Patent ID: 8263851

Claim:
A string saddle system for a multi-stringed instrument comprising: a saddle body having a top saddle portion and opposing surfaces, said top saddle portion 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 vertically compliant area of sensitivity extending from a 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 suspended transducer element via a mechanical coupling point located within each respective integral cavity structure; a first conductor embedded beneath said top surface within said saddle body and on each opposing surface; and, a second conductor embedded within said saddle body, said first conductor embedded beneath 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.