from the guitar  30  body  40 . Each spring loaded plunger  510  moves in the vertical plane, held in vertical position by the lever arm  450  and the sides of the component cavity  180 . In the resting position, the spring loaded plunger  510  forces the lever arm  450  to rest against the lower surface of the top plate  200 . 
     The bottom of the component cavity  180  is sufficiently hollow to permit the spring loaded plunger  510  to engage the string  80  and depress the string  80  toward the support plate  100  without experiencing mechanical interference with the bottom of the component cavity  180 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 10 a  &amp;  10   b,  a lever arm adjustment means  520  is laterally offset from the radial centerline of the lever arm  450 , and near the lateral wall of the component cavity  180 . A lever arm adjustment means body  530  extends downward from the exterior surface of the top plate  200 , terminating inside the main body  170 . The lever arm adjustment means body has external threads  400 . The lever arm adjustment means head  540  is connected to the end of the lever arm adjustment means body  530 , and extends outward from a lever arm adjustment means hole  540  in the top plate  200 . The lever arm adjustment means hole  540  has internal threads  350  that mate with the external threads of the lever arm adjustment means body  530 , and is of slightly larger cross sectional diameter than that of the lever arm adjustment means body  530 . The lever arm adjustment means head  540  can be rotated to adjust the relative vertical height of the lever arm adjustment means  520  from the spring loaded plunger  510 . At the end of the lever arm adjustment means body  530 , opposite the lever arm adjustment means head  540 , is a lever arm adjustment means resting plate  560 , of a flat configuration, designed to permit a string  80  to rest against it. 
     The lever arm  450  is capable of resting in one of two positions, one for each of the different tones to which the string  80  is preadjusted. Referring now to FIGS. 10 a  &amp;  10   b,  the first, or normal position, is intended for normal playing tone, and corresponds to the lever arm  450  resting against the lower surface of the top plate  200 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 10 c  &amp;  10   d,  the second position is intended for nontraditional tones, and is achieved by lowering the lever arm  450 , moving it laterally under the lever arm adjustment means  520 , and allowing the lever arm  450  to rest beneath the lever arm adjustment means resting plate  560 . The lever arm adjustment means  560  permits precise adjustment of the tension in the second, or non-traditional setting, with the lever arm  450  beneath the lever arm adjustment means resting plate  560 . Adjustment is made via twisting the lever arm adjustment means head  540  either clockwise or counterclockwise. By adjusting the lever arm  450 , a variable amount of force is placed upon the string  80 , manipulating string  80  tension and producing a variable pitch. 
     Referring now to FIG. 2, the lever adjustment means heads are located on the exterior surface of the top plate  200 , equally spaced, in linear alignment with each other, and parallel to the centerline of the roller-type bridge  160 , thus facilitating ease of adjustment of the multi-tuning lever settings. 
     Referring now to FIG. 10 a,  the present invention is configured such that a guitar  30  string  80  passes through the string cavity  230 , into the main body  170 , engaging the multi-tuning assembly  440 , passing under the first string seat  260  and second string seat  280 , and continuing over the roller-type bridge  160  to the tuning pegs at the head of the guitar  30 . The string  80  is held firmly in the string seats due to the tension and the incline at which the string  80  travels up to the roller-type bridge  160 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the main body  170 , support plate  100 , fine tuning assemblies  250  and multi-tuning assemblies  440  can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     It is envisioned that the main body  170 , support plate  100  and component parts are constructed of a strong, lightweight material, such as plastic or metal. 
     Referring now to FIG. 12, it is envisioned that in an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the main body  170  is mounted just behind the head  60  of the guitar  30 , and is used in conjunction with a roller type nut  570 , positioned on the guitar  30  neck  50 , just behind the main body  170 . 
     Referring now to FIGS. 12 &amp; 13, the lever arm  450  is of a generally L-shaped configuration, with a first string seat  260  and a second string seat  280  positioned next to each other, on the lower portion of the same side of the lever arm  450 . The string seats are positioned such that a string  80  can be positioned with the first string seat  260  located above the string  80  and the second string seat  280  located below the string  80 . 
     The lever arm  450  pivots vertically. As the lever arm  450  pivots, either the first string seat  260  or the second string seat  280  comes into mechanical interference with the string  80 , thereby adjusting the tension on the string  80  and resultant musical pitch. 
     A lever arm protrusion  580  is located on one side of the lever arm  450 , and extends outward laterally from the lever arm  450 . 
     The lever arm adjustment means  520  is of an “alligator clip” configuration, with a lever arm adjustment means protrusion  590  extending outward laterally from the lever arm adjustment means body  530 . 
     The lever arm protrusion  580  is designed to be capable of being raised above and subsequently coming into mechanical interference with the upper surface of the lever arm adjustment means protrusion  590 , thereby providing an adjustment setting for the string  80 . 
     An Allen screw locknut  600  is located at the anterior of the main body  170 , above the string cavity  230 , and is designed to provide adjustment to the string  80 . 
     Referring now to FIG. 14, a plurality of mounting screws  610 , located on each lateral side of the main body  170 , penetrate through the main body  170 , through the neck  50  of the guitar  30 , connecting to a mounting beam  620 , of generally curved, cylindrical, U-shaped construction. 
     Referring now to FIGS. 15 a  &amp;  15   b,  the laterally protruding, central portion  630  of the mounting beam  620  is designed to come into mechanical interference with the underside of the head  60  of the guitar  30 , providing frictional securement as well as facilitating quick installation and removal of the main body  170 . 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     To use the present invention: first, remove the old strings  80  and the stop tailpiece (not shown) of a traditional guitar  30 ; second, clean the guitar  30  thoroughly; third, install locking nuts  150 ; fourth, replace the stop tailpipe with the support plate  100 , on which the roller-type bridge  160  and main body  170  are contained; fifth, pass strings  80 , one at a time, through their respective string hole  220 , making sure the string  80  is properly set in the first string seat  260  and the second string seat  280 ; sixth, pass the strings  80  through the respective locking nuts  150  and tuning pegs; seventh, tune the string  80  to the desired tension; eighth, set the fine tuning means  380  to the mid-adjustment capabilities; ninth, with the lever arm  450  in the first or traditional position, resting against the lower surface of the top plate  200 , adjust the fine tuning means  380  to the desired traditional tone; tenth, position the lever arm  450  in the second, or non-traditional position, beneath the lever arm adjustment means resting plate  560 ; eleventh, adjust the lever arm adjustment means  520  to create the desired non-traditional tone; twelfth, tighten down the locking nuts  150 ; thirteenth, play the guitar  30  as desired. 
     The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.