United States Patent 19 (11) 3,777,612

Barron (45) Dec. 11, 1973

54 PLECTRUM OPERATING MEANS
76) Inventor: Ellis Barron, 7924 Armour St., San
Diego, Calif. 921 11
22) Filed: Nov. 3, 1972
21 Appl. No.: 303,540
Related U.S. Application Data
63) Continuation-in-part of Ser. Nos. 40,273, May 25,
1970, abandoned, and Ser. No. 80,671, Oct. 14,
1970, and Ser. No. 96,547, Dec. 9, 1970, abandoned,
and Ser. No. 169,753, Aug. 6, 1971, and Ser. No.
225,713, Feb. 14, 1972, and Ser. No. 274,663, July
24, 1972, said Ser. No. 80,671, is a
continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 40,273, May 25,
970, abandoned, said Ser. No. 169,753, is a
continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 96,547, Dec. 9,
1970, abandoned, said Ser. No. 274663, is a
continuation of Ser. No. 169,753, Aug. 6, 1971.
52 U.S. C. .................................................. 847258
51 Int. Cl............................................... G10c 1106
58 Field of Search....................................... 847258
56) References Cited
UNITED STATES PATENTS
1467,087 911923 Boehringer........................... 841258
3,677, 124 7|1972 O'Brien................................. 847258
2,808,754 10/1957 Taylor................................... 841258
2,845,829 8/1958 Miessner............................... 841258
3,453,922 7/1969 O'Brien................................. 841258
Primary Examiner-Lawrence R. Franklin
Attorney-Charles G. Lyon et al.
57 ABSTRACT
A plectrum operating means intended primarily for a
harpsichord type of musical instrument in which the
plectrum is caused to pluck a musical string with a
force proportional to the force applied to its corre
sponding key, and on its return movement clear its
string, the plucking movement being partly influenced
by arranging the plectrum supporting assembly so as
to have an eccentric mass, the inertia of which tends
to move the plectrum into engagement with its string,
the return movement being partially affected by grav
ity thereby minimizing inertial effect, and a spring
force urging the plectrum clear of the string.
Several embodiments are disclosed which permit
different arrangements of the strings and permit tone
sustention.
14 Claims, 25 Drawing Figures

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1. 2
PLECTRUM OPERATING MEANS Fifth, to provide a plectrum operating means wherein
the string may be muted or dampened on return of the
The present application is a continuation-in-part of plectrum to its original position or sustained individu
the following earlier filed applications which are co ally by holding the key depressed to prevent return
pending, as of the filing date of this application, or were movement or, in certain embodiments, the entire set of
copending with respect to the present copending appli plectrums may be permitted to return while permitting
cations as indicated: tone sustention.
A. Ser. No. filed for 40,273, May 25, 1970, HARPSI DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
CHORD JACK ASSEMBLY now abandoned.
B. Ser. No. filed for 80,671, Oct. 14, 1970, JACK 10 FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side view showing one em
ASSEMBLY FOR STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRU bodiment of the plectrum operating means with por
MENTS, Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 40,273 now tions of the supporting structure shown in section and
abandoned. indicating, by solid lines, the position normally occu
C. Ser. No. filed for 96,547, Dec. 9, 1970, PLEC pied and, by broken lines, the position after completion
TRUM PIANO ACTION now abandoned. 15 of a plucking action by the plectrum.
D. Ser. No. filed for 169,753, Aug. 6, 1971, PLEC FIG. 2 is an end view thereof showing the parts in
TRUM PIANO ACTION Continuation-in-part of Ser. their initial or normal position.
No. 96,547 now abandoned. FIG. 3 is a similar end view showing the parts after
E. Ser. No. filed for 225,713, Feb. 14, 1972, PLEC completion of the plucking action.
TRUM PIANO ACTION 20 FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical view showing several posi
F. Ser. No. filed for 274,663, July 24, 1972, PLEC tions of the plectrum during the plucking stroke.
TRUM PIANO ACTION Continuation of Ser. No. FIG. 5 is another diagrammatical view showing sev
169,753 now abandoned. eral positions of the plectrum during its return stroke,
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 25
FIG. 6 is an end view similar to FIG. 2 showing an
other embodiment of the plectrum operating means,
Harpsichords and other forerunners of the piano emit the view being taken through 6-6 of FIG. 8.
