«2 United States Patent Lace (S4) SENSOR ASSEMBLY FOR STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Jeffrey J. Lace, Huntington Beach, CA (us) (75) aventor: (73) Assignee: Actodyne General, Ine. Cypress, CA us) Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis patent is extended or adjusted under 35 USC. 184(b) by 270 days (2) Notice: (21) Apple: 127863,298 (22) PCT Filed: Jan, 16,2008 (86) PCT No. $3710), 2), (4) Date: PCT/US2008/000817 Jul. 16,2010 (81) PCTPuib.No: WO2009/001360 PCT Pub, Date: Jul. 23, 2009 ) Publication Data US 20110048215 AL Mar 3, 2011 (I) Int C1 G10H 300 (2006.01) G10 314 (2006.01), G10H 318 (2006.01), 52) US.CL. CPC... GION 3/181 (2013.01), GOH 0/505 201301) (58) Field of Clasiication Search None ‘See application file for complete search history 69) References Cited USS PATENT DOCUMENTS, asms78 4 S0S456 4 1989 Lace, 101991 Famcl ws009024171B2 (10) Patent No.: (45) Date of Patent: US 9,024,171 B2 May 5, 2015 Sa6845 A 81904 Lace Se Dastso7 $1995 Lace Sa01900 A 31995 Lace Sals3z7 A $1995 Lee Sr etal Sasoa46 A 71995 Lace Sr etal SABSIST A 1995 Lace Sr etal Saeoas A 111995 Lace Ss@s7 A + 101096 Ginpal sums Seatgn A 61997 Lace Soeiaes A 111997 Lace Snera3L A + 61908 Khanagow su726 S831I96 A * 11/1998 Khanagoe 81726 Ssoql0l A * 41999 Damm su728 GIILI8S A $2000 Lace 6372976 B2* 42002 Damm sans 639730 BI $2008 Lace S077 715390 BI 32006 Rogers 735638 B2* 112006 Gat etal sins (Continued) OTHER PUBLICATIONS (Oct. 4.2012 Immatonal Preliminary Report on Patesaility for POTUSORURSIT Primary Examiner — Marlon Fletcher (74) Attorney, Agen, or Finn —Howard & Howard Altomeys PLLC 67 ABSTRACT A sensorassembly for stringed musical instrament having a plurality of movable strings includes a primary winding extending outward to form a mounting member ad adapted tobe disposedon he stringed musical instrument. The sensor assembly includes atleast one magnet disposed adjacent the Primary windin fea magaetic field. The primary ‘winding creates a primary cutent from a disruption inthe ‘magnetic field by the movable strings and he primary current ‘reaes primary electromagnetic flux. The seasor assembly fut includes atleast one secondary being coupled o the srimary winding. Theat last one secondary winding tans Form the primary electromagnetic Mux into a secondary eut- rent adapted o poss out the stringed musical insiument. 15 Claims, 8 Drawing SheetsUS 9,024,171 B2 Page 2 56) References Cited 20040003700 AL_ 12004 Kaman 200s Lo7197 AL* 520058 Gane al S726 US. PATENT DOCUMENTS 200T0OS6ANS AL* 32007 luwoiewier al S726 2o1Loo4sa1s AL* 32011 Lace S726 17.076 B2* 62007 Stich 84726 20120103170 AL* 52012 Kinnan 80726 7718386 BI* $2010 Lace S072) SBSESIT BI* 102014 Dison B1726 “cited by examinerUS 9,024,171 B2 Sheet 1 of 8 May 5, 2015 US. PatentUS. Patent May 5, 2015, Sheet 2 of 8 US 9,024,171 B2 FIG2US. Patent May 5, 2015, Sheet 3 of 8 S US 9,024,171 B2 mi FIG4 l T P 132 126 1 130: 422 130 110 132 4201 ra~{ {LI N 138 124 1367 | 134 FIGSUS. Patent May 5, 2015, Sheet 4 of 8 US 9,024,171 B2 S = f Gao 202. 207 9 (ae f—220 pea 236-< |ffj=>238 22 M224 [ eeUS. Patent May 5, 2015, Sheet 5 of 8 US 9,024,171 B2 FIG 10 xe 328 a) S 10US. Patent May 5, 2015, Sheet 6 of 8 US 9,024,171 B2 I m2’ FIG16 ‘soUS. Patent May 5, 2015, Sheet 7 of 8 US 9,024,171 B2 FIG 17US. Patent May 5, 2015, Sheet 8 of 8 US 9,024,171 B2 710: ( 720 FIG 21 " 738 736 720 732: FIG 22US 9,024,171 B2 1 SENSOR ASSEMBLY FOR STRINGED ‘MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION |. Field ofthe Invention ‘The present invention relates generally to mosica instru ‘ments and, more particularly, to a sensor assembly for use ‘with stringed musical instruments. 