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jaykellogg - Posted - 06/12/2009: 18:19:29
It probably ought to work. In the USA you have one year to get the patent after the idea is first shown. I think the patent application is all that is necessary. In Europe, unless you have your application in already, you can no longer patent this.
W. Jay Kellogg
phil dean - Posted - 06/12/2009: 19:31:32
Whattttttt!!!!!!!
masteresoguitars.com
Square Neck - Posted - 06/13/2009: 08:35:21
quote:
Originally posted by jaykellogg
In Europe, unless you have your application in already, you can no longer patent this.
Dammit, that boat ride was so long I almost forgot about that place!
Oh well,
Let them eat cake then.
alaya - Posted - 06/13/2009: 12:04:54
"I also decided to put a patent pending status on it."
Note that it is illegal in the U.S. to mark an item "patent pending" unless a patent has actually been applied for.
Square Neck - Posted - 06/13/2009: 15:55:24
Hey,
Thanks for the heads up on that!!
uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/...l/faq.htm
1. What do the terms “patent pending” and “patent applied for” mean?
A. They are used by a manufacturer or seller of an article to inform the public that an application for patent on that article is on file in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The law imposes a fine on those who use these terms falsely to deceive the public.
Edited by - Square Neck on 06/13/2009 15:57:12
Arrowsmit - Posted - 06/13/2009: 16:36:54
Hey Jim, congrats on the unveiling of your innovative new capo design. Exciting stuff! Be sure & let us know when you get a protoype in hand. 'The Konrad capo'...yep, has a nice ring to it doesn't it?
Vic
The more I learn about playing this crazy thing the more I realize how very little I know about it...
just Bill - Posted - 06/14/2009: 09:35:01
Jim, that is ingenious! It makes perfect sense, easy to use, accurate and like you said, won't be bouncy.
Congratulations on your inventiveness!
I, too, am looking forward to seeing and hearing your prototype. I'll be "standing in line" for one. :^)
Proud to be a "MURPHY HENRY-ITE"
"If you ain''t different, you ain''t normal!"
Square Neck - Posted - 06/14/2009: 12:34:41
Alaya,
Thank you again for the heads up!! My intent was not to deceive anyone or to get sued for thinking out loud. WOW!! I changed my other posts to reflect the laws of "The Man". Please note, I am upset and disappointed but not at you in anyway. I view your post as you watching out for me..thanks again Alaya!!.
Thanks Vic, and Bill for your kind, optimistic comments, they mean a lot to me. As simple as it looks, it actually took me some time to get the height I wanted using as few parts as possible. There are a couple other ways to skin this cat but they would need twice the number of parts. The parts number thing for me is not a cost measure. It has all to do with reliability, and transfer of sound. There are capos out there with as many as 15+ parts!!! I try to always practise the whole k.i.s.s. methodology. For me keeping the capo under the strings is a must. Right now I use two different heights of deer antler as a capo. But they only work best on two frets. If I wanted to have a perfect under string capo I would need at least three or four heights.
This is a picture I took after I came up with the "multiple ramps" idea.
As far as tone I don't think a capo should sound to much different than a nut, that's what I am shooting for.
This is the picture posted over at TSGF..Showing a last rough draft..
The example on the bottom shows one with a taller top piece. This first capo will be less than 3/8 closed, and just over a half inch opened up. I think that should cover most modern setups, let me know if I am mistaken on that please?
As far as getting in line for one.....I will have to see how this first one works out and then go from there. I guess, in a way there is a sort of theoretical e-line being formed that would be honored if things turn out right. So far we're looking at ten or so...If I do make them I will try to number them.
I want to say again that I appreciate all of the encouragement and enthusiasm about my idea. Worse case scenario would be for someone else to patent my own idea then choose not to produce it (especially if they make an inferior or other popular capo). In this world and times, I would not be surprised if that happened. I am not going to patent this for it takes too much money to do so. I am not in this for the money, and I cannot see paying someone else (lawyer) because I came up with a good idea to help a few dobro players LOL!! I am not going mix dobro playing with any laws....that is exactly why I sold all of my banjos, dammit.
My satisfaction is that, this, MY, idea originated on American soil and I had a fun trying to trouble shoot an ancient device that still has a ton of bugs to work out.
My playing will never leave a legacy so this is the best I can do LOL!!
Thanks again!!
Jim Konrad
Edited by - Square Neck on 06/14/2009 12:41:44
Square Neck - Posted - 06/14/2009: 12:56:12
Just to add...