sounds of only one degree of loudness; that is, regard FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6 but showing
less of the amount of force and acceleration with which the plectrum upon completion of its plucking stroke,
the key is struck only one amplitude of tone results. Or, FIG. 8 is a fragmentary plan view thereof taken from
stated otherwise, there is no opportunity for the musi 30 8-8 of FIG. 6.
cian, using a harpsichord or similar instrument, to ob FIG. 9 is a plan view, with portions of the supporting
tain a "pianoforte' effect as is accomplished with a pi structure in section, of a further embodiment of the
ano. Still further, the conventional harpsichord cannot plectrum operating means adapted for operation in a
be played so as to mute or sustain, as desired, any note 35
horizontal direction, the view being taken in the plane
after it has been plucked. 9-9 of FIG. 11.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION FIG. 10 is a plan view corresponding to FIG, 9 show.
ing the plectrum upon completion of its plucking
The present invention is directed to a plectrum oper stroke.
ating means, or plectrum jack assembly, particularly FIG. 11 is an essentially diagrammatical side view
intended for harpsichord type musical instruments 40 thereof with portions of the supporting structure shown
wherein the strings are plucked instead of being struck in section.
as in a piano, and is summarized in the following ob FIG, 12 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a
jects: further embodiment of the plectrum operating means,
First, to provide a plectrum operating means wherein the section being taken through 12-12 of FIG, 14, the
essentially all of the nuances of volume, mute effect, or 45 plectrum and related parts being shown in their initial
sustained tone effect characteristic of a piano may be or normal position.
accomplished on an instrument such as a harpsichord, FIG. 13 is a sectional view similar to FIG, 12 showing
wherein the strings are plucked while permitting the the plectrum and related parts after completion of the
harpsichord to be played in the conventional manner if SO plucking stroke,
the musician so desires. FIGS, 14, 15 and 16 are fragmentary plan and sec
Second, to provide a plectrum operating means tional views taken from 14-14, 15-15 and 16-16 of
which includes several embodiments which, while ar FIG, 2.
ranged to attain the results indicated in the preceding FIG, 17 is a fragmentary side view of a further em
object, permit different disposition of the strings. 55 bodiment of the plectrum operating means with por
Third, to provide a plectrum operating means tions of the supporting structure shown in section, the
wherein a jack assembly carrying the plectrum and en view being taken through 17-17 of FIG, 18,
gaged by a hand operated key is arranged with an offset FIG. 18 is a fragmentary plan view thereof,
center of gravity so that, by reason of its inertia, when FIG, 19 is a fragmentary view showing a modification
driven by the key, a biasing force is produced in pro of the embodiment shown in FIGS, 17 and 18, wherein
portion to the acceleration imparted by the key, which 60 the plectrum engages a vibratible reed rather than a
is utilized to vary the force applied by the plectrum to musical string,
its string and hence vary the volume of sound. FIG. 20 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken within
Fourth, to provide a plectrum operating means as in circle 20 of FIG, 17 showing a modified form of the
dicated in the preceding object wherein, on return drive connection between the key and the plectrum
movement, the jack assembly returns by gravity or is 65 jack assembly,
spring assisted in a manner to move the plectrum clear FG, 21 is a side view of a further embodiment of the
of its string, plectrum operating means with portions of the support
 3
3,777,612 4
ing structure in section, the plectrum and associated gravity When the key is released, the jack assembly falls by
parts being shown in their normal or initial position. so that the effect of the biasing mass 16 is essen
FIG. 22 is a similar view thereof showing the plec tially zero. This permits the spring 19 to deflect the
trum and its related parts after completion of the pluck plectrum clear of the string as it descends, as indicated
ing movement. in FIG. 5. The force of the spring approaches zero as
FIG. 23 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken from the plectrum returns to its initial position, permitting
23-23 of FIG. 22. the stop lug 18 to deflect the bar towards its vertical po
FIG. 24 is a diagrammatical view showing the plec sition, aided by the biasing mass 16 when the jack as
trum in several positions during the plucking stroke. sembly comes to rest.