2, Description ofthe Related Art Generally, stringed musical instruments such as electric guitars have electromagnetic seasors or pick-ups fr sensing ‘mechanical vibrations ofthe stings and converting such into clectrical signals, The electrical signals from the electromag netic sensors are amplified and modified and, ultimately, oconverted ito acoustical energy to produce music and the like, US. Pat. Nos. 5,501,900 and 5,438,157, issued to Lace, islose an acoustic electromagnetic sensor assembly and ‘mounting assembly for a stiaged musical instrument. In these patents, the sensor assembly hts a mounting assembly that fits in a sound hole of the stringed musical instrument. “These electromagnetic sensors have a high visual impact when mounted ona stringed musical instrument such as an acoustic guitar. Further, these electromagnetic sensors typi- cally have atone and output that has single value Its desirable to provide a sensor assembly that has an integral mounting assembly. Ii also desirable to provide a sensor assembly tht integrates an electrical primary winding with a mounting system. Therefore, theres a need inthe art. to provide sensor assembly, which meets these desires. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Its, therefore, one abject ofthe preset invention to pro- vide a sensor assembly fora stringed musical instrument. Its another object of the present invention t provide an lectromagnetc sensor that has an integral mounting assem by. Trisa further object of the present vention to provide an electromagnetic sensor for either an acoustic or eletric stringed musical instrument having integration of the elcti- cal and mourning system, ‘Toachieve the foregoing objects, the present invention isa sensor assembly Jor a stinged musical instrument having a plurality of movable strings. The sensor assembly includes a Primary winding extending outward to form a mounting ‘member and adapted tobe disposed on the stringed musical ‘instrument. The sensor assembly ineTudes at east one magnet isposed adjacent the primary winding and the movable strings to generate a magnetic field. The primary winding ‘creates a primary eurreat fom a disruption in the magnetic fieldby the movable strings and te primary current creates a ‘primary electromagnetic flux, The sensor assembly furher includes atleast one secondary being coupled tothe prtnary ‘winding. Theat least one secondary winding transfoms the primary electromagnetic ux into a secondary current ‘adapted wo pass out the stringed musical instrument ‘One advantage ofthe present inventions that anew sensor assembly is provided for a stringed musical instrument ‘Another advantage of the present ivention is that a seasor asombly is provided for a stringed musical instrument, ‘which hasan integral mounting system to mount the sensor assembly to the singed sausical instrument. Yet another advantage ofthe present invention is that the sensor assembly provides primary winding that is integrated int the mount ing system. A further advantage of the present invention is w x“ s 2 thatthe sensor assembly i aluminum based, rather than cop- er, reslkng in less resistance higher output coupled to a surrent driven design’ as opposed to conventional voltage based pickups. Yet a further advantage of the present inven- tion is thatthe seasor assembly has more bass than traditional single coils, more volume, with mids slightly more than con- ‘ventional pickups, and with highs that are clear yet smooth, Sill a further advantage of the present invention is that the sensorassembly is availableas an OEM Factory instalationor afiermarke instalation Other objects, Features, and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, asthe same becomes ‘etter understood, afer reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. Lisa perspective view ofa sensor assembly, accor ing to the present invention, ilutated in operational rela- tionship with astinged musical insteumen FIG. 2is an exploded view ofthe sensor assembly of FIG. 1 FIG.3 perspective view of another embodiment, according to the preset invention, ofthe sensor assembly of FIG. 1 FIG. dis plan view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 3 FIG. §is a foat view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 6s a perspective view of yet another embodiment, according othe present invention, ofthe senso assembly of FIG. 1 FIG. isa plan view ofthe sensor assembly of FIG. 6 FIG. 8is a font view of the sonsor assembly of FIG. 6 FIG.9 isa perspective view of still another embodiment, according othe present invention, ofthe sensor assembly of FIG. 1 illustrated in operational elatonship with a stringed ‘musica instrument FIG, 10 is perspective view of the sensor assembly of FIG.9. FIG. 11 isa plan view of he sensor assembly of FIG. 9. FIG. 12 sa front view of the sensor