It will have a groove on the bottom for a fret of course. I thought about putting sides on it as well, sort of like the sides of an old pocket knife,
But again more pieces. Plus without the sides the to can be adjusted back forward as to compensate for any intonation issues.
It will be a half inch thick with a radius (1.0) on top.
davidmaulik - Posted - 06/21/2009: 15:22:58
That design looks really interesting like nothing I have ever seen before. I was just wondering about a couple of things; first do you think the strings will vibrate much toward the headstock? The second question is with the "multiple ramps" design wouldn't there be a greater amount of pressure on the larger gauge strings? Sorry if this was already addressed but my mind isn't working at full capacity right now.
jaykellogg - Posted - 06/21/2009: 19:46:34
Some of the earliest dobro players used a "Church Key" can opener for a capo. Just put it between the strings and fretboard and give it a quarter turn. They usually only worked on the first three frets. This should work OK.
W. Jay Kellogg
Square Neck - Posted - 06/21/2009: 21:54:29
quote:
Originally posted by davidmaulik
do you think the strings will vibrate much toward the headstock?
I always dampen with my pinkie behind the bar and haven't had any problems. If you were to use it above the 5th fret you might run into some overtones. I have not run into any problems so far with my antler capo. If you needed to I guess you could dampen the strings with a shoelace or something, but that would only possibly be needed if you capo above the 5th fret??
quote:
Originally posted by davidmaulik
wouldn't there be a greater amount of pressure on the larger gauge strings?
I don't think it would matter, I think the two pieces should set together as if both pieces were flat?? I think the strings should act and feel like they are going over a nut. You could be seeing something I am missing??
I do appreciate the interest!! I have yet to try one, I will be sure to keep you all posted as soon as it happens....should be soon, I hope!!
davidmaulik - Posted - 06/23/2009: 10:07:27
I guess I forgot about the pinky dampening I haven't been playing reso for very long. I forget things like that sometimes, so this shouldn't be a problem. Don't forget to keep us posted once you get a working prototype.
will wanderin - Posted - 06/27/2009: 23:02:55
correct me if i'm wrong but when turning the screw to heighten the capo, doesn't it make the top part move perpendicular to the neck, thus pushing the strings in that direction and messing up the intonation? maybe i didn't understand the drawing....
myspace.com/willwandering
Square Neck - Posted - 07/06/2009: 08:53:44
Will,
You are correct, I think once it is up to the proper height you might just need to pull the capo toward you a little, I don't think it will be much of an issue, I hope??
I am still waiting for a prototype....any day now.......
BTW..What kind of axe is that in your avatar?
alaya - Posted - 07/06/2009: 10:29:33
I think a bigger issue may be if the screw has enough mechanical advantage to easily push the top piece up the relatively steep ramps and overcome the friction. I would think a very fine thread screw would be in order.
Edited by - alaya on 07/06/2009 10:30:31
Tom Jr. - Posted - 07/07/2009: 05:24:46
Now I was thinking the opposite on threads. I figured on very coarse threads for quick adjustment,
Don''t squat with your spurs on.
will wanderin - Posted - 07/07/2009: 21:51:51
that's a maple Gann. quality instrument!
i hope your prototype works! it's an exciting idea not to have anything over the strings and behind the hand getting in the way. good luck!
myspace.com/willwandering
Square Neck - Posted - 07/19/2009: 18:25:48
Will,
Do you have any way to contact Mr. Gann?
Square Neck - Posted - 07/19/2009: 18:50:58
By the way here are some pictures of the..........
Konrad Capo!!
Thanks to Scott, Vic, Phillip T. , Chris I., and everyone else routing for me.
Thanks,
Jim
I know they are small, I will try to get better ones soon.
Square Neck - Posted - 07/19/2009: 19:55:27
quote:
Originally posted by MitchC
Nice ! Well, those guys may have been routing for ya, but I was Rootin' ! Looks like you may just have youself a great product ? How's the sound ?
Thanks Mitch!! That's what I meant to say.
Sounds great, no "tone death", a few minor "overtones" on the higher frets. Might be fixed with a tighter radius on the top.
Jim
Arrowsmit - Posted - 07/20/2009: 15:27:47
Yeow-zah - looks slick Jim! I love the fact that there's nothing above the strings to bump into. Any idea when you'll start taking orders & what they'll be going for? I'm already on the list for one, right? Schweeeeeet!!
