Patent Publication Number: US-11663995-B2

Title: Stringed instrument with translated strings with adjustable tension

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Listening to and performing music is enjoyed by billions of people across the world and playing instruments has been a professional and recreational pursuit for many people who enjoy music. One particular subset of musical instruments that are prevalent in the music industry today include any number of stringed instruments. Stringed are musical instruments that produce sound from vibrating strings when the performer plays or sounds the strings in some manner. Musicians play some string instruments by plucking the strings with their fingers or a pick while others may be played by hitting the strings with a striker or hammer or by rubbing the strings with a bow. Typical stringed instruments include guitars and violins. Further, stringed instruments may often have a specific scale length that defines a portion of a taut string that vibrates to produce desired sounds. The scale length is related to the “speaking length” of the string; the speaking length is the part of the string that vibrates to produce a desired note (e.g., frequency). A typical instrument string includes a ratio of string diameter to scale-length needed to produce desired tones. Generally, the shorter the scale-length, the larger the diameter string is needed to produce the same frequency. 
     In most stringed instruments, the vibrations are transmitted to the body of the instrument, which often incorporates some sort of hollow or enclosed area. The body of the instrument also vibrates, along with the air inside it. The vibration of the body of the instrument and the enclosed hollow or chamber make the vibration of the string more audible to the performer and audience. The body of most string instruments is hollow, however, more modern stringed instruments, such as the electric guitar, utilize electric pickups that generate electronic amplification that allows for a solid wood body. 
     With all stringed instruments, the strings used are affixed to the instruments at anchor points positioned at two or more points such that the string can be taut, thereby able to produce a vibration at a specific frequency when played. As lower and lower notes are desired for a specific instrument, the length and size of the string increases. As such, bass instruments require longer bodies and necks to accommodate the longer and larger-diameter string. Further, the string length will also vary from string to string as the longest strings are intended to produce the lowest frequency notes but are typically not desired for playing higher-frequency notes, so additional strings with shorter run lengths are also included in most stringed instruments (e.g., a 4- or 5-string bass guitar, a 6- or 12-string guitar, and the like.) Shortening the string run length would allow for smaller instruments that still produce the desired range of frequencies. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein in accordance with the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a diagram of a conventional bass guitar having a conventional string bridge; 
         FIG.  2    is a cutaway view of the string bridge of the conventional bass guitar of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a cutaway front view of a bass guitar having string returns for translated strings according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein; 
         FIG.  4    is a cutaway rear view of the bass guitar of  FIG.  3    having string returns for translated strings according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein; 
         FIG.  5 A-D  are cutaway side views of the bass guitar of  FIG.  3    showing embodiments of a through-bridges according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein; 
         FIG.  6 A-B  are isometric cutaway views of the bass guitar of  FIG.  3    showing additional embodiments of a through-bridge return according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein; 
         FIG.  7    is an isometric cutaway view of the bass guitar of  FIG.  3    showing a monolithic return for a through-bridge according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein; 
         FIG.  8    is a rear view of a stringed instrument having a first embodiment of an adjustable anchor system for translated strings according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein; 
         FIG.  9    is a rear view of a stringed instrument having a second embodiment of an adjustable anchor system for translated strings according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein; 
         FIG.  10    is an isometric view of a monolithic single-string anchor system according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein; and 
         FIG.  11    is an isometric view of a modular string tension adjustment system according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. 
     
    
    
     Note that the same numbers are used throughout the disclosure and figures to reference like components and features. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The subject matter of embodiments disclosed herein is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. 
     Embodiments will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments by which the systems and methods described herein may be practiced. This systems and methods may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy the statutory requirements and convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art. 
     By way of an overview, the systems and methods discussed herein may be directed to systems and methods for translating strings of a stringed instruments as well as providing for adjustable tensioning. In an embodiment, a stringed instrument, may include an instrument body having a front side fand a back side wherein, as with most stringed instruments, the strings are disposed on the front side of the body for playing. Different from conventional stringed instruments though, at least a portion of at least one string may be disposed on the backside of the body as well. Thus, a set of one or more first string anchor points are disposed on front side of the body and then a set of one or more second string anchor points are disposed on the back side. That is, the strings are translated form eth front side to the back side. The instrument achieves this by passing the one or more translated strings through an aperture in the body—called a through-bridge. 