assembly of F FIG. 13 js a perspective view ofa further embodiment, according othe present invention, ofthe sensor assembly of FIG. FIG. 14 isa plan vow of the sensor assembly of FIG. 13 FIG. 15 sa font view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 13 FIG. 16 is a plan view of a sill further embodiment, according othe present invention, ofthe sensor assembly of FIG. FIG. 17 isa perspective view ofa yet stil further embodi- ‘ment, secording othe present invention ofthe sensorassem bly of FIG. FIG. 18 ia plan view ofthe sensor assembly of FIG. 17 FIG. 19 isa front view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 17. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment, according othe present iaveation, ofthe senso assembly of FIG. Lilustrated in operational relationship witha portion of a stinged musical iastrumeat with the stings removed. FIG. 21 isa plan view of the sensor assembly of FIG. 2. FIG. 22 sa front view ofthe sensor assembly of FIG. 20, DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) Referring tothe drawings and in particular, to FIGS. 1 and 2,one embodinient ofa sensor assembly 10, according othe present invention, is illustrated in operational relationship ‘withastringed musica instrument, suchas a guitar, generally indiated at 12. The uitar 12s ofthe electric type havingUS 9,024, 3 seckporton 14 witha fingerboard 1,» body portion 16 with 2 pickguard 17, and plural of stings extending log he eck and body portions 14 and 16 respectively. The seasor assenbly 10s disposed beneath the stings 18 and movated. to the body portion 16 adjacent to the pickguard 17 ina 5 ‘manner o Be deserted. Although the sensor assembly 10s ‘osteated with a guitar 12, it shouldbe appreciated tht any ‘uiable typeof stringed musical instrument may beenhanced bythe sensor assembly 10, It shoul also be appreciated that thesensor assembly 10 may be wed with an acoustic type of stringed musical astrameat 12H should further be appeci- ated hatoneor mre senor assemblies 10 maybe used with ‘the stringed musical instrument 12. Refeing to FIG. 2, the sensor asembly 10 inces a inary winding 20 mae om a non-ero4s material. Pre erably, the primary winding 20 is made of « non-frous ‘aerial sich salina. The piary winding 2038 pe erably a solid pase of aluminum made as a single layer stumping or mullite contri. Kt shouldbe appre inte that the primary winding 20 nay be made of my suitable non-ferous materia “The primary winding 20s a configuration that acts 38 9 one-tum eeiver. In one enbodiment, the rimary winding 20hasa generally rectangular shape witha general inverted» ‘Ussapepofie.Asilsratd th primary winding 20 asa top wall 22 extending laterally and opposed sidewalls 24 tending pecraly perpen fron thelateral ends ofthe top wall 2 to frm the tverted U-shape, The primary win dng has at lest one preferably a prof slots 26 spaced lnteraly an longitu and extending thertrough. The sls 26are generally etangularin shape, To primary wind ing 20 basa proetermined length, Preferably, the primary ‘ining 20 extends o encompass al of the moveable stings 18. The primary winding 20 inches a mounting Nanas 28 extending tery fom th end ofeach ofthe sidewalls 24 Fach mounting ange 28 inludes at Fast one mounting porte 30 extending therethrough wo resvea fastener (at sta) to secure the prnary winding 2040 the body portion {Gof he stringed muse isirument 10.1 should Be apre- ciated that the primary winding 20 may be configured thave oer sible shapes other than the reangular shape. Tt Should alo be appreciated tht the primary winding 20 may bea pri of windings ‘The sets assembly 10 also inchnes at lesson, prefer aly a plurality of magnets 32 disposed adjaent the primary ‘ining 2010 provide a mapntic fa ld tthe ngs 18 ‘Themagnets 32 are generally rectangular in shape, The mag- ats 32are disposed nthe sls 28 ad secre othe primary ‘winding 20 by sable means suchas an adhesive bonding agen. Themapnes 3 area pennapent magne span made ofa flexible pemanent magnet mate sucha: PLAST FORME which commercially available fom Arnold Engi- sooing, Mang. The magnets 32 also ean be eran, ‘eodymiun, or alaico magnets 32 1 shouldbe appreciated thatthe magnets 32 are cette in manner such that one ‘magnet 32 has magnetic polar