GB2233141A

GB2233141A - A plectrum

Info

Publication number: GB2233141A
Application number: GB8909120A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Walker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-04-21
Filing date: 1989-04-21
Publication date: 1991-01-02
Also published as: GB8909120D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a plectrum 1 for playing a stringed musical instrument, comprising a device 2 whereby the plectrum may be removably stowed, as by being clipped, on a string of an instrument whilst not in use. The device 2 is a blind channel or slot 3 extending into the body 4 of the plectrum from a section 5 of the body adapted to be gripped by a player during playing. The slot 3 tapers to a notch 8 which is of a diameter to receive a string, the entry of the notch 8 being of less width than the diameter of the string. <IMAGE>

Description

A PLECTRUM The invention relates to a plectrum for playing a stringed musical instrument.

Plectrums are usually small, light items which are easily mislaid, which can be embarrassing if this happens during playing.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to seek to mitigate this disadvantage.

According to the invention there is provided a plectrum for a stringed musical instrument, comprising a device whereby the plectrum may be removably stowed on a string of an instrument whilst not in use.

Using the invention it is possible to "clip" a plectrum to a string when not in use, so its whereabouts is always known.

The device may comprise a blind slot extending into the body of the plectrum from a section of the body adapted to be gripped by a player during playing.

The blind slot may taper to the closed end thereof, which closed end may terminate in an enlarged notch part. This part may itself be substantially circular when considered in plan.

The plectrum may include at least two string striking means arranged so that the plectrum may be employed selectively to strike a string of the instrument one or more times during a single playing stroke.

The body of the plectrum may comprise upper and lower surfaces defining upper and lower striking means, the lower one at least being co-planar with the body and one striking rowans being shorter than the other.

There may be a trifurcated body comprising three striking means for striking a string a plurality or times during a single playing stroke.

The plectrun may be oval clnd liasv be rnade of plastic fay example integrally of plastic.

Plectrums embodying the invention are hereinafter described, by way of exarrple, with reference to the accatpanying drawings.

Figure 1 is an enlarged plan view of a plectrum according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a plectrum according to the invention; Figure 3 is an end elevational view, taken in the direction of the arrow 'A', of the plectrum of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a side elevational view of another plectrurn according to the invention, and Figure 5 is an end elevational view, taken in the direction of the arrolr 'B', of the plectrum of Figure 4.

Referring to the drawings, there are shown plectrums 1,10,20 for playing a stringed musical instrument (not shown), ccaDrising a device 2 whereby the plectrums 1,10,20 may be removably stowed as by being clipped, on a string of an instrument whilst not in use.

The device 2 is a blind channel or slot 3 extending into the body 4 of the plectrum from a section 5 of the body adapted to be gripped by a player during playing. The blind channel or slot 3 is tapered from its entry 6 to the distal or closed end 7 which terminates in a circular notch 8 which is of a diameter to receive a strirlg.

The entry to the notch 8 is thus of less width than the diameter of the string.

The plectrums 1,10,20 may be made from plastic by a moulding process so that an integral product is made in one step.

Alternatively, the blind channel or slot 3 may be formed in the plectrum as by a separate cutting step after a moulding step.

The plectrums 1,10,20 may have a single playing top or part 9 opposite the section 5, as shown in Figure 1.

Alternatively, the plectrum may have a plurality of playing parts 9', for example two as in the plectrum 10 of Figures 2 and 3 or three 9" as in the plectrum 20 of Figures 4 and 5.

In the plectrums 10 and 20, there is an upper (Figures 2 and 3) and an upper and lower (Figures 4 and 5) part 9' or 9" which overlie a part 9',9" which lies in the central plane of the plectrum and which are shorter than that central part and are inclined to the central plane, the inclination being exaggerated in the drawings in order to show the construction clearly.

Alternatively the parts 9' and 9" may be parallel to the part.

In use of all embodiments, the plectrum 1,10,20 is held manually at the section 5 to strike strings of a musical instrument. Those of Figures 2-5 can be used to achieve a multiple striking effect on a string during a single playing stroke. When the player stops playing, the plectrum 1,10,20 is stowed on a string by offering the open 6 end of the channel or slot 3 up to a string and passing the plectrum over the string so that the body 4 of the plectrum passes over the string until the string comes to rest in the notch 8, the sides of the channel or slot 3 springing apart owing to the inherent resilience of the plectrum so that the string "snaps" into the notch. The plectrum is then held on the string as noses 11 close round the string and prevent the pelctrum from falling off the string. The plectrum is then effectively stowed on the string. It is easily removed by pulling the plectrum in a direction towards the open end of the channel or slot 3 so that the noses move apart and the sides of the channel or slot pass over the string until it passes out of the free end.

In a modification the sides of the channel or slot 3 may be bowed towards one another to provide for snap engagement in the stowing device 2, the distal end of the channel or slot 3 being wider than the channel between the converging sides to accommodate a string.

In a further modification, the blind channel or slot may be of elongated triangular shape, the open end being the narrower end and the enlarged base being at distal or closed end of the channel or slot. This construction can make for easier moulding.

Claims

1. A plectrum for a stringed musical instrument, canprising m g a device whereby the plectrum may be removably stowed on a string of an instrument whilst not in use.

2. A plectrum according to Claim 1, the device comprising a blind channel or slot extending into the body of the plectrum from a section of the body adapted to be gripped by a player during playing.

3. A plectrum according to Claim 2, the blind channel or slot tapering to the closed end thereof.

4. A plectrum according to Claim 3, the closed end terminating in an enlarged notch part.

5. A plectrum according to Claim 4, the enlarged notch part being substantially circular in plan.

6. A plectrum according to any preceding claim, including at least two string striking means arranged so that the plectrum may be employed selectrively to strike a string of the instrument one or more times during a single playing stroke.

7. A plectrum according to Claim 6, in which the body comprises upper and lower surfaces defining upper and lower striking means, the lower one at least being co-planar with the body and one striking means being shorter than the other.

8. A plectrum according to Claim 6, in which the body is trifurcated and comprises three string striking means for striking a string twice during the playing stroke.

,

9. A plectrum according to any preceding claim, in which the body is oval.

10. A plectrum according to any preceding claim, made of plastic.

11. A plectrum for playing a stringed musical instrument, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.