FIG. 25 is a similar diagrammatical view showing sev 10 Reference is now directed to FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, which
eral positions of the plectrum during its return stroke. illustrate another embodiment of the plectrum operat
Reference is first directed to FIGS. 1 through 5. The ing means. This construction utilizes the guide mem
embodiment of the plectrum operating means herein bers 12 and 14, as well as the key lever 4. In this con
illustrated is arranged on a mounting base represented struction, the jack assembly 25 includes a round bar 26
by line 1. Supported thereon is a fulcrum 2, having an 15 having a head 27, which carries the plectrum 22 and
upstanding pin 3 over which is fitted a key lever 4, hav biasing mass 16. A muting pad 28 is provided above the
ing a forward finger engaging portion 5 and a rearward plectrum. A similar pad may be provided in the previ
plectrum jack operating end 6. Appropriate sound min ously described structure. Also, a pad 29 may be pro
imizing pads 7, 8 and 9 are provided at the ends of the 20 vided in the clearance slot 15.
key lever 4. In substitute for the stop lug 18 and spring 19, the
A jack assembly 10, which includes a flat bar 11, ex jack assembly is provided with a lateral bar 30, extend
tends vertically above the rearward end of the key le ing from the bar 26. The lower guide member 12 sup
ver. The bar extends through a lower guide member 12, ports a vertical stem 31, which is received by an aper
having a guide aperture 13, and an upper guide mem 25 ture, not shown in the lateral bar so that the lateral bar
ber 14 having a clearance slot 15. is freely slidable on the stem. A spring 32 bears down
Extending laterally from one side of the bar 11 is a wardly on the lateral bar 30. A pad 33 may be provided
biasing mass 16, which may be in the form of a lead at the bottom of the stem 31 and a padded stop bar
weight fastened directly to the bar or which may be structure 34 may be provided above the jack assembly
mounted at the extremity of an arm 17, projecting lat 30 to limit upward movement thereof. A similar stop bar
erally from the bar 11, as indicated by broken lines in may be used in the previously described embodiment.
FIG. 2. The opposite side of the bar 11 is provided with Operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6, 7
a stop lug 18 which, in the initial position of the jack and 8 is as follows:
assembly, engages the lower guide member 12. The bi When the jack assembly is in its initial or normal po
asing mass 16 and the stop lug 18 tend to hold the bar 35 sition, the lateral bar 30 and the biasing mass 16 func
in a vertical position; however, the bar is capable of tilt tion in the manner of the previously described embodi
ing to the extent permitted by the clearance slot 15.
Extending upwardly from the bar 11 is a deflector ment; with
that is, the bar 26 is held in a vertical position
the plectrum under its corresponding string. When
spring 19, the upper end of which extends angularly the key is struck and the jack assembly is driven up
and engages a deflecting spring pin 20 supported on a 40 ward, the biasing mass functions as previously de
mounting bar 21. scribed and the spring 32 performs the function of the
Mounted on the same side of the bar 11 as the biasing spring 19; that is, the biasing mass exerts a force over
mass 16, at a point either below or above the mass, is coming the effect of the spring sufficiently to cause the
a plectrum 22. The plectrum has a downwardly and plectrum to pluck its corresponding string. On the re
rearwardly sloping upper surface and an upward and
rearwardly sloping lower surface, converging to an 45 turn the
movement, the spring 32 tilts the bar 26 to cause
plectrum to clear its string,
apex 23. The bar 11 is disposed alongside but clearing
a musical string 24, and the plectrum is positioned so in FIGS. 9, 10 now
Reference is
and
directed to the embodiment shown
11, which illustrate a horizontally
as to occupy an initial or normal position below the disposed jack assembly, particularly suitable for a musi
string. A jack assembly 10 with its plectrum 22, oper 50 cal instrument in which the strings are disposed upright
ated by a key lever 4, is provided for each string of the or vertical.
musical instrument. As indicated in FIG, 11, the key lever 35 includes a
Operation of the embodiment of the plectrum oper vertical arm 36, which is attached to a pull wire 37.
ating means as shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 is as follows: Ajack assembly 38 is provided, having a jack rod 39
When the key 4 is struck, the jack assembly is driven 55 terminating
upward. The biasing mass 16 exerts a biasing force pro pull wire 37,inand a forward head 40 for attachment to the
portional to its inertia which, in turn, is in proportion which is mountedprovided a
with a rearward head 41, on
plectrum 42 and muting pad 43.
to the force applied to the key. The biasing force tends The jack assembly extends through a forward guide
to hold the bar 11 in a vertical position. The spring 19 member 44 having a guide aperture 45, and a rearward
tends to deflect the bar so that the plectrum will clear 60
the musical string. The opposing forces are so related guide member 46, having a clearance slot 47.