North (N) oeing upward and the other magnet 32 has NTacing downward “The sensor assembly 10 also inelnes at lesson, prefer ably a pluty of secondary windings 34 adjacent tothe Primary wining 20. Tn one embodiment, the secondary ‘windings exend generally perpendicular to the primary ‘winding 20, The secondary wintings 34 are col of acon ductive wie suchas copper wrapped around core elements 46,38 to be deseribod. should be appreciate that the se= ondary windings 34 can be eter single of multiple coils connected in seis or parle x“ 171 B2 4 ‘The secondary windings 34 are susceptible to clvtromeg- netic i transferred by the coe elements 36.38 from the primary winding 20. The secondary windings 34 transform the primary electromagnetic fx ito a secondary current ‘More specials the primary winding 20 andthe secondary ‘winding and the cor elements 3638 sc ogeter asa rans- Former whieh ransfonns the primary caren intothe scond- ary current The secondary current i passed through an out pt port (oot shown) to electronics subsequent to the sensor assembly 10. Although the primary winding 20 isshown tobe separate circuit than tat ofthe secondary windings 34, the secondary windings 34 may in another embodiment (aot shown) be connected in series to the primary winding 20at common point fo ereste an auiotansformer. It should be appreciated that posible eletronc components, which may ‘be operatively connected tothe output port include receivers, synthesizers, amplifies, speakers, and the like “The secondary windings 34 are shorter in length than the predctermine length th primary winding 20. Thesecond- ary windings 34 include a fst core element 36, which extends through one end ofthe secondary windings 34 and a second core element 38, which extends though the other end ofthe secondary windings 34. In one embodiment, the fist and second core elements 36.38, which are “U” shaped in appearance extend into the secondary windings 34 from each fend and telescopingly engage. The coe elements 3638 are ‘made from laminations ofa high permeable magnetic mate- Fal such as steel. It should be appreciated thatthe sensor assembly 10 may have a single secondary winding 34 or ‘multiple secondary windings 34 that ean be combined in different ways to create a variety of tones. It should also be appreciated that the multiple secondary windings 34 may be configured in dual parallel arrangement or with a potent ‘meter (not shown) should further be anprecisted that he use of multiple secondary windings 34 provides flexibility in te tone and output ofthe sensor assembly 10. It should be sil further appreciated that the multiple secondary windings 34 can be a variety of values ad can be used with an elon~ ‘ated primary winding 20 to allow flexibility inthe desion and placement ofthe sensor assembly 10 The sensor assembly 10 further includes a magnetic field ‘barrie 40 disposed between the primary winding 20 andthe secondary windings 34. The magnetic fed barrier 40s dis- posed about portion othe primary winding 20and between te secondary windings 4 and the primary winding 20, The magnetic field baer 40 is generally rectangular in shape. ‘The magnetic ld baer 40 shields atleast a portion ofthe secondary windings 34 to minimize the sensitivity thereto extraneous environmental electromagnetic ux, ie. eletro- _magnete fx erated by other piees of elecrcal equipment. The magnetic field barrier 40 maybe fiedly secured to the primary winding 20 via any suitable securing device such as an adhesive epoxy Referring to FIGS, 3 through 8, another embodiment, according othe present invention ofthe sensor assembly 10, is shown. Like parts of the sensor assembly 10 have like reference numerals inereased by ote hundred (100) In this embodiment, the seasor assembly 110 inches a primary ‘winding 120, magnets 132, secondary windings 134, and coe elements 136,138, The primary winding 120 has atop wall, 122, side walls 124, and slots 126 extending though the top ‘wall 122 to receive the magnets 132. As illustrated the pri- ‘mary winding 120 ofthe sensor assembly 110 eliminates the ‘mounting flanges and instead as mouating apertures 130, extensing throogh te top wall 122 to receive a fastener (ot shown) o secure the primary winding 120tothe boxy portion 160 