US3727510A

US3727510A - Organ tone control

Info

Publication number: US3727510A
Application number: US00139028A
Authority: US
Inventors: L Cook
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-04-30
Filing date: 1971-04-30
Publication date: 1973-04-17
Anticipated expiration: 1990-04-17

Abstract

Various forms of template are provided for use in conjunction with an electronic organ, for permitting the rapid positioning of the draw bars without the need for the organist to memorize a nine-digit combination of numbers for each tonal quality. Several different embodiments of the basic concept will be described and illustrated. In one embodiment, the template having indicator thereon determines the outward position of each of the draw bars. Another embodiment of this invention provides a template having a plurality of different draw bar position combinations thereon, each of the draw bar combinations being in a distinctively different color, corresponding to the tonal quality desired by the organist. A further embodiment of the present invention provides selectively viewable light means for defining the outward position of each of the draw bars while a final embodiment of the present invention provides a notched template that limits the outward movement of the several draw bars.

Description

United States Patent 1 1 Cook, Sr.

[ ORGAN TONE CONTROL [76] Inventor: Lucine H. Cook, Sr., 10 Annette Drive, Port Washington, NY.

[22] Filed: Apr. 30, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 139,028

[52] US. Cl. ..84/453, 84/343, 84/369, 84/477 R, 84/DIG. 22 [51] Int. Cl. ..G10b 3/10, G09b 15/02 [58] Field of Search ..84/477 R, 478, 479, 84/343, 344, 345, 1.01, 369, 370, 1.03, 453, I DIG. 22

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,270,453 l/l942 Kern ..84/343 3,172,939 3/1965 Campbell et al.... .....84/345 X 3,213,179 10/1965 Clauson ..84/345 X 3,449,995 6/1969 Sepp ..84/345 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 502,625 3/1939 Great Britain ..84/369 93,235 ll/1938 Sweden ..84/343 Fl 1/ TE 0805 Cl ARI/VET V/OL Ml P m f! [4 1 Apr. 17, 1973 Primary ExaminerRichard B. Wilkinson Assistant Examiner-John F. Gonzales Attorney-Leonard I-I. King [57] ABSTRACT Various forms of template are provided for use in con' junction with an electronic organ, for permitting the rapid positioning of the draw bars without the need for the organist to memorize a nine-digit combination of numbers for each tonal quality. Several different embodiments of the basic concept will be described and illustrated. In one embodiment, the template having indicator thereon determines the outward position of each of the draw bars. Another embodiment of this invention provides a template having a plurality of different draw bar position combinations thereon, each of the draw bar combinations being in a distinctively different color, corresponding to the tonal quality desired by the organist. A further embodiment of the present invention provides selectively viewable light means for defining the outward position of each of the draw bars while a final embodiment of the present invention provides a notched template that limits the outward movement of the several draw bars.

22 Claim, 11 Drawing Figures PATENTEDW1 T1915 SHEET 1 OF 4 l i i 0805 Cl A R/IVE' 7' R. lac/51v 6. C006, Se.

FIG. 3

PATENTEDAPR 1 11815 5,727. 510

SHEET 3 BF 4 PATENTEB APR] 71975 SHEEI '4 BF 4 m QE INVENTOR lune/v bf (00%, in.

ATTOR EV ORGAN TONE CONTROL The aforementioned abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

This invention relates generally to electronic organs and more particularly to means for determining the outward location of the draw bars used therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electric organs produce their tones by means of a tone generator wheel in combination with an electronic circuit or with an electronic circuit only. For example, the Hammond Organ uses the principle of the tone generator wheel and electronic circuit combination while the Lowrey Organ uses only an electronic circuit. The tone generator wheel in the Hammond Organ is a notched metallic disc which rotates in the magnetic field of an induction coil. Speed of rotation of the disc and the shape and number of the notches determine the pitch of the tone that is produced. Since the tones produced by the generator wheel are relatively weak, the signals are then fed through amplifiers and then loudspeakers. When any one of the 44 keys on either the upper or lower manual are depressed, a particular sound will issue from the organ depending upon the effect of the tone generator wheel.

The single sound that an untrained ear hears is actually made up of a fundamental or basic tone together with several overtones. Different instruments produce different overtones for the same fundamental tones. The physical structure of the instrument determines the different overtones that are produced. For example, a trumpet sound will vary depending upon the composition of the brass and its thickness as well as the plating on the brass. The same applies for reed and string instruments. The number of harmonics and intensity or volume of each varies depending upon the type of instrument. Some harmonics are consonant and others are dissonant.

