THE GUITAR STRING BALL-END STABILIZER-BAR

LA BARRE DE STABILISATION D'EXTREMITE DE BOULE DE CORDE DE GUITARE

English Abstract

The guitar string ball-end Stabilizer-Bar (see figure#1b and 1c) is designed
to
position all the strings ball-ends so they face in one direction when use in
conjunction with the guitar bridge (see figure#1a). The alignment of the ball-
ends
happens when the Stabilizer-Bar is inserted through each one of the strings
ball-ends
holes. Once the ball-ends are aligned the string ball-ends sit snuggly in the
bridge string holes (see Figure#3) reducing movement and improving transfer of
string vibration to the bridge.
The Stabilizer-Bar could be made of metal, aluminum, plastic, wood or any
material hard enough to withstand the movement of the ball-ends and provide
the support needed so that the ball-ends will stay in place with minimum
movement.
The Stabilizer Bar stays in place once it is inserted/slid through each one of
the
strings ball-ends holes.
The stabilizer bar is around 8 centimeters for 4 string basses, 9 centimeters
for 5
string basses and 10 centimeters for 6 string basses. If the guitar uses more
than 6
strings a longer Stabilizer-Bar will be needed as long as the bridge allows
for
placement of the Stabilizer Bar.

Claims

-4-
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. By using the Stabilizer-Bar shown in Figure#1b and Figure#1c the strings
ball-ends sit snuggly in the bridge string holes (see Figure#3) reducing
movement and improving transfer of string vibration to the bridge. Once
the strings are fully tuned, the strings ball-ends seat steady and anchored
against the bridge string holes when the strings are under tension.
2. Using the Stabilizer-Bar (shown in Figure#1b and Figure#1c) will help the
string-loops (see Figure#3) retain their spring effect by preventing the ball-
ends from twisting around when tuning, after tuning, when pulling the
strings or slapping the strings when playing. In some cases the spring effect
is so strong that the ball-ends most of the time end up twisted and not
seating steady in the bridge string holes.
3. Using the Stabilizer-Bar (shown in Figure#1a) will keep the strings ball-
ends
aligned with each other in place during initial string setup/replacement.
4. In the event that strings ball-ends seat above the bridge string holes (See
figure#4) the ball-ends will only be aligned in relation to each other. This
effect will enhance the esthetic/look of the bridge (See figure#1a)

Description

CA 02920734 2016-05-11
Description:
The Guitar String Ball-End Stabilizer Bar
The invention pertains generally to electric bass guitar musical instruments.
The
invention is a metal bar as in figure4*8 that is inserted horizontally through
each
one of the string ball-ends holes (figure#7) of an electric bass guitar.
As an example this bar can be used on most electric bass guitars that are
equipped with vintage style bridges found on most Fender Jazz and precision
bass
guitar from 1960's and 1970's as an example.
Some modern electric bass guitar bridges have very similar design if compared
to
traditional electric bass guitar bridges from the 1960's and 1970's. As a
practical
example, strings are mounted from the top of the bridge instead of through the
body of the instrument as seen in figure#2.
Since the bar is inserted horizontally through each one of the string ball-
ends
holes these string ball-ends holes must be accessible as in figure #6.
The Stabilizer Bar stays in place once it is inserted/slid through each one of
the
strings ball-ends holes.
Because of the tension and the spring effect on the strings once tuned the
string
ball-ends tend to twist. The bar prevents the twisting move securing itself in
place.

CA 02920734 2016-05-11
The invention possesses numerous benefits and advantages.
1- Keeps all the ball-ends aligned as in figure#7.
2- Provide optimum support to all the strings ball-ends by preventing them
from twisting counter or clock wise.
3- Since all the ball-ends need to be aligned in order for the bar to be
inserted/slid through it improves the esthetic of the bass guitar bridge.
4- The bar guides all the ball-ends to sit and anchor fully in the bridge
string mount holes as in figure#10.
5- Because the spring effect is so strong once the strings are tuned the ball-
ends end up twisted most of the time and not seating properly in the
bridge strings mount holes when the bar is not used as shown in
figure#9

CA 02920734 2016-05-11
Description Summary:
Although the invention has been described in connection with vintage electric
bass guitar bridges, it should be understood that various bridges can be used.
Also, additional modifications can be made to the invention depending if it is
used
on a 4, 5 or 6 electric bass guitar bridges. These modification can vary from
the
length and outer diameter of the bar depending on the type of string or bridge
used.

CA 02920734 2016-05-11
Representative Drawings
Figure#1a Top View
Figure#3 Side View
Figure#4 Ball-End Side View
Figure#5 "THE GUITAR STRING BALL-ENDS STABILIZER BAR" - Actual Drawings
Figure#6 Electric Bass Guitar Bridge Without the Stabilizer Bar
Figure#7 Electric Bass Guitar Bridge With the Stabilizer Bar
Figure#8 "THE GUITAR STRING BALL-ENDS STABILIZER BAR" ¨ Actual Prototype
Figure#9 Ball-Ends Not Anchored And Not Seating properly
Figure#10 Ball-Ends Anchored And Seating properly

Representative Drawing