Lever Tuning System

Back in February, when Monster and I evaluated Orchid, we agreed that a body-mounted tuning system would be beneficial, particularly in a 5-string model. It gives the luthier more design control over instrument balance, and moves the process of tuning to the plucking/picking hand, leaving the other free to fret.

a. less movement = more efficiency
b. efficiency = comfort

Over the years I've seen many variations on body-mounted tuners, the two most notable examples: Steinberger, and Kubicki. Both are simple machines: Steinberger based on a screw, Kubiki based on a pulley.

NOTE: Headstock-mounted tuners are (mostly) based on gears, a level of complexity beyond "simple" machine.

Both designs are elegant: Steinberger a compact monolith of efficiency, Kubiki a clever and intricate self-contained world of ingenuity. But I wanted something different. Something original to match the originality of Headless Monster. Something with potential to be better than previous designs.

Goals for my design:

1. Simple machine (manufacturing simplicity)
2. Virtually indestructible (Pete Townshend)
3. Works in any conditions (under water, sand storm, etc.)
4. Self-explanatory (use & adjustment)
5. Easy maintenance (graphite & go)
6. Lightweight (design simplicity)
7. Ergonomic
8. Zero-play mechanism (no sloppiness or slack)

So, I decided on a first-class lever.

I built a crude prototype (photos below) and experimented with the fulcrum position until I was able to comfortably tune a (bass) E string to pitch using just my fingers against the lever...in fact, the screw is simply a locking mechanism to hold the string at a given pitch. It's really fun to take a slack bass string and — bwriong — pull it to pitch.

The drawing represents my thoughts-of-the-moment. I'm developing prototype headstock termination points and saddle concepts. All parts of stainless steel, requiring several human lifetimes to wear out. Aircraft-grade aluminum would be a second choice.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Designed to interface with the Neutral Tension Bridge.

HEADLESS MONSTER SERIES:

Aaaahhrrrgg...they're MULTIPLYING!!!
Headless Monster
Lever Tuning System
Asymmetrical Trapezoidal Neck Profile
Um...

Comments

[The Incredible Bulk]

Simplicity is a beautiful thing that is often overlooked in the 'get it done yesterday' world we find ourselves born into.

My 0.02... make sure to allow enough (tuning) travel of the bottom of the lever (I'll be more than happy to donate my Steinberger copy for travel distance study - maybe some pizza??).

I would stick w/SS rather than alum. Your hollow posts should have a hefty wall thickness to resist the constant pull of the strings (or accidental dropping of the bass) - especially the low B. Or you may use a solid post and bore out a socket to allow/conceal the string ferrule.

Your design is solid & great - you even have a shallow angle from the bridge saddle to the mount post ~ less struggle for the post to do it's job (dependent upon your fulcrum points).

I'm also glad you posted your test pics (1 pic = 1000 Blahs) so I could better understand your concept.

PS: I hope Cali was nice. -TIB

[Raymond DeGennaro]

I love it. There's a bunch of us folks heading down the same path. One of the latest posts regarding this style of headless tuners over at Robert Irizarry's site used 100tpi Optical "nudge" adjusters for very fine control. These are especially nice, because they are completely DIY, with very minimal metal working capacity.

The one aspect that I've been trying to work in is using GraphTech piezo saddles in the bridge. Using the TOM-style, or the square "Bass" saddles would work, and so would the open-back Strat-Style, but I've not been able to think of a good, easy to DIY-build bridge to hold them and include some kind of screw-based intonation adjustment.

Ray

[Rick Toone]

Thanks, fellers.

Simplicity is difficult...I love the Kubicki bridge but it's an incredible array of complex moving parts.

The challenge is always how to simplify.

Working on refining this design and will publish drawings as soon as I have something I'm not embarrassed to show.

[William Boston]

Hey Rick,
Sorry if this question is a bit amateurish but, will this bridge concept still work on a neck with fanned frets? I mean, because I'm pretty sure the strings have to be different lengths if you make the frets fanned. Not that the headless monster is going to have fanned frets (that i know of,) I'm just wondering.

[Rick Toone]

William — yours is an excellent question, and thanks for checking in.

Yes, the two concepts are compatible. Next week the machine shop will begin work on a prototype I've designed that will be a (headless) lever tuning system for use with fanned frets.

I am planning to fabricate these bridges for production, meaning luthiers or musicians can purchase them for their own instruments.

Keep checking back for more info. Will report soon.

[William Boston]

Thanks man.
I look forward to seeing any updates you post on the monster project-I've been checking almost everyday since you started! I'm in the designing stages of making first bass (headless neck-though with fanned frets) and I was wondering, do you think I'm in way over my head doing this project, without a dozen easier projects already under my belt?