the guitar 12 Inthe embodimeat illustrate, the mount-US 9,024, 5 ing apertures 130 are spaced laterally from each other and Jongitdinally between the magnets 132 such thatthe mount ing aperures 130 are generally early located. Hshould be ppreciatd thatthe top wall 122 of the primary winding 120, may bave one or more mounting apertures 130 extending. + therethrough. It should also be apprevated that the seasor assembly 110 may inlude the magnetic field barrier (not shows), Referring to FIGS, 6 through 8 yet another embodiment, according othe preset invention, ofthe sensorassembly 10 10 is shown, Like parts of the sensor assembly 10 have like reference numerals increased by two hundred (200). In this embodiment, the sensor assembly 210 includes a primary ‘winding 220, magnets 292, secondary windings 34, and core elements 236,238. The primary winding 220 has 2 top wall 1s 222, side walls 224, and slots 226 extending though the top wall 222 with the magnets 232 allixed below by a suitable adhesive. As illustrated the primary winding 220 of the sen sor assembly 210 has a single slot 226 extending laterally witha single magnet 232 affixed below. The primary winding 220 ofthe sensor assembly 210 also eliminates the ma Nlanges and instead has mounting apertures 230 extending ‘through the top wall 22 o oecive a fastener (not shawn) to secure the primary winding 20 0 the body’ portion 16 of the guitar 12 In the embodiment illustrated, the mounting aper- tures 230 are spaced atrally from each other and longi nally withthe magnets 232 disposed longitudinally therebe- tween such thatthe mounting apertures 230 are generally located near the comers of the top wall 222. It should be appreciated thatthe top wall 222 the primary winding 220, ‘may have one o more mouating apertures 230 extending therethrough. It should also be appreciated that the sensor assembly 210 may include the magnetic field barrier (not show). Referring to FIGS. 9 through 12,sillanotherembodiment, 3 coring tothe present iavention, ofthe sensor assembly 10, is shown. Like parts of the sensor assembly 10 have lke reference numerals inereased by three hundred (300). In this embodiment, dhe sensor assembly 310 is mounted at the end oftheneck 14orfiagerboanl 15 prosimatetothe body portion 16, The sensor assembly 310 can bo attached to the finger- board 1$ or body portion 16 by suitable means suc as fas tenes (not shown). In this embodiment, the sensor assembly ‘310includes aprimary winding 320, magnets 332, secondary ‘windings 334, andcoreelements 386,338, The primary wind {ng 320 has a general “L” shape profile. The primary winding 320has atop wall 322, aside wall 324, a bottom wall 325 at, the hottom ofthe sidewall 324, and slots 326 nd 327 extend {ng through the top wall 322 and side wall 324, respectively. As illustrate, the primary winding 320 of the sensor assem bly 310 hasa siggle slot 326 extending laterally through the top wall 322 anda single slot 327 extending through the side wall 324, The sensorassembly 310 has plurality of magnets 382 disposed below the top wall 322 and spaced laterally ‘therealong. The magnets 382 are generally rectangular in shape and extend longitudinally across the slot 326. The ‘magoets 392 are secured tothe top wall 322 by a suitable ‘mechanism sochas.an adhesive. I should be appreciated that the magnets 332 are asymmetrically affixed to asuriace athe svimary winding 320 adjacent oa slot 326 t should also be apreciated that, as long a the magnets 382 are aixed othe surface of the primary winding 320 and not within the slows) 326, the humbucking inductance balance of the primary ‘Winding 320 is not affected such that the overall humbucking inductance of the sensor assembly 310 doesnot change. 