A spring 48 is mounted on the jack rod and bears
that, during upward movement, the upper face of the against
plectrum engages the string and plucks or deflects the force onthetheforward guide member to exert a rearward
string so as to produce a musical note, as indicated in lateral bar 49 disposedThe
jack rod. jack rod is provided with a
forwardly of the forward guide
FIG. 4. The extent of the plucking force varies in pro 65
portion to the force applied to the key so that the vol member 44, and the forward guide member is provided
ume of sound produced is under the control of the mu with a stem 50 which receives a spring 51 to produce
a biasing force on the jack rod 39.
sician.
 3,777,612
5 6
Operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9, 10 mounted on one lateral side to engage a string 24 ex
and 11 is analogous to the operation of the previously tending parallel to the axes of the key levers 4. In this
described embodiments, with the spring 48 performing case also, the jack assembly is intended to rock or tilt
the function of the gravity mass 16. laterally with respect to the longitudinal axes of the key
Reference is now directed to the embodiment shown levers. This is accomplished by use of an upper guide
in FIGS. 12 through 16. This embodiment utilizes a key bar 70 having guide strips 71 provided with angularly
lever 4, which in this case is shown as provided with an extending slots 72, which receive the guide pins 69.
ii
adjustment screw 52. The adjustment screw engages a Disposed under the horizontal member 67 is a for
jack assembly 53 including a cross bar 54 and a vertical ward mounting member 73 having upstanding guide
rod or shaft 55, terminating in a head 56, which carries 10 pins 74 and a rearward mounting member 75, having
a plectrum 22 and a muting pad 43. guide pins 76. The guide pins 76 are provided with
Disposed on the mounting base 1 in back of a set of springs 77 which provide a downward force on the rear
key levers 4 is a supporting member 57 having an up ends of the horizontal member 67. In order to limit up
wardly extending guide pin 58 for each jack assembly, ward movement of the forward portion of the horizon
which extends through an aperture provided in the rear 15 tal member 67, a stop member 78 may be provided.
portion of a corresponding cross bar 54. Each guide pin The adjustment screw 52 of each key lever 4 is lo
receives a spring 59 and may be provided with an ad cated under the vertical axis of the vertical member 68,
justable screw head 60. as in the previously described embodiments, and the
Disposed in front of the set of jack assemblies 53 is biasing means 16 functions to provide an inertial force
a guide member 61, having depending pins 62 which 20 which maintains the vertical member in its vertical
project into clearance slots 63 provided in the cross path, so as to cause a plucking action. On the return
bars 54. The upper portion of the guide member 61 is movement, the force of springs 77 causes the jack as
also provided with guide slots 64 which receive the cor sembly to tilt in a forward-rearward direction, causing
responding shafts 55 of the jack assemblies. Mounted the guide pin 69 to move in its guide slot 72 to effect
rearwardly of the heads 56 of the jack assemblies is a 25 a tilting of the jack assembly in a lateral direction as
padded stop bar 65, which is engaged by the rear side well, with the result that the plectrum clears the string
of each head 56 upon completion of the plucking as in the previously described embodiments,
stroke of the corresponding plectrum 22. The arrangement shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 permits
As will be seen from the top views 14, 15 and 16, the the plectrum to be placed in different locations to ac
strings are arranged at approximately 45° to the axes of 30 commodate different arrangements of the strings 24,
the key levers 4, and the planes occupied by the jack such as the 45-45° arrangement shown in FIGS, 12
assemblies are arranged approximately 45° to the key through 16. Also by arrangement of the guide slots 72,
levers 4 in the opposite direction, so as to place the jack the jack assembly 66 may be limited to tilting in a verti
assemblies 53 at essentially right angles to the strings cal plane. In this case, the plectrum may be located on
24. Various other angular relationships are possible 35 the forward side of the vertical member, as indicated in
without significant change in structure. The forward FIG. 19, so as to engage an end of a vibrating reed 79,
portion of each cross bar 54 is provided with a biasing In this case, a set of vibrating reeds produce sounds
mass 16 to provide an inertial force opposing the corre through electronic amplification in a conventional
sponding spring 59. a.
Operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 40 Reference is directed to FIG. 20. In place of the ad
through 16 is as follows: justment screw 52, the horizontal member 67 may have
The operation is essentially the same as previous em a depending lug 80 joined by a pivotal connection 81
bodiments; that is, the jack assembly normally occupies to a padded plate 81 a which tends to provide area
a position with the shaft 55 extending vertically and the 45 contact with the key lever 4 by conforming to the upper
plectrum disposed under a corresponding string. When surface thereof, The plate is not connected to the key
the jack assembly is driven upwardly, the inertial force lever; that is, when the key lever returns to its original
of the biasing mass tends to hold the shaft 55 in a verti position ahead of downward movement of the jack as
cal position so as to cause the plectrum to engage its sembly, the padded plate clears the key lever but occus
corresponding string. As previously indicated, this 50 pies an essentially horizontal position for later con
force is in proportion to the force applied to the key forming engagement by the key lever, It should be
lever so that the volume of sound produced can be con noted that the drive point represented by the padded
trolled by the musician. Also, as previously described, plate 81a is offset vertically from the center of rotation
when the jack assembly descends to its initial position, of the jack. Thus the plate 81a will tend to slide a eer
the spring 59 tilts the jack assembly sufficiently to tain distance upon key 4 during the pluck, The frietien
avoid contact with the string by its plectrum. of this area contact not only aids the plucking force on
Reference is now directed to FIGS, 17 and 18. The the up-stroke, but aids plectrum clearance on the re
embodiment here shown is closely related to the em turn stroke,
bodiment shown in FIGS. 12 through 16. In this case, Reference is now directed to FIGS. 21 through 25,
the jack assembly 66 includes an elongated horizontal 60 The embodiment here illustrated is particularly
member 67, corresponding to the cross bar 54, and adapted for upright musical instruments in which the
contains a biasing mass 16 which may be a separate strings 24 run in an inclined direction, This embodi
member, such as a metal weight, or the mass of the hor ment includes a mounting base 82 having a padded step
izontal member 67 may be such as to accomplish this member 83 engaged by the set of key levers 4, when
function. Extending upwardly from the horizontal they are in their normal positions, Mounted above the
members 67 is a vertical member 68, terminating in an rear portion of each key lever is a jack assembly 84
upwardly directed guide pin 69 and provided with a which includes an essentially horizontal upper member
plectrum 22. In this case, the plectrum is shown as 85 from which extends a rearwardly sloping depending
 3,777,612 8
7
member 86. The mid-portion of the depending member means acting thereon in opposition in such a manner
is provided with a forwardly directed horizontal exten that the plectrum plucks its corresponding string, as a
sion 87, which carries an adjustment screw 88 or the result of the force applied on the key member, and on
padded plate 81a, as shown in FIG. 20. The adjustment the return stroke cooperates to guide the plectrum
screw defines an essentially vertical axis passing 5 clear of the string.
While particular embodiments of this invention have
through the horizontal member 85 near its rearward been shown and described, it is not intended to limit
end.
Each upper member 85 is supported at its ends above the same to the details of the constructions set forth,
a forward mounting member 89 and a rearward mount but instead, the invention embraces such changes,
ing member 90. These members are provided, respec 10 modifications and equivalents of the various parts and
tively, with upwardly extending guide pins 91 and 92. their relationships as come within the purview of the
The rear guide pin 92 is provided with a spring 93 for appended claims.