     Further, each string, once translated, may be anchored in a string return cavity on the back side of the body at one of a plurality of variable anchor points. Different devices and systems are presented herein whereupon string ball end may engage with receivers for holding the end of the string in place on the back side. These back-side anchors have adjustable positions and, thus, may be maneuvered to attain different level of tension on the string. With translated strings and adjustable tension, a world of versatility is opened for players who prefer strings with longer lengths are strings with larger or smaller diameter because the choice of strings is no longer limited by the instrument scale length. 
     The embodiments discussed herein may be practiced with any number of stringed instruments including acoustic and electric guitars, acoustic and electric bass guitars, banjos, violins, violas, cello, mandolins, and the like. Further, any number of strings may utilize one or more features as disused herein including instruments with only one string or up to a great number of strings, such as hammered dulcimers or harps. 
       FIG.  1    is a diagram of a conventional bass guitar  100  having conventional means of anchoring strings  110  at a string bridge  105  such that the string positions are not adjustable adjacent to the bridge  105 . Further, the strings  110  are not translated beyond the relative string plane of the front side of the bass guitar  100 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , a conventional stringed instrument  100  is shown to illustrate the drawbacks of a typical stringed instruments. While  FIG.  1    shows a bass guitar  100 , a skilled artisan understands that these concepts illustrated here apply to any conventional stringed instrument. Further, the skilled artisan will also appreciate the application of the novel concepts discussed herein as also applying equally to any stringed instrument. As such, the reminder of this detailed description will remain focused on the application to a bass guitar  100  for brevity. 
     In  FIG.  1   , a bass guitar  100  is shown having four strings  110  attached thereto. The strings  110  are attached at a first anchor point  111  that is situated on an anchor bridge  105  disposed on the front face of a body  101 . The other end of each string  110  is coupled to a second anchor point located at a head stock  103  at and end opposite the body  105  such that each string spans a neck  102 . The strings  110  span the neck  102  over a fretboard that includes frets that a player may use to play different notes. The strings  110  are typically coupled to a tuning device  115  that is configured to rotate a respective nut when one actuates one of four tuning keys  116 . That is, a first string  110  may be tightened or loosened between the string bridge  105  and a first tuning device  116  by turning a first tuning key  115 . Likewise, a second string  110  may be tightened or loosened between the string bridge  105  and a second tuning device  116  and by turning a second tuning key  115 , and so on. 
     Each string  110  spans the neck  102  which includes a fretboard having frets  107 . As a player places one or more fingers on each string  110 , the string may make contact with a fret  107  and then, when struck or plucked, vibrate at a frequency commensurate with the distance between the fret  107  and a string anchor point  111  that is part of the conventional string bridge  105 . As a player&#39;s finger moves up and down the fretboard (e.g., neck  102 ), different frets  107  may be engaged for each string  110 , thereby producing a different vibrations frequency (e.g., a different note). In stringed instruments, the length of the fretboard defines the instrument&#39;s scale length. As alluded to above, longer-scale fretboards are best suited for instruments that are intended to play lower-frequency notes, whereas shorter fretboards are for instruments that play higher-frequency notes. A skilled artisan also understands that some stringed instruments are players without frets on a fretboard. Rather, the neck includes a fingerboard (e.g., a fretboard without frets) where a skilled artisan learns where to place fingers for producing desired notes without the precision of the fret. 
     Further, a typical bass guitar  100  will include an electronic pickup  120  that is configured to detect the vibration of each string and amplify the frequency of the sound. That is, a pickup  120  is, essentially a respective microphone disposed directly under each string  110 . The audio signal detected may be further modified by circuitry controlled by a volume know  122  and a tone control knob  123 . Further yet, the bass guitar body  101  may include a pickguard  121 . A more detailed view of the string bridge  105  in the bass guitar of  FIG.  1    is shown and described next with respect to  FIG.  2   . 
