Extended Range Multi-Scale Combined Guitar and Bass — Origami

This instrument is designed for musicians seeking extended range. Combining deep bass fundamentals with guitar, Origami is positionally suited for unobtrusive conventional play as well as the next generation of touch and tap technique.

Multi-scale (fanned fret) ergonomic comfort provides optimal tone. Headless design with body mounted tuning solves balance issues associated with extended range instruments. Dual-plane fretboard facilitates bowing and strumming as well as plucking and tapping, without the awkwardness of a single string plane.

PHOTO: Scale cardboard mock-up facilitates rapid design iteration and demonstrates angle relationships. Instrument body is not shown (modular neck structure only).

Dual-Plane Uni-Neck

I would like to introduce you to my friend and micro-partnership collaborator, Dr. Dominic. He is a highly skilled plastic surgeon practicing in Thailand, who has a passion for musical instrument design. We first met when he commissioned me to design and build Cupid semi-hollow body guitar.

Dr. Dominic invented his ingenius dual-plane neck shape based on principles from the Japanese art of paper folding, known as Origami. Folding instantly transforms pliable paper into a stiff lightweight structure. One simple crease changes everything.

PHOTOS: Modular structure will be machined from aircraft grade aluminum or titanium. Carbon fiber is another possible material.

When Dr. Dominic shared his dual-plane concept with me, many months ago, we agreed to combine it with my Uni-Neck invention to create a modular structure capable of mounting on interchangeable bodies: solid, semi-hollow body, acoustic. I am in the process of sketching body concepts.

Instruments will feature the Simplicity hardware system. I may also discuss licensing my friend Ola Strandberg's EGS system, as well. Interested, Ola?

Seeking Micro-Partners and Venture Capital

The intention and purpose of eLUTHERIE.org is to experiment with the leading edge of stringed musical instrument design. Including the process of collaboration as well as the business of making, selling and licensing instruments.

We are inviting you to join us in this micro-partnership.

If you have venture capital to invest, or if you have a specific skill in: structural engineering, midi or electronics (pickups), CAD, CNC, marketing or intellectual property, and would like to join us please contact me. We will consider working with established firms as well as talented individuals.

Send your bio as well as what you propose to contribute. NOTE: Please do not send designs or ideas without requesting prior approval from me. This is not a job — it is an opportunity to participate in a win-win business start-up. All serious offers will be considered:

Rick Toone
PO Box 162
Frenchtown, NJ 08825
USA
PHONE 908.996.4815
EMAIL tooneguitars@gmail.com

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License

Comments

[Rick Toone]

Both techniques are possible, depending upon how the neck structure is pivoted in relation to the instrument's body (as well as the human body). The neck swivels as modular body contact points are user-configurable via locking ball joint mechanisms.

We have also been experimenting extensively with strings on the INSIDE of the "V" structure, which is a particularly comfortable arrangement in the upright playing position. I LOVE the way that feels.

Envisioning multiple versions of this instrument, and I'm delighted you will work with us via your EGS system.

[Ola Strandberg]

Incredibly interesting concept, Rick and Dr. Dominic! The EGS hardware would be ideally suited for this project and I would love to be part of it. Bass hardware is on its way.

Would this instrument be used "overhand" for bass tapping, or will it be possible to reach around for the bass strings?

Cheers,
Ola

[Rick Toone]

Thanks, Ric. This idea has been getting serious consideration. Given your unique approach to music, we'd welcome your insight into body specifications that would extend your experimentation. Contact me privately to discuss.

At the very least, we would love to have you perform using the prototype.

[Rick Toone]

Mark — agreed.

One of the concepts I've been thinking about is the idea of a sliding or rolling capo (think Steinberger Transcale) but cantilevered with the ability of the capo to be positionable as a CHORD.

For example, you could have independent capo/pads pre-positioned on the bass strings as a suspended barre chord in the key of the music. This would allow the musician to pluck or hammer drone notes without the need to fret.

[Mark Frith]

Hi - Very exciting concept. It would be fascinating to further explore the tactile performance interface - String technology - height, gauge tension - tonal / harmonic scale length properties - multiple sympathetic stings with adjustable nodal bridges - combination fretted and fret-less fingerboards.

The opportunity to apply new design parameters to "String Technology" could greatly enhance the tonal / dynamic performance characteristics and influence the choice and control of electronic solutions.

[05Ric]

Now all you need to do is combine it with your detachable bodies. Very cool!

[goran]

Hm....nothing special....just another revolutionary, brilliant idea on eLutherie.

=)

Most genius ideas are very simple. It seems unbelievable that nobody came up with this earlier.

I know that this is just a prototype made in cardboard but...how does it feel to "play" ?

[Greg]

Wow.

Just when I think y'all at eLutherie couldn't get more creative, something wild like this comes along.

It'll be cool to see a working model as it develops!

[Jordan]

I'm a little confused as to how this works. As I understand it this is basically combining a bass and a guitar in a way that makes more sense than just having a double necked instrument. Is this correct? Because if it is that's pretty sick.

[Rick Toone]

Jordan — both yes and no in response to your question. Yes, because it combines bass (or at least bass scale strings) with guitar scale strings. No, because it would be difficult to play the bass strings as you would a conventional bass due to finger reach involved (unless you use an overhand fret technique).

We're anticipating the design is going to really open up musical exploration associated with tap technique, drone strings, and two handed play. As well as whatever new techniques develop via the test pilots who play with this bold design.

(beyond my musical imagination)

[Mark Vermette]

Hi Rick...

Have you and Dr. Dominic considered closing off the V to create a hollow triangular cross section? This might facilitate strings on both sides of the neck, a la Fred Carlson's Sympitar. Or is this was you meant by your comment about "strings on the inside of the V"?

--Mark

[Rick Toone]

Mark — thanks very much for your thoughts.

We've considered the boxed design, but hope to engineer it open, if possible. The advantages of open are lighter weight and deeper/easier thumb access. Success will depend on how effectively we engineer the materials as well as the cable tensioning/damping system.

It's an exciting challenge.

[Stan p]

Hi guys! Awesome development! Once i entertained myself with drowings of a double neck
that would not be flat and wide and had a similar idea. It seems you could make both "necks" playable
in standard way and keep your innovative ideas? Good luck!