- Rockin’ Patent: US Patent No. 1,614,984
- Filed: 5 May 1925
- In the name of: Josef Hofmann
- Title: Recorder for Musical Dynamics
- What’s claimed: “The combination for a key-operated master musical instrument; mechanism associated with and movable by the depression of a key or the depression of a number of keys thereof according to the touch, and movable in accordance with the touch the same extent with respect to any key, means to multiply said movement, and devices operated by said means for expression recording instrumentalities.”
- Why this patent rocks: This patent appears to relate to Josef Hofmann’s device to record dynamics in reproducing piano rolls. The patent itself suggests that unlike known recording systems, this invention enables a pianist, by an automatic mechanism, to record their own dynamics without interference by others by means of a device which is sensitive to various degrees of pressure delivered by fingers. Each ‘blow’ and its degree are transformed into corresponding record perforations or marks on the roll of paper; producing a ‘tonal picture identical to the pianist’s original effort.’ See here and here for more on the music inventions of Josef Hofmann.
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