- Rockin’ Patent: US Patent No. 7,968,778
- Filed: 6 April 2010
- In the name of: D’Addario & Company, Inc.
- Title: Tuner With Capo
- What’s claimed: “A combination capo and tuner, comprising: a capo connectable to the neck or headstock of a stringed instrument with sufficient contact to mechanically transmit a spectrum of mechanical vibrations commensurate with the acoustic vibration of a string; and a tuner mechanically integrated with the capo and including a sensor such that mechanical vibrations transmitted through the capo are received by the sensor, and a tuning display system coupled to the sensor that displays a tuning figure of merit commensurate with the acoustic vibration of the string wherein, the capo has a top jaw, spaced apart from a bottom jaw, and an actuator for selectively moving the jaws closer and farther apart, thereby securing the capo on and releasing the capo from the neck or headstock; at least one of the jaws is supported on a rigid shank; and the shank engages the tuner”.
- Why this patent rocks:
- The patent summarises the invention as follows: “The inventive concept is to provide the combination of a capo with attached tuner having a sensor that picks up vibrations through the capo. The capo and tuner are connected together as a unitary accessory that is attachable along the neck of the guitar, in the manner of a conventional capo, but with the significant advantage of automatic and continuous visibility of the tuner display while tuning at a particular capo position and while pausing between songs”.
- This patent appears to relate to the Planet Waves NS Dual-Action Capo Tuner (see e.g. here).
- Here’s a product demo video of the capo-tuner:
If you’re a patent-savvy music tech business looking for patent help, get in touch with Russell IP here!
The information above is for general interest and information only and does not constitute legal advice.