Patent ID: 8507783

Claim:
A string saddle system for a multi-stringed instrument comprising: a saddle body having a top surface and opposing side surfaces, said top surface spanning all tensioned strings of said multi-stringed instrument to support the tensioned strings and to receive vibratory energy therefrom, said saddle body having a plurality of integral cavities, each integral cavity in correspondence with a respective string and defining a compliant area of sensitivity beneath each string within the saddle body, each compliant area of sensitivity extending from said top surface of said saddle body above the cavity beneath said respective string to said corresponding cavity structure and extending horizontally according to a length of said integral cavity, a flexurally responsive transducer element mechanically coupled to each integral cavity at mechanical coupling points, said transducer element for converting vibratory energy from the respective string to an electric signal, said compliant area conveying vibrations of the respective string to said transducer element via a mechanical coupling point located within each respective integral cavity structure; a first conductor layer embedded within said saddle body; and, a second conductor layer embedded within said saddle body, said first and second conductor layers configured on a unitary plane, wherein said embedded first and said embedded second conductor layer have respective portions extending to each said integral cavity structure to provide exposed electrical contact areas at a cavity surface defining electrical coupling points for electrically connecting the transducer element to said first and second embedded conductors at each respective said integral cavity structure, the electrical coupling points electrically connect the transducer element to said first and second conductors at each respective said integral cavity structure such that said transducer element of adjacent integral cavities couple electrical signals of alternating phase.