In order to achieve a variety of different tones and to simulate the timbre of various orchestral instruments, the Hammond type organs are provided with a number of sliding draw bars. There is at least one set of nine draw bars for each of the upper and lower manuals and in some instruments there may be two sets of nine draw bars each for the upper manual as well as the lower manual. Different draw bars control consonant harmonies, dissonant harmonics and consonant sub-har monics.

In the Hammond Organ, the upper faces of the draw bars have an Off position and numerals equally spaced thereon, the numerals running from one to eight inclusive. The draw bars control the relative volume in tensities of the fundamental and harmonics. The maximum volume being attained when the numeral 8 is exposed.

The. voices or sounds of many different instruments can be closely approximated when produced via the draw bar tone control system. The upper manual is usually used for playing the melody and can simulate voices of melody line instruments such as the flute, violin, saxophones or the like. The draw bar tone control can also approximate the voice ofa group of instruments such as strings, flutes, brasses and even mixtures of the several instrument families. The lower manual is used usually as an accompaniment and with the aid of the draw bars can produce many different instrumental voices.

The draw bars for both the upper and lower manuals can be drawn out to different lengths. Each combination of draw bar length produces a distinctive voice. It will be appreciated that an almost infinite number of draw bar combinations can be achieved since there are a total of 18 draw bars and each of the draw bars has eight different positions plus an off position. Thus, an organist who wishes to simulate a clarinet and a flute as the accompaniment voices would set the upper manual draw bars at 008080840, and the lower manual draw bars at 00803000, respectively. These particular settings introduce the sounds of the various harmonics and the relative intensities of each so that the desired voices are closely approximated. An example of another draw bar setting would be 768878667 for the upper manual to achieve full theater brass. The lower manual is set at 4354343344 for a full accompaniment. The digits just mentioned refer to the markings on the draw bars.

From the foregoing, it will be readily appreciated that it is virtually impossible for any musician to memorize all of the various combinations of draw bar settings. While some organs have preset keys for both the manuals, which makes it possible to select a voice instantaneously, most organists keep their own notebook which lists settings for various upper and lower draw bar positions to produce voices in keeping with the mood of musical selection. Experienced organists will remember a few of the draw bar settings that are used frequently but for others they must refer to their notebook. In any event, the accuracy of the tone will be achieved only if the draw bars are set at the proper numbers. Since it takes time to read all the numbers from a card or other notebook and then to adjust each of the 18 draw bars, it will be appreciated that while a wide variety of different tones are available to the organist, it has not been practical to fully utilize the instrument.

The present invention is directed to either an attachment for, or built-in accessory to, an electronic organ such as the Hammond that uses draw bars and which avoids the necessity of referring to a notebook for draw bar settings or for memorizing draw bar settings. It should be understood that in many instances an organist plays in either semi or total darkness having only sufficient light to illuminate the music. With this factor in mind, coupled with the inherent difficulty of remembering a large quantity of nine-digit numbers in their proper sequence, the present invention is particularly directed to overcoming the problem of quickly and accurately positioning the draw bars. In each of the several embodiments of the present invention, means are provided either as an attachment to or as an integral part of the organ for determining the outer position of the draw bars for any one of several different voices. In one embodiment of this invention a simple card is accurately located below the draw bars on a horizontal portion of the organ and the card is marked to show the outer position of each of the nine draw bars of each manual in order to achieve a particular voice.

In another embodiment of the present invention a translucent grid is marked in a plurality of different colors and is separated into columns which coincide with the draw bars. The organist then moves the draw bars out so that the ends thereof all coincide with the same color. Preferably this second embodiment is printed on a translucent member that is adapted to be edge-lighted in a conventional manner.

Another embodiment of this invention utilizes a punched card that is superimposed over a grid beneath which is positioned a number of light pipes that are illuminated from a single source. The light will be able to shine through the punch card only at the openings therein to indicate the outermost position of the draw bars. A variation of this last-mentioned embodiment uses separate lamps instead of the light pipes and a punch card having conductive means applied to one surface thereof, the conductive means being applied as a border about selected ones of the openings in the card. This structure provides for the illumination of particular lamps, that is, the ones in registry with the openings having the conductive means, so that light will shine through the required openings-and thus indicate to the organist how far to pull out the draw bars.

