Sound effects control system for musical instruments2010-03-10 00:00:00output signal which is relayed, either by direct wire or a wireless mechanism, to a typical amplifier containing a speaker for musical output. Thus, the control signal generated by the tactile controller of the present invention can be used to modify the typical sound of an electrical guitar or other musical instrument to produce a wide variety of sound effects, such a volume variations, reverberations, tremolo, and the like. These variations in sound effects, and the switching from one effect to another, can be achieved without musical interruption.
In one embodiment, the controller of the present invention comprises a compressible tube having an inner lumen filled with suitable fluid, such as air, liquid, gel, etc. The tube fluid, when its static pressure is increased or decreased, provides a control signal which is relayed to the control box for modifying the output of the instrument. Thus, the tactile controller of the present invention, in this compressible tube embodiment, provides a pneumatic or hydraulic control signal responsive to manipulation of the tube by the musician.
The tube is constructed from a material which can be readily compressed, either manually or by other mechanisms, resulting also in the collapsibility of the inner lumen and resultant increase in fluid static pressure within. Thus, for example, if the tube is compressed by a thumb or finger, the musician will have enhanced tactile sensitivity to a wide range of movement in the tube as, first, the tube wall is compressed and, secondly, the lumen within collapses in response to increased manual pressure. However, it should be noted that the relative compressibility of the tube wall and the
variability of the static pressure of the fluid within can be independently adjusted to provide a wide range of tube tactile responses. For example, according to personal taste or required range of adjustment, the diameter of the tube and/or the level of inner static pressure can be increased or decreased. Thus, the present invention is not limited to any particular sequence or degree of tube compression or fluid pressure rise. It is, on the other hand, an important advantage of the present invention that these two elements cooperate to provide an improved feel or touch for the musician in order to achieve accurate, sensitive control.
Other advantages of the present invention relate to the shape and placement of the tactile controller. Simply put, the tactile controller, whether it be a tube or other configuration, can be of any length or location on the instrument which facilitates its use by the musician. Advantageously, the controller can be retrofitted to a guitar or other musical instrument by any suitable adhesive, which also allows the controller to be removed and placed in another location. The controller can be cut to length by the user, filled with the fluid provided, and applied to the instrument in any desired location. Thus, the control system of the present invention can be either incorporated into an instrument upon its manufacture or sold as a kit for retrofit to an existing instrument.
The tactile controller of the present invention can be any of a wide range of cross-sectional dimensions and configurations sufficient to allow the desired range of adjustment and tactile res...