6 ‘The primary winding 320 of the sensorassembly 310 also includes « mouating Mange 328 extending longitudinally x“ 171 B2 6 from the each lateral end of the top wall 322. Fach mounting flange 328 includes at least one mounting aperture 380 ‘extending theratrough wo receive a fastener (aot shown) t0 socure the primary winding 320 tothe body portion 16 of the ‘zuitar 12 n the embodiment ilustated, the mounting aper- tures 330 are spaced longitudinally from each other Ishould ‘be appreciated thatthe sensor assembly 310 may include the ‘magnetic field barrier (aot shown). Referring to FIGS. 13 through 18, a further embodiment, according othe preset invention, ofthe sensor assembly 10, is shown, Like parts of the sensor assembly 10 have like reference numerals increased by four hundred (400). In this embodiment, the sensor assembly 410 includes a primary ‘winding 420, magnets 432, secondary windings 434, and core clemeats 436,438. The primary winding 420 has 2 generally plance and rectangular top wall 422 and slots 426 extending through the top wall 422 to receive the magnets 432. As illusate, the primary Winding 420 ofthe sensor assembly 4410 has a pair of slois 426 extending laterally and spaced Jongitudnally to reovive a single magnet 432 in each ofthe sats 426, The primary winding 420 ofthe sensor assembly 410 also eliminates the mounting flanges and instead has ‘mounting apertures 430 extending through te top wall 4220 receive a fastener (not showa) to secure the primary winding 4200 thebody portion 16of the guitar 12. Intheemboddiment illustated, the mounting apertures 430 are space laterally fiom each other and longitudinally withthe magnets 432 sposed longitudinally therebetween such that the mounting apertures 430 are generally located nearthe comersof the top ‘wall 422 shouldbe appreciate that the top wall 422 ofthe primary winding 420 may have one oF more mounting aper- tures 430 extending therethrough, ‘The primary winding 420 of the sensor assembly 410 also iminates the side walls and instead has at least one prefer- ably a plurality of slots 440 extending through the top wall, 422 to receive the core elements 436.438 for the secondary ‘windings 434 Inthe embodiment illustrated, the slots 440 are _zenerally rectangular i shape. The slots 440 are spaced at- erly fom the slots 426 and spaced longitudinally from each other such that one slot 440 is aligned with one slot 426. The core elements 496,438 are linear and generally rectangular in shape. The core elements 436.438 for each secondary wind ing 444 have one end disposed in one ofthe slots 440 and secured tothe primary winding 420 by an interference fit therein, Itshould aso be appreciated tha the sensor assembly 410 may include the magnetic field barier (not shown). It should also be appreciated thatthe sensor assembly 410 is a dual element, dual pick-up with single primary winding 20. Referring FIG. 16, astll farther embodiment, according to the present invention, ofthe sensor assembly 10 is shown, ike pars of the seasor assembly 10 have like reference ‘numerals inereased by five hundred (500). In this embod ‘ment, the seusor assembly 810 includes a primary winding 4520, magnets 512, secondary windings, and core elements 536.538. Asillstrated, the primary winding $20 thesensor assembly $10 has a plurality of, preferably four, slots 526 extending laterally and spaced longitudinally to receive a single magnet $32 in each of te slots $26. Inthe embodiment illsteated, the magnets $32 are alternated beween magnetic polar North (N) and nugnetic polar South (S) t should be appreciated thatthe sensor assembly $10 may inelude the ‘magnetic field barrie (not shown). Refering to FIGS. 17 through 19,» yet still further «embodiment, according tothe present invention, ofthe sensor assembly 10is shown, Like parts of the sensor assembly 10, hve like reference numerals inerased by six hundred (600),US 9,024,171 B2 1 In this embodiment, the sensor assembly 610 is mounted 10 the body portion 16 of a jazz type guitar 12. The sensor assembly 610 is attached tothe Body portion 16 by suitable ‘means sucha fasteners (not shown). In this embodiment, the sensor assembly 610 includes a primary winding 620, naanets 632, secondary windings 634, and core elements 636,688. The primary winding 620 has & general“ shape profile. The primary winding 620 has atop ‘wall 622, a sidewall 624, and at lest one slot 626 extending ‘through the top Wal 622. As ilstrated the primary winding {620 of the sensor assembly 610 has. a dual shot 626 extending laterally though the top wall 622. The sensor assembly 610, has a plurality of magnets 632 disposed below the top wall, (622 and spaced laterally therealong, The magnets 682 are generally rectangular in shope and extend longitudinally across the slot 