Finally, there will be described hereinafter still another embodiment wherein a preformed template is used to limit the outward movement of the draw bars to a predetermined distance, the combination of the distances defining a particular voice that is desired by the organist.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide means, for use in combination with an organ that has slidable draw bars, to indicate the desired outermost position of each of the draw bars so that the combination of displaced draw bars produces a given tone. v

i It is another object of the present invention to provide draw bar locating means as described above wherein the position of the draw bar is indicated by means of colored spots on a grid-like template.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide draw bar locating means as described above wherein a plurality of different colored spots are provided for each of the draw bars, the total draw bar setting being provided by pulling each of the draw bars out to a like colored spot thus providing several different voices on a single card.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means for accurately locating the draw bar positions, the locating'means comprising a card having selected areas punched out and means for directing light energy through the punched-out portions of the card.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide draw bar locating means defined by'a notched template that limits the outward movement of the draw bars to the combination of positions that defines the desired voice.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will, in part, be pointed out with particularity, and will, in part, become obvious from the following more detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, which forms an integral part thereof.

In the various figures of the drawing, like reference characters designate like parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view illustrating a portion of an electronic organ of the type that utilizes draw bars;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view on an enlarged scale, illustrating two of the draw bars shown in FIG. 1 in their outer positions;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a template forming an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a plan view illustrating a template comprising another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the upper left hand corner of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of still another alternative embodiment of the present invention with portions thereof broken away for clarity;

FIG. 6 is a sectional elevational view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic sectional elevational view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9.

Referring now to the drawing, there is shown, in FIG. 1, a fragmentary portion of an electronic organ generally designated by the reference character H. The

organ H includes an upper manual U and a lower manual L. A plurality of draw bars generally designated by reference character D are positioned directly above a horizontal platform P. It should be noted that there are a set of draw bars D for the upper manual U as well as for the lower manual L although only one set of draw bars D is shown for convenience. The set of draw bars D for the lower manual L is similarly positioned over a horizontal platform P (not shown).

FIG. 2 illustrates two of the draw bars drawn out to different positions. For the purpose of this discussion, the draw bars are numbered D1 through D9, inclusive. In FIG. 2, D8 and D9 are shown. While only one set of draw bars D will be described, it should be clearly understood that'the present invention is applicable to any number of draw bars that are used'with a particular organ. v

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention. There is shown in FIG. 3 a card 10 having openings 12 at the upper end thereof. The openings 12 are adapted to register with pins 14 that extend upwardly from the top surface of the platform P. It will be seen that the card is marked off in a grid form having nine vertical columns labeled 16, 18, 20, 22, 24,26, 28, 30 and 32, that are each subdivided into four columns that carry the respective subscriptsa, b, c and d. The card 10 is further subdivided into

horizontal lines

34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 and 50, each of which is divided into two lines designated by the reference characters e and f. The nine columns 16 through 32 correspond to the nine draw bars Dl through D9 for each of the upper and lower manuals and the nine horizontal lines correspond to the nine different positions or settings of each of the draw bars D. The first draw bar position is marked off, that is with the draw bar completely in, while the remainder of the draw bar settings on the draw bars themselves are marked 1 through 8, with the highest number indicating the outermost position of the draw bar. In order to achieve a particular flute voice that corresponds to the drawbar setting of 007605004, the appropriate boxes are colored in as shown in FIG. 3. Thus the organist need not remember the particular sequence of the digits or even the digits themselves. He need only pull the draw bars out to the positions shown on the colored boxes. Should the organist at some later date decide to use a different voice, he need only re-mark the card in the same manner, preferably using a different color. For convenience, a code 52 is included in the lower portion of the card so that the organist may permanently record the desired combination of digits to achieve a particular voice at a particular draw bar setting combination.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. There is provided a light conductive plate 60 that is adapted to be edge-lit by a lamp 62 in a conventional manner. A translucent grid 64 similar to that shown in FIG. 3 is printed on the upper face of the plate 60. The grid 64 has nine vertical columns that are subdivided into four parts and nine horizontal rows that are each subdivided into two parts. In this embodiment, the columns are designated by the Roman numerals I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX and the nine lines are designated by the legend off" followed by the numerals l 8.

The plate 60 is adapted to be permanently affixed to the platform P of the organ by means of screws 66. In the lower portion of the plate 60 there is provided a code 68 that identifies the different voice sounds with a particular color labeled A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H. Similarly, each of the columns Roman numerals I through IX, in combination with each of the nine horizontal lines, provides eight discreet areas.