       FIG.  2    is a cutaway view of the string bridge  105  of the conventional bass guitar of  FIG.  1   . As one can see, the string anchor point  111  for each string  110  remains affixed just above the face of the body  101 . A typical stringed instrument may include one or more string guides  112  that assist with keeping each string  110  in position. Further, these strings guides  112  provide for a slight translation of direction for each string  110 . As one can see in this example, the translation is about 10 degrees from a direction of string direction. That is, the string  110  between the bridge saddle  112  and the head stock tuning device (not shown) is a straight line, but the string  110  changes direction, (e.g., about 10 degrees downward) to then anchor at the bridge anchor point  111 . 
     The conventional bass guitar shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2    has drawbacks in that the string anchor points  111  for the strings  110  are at fixed points on the instrument body  101 . Thus, for an instrument, like this bass guitar  100 , to produce low notes, a long string must be used. Therefore, the instrument itself must accommodate the entire string run length from the bridge to the tuning devices. That is, the entity of the string run length is accommodated in virtually the same plane (i.e., notwithstanding small deviations in the string direction imparted by the bridge saddle, and the like) at the front side of the instrument  100 . Further, each instrument is typically sized (e.g., instrument scale) to only accommodate a single version of strings suited to the instrument scale length. Thus, players are limited in string choices and tuning options in conventional stringed instruments. The drawbacks are addressed in the novel embodiments described below with respect to  FIGS.  3 - 11   . 
       FIG.  3    is a cutaway front view of a bass guitar  300  having a rear-body string return for translated strings according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. In this embodiment, the body  301  of the bass guitar  300  includes one or more orifices  335  through which the strings  310  of the bass guitar  300  may pass through from the front side of the bass guitar body  301  to the rear side of the body  301 . Thus, in this embodiment, the strings engage a through-bridge  312  whereby the strings engage the through-bridge  312  at the orifice  335  to then emerge at the back side of the body  301  thereby providing a rear-body string return for accommodating string with longer string length runs. In this manner, as will become evident in conjunction with  FIG.  4    showing the rear side of the bass guitar body  301 , the string direction  326  may be translated (e.g., returned) with respect to the first direction  326  in which the strings are disposed on the guitar  300 . That is, the strings are anchored between a first anchor point at the head stock (not shown in  FIG.  3   ) and eventually at a second anchor point (shown in  FIG.  4   ) at the rear side of the body  301  but ultimately emanating in the opposite direction ( 327  as shown in  FIG.  4   ) at the rear side of the body  301 . Thus, prior to this second anchor point on the rear side, the strings  310  that started out emanating in the first direction  236  toward the through-bridge  312 , ultimately extend in the second, opposite direction  327  on the rear side of the body  301 . The culmination of this initial description is more evident with respect to  FIG.  4   . 
       FIG.  4    is a rear view of the bass guitar of  FIG.  3    having a rear-body string return for translated strings according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. Continuing the description from  FIG.  3   , the strings  310  can be seen emerging from the orifice  335  that is part of the through-bridge  312  to then extend in the second direction  327  (e.g., opposite the first direction  326  as shown in  FIG.  3   ). The strings  310  emerge through the orifice  335  at the rear side of the guitar body  301  and are within the backplane of the body  301  inside a string return cavity  338 . The string return cavity  338  includes space that is disposed within the body and having a rectangular opening in the back side of the guitar body  301 . The string return cavity  338  is shown, in the embodiment of this FIG., as being open. In other embodiments, the string return cavity  338  includes a removable cover plate (not shown) to provide protection and aesthetic beauty to the guitar  301 . Further, each string  310  is shown as anchored to a single, respective anchor point  340  at the far end (with respect to the orifice  335 ) of the rear string cavity  338 . However, in other embodiments described below with respect to  FIGS.  8 - 11   , the strings may be anchored at variable positions in the string return cavity  338 . Additional mechanical components (not shown in  FIG.  4   ) provide for ease of maneuvering and setting each individual string anchor point to a desired location in the string return cavity  338 . As shown here, the string return cavity  338  includes a far end is disposed just before neck bolts  339  that hold the neck to the body  301 . 