626. The magnets 632 ae secured 0 the top ‘wall 622 by a suitable mechanism suchas an adhesive “The primary winding 620 ofthe sensor assembly 610 aso includes a mounting Mange 628 extending laterally from the bottom end of the sie wal 624, The mounting Nange 628 includes at least one mounting aperture 630 extending there- throug 0 receive a fastener (ot shown) 1 secure the pri- ‘mary winding 620 othe body portion 16 of the gitar 12. In. te embodiment illustrated, two mounting apertures 630 are spaced laterally fom eachother. shouldbe appreciated that the sensor assembly 610 may include the magnetic el bi rior (aot shows). I should also be appreciated thatthe sensor assembly 610 may be integral withthe pickguard 17 of the suite 12 Referring to FIGS. 20 through 22, another embodiment, according othe pesent invention of the sensor assembly 10, is shown, Like parts ofthe sensor assembly 10 have like reference numerals inreased by seven hundred (700), In this embextiment, the sensorassembly 71ismountedt the body portion 16 proximate tothe soundhole 19 of nacousti type sitar 12. The sensor assembly 710 can be attached to the body portion 16 by suitable means such as fasteners (not shown} In this embodiment, the sensor assembly 710 includes 2 primary winding 720, magnets 732, asecondary winding 734, and core elements 736,738. The primary winding 720 bas a generally planar top wall 722 and a slot 726 extending throvgh the top Wall 722. As ilstaed the primary winding 720 of te sensor assembly 710 has a clamp bar to receive a single magnet 732 positioned under the sot 726. The primary ‘winding 720 ofthe sensor assembly 710 also eliminates the ‘mounting flanges and instead has mounting apertares 730 extending throagh the top wall 72 1 receive a fastener (at shown) secure the primary winding 720tothe body portion 160 the guitar 12. should be apprecied ha the top wall “722oftne primary winding 720may have one or more mount- {ng upertures 730 extending therethrough. The primary winding 720 ofthe sensor assembly 710 also climinate the side walls and instead asa siot 740 extending ‘trough the top wall 72210 receive the core elements 736.738 fortheseeondary winding 734. Intheembodiment illustrated, te slot 740s gnerlly rectangular in shape. The slot 140s, soe atrlly from the slot 426 such tha the slot 740 is, aligned wit the slot 726. The core elements 736,738 are linear and generally rectangular in shape. The core elements 736.738 forthe secondary winding 74 have one end dis- posed inthe shot 740 and secured tothe primary winding 720, by an itrference fit therein. I should also be appreciated thatthe sensor assembly 710 may include the magnetic field ‘arr (not shown). It shout also be appreciate that when te sensor assembly 710 is mounted to the guitar 12 that he clamp bar extends into the sound hole 19 of the guitar 12. 1. 8 s 8 shoul also be appreciated thatthe secondary winding 730 is sposed within the sound hae 19, ‘The present invention has been described in an illustrative ‘manner. Its to be understood that he terminology, which has ‘noon used is intended to bein the nature of words of descrip ‘ion rather than of imitation, “Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possbleia igh of thenboveteachings. Therefore, within the scope ofthe appended claims, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described ‘What i eames is 1A sensor assembly for a stringed musical insioument having a plurality of movable strings comprising: ‘primary winding made of a one-piece solid aluminum ‘material forming an integral and unitary mounting flange extending outward as @ mounting member and having atleast one aperture extending therethrough to allow a lstener to extend through the aperture to secure said primary winding othe stringed musical instument, at least one magnet disposed adjacent said primary wind ing to genorate 8 magnetic fold, said primary winding creating primary cureat frome disruption inthe mag- netic field by the movable strings, the primary current creating a primary electromagnetic fx; and at least one secondary winding being coupled to ssid pri- ‘mary winding, sid at east one secondary winding rans {orming the primary electromagnetic ux nto a second- ‘ary current adapted to pass out the stringed musical instrument 2. Asonsor assembly asset forth in claim 1 wherein tid primary winding inclides top wall extending laterally t0 ‘encompass the pray of stings. 