exerting a downward force on the upper member 85 of I claim:
the jack assembly, and the forward guide pin 91 is pro 1. A plectrum means for musical instruments having
vided with a head 94 to limit upward movement of the 15 a plurality of sound producing vibratible elements, the
upper member 85. The upper or horizontal member 85 plectrum means comprising:
a. a jack means including a cross bar and a plectrum
is also provided with a set screw 95. Extending under element supporting member extending upwardly
the series of horizontal members 85 is a tone sustaining
bar 96 which engages the series of set screws 95. The therefrom;
tone sustaining bar 96 is mounted for pivotal move 20 b. means for supporting the jack means for limited
ment about the axis of a shaft 97 and is suitably con translation and tilting movements;
nected to a foot control, not shown. c. a plectrum element at the upper end of the sup
The lower end of each depending member 86 is pro porting member;
vided with a depending guide pin 98, which is limited 25 d. a manually operable means for engaging the jack
to forward and rearward motion by a slotted strip 99. means and tending to cause translatory movement
Mounted adjacent its lower end on the rearward side of thereof and to cause plucking engagement of the
the depending member 86 is a plectrum 22 and a mut plectrum with a corresponding sound producing
ing pad 43 for engagement with a string 24. As will be vibratible element;
noted in FIG. 23, the upper surface of each plectrum e. a spring engaging one lateral portion of the cross
is tilted to correspond to the angular position of the 30 bar and opposing the manually operable means to
string 24. effect return movement of the plectrum element
As is the case with other embodiments previously de past its corresponding vibratible element, the
scribed, the horizontal or upper member 85 has a spring applying a force tending to tilt the jack
greater mass forwardly of the vertical axis, including means in a direction to clear its corresponding vi.
the adjustment screw 88, than rearwardly thereof. This 35 bratible means.
may be accomplished by the construction of the jack f, a gravity responsive mass included in the opposite
assembly itself or by the addition of a biasing mass 16. lateral portion of the cross bar, the inertia of which
Operation of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21 opposes the spring during plucking movement of
through 25 is as follows: the plectrum.
When the jack assembly 84 is driven upward, the in 40 2. A plectrum means as defined in claim 1, wherein;
ertia of the jack assembly forward of its vertical axis, a. means having a guide slot extending in angular re
defined by the adjustment screw 88, maintains the plec lation to the cross bar is disposed above the jack
trum in position for engagement with its corresponding means;
string. The force exerted is in proportion to the force 45 b. and an extension of the plectrum supporting ele
applied to the key lever by the musician, the movement ment is received therein to guide the plectrum in a
being essentially as indicated in FIG. 24. During return path for engagement with a corresponding vibrati.
movement, the spring 93 causes the plectrum to clear ble element disposed in angular relation to the
the string as indicated in FIG. 25. cross bar.
When the jack assembly 84 returns to its initial posi 50 3. In a musical instrument of the plectrum piano type,
tion, the muting pad 43 comes in contact with the cor the combination of:
responding string 24 to stop further sound. However, if a horizontal support, a vertical guide pin fixed in said
it is desired to sustain the sound, the bar 96 is raised to support, a jack arm resting on said support and cir.
engage the set screws 95 which maintain the jack as cumposed on said guide pin so as to allow free ver
sembly 84 in its angular position holding the muting 55 tical and vertical rocking motion of said jack arm,
pad clear of its corresponding string. The adjustment is a helical spring mounted axially on said guide pin
such that even in this condition, the plectrum is dis and restrained upwardly by a threadably adjustable
posed in part underneath the string so that even though nut thereon and bearing downwardly upon said
the tone is sustained, repeated plucking action may be jack arm, a second vertical guide pin dependingly
attained. 60 mounted in a second horizontal support and slide.
It will be noted that each of the embodiments accom ably received in a slot in the opposite end of said
plish the same objective; that is, the sound producing jack arm for the purpose of limiting the horizontal
vibratible elements or strings or reeds are caused to motion thereof, a rod or wire fixed at a right angle
produce a volume of sound proportional to the force to said jack arm and forming the body of the jack,
applied to the keys by the musician. During return 65 said rod extending upwardly to a vibrateable string
stroke, each plectrum is guided clear of its correspond a slotted guide slideably receiving said body rod
ing vibratible elements. In each of the embodiments, near the upper end thereof for the purpose of limit.
this is accomplished by a jack assembly and yieldable ing the lateral motion thereof, a jack head mounted
 3,777,612
10
on said rod and carrying a downwardly inclined sponding sound producing element.
plectrum for plucking said string, a resilient 9. A plucking means as defined in claim 5, wherein:
damper pad mounted on said jack head and abut a. the inertial mass means is disposed above the plec
ting said string in the rest position, for the purpose trum;
of stopping the sound thereof, and a felt pad 5 b. the deflecting means is disposed below the plec
mounted on the underside of said jack arm to re trum;
ceive the motion of a conventional capstan screw c. and the plectrum is disposed adjacent the thrust
and key-lever, such that the loudness of pluck is de aXIS,
pendent on key-lever velocity. 10. A plucking means as defined in claim 5, wherein:
4. The combination with a musical instrument having 10 a. the jack assembly and sound producing elements
a plurality of sound producing elements vibratible at are disposed in opposite angular relation to the key
different frequencies, of a plucking means for each 3S.