     The guitar  300  of  FIGS.  3  and  4    may further include first and second electronic pickups  330  and  331  disposed on the front of the guitar body  301  just below the strings prior to the strings are positioned through the orifice  305  in the through-bridge  312 . In this embodiment, the orifice  305  may include four individual string holes through which each respective string  310  is threaded to the string return cavity  338 . In other embodiments, the orifice  305  may be a single hole through the body  301  in which all four strings  310  pass though (spaced apart from each other. In any embodiment, as each string  310  is threaded though the orifice  305 , each string  310  will be supported by a string translator  337  (sometimes called a string return) such that the string  310  is held tight against the string return  337  to form a gradual curve. This gradual return shape ensures that tension in the string remain axial to each string  310  (e.g., the forces acting on the string  310  as it is tightened are primarily parallel (i.e., longitudinal) with respect to the axis of the string  310  and forces are not concentrated at any sharp bend or turn. Thus, the string tension can remain consistent when the string  310  is plucked or struck after the respective strings  310  have been tuned. 
     The guitar  300  of  FIGS.  3  and  4    may further include electronic control in the form of potentiometers or “knobs” that can control different aspects of the pickups  330  and  331 . In this embodiment there are three knobs  332 ,  333 , and  334 , that may be overall gain, overall tone, first pickup gain, second pickup gain or any other electronic parameter typically able to be controlled in an electric stringed instrument. Additional elements of the guitar  300  may include a pickguard, an output jack, strap buttons, Further, the guitar body need not be the shape depicted in the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , as any number of body shapes may accommodate the innovations described herein. 
     In an embodiment according to  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the stringed instrument may have a total string run length between a front side anchor point and a back-side anchor point wherein a distance between the front-side anchor point and the through bridge is about five to ten times greater than the distance between the through bridge and the back-side anchor point. Further, the string return cavity  338  may include an electronic pickup  355  disposed adjacent to the strings  310  such that additional harmonics or sympathetic tones resonant in the strings  310  may enhance or be added to the sounds produced when playing the instrument. 
     With a stringed instrument having the string return features and through-bridge that allow for translating strings  310  as shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , a number of advantages present over conventional stringed instruments. As a first advantage, because the overall string length is now longer, thus will enable longer strings to be used that are typically available for the instrument&#39;s scale length. For example, a conventional bass scale length may be 34 inches such that bass guitar strings suited for a scale length of 34 inches are used. However, with a through bridge, and additional run length of about 4-16 inches may created by positioning the strings through the orifice in the through bridge and anchor the string ball ends in the string return cavity on the rear side of the guitar body. As a result, this enables the bass guitar  300  to be able to handle string lengths of more than the intended scale length of 34 inches, e.g., 38- to 51-inch strings can be accommodated. With longer strings, one can achieve use of stiffer strings (e.g., larger diameter) that may be preferred when playing because of better responsiveness and playability. Further yet, with a longer scale length, a player may tune to lower notes without the physical impacts that result from using a shorter string&#39;s playability. That is, shorter strings exhibit less rigidity when tuned to lower notes, a drawback for some styles of playing. Generally speaking, the speaking length of any strings exhibits the same tension when tuned to the same note, however, with a longer non-speaking length, a larger diameter string can be accommodated such that greater rigidity (with the same tension) results in longer and more stable string vibration. Thus, notes will “ring” longer and be sustained at tone for a longer duration of time as the string rigidity is increased. 
     Along the same lines, having a portion of the string run-length disposed on the back of the body, one can reduce the scale length of the instrument at the neck while retaining the playing properties of a typical instrument scale. Thus, a typical 34-inch set of strings can have between 4 and 16 inches of the string disposed around the string return  337  and in the string return cavity  338  such that the head stock is closer to the body with a shorter scale neck. This may be particularly advantageous for players having shorter arms or smaller hands. Additionally, the instruments will be more compact and have a lighter overall weight, thereby making material use in construction more efficient. Further, with a shorter scale length on the front side of the guitar, one may use strings with a smaller-than-typical diameter, yet still achieve pleasing sounds. 
