Bracket clamp/fastner

bogwalrus

Hello there,

I am making a diy musical instrument and trying to figure out a solution for holding strings.

Basically i need to clamp down 10 individual pieces of guitar string (around 2" long each) using some sort of metal brace/clamp or bracket.

This bracket will then be screwed on the inside wall of a square shaped wooden box approx 4.5" x 4.5" x 4.5"

the strings can then be plucked where they have a nice bit of tension on one end (from clamp) and loose other end.

These strings will be amplified using a contact mic that also needs to make itself attached in some way to the metal clamp/bracket

The contact mic's circumference is 1.5" and is flat and very thin.

I have been looking at maybe using a 2" x 2" 90 degree angled metal bracket where using another flat piece of metal i can create a clamp at the top of bracket using the present screw holes.

I am wondering if this is possible or is there an easier method.


The importance will be good tension on the strings and also a simple clamp mechanism so the strings can be taken out and put back in using different lengths to get different tones etc.



Thanks in advance,

boggy

bogwalrus

Finally came up with a solution. Bought some alluminium parts and wingnuts.

bogwalrus

I'm having some issues with my clamp.





Basically when i clamp down the strings the strings in the centre of clamp are still loose.

I am wondering if moving the wingnuts/screws more centre will create an even taut clamp? I dont want the sides then to not be taut.


I dont really know why the centre is not tightening as much as side. It does not look as if there is a concave forming or anything.


Anyway some help would be great,

Thanks,
Boggy

tommy.obr

Placing the screws in the centre may help but you may get a problem on the outside edge. If i was doing it i would but a small curve on the plate( along its length. A very slight curve would ensure that the middle section applies pressure, and the wingnuts can then pull down either end to ensure the strings are clamped firmly. You were talking about a 'concave forming', so use this to your advantage only the oppisite way, convex

bogwalrus

I'll give that a try. I'm worried though that because its aluminium its too light for it to keep the curve I create. The tightening will just straighten metal again.

BASHIR

Could you put a very thin layer of plastic or sponge like material in between the two locking plates. As you tighten the screws it will form around the strings it might add some surface contact to the strings.

CatFromHue

Have you removed any burrs off the ends of the brackets?

As Bashir said putting in a gasket between the brackets and strings would be a good idea.

bogwalrus

BASHIR wrote: »

Could you put a very thin layer of plastic or sponge like material in between the two locking plates. As you tighten the screws it will form around the strings it might add some surface contact to the strings.

I was hoping i didn't have to do something like this as I am replicating 150 of these when finished and didn't want any extra work lol.

Can you recommend a material. i tried a tooth pic and that works quite well but I think when different gauge strings are used at different ends there could be more problems.

bogwalrus

CatFromHue wrote: »

Have you removed any burrs off the ends of the brackets?

What do you mean exactly? Do u mean the burrs on screws? I haven't done anything there really. The clamp is quite tight but not that tight.

I still haven't moved the screw bits in slightly to see if it makes a more even clamp. It would be great if this solved the issue as It means less to do down the line when i replicate.

bogwalrus

Moving the two screws a bit closer has fixed the problem with no issues on the sides. I dont think its going to be necessary to put something else in clamp. When i start replicating ill see if the problem has been properly addressed.

Thank again for all the help:D

Fuzzy Clam

Would it not be easier to clamp each string individualy (sorry spelling) so that any one string could be changed without having to re-clamp all the strings? A simple screw and washer would suffice.

"the strings can then be plucked where they have a nice bit of tension on one end (from clamp) and loose other end."

How are you going to get tension if the strings are loose at one end

bogwalrus

Fuzzy Clam wrote: »

Would it not be easier to clamp each string individualy (sorry spelling) so that any one string could be changed without having to re-clamp all the strings? A simple screw and washer would suffice.

"the strings can then be plucked where they have a nice bit of tension on one end (from clamp) and loose other end."

How are you going to get tension if the strings are loose at one end

This is a very early video where you can see/hear the general idea. In this vid the clamp is'nt doing its just as the strings in center are moving about. I moving the screws and nut a small bit centre and it seems to have fixed the whole problem.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7rSSqgzXuM

I dont think clamping each string is necessary tbh. Maybe when i give these away people can enhance and develop their own mechanism.

The circuit in the diagram is a echo delay that is not turned on yet. I'm using a breadboard so people can personalise their own effects etc.