Importance

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Abstract

A new autoharp allowing greater versatility of sounds by allowing individual control of the strings of an octave is disclosed. This invention is for use with string musical instruments such as the autoharp having a resonating box (12) which has a multiplicity of strings (14, 16, 18, and 20) adapted for vibration running transverse to the resonating box (12). Improvement to the autoharp comprises a pair of support means (40) and (42) mounted to the resonating box (12) parallel to the multiplicity of strings. The support members (40) and (42) are further located such that the multiplicity of strings are located between the pair of support members (40) and (42). A multiplicity of octave bars such as octave bar (62) is supported by and extends between each of the pair of support members (40) and (42) such that the octave bar (62) is above and perpendicular to the vibrating strings. Each of the octave bars such as octave bar (62) is associated with a selected note in each of a plurality of octaves. A plurality of control members such as control member (70) are attached to each of the octave bars and their number is equal in number to the number of octaves containing the selected note. Each of the control members (70) extends from the bottom portion (74) of the octave bar through the parallel vibrating strings to a lower portions (72) which supports a dampening pad (76) located below the string. A pair of resilient means such as springs 90 and 92 are also included for urging the dampening pad (76) against the strings. According to a preferred embodiment, each of the octave bars such as octave bar (62) defines a threaded aperture (126) suitable for receiving a threaded adjusting screw (116). Screw (116) is located at each end of the octave bar in such a manner so that the distance the octave bar (62) may be depressed may be controlled. This control is achieved by the use of a small screwdriver which passes through aperture (122) of top portion (104) to provide access to slot (124) of the adjusting screw (116).

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First Claim