sound producing element, comprising: 11. A plucking means as defined in claim 4, wherein:
a. a plectrum element; a. a muting pad carried by the jack assembly is dis
b. key means having a driving end producing a vari- 15 posed adjacent the plectrum for engagement with
able upward force corresponding to the manual its sound producing element when the plectrum is
force applied to the key means; in its initial position;
c. a jack assembly carrying the plectrum element, the b. and manually operated means is engageable with
jack assembly having means engagaged by the driv the jack assembly to shift the muting pad clear of
ing end of the key means to move the plectrum up- 20 the sound producing element when the plectrum
wardly from an initial position to pluck a sound returns to its initial position.
producing element and return the plectrum to its 12. A plectrum means for musical instruments having
initial position; a plurality of sound producing vibratible elements, the
d. inertial mass means included in the jack assembly plectrum means comprising:
and offset both laterally and axially from the en- 25 a. a jack means including a cross bar, a depending
gaged means of the jack assembly to produce an spectrum supporting bar, and a force receiving
inertial force in proportion to the manual force ap member forming a vertical thrust axis intermediate
plied to key key means, said inertial mass means the ends of the cross bar;
transmitting to the jack assembly the inertial force b. means for supporting the jack means for limited
in a direction to resist lateral deflection to effect a 30 translation and tilting movements;
corresponding plucking force whereby the sound c. a plectrum element carried by the jack means;
intensity produced varies with the manual force ap d. an operating means for engaging the jack means
plied to the key means, the inertial mass means ex and tending to cause translatory movement thereof
hibiting minimal inertial effect during return move and to cause plucking engagement of the plectrum
ment of the plectrum; 35 with a corresponding sound producing vibratible
e. and means included in the jack assembly for de element;
flecting the plectrum during its return movement e. a first means on one side of the thrust axis opposing
clear of its sound producing element. the manually operable means and urging the plec
5. A plucking means as defined in claim 4 wherein: trum element into engagement with its correspond
a. the jack assembly defines an essentially vertical 40 ing vibratible element;
thrust axis passing through the region of engage f. and a second means on the other side of the thrust
ment by the key means; axis opposing the manually operable means to ef
b. the inertial mass means is disposed at one side of fect return movement of the plectrum element past
the thrust axis; its corresponding vibratible element, the second
c. and the deflecting means includes a spring dis- 45 means applying a force tending to tilt the jack
posed at the other side of the thrust axis. means in a direction to clear its corresponding vi
6. A plucking means as defined in claim 5, wherein: bratible means. V
a. the inertial mass means and the deflecting means 13. A plectrum means as defined in claim 12,
are disposed above the region of engagement of the wherein:
jack assembly by the key means, and respectively 50 a. a pad is disposed adjacent the plectrum element
in a forward and rearward position thereto; for engagement with the corresponding vibratible
b. and the plectrum is disposed below and rearward element when the jack means is at rest thereby to
of said region. dampen vibration thereof,
7. A plucking means as defined in claim 5, wherein: b. and means is provided for engagement with the
a. the inertial mass means, the deflecting means and 55 jack means for holding the pad clear of its vibrati
the plectrum are disposed above the region of en ble element to permit resonance of the vibratible
gagement of the jack assembly by the key means, element.
the plectrum being disposed above the inertial 14. A plectrum means as defined in claim 12,
mass means and deflecting means, adjacent the wherein:
thrust axis, 60 a. the first means is a gravity responsive mass incor
8. A plucking means as defined in claim 7, wherein: porated in the cross bar at one side of the thrust
a. the jack assembly and sound producing elements axis to apply an inertial force urging engagement of
are disposed in alignment with the key means; the plectrum element with its corresponding vibra
b. and pin and slot means effects lateral tilting of the tible element in proportion to the force applied by
jack assembly upon operation of the deflecting 65 the operating means.
means to cause the plectrum to clear its corre k k : : k