Patent ID: 8049095

Claim:
A string saddle system for a multi-stringed instrument comprising: a top saddle portion spanning all tensioned strings of said multi-stringed instrument to support the tensioned strings and to receive vibratory energy therefrom; a body portion beneath said top saddle portion having a top and opposing surfaces, and having a plurality of integral cavities, each integral cavity in correspondence with a respective string to define a plurality of vertically compliant areas of sensitivity beneath each string within the saddle, each vertically compliant area of sensitivity extending vertically from said top surface of said body portion including the top saddle portion 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 suspended in and 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 vertically compliant area conveying vibrations of the respective string to said suspended transducer element via a mechanical coupling point located within each respective integral cavity structure; a first conductor formed on said top surface and on each opposing surface of said body portion; and, a second conductor embedded within said body portion, said first conductor formed on said top and opposing body surfaces and said embedded second conductor having 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 conductors at each respective said integral cavity structure such that said transducer element of adjacent integral cavities couple electrical signals of alternating phase relationships.