     Lastly, the innovative through-bridge may be retrofitted onto existing instruments to attain the benefits of longer strings and associated string tension affords to instruments with respect to versatility and playability. These advantages may be appreciated further with respect to the descriptions of various embodiments as discussed next with respect to  FIGS.  5 - 11   . 
       FIG.  5 A-D  are cutaway side views of the bass guitar body  301  of  FIG.  3    showing embodiments of a through-bridges  335  according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.  FIG.  5 A  shows a first embodiment of a through-bridge  335  showing a single string  310  emanating in the first direction  326 , guided by a saddle  512 , and disposed through a single return hole aperture  550 . A skilled artisan understands that additional strings may also be disposed through respective return hole apertures, but one is shown here for ease of illustration. This embodiment further includes a metallic quarter round insert  551  that provides for a gradual return for translating the string to the opposite direction  327  where it is anchored in the string return cavity  338  by its ball end  553  engaged with a ball end retainer  552 . 
     Using a through-bridge  335  as shown in  FIG.  5 A  provides for a translation of the run length of the string  310  such that a large portion of the string  310  remains disposed on the front side of the instrument body  301 , but a significant portion (e.g., 10%-30%) of the run length may be disposed on the backside of the instrument body  301  after the direction translation imparted by the through-bridge  335 . As shown, the string is shown with a sharp turn into the aperture  550 . This is for ease of illustration as the aperture  550  may induce a far more gradual translation (as can be seen from an embodiment described below with respect to  FIG.  7   . A more gradual direction translation reduces lateral stress on the string which leads to degraded performance and eventual failure. 
       FIG.  5 B  shows a second embodiment of a through-bridge  335  showing a single string  310  emanating in the first direction  326 , guided by a saddle  512 , and disposed through an aggregate return aperture  555 . A skilled artisan understands that additional strings may also be disposed through the aggregate return aperture  555 , but one is shown here for ease of illustration. This embodiment further includes a metallic half-round return  557  that provides for a gradual return for translating the string to the opposite direction  327  where it is anchored in the string return cavity  338  by its ball end  553  engaged with a ball end retainer  552 . 
     Using a through-bridge  335  as shown in  FIG.  5 B  provides for a translation of the run length of the string  310  such that a large portion of the string  310  remains disposed on the front side of the instrument body  301 , but a significant portion (e.g., 10%-30%) of the run length may be disposed on the backside of the instrument body  301  after the direction translation imparted by the through-bridge  335 . Different form the embodiment of  FIG.  5 A , the half-round return  557  provides an even more gradual direction translation that reduces lateral stress on the string. 
       FIG.  5 C  shows a third embodiment of a through-bridge  335  showing a single string  310  emanating in the first direction  326 , through the saddle  512 , and disposed through an aggregate return aperture  555 . This embodiment further includes a metallic full-round return  560  that provides for a gradual return for translating the string to the opposite direction  327  where it is anchored in the string return cavity  338  by its ball end  553  engaged with a ball end retainer  552 . 
     Using a through-bridge  335  as shown in  FIG.  5 B  provides for a gradual translation of the run length of the string  310 . Different form the embodiment of  FIG.  5 A , the full-round return  560  provides an even more gradual direction translation that reduces lateral stress on the string. Also different from the embodiment of  FIG.  5 B , the full-round return  560  may be rotationally anchored about a rotation point  561  such that the return may rotate about this axis  561  in either direction to further reduces lateral stresses on the string. 
       FIG.  5 D  shows a fourth embodiment of a through-bridge  335  showing a single string  310  emanating in the first direction  326 , through the saddle  512 , and disposed through a single return hole  550 . This embodiment further includes a metallic oblong return  565  that provides for a gradual return for translating the string to the opposite direction  327  where it is anchored in the string return cavity  338  by its ball end  553  engaged with a ball end retainer  552 . 
       FIG.  6 A-C  are isometric cutaway views of the bass guitar of  FIG.  3    showing additional embodiments of a through-bridge returns according to embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein.  FIG.  6 A  shows another embodiment of an oval-shaped cylinder return  671  that is part of a through-bridge  335  showing four strings  310  emanating in the first direction  326 , through the saddle  512 , and disposed through an aperture (not shown). A skilled artisan understands more or fewer strings may also be disposed through respective return hole apertures. This embodiment further includes a metallic oval-shaped cylinder  671  that provides for a gradual return for translating the strings  310  to the opposite direction  327 . 