Vic
The more I learn about playing this crazy thing the more I realize how very little I know about it...
davidmaulik - Posted - 07/20/2009: 15:43:53
Wow that looks very nice. It works differently than I had thought, I guess I didn't read close enough. Fantastic work!!
Mbradford6288 - Posted - 07/20/2009: 17:34:46
you may consider some sort of pad or felt on the back side of the radius to mute the strings behind the capo. that being said, looks killer, consider selling them?
Square Neck - Posted - 07/20/2009: 20:38:10
Thanks for all of the complements and suggestions.
The more I play it the more I like it!! I think the overtones on the open strings are much like the sound differance of new strings vs old strings. It could make sense because the under side of the string is "newer" than the top side. I will have to see how it sounds with new strings.
Four have been made (not finished) so far, all spoken for.
Not sure how many might be for sale yet....they might end up costing on the high end of prices for most capos?? Not sure, we'll have to see what happens.
Thanks all!!
will wanderin - Posted - 07/21/2009: 08:58:09
square neck, that is a pretty awsome lookin' capo! congrats! would love to try one as soon as your ready to start taking orders! i love my bradley capo but it is pretty bulky on top of the strings.
Don Gann's email address is dgann@suddenlink.net
can't beat his instruments for the price IMO. to my ears, his reso's blow the gold tones and wechter-horns out of the water for around the same price. custom, solid wood and american made!
he also occasionally puts his reso's up on ebay(which is where I found mine).
myspace.com/willwandering
Square Neck - Posted - 07/28/2009: 15:22:43
Thanks Will,
I would take one of Mr. Gann's guitars over any import, hands down. I have been looking for a way to contact him for a friend.
Glad to hear about the capo. Still got to check out a few things before might be able to sell a few of em.
Here is yet another thread about it.....
guitarseminars.com/gs/viewtopi...917a5beb5
<*)))>{
BoiDetroit - Posted - 09/12/2009: 22:03:16
I've been using Squareneck's capo for a few months now and it's proving to be excellent for my Regal. At first I didn't like the fact that it was in two pieces but now I find it an advantage because sliding the capo can correct the pitch. First I dial up the screw for good contact then slide the top section to correct the pitch. I usually don't play with a capo except at the second fret for those open string Bluegrass licks in A. It doesn't sound too good beyond the third fret but that's not the capo's fault. It's a Regal !!!
-----------------------------------------------------
Pedals?
I got no pedals.
I don't need no stinkin' pedals!
atracksler - Posted - 09/13/2009: 07:08:15
I Love that capo!!
bris48 - Posted - 09/13/2009: 09:11:05
I have a stupid question>>>>>>
Don't the strings slide over the capo when played ? I don't see any grooves to hold strings ....
Of course I am old and senile :-)
RedLine Resohead
Square Neck - Posted - 09/13/2009: 09:47:17
Detroit......
Thanks for chiming in!!
Bris.... You are right, no grooves. Works and sounds like a steel. Not having grooves allows for easy on/off instillation. Also makes "behind the bar" string bends as easy as if there was no capo.
I am in the middle of moving into a new house and we should be having our second baby in a month so I will be taking some down time on this project for a little while.
Thanks everyone!!
Jim
Arrowsmit - Posted - 09/14/2009: 15:18:55
I enthusiastically concur, the Konrad is a VERY VERY nice capo! Now I don't use a capo a whole lot, & have been using a Schubb & a Bradley when I do. But as soon as I tried the Konrad I instantly preferred it over the Schubb on my OMI & after fitting it to my Beard I don't think it loses anything to the (great sounding) Bradley I'd been using either. As soon as I get around to permanently adding a leather pad under it (so it'll fit both resos) I'll have one capo for both gtrs! Ultra small, easy on/off, nothing protruding above the strings, great tone w/no noticeable loss of volume vs others, top shelf fit & finish - this capo is AWESOME! The carrying case is 'trick' too & is another example of Mr Konrads forward thinking. Jim, thanks so much for allowing me to be one of your testers. I love this capo!
Vic
phil dean - Posted - 09/14/2009: 15:46:01
How does the capo work on guitars with inlaid frets?
masteresoguitars.com
Arrowsmit - Posted - 09/14/2009: 15:51:58
I'll let you know in a few weeks Phil.
Vic
phil dean - Posted - 09/14/2009: 17:43:23
Thats cool!
masteresoguitars.com