3. sensor assembly asset forth in claim 2 wherein said primary winding includes aside wall extending peependict- larly from said top wall to form a general U-shape for sid primary winding, ssid mounting flange extending perpen- curly fom said side wal, 4. sensor assembly as se forth in claim 3 wherein sid at least one secondary winding is orientated generally perpen- dicular to said side wall 5. sensor assembly as se fort in claim 2 wherein sid at least one secondary winding is orientated generally perpen dicular to sad tp wall, 6.A sensor assembly asset forth in claim 2 wherein sid primary winding has at least one slot extending though said top wal "7. Asensor assembly asset forth in claim 1 wherein said primary winding has @ generally planar shape and a slot ‘extending though sai primary winding, 8. senso assembly as se fort in claim 1 wherein sid at least one magnet is generally reetangular in shape. 9, sensor assembly as se fort in claim 1 wherein sid at least one magnet comprises a plurality of magnets spaced Tateally beneath sid primary winging 10. A sensor assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a First core element extending through one ed of said at least ‘one secondary winding and a second core clement extending ‘through te other end of said at least one secondary winding, said fist core elemeat and said second core element adapted toreceivetheelectromgnetic ux from said primary winding and transform the electromagnetic flux into the secondary current 11.A sensor assembly asset forth in claim 10 wherein said fist and second core elements are substantially “U" shaped. ‘and are adapted to telescopingly engage eachotherUS 9,024,171 B2 9 12.A sensor assembly as se forthin claim 10 wherein said first and second core elemeais are substantially rectangular shaped and are adapted to engage each othe: B.A sensor assembly fora stringed musical instrument having a plurality of movable strings comprising: plurality of magnets adapted to be disposed below the strings lo generate a nggnetic Held: «primary winding operatively supporting said magnets to ‘ereate a primary current from a disruption in the mag- actc field by the movable strings, the primary current creating a primary electromagnetic Hux, ssid primary ‘winding made of a one-piece solid aluminum material Jorming an integral and unitary mounting Bange extend- sng laterally outward s a mounting member and having at east one aperture extending theretough to allow a fastener to extend through the aperture 10 secure said primary winding othe stringed musical nstrament; and atleast one secondary winding being magnetically coupled to said primary Winding, said at least one secondary winding transfomning the primary electromagnetic fx ino a secondary current adapted tobe passed out the stringed musical instrument, 14.A sensor assembly asset forthin claim 13 wherein said primary winding defines atleast one slot extending through 10 ssid primary winding and said plurality of magnets are asym metrically afixed toa surface of sid primary winding adja. cent to sida Feast one slot such that the overall humbucking, indctance of sid sensor assembly does not change. 15. A sensor assembly fora stringed musical instrument having a plurality of movable strings comprising: 1 plurality of magnets adapted to be disposed below the Strings lo generate a magnetic Hild: «primary winding operatively supporting suid magnets 0 ‘rete a primary current from a disruption in the mag- etc feld by the movable strings, the primary current creating a primary elecwomagnetic flux, said primary ‘winging made of a one-piece solid alumina materia {forming atop wal extending laterally to encompass the pluality of strings, aside wall extending peepeadicn- Jaey from said top wall to form a general Ushape for said primary winding, and a mounting flange extending perpendicularly fom sai side wall as an integral and unitary mounting member having atleast one apectre extending therethrough to allow a fastener to extend though the aperture to secure said primary winding to the stringed musical instrument,