       FIG.  6 B  shows another embodiment of hybrid through-bridge  335  having individual hole returns  672  as well as an L-shaped metallic return  673 . This embodiment shows four strings  310  emanating in the first direction  326 , through the saddle  512 , and disposed through an aperture (not shown). This embodiment includes an L-shaped metallic return  673  that provides for a gradual return for translating the strings  310  to the opposite direction  327 . 
       FIG.  7    shows another embodiment of a monolithic return  675  that is part of a through-bridge  335  shown here as guiding (via string guide notches  676 ) four strings  310  emanating in the first direction  326 , guided by a saddle  512 , and disposed through an aperture  355 . This embodiment provides a monolithic return  675  that provides for a gradual direction translation at a top-side point  678  near string guide notches and then another gradual direction translation at a bottom-side point  679  for translating the strings  310  to the opposite direction  327 . This through-bridge embodiment may also be well suited to be an external bridge translator (not shown). In such an embodiment, the monolithic return  675  is disposed on a far side of a guitar body wherein the strings simply wrap around the edge of the guitar body to culminate at an anchor point on the back side of the body. 
       FIG.  8    is a rear view of a stringed instrument having a first embodiment of an adjustable anchor system for translated strings according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. As shown here, the rear side of a stringed instrument body  301  reveals a string return cavity  338  having strings  310  anchored therein. The strings are shown extended through a set of four individual orifices  335  that are part of a through-bridge. In embodiments not shown here, the through-bridge may have a single orifice and utilize one or more return designs as shown and discussed above with respect to  FIG.  5 A-D ,  6 A-B, or  7 . 
     Each string  310  may be anchored at a respective adjustable anchor position along a dedicated string anchor track  881  using a string anchor device  880 . Each string anchor track  881  may be disposed in the string return cavity  338  and include a series of “teeth” on either side of a string anchor track  881 . These teeth provide a number of discrete positions in which a string anchor device  880  may be secured. The string anchor device  880  includes a circular receptacle for holding a string ball end in place while the string  310  may extend through an aperture back toward the through-bridge. Further, each string anchor device  880  includes protrusions lateral from the circular receptacle and suited to engage a discrete set of teeth in its respective string anchor track  881 . In this manner, each string ball end may be anchored at one of a plurality of discrete positions along the string anchor track  881  using the string anchor device  880 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  8   , the string anchor tracks  881  may be a single assembled unit such that the four string-anchor tracks  881  are mounted as a single unit inside the string return cavity  338 . In other embodiments, each string anchor track  881  may be individually mounted. Having relatively small differences in overall string anchor position (because of the relatively small teeth) allows for a high level of tension versatility for a player. Generally, anchoring a string  310  closer to the through-bridge reduces the tension in the string  310  and anchoring a string  310  further from the through-bridge increases the tension in the string. Yet another advantage of these variable anchor points includes the ability of a player to personalize stiffness options of strings  310  because of string anchoring points  880 . Having a variable anchor point for each string  310  also enables a player to achieve benefits of a multi-scale stringed instrument with a mono-scaled instrument. 
       FIG.  9    is a rear view of a stringed instrument having a second embodiment of a matrix anchor system  985  for translated strings according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. As shown here, the rear side of a stringed instrument body  301  reveals a string return cavity  338  having strings  310  anchored therein using a single adjustable anchor system  985 . The strings  310  are shown extended through a set of four individual orifices  335  that are part of a through-bridge. In embodiments not shown here, the through-bridge may have a single orifice and utilize one or more return designs as shown and discussed above with respect to  FIG.  5 A-D ,  6 A-B, or  7 . 
     Each string  310  may be anchored at a respective discrete anchor position along a respective set of string anchor termination point within the matrix of termination points in the matrix anchor system  985 . As before, each string culminates in a string ball end designed to engage an anchor point or anchor device. In this embodiment, several different anchor points are part of the design of the matrix anchor system  985 . That is, the ball end may be set into one of several different position options (e.g., ball-end receivers or “dots” as shown in the matrix anchor system  985 ). These ball-end receivers provide a number of discrete positions in which a string ball-end may be secured. Like the embodiment of  FIG.  8   , each receiver includes a circular receptacle for holding a string ball-end in place while the string  310  may extend through an aperture back toward the through-bridge. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  9   , the matrix anchor system  985  may be a single extruded unit such that the four sets of ball-end receivers are part of a single monolithic unit. Having discrete differences in overall string anchor position (because of discrete receiver positions) allows for a high level of tension versatility for a player. As before, anchoring a string  310  closer to the through-bridge reduces the tension in the string  310  and anchoring a string  310  further from the through-bridge increases the tension in the string. Having a variable anchor point for each string  310  also enables a player to achieve benefits of a multi-scale stringed instrument with a mono-scaled instrument. 
       FIG.  10    is an isometric view of a monolithic single-string anchor system  1000  according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. In this embodiment, a similar device to the embodiment of  FIG.  9    is shown wherein the concept of providing tension adjustment to only one string is achieved. Thus, the string  310  may be anchored at a respective discrete anchor position along a respective set of string anchor termination points within the linear array  1005  of termination points  1010  in the single-string anchor system  1000 . As before, each string culminates in a string ball end designed to engage an anchor point or anchor device. In this embodiment, several different anchor points  1010  are part of the design of the linear array. That is, the ball end may be set into one of several different ball-end receivers  1010 . These ball-end receivers provide a number of discrete positions in which a string ball-end may be secured wherein each receiver includes a circular receptacle for holding a string ball-end in place while the string  310  may extend through an aperture back toward the through-bridge. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  10   , the single-string anchor system  1000  may be a single extruded unit such that the set of ball-end receivers  1010  are part of a single monolithic unit together with a string return  1003  that may be mounted in the through-bridge Having discrete differences in overall string anchor position (because of discrete receiver positions) allows for a high level of tension versatility for a player. Having a variable anchor point for each string  310  also enables a player to achieve benefits of a multi-scale stringed instrument with a mono-scaled instrument. 
       FIG.  11    is an isometric view of a modular string tension adjustment system according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. Generally, the modular string tension adjustment system comprises a cylinder string return  1135  in conjunction with a string anchor puck  1160 . As with embodiment described previously, a string  310  may be translated through the cylinder string return  1135  to the back side of an instrument body  301 . Once translated, the string may be anchored by a string anchor puck  1160  that is placed in one of several discrete circular cavities  1150  that are disposed on the back side of the instrument body. 
     This embodiment is “modular” in that an instrument may be easily retrofitted on a per string basis with the elements of the system. Thus, a hole may be drilled through the body to house the cylindrical string return and cavities may be carved into the body  301  for a number of possible locations to secure one or more string anchor pucks. The cylinder string return is characterized as having a “top” side disposed adjacent to the front of an instrument (e.g., the front of the body, where a string may be threaded through a top-side aperture  1136 . The string then extends through the cylinder body via an internal pathway  1137  to then emerge out a bottom-side aperture  1138  that is aligned in the plane of the backside of the instrument body  301 . Thus, the string  310  is translated to extend in the opposite direction in which the string entered the top-side aperture  1136 . After translation, the string  310  may be anchored at string anchor puck  1160  disposed in a circular cavity  1150 . string anchor puck  1160  includes, similar to embodiments of  FIG.  8 - 10   , a circular receiver  1136  for holding a string ball-end in place while the string  310  may extend through an aperture  1162  back toward the through-bridge. There is also an aperture  1164  on the “front-side” of the circular receiver  1136  such that the string may extend to a different anchor point further away from the through-bridge. In this manner, each system may include several string anchor pucks  1160  wherein one of them is used to anchor the string. Further, other strings may be anchored in a conventional manner giving additional versatility (as discussed throughout) for less than all of the strings. 
     The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the specification and in the following claims are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “having,” “including,” “containing” and similar referents in the specification and in the following claims are to be construed as open-ended terms (e.g., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely indented to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value inclusively falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments and does not pose a limitation to the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to each embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present subject matter is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.