Thus, when the organist desires to simulate a particular flute tone, he pulls the nine draw bars out to the color that corresponds to the flute tone, in this case it is RED. Similarly, should the organist desire to simulate a trumpet tone, he would pull all the draw bars out to the YELLOW colored areas. It will be noted, that for each of the eight instruments shown in the code 68, there is a particular colored area in each of the columns. Thus, with this single plate 60, the organist can simulate eight different instruments without having to either memorize the particular combination of digits or refer to a chart or notebook.

FIG. 4B is used to more clearly illustrate the arrangement of the different colors.

While the plate 60 shown in FIGS. 4A and 48 have been described as being permanently fixed to the platform P of the organ by means of screws 66, it should be evident that still another variation of this embodiment would include channels in which a removable or replaceable plate 60 is provided. Thus, each plate could be used to provide means for locating the draw bars for eight different voices. If several different plates 60 are utilized a large number different voice settings will be available to the organist without the need for memorizing the combination of digits as was necessary in the past.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate still another embodiment of the present invention. Eighty-one light pipes 70,

adapted to be illuminated by a single lamp 72, are arranged in a pattern of nine columns and nine rows. The light pipes extend upward through the panel P of the organ. A translucent panel 74 is mounted on pins 76 that also extend upwardly from panel P. The plate 74 is divided into nine columns and nine rows that coincide with the light pipes 70 and a punched card 78, having openings 80 formed at one end thereof, is positioned on the pins 76. The card 78, which also has a grid-like pattern of nine vertical columns and nine horizontal rows, has a plurality of openings 82 punched therein. One opening 82 is formed in the vertical columns for each of the nine draw bars D1 through D9, the openings 82 being formed in selected horizontal rows. Thus, the openings 82 represent the nine digits of a particular voice setting. It will be appreciated that when the lamp 72 is energized, the light energy will be transmitted through the light pipes 70 and will be visible through the card 78 only where the openings 82 appear. Thus the organist need only pull the draw bars out as far as the lighted openings 82, since all of the other light pipes will be covered and will not be visible. The organist need not remember any sequence of digits nor need he refer to a notebook in order to find out how far to pull out the draw bars for a particular voice setting. It will be evident that because the cards 78 are located by means of the pins 76, and cooperating openings 80, they may be rapidly interchanged so that different voice settings may easily be achieved merely by displacing the draw bars D1 through D9 until they coincide with one of the lighted openings 82.

FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of the present invention. Instead of using 81 light pipes, there is provided 81 lamps 90, arranged in a grid-like pattern of nine by nine. All of the lamps are connected to a single switch 92 that is in turn connected to a suitable source of energy 94. Associated with each of the lamps 90, is a pair of contacts 96. A card 98, having 81 openings arranged in a grid-like pattern of nine by nine, is provided with a plurality of selectively positioned conductive borders 102. The choice for the positioning of the nine conductive borders 102 depends upon the particular voice setting required. Thus, to achieve a clarinet as a melody voice in the upper manual comparable to a draw bar setting of 008080840, the nine like openings 100 would have the conductive borders 102 applied thereabout. The remaining openings 100 would be free of any conductive border. When the card 98 is inserted so as to close the switch 92, the openings 100 would appear over the lamps 90 and the conductive borders 102 that surround selected ones of the openings 100 would close the contact 96 associated with each of the openings 100. Thus, the lamps 90 associated with the contacts 96 that are closed would be energized through the source of energy 94 and the organist could then pull the nine draw bars outwardly until they coincide with energized lamps 90. The organist need not refer to any chart or codebook nor need he memorize any sequence of digits. He need only move the draw bars out until they coincide with the energized lamps. A

In FIG. 8 there is shown still another embodiment of the present invention. A template is provided with openings 112 that are adapted to register with pins 114 which extend upwardly from the platform P of the organ. A plurality of

notches

116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, and 132 are formed in the leading edge of the plate 110. The lateral location of the notches 116 through 132 correspond to the lateral placement of the nine draw bars. In this embodiment, the organist need only pull the draw bars out until they abut the edges of the notches 116 though 132. The depth of the notches are made to coincide with the degree that the draw bars are to be pulled out in order to achieve a particular voice setting. If the organist wishes to produce a different voice setting, it is necessary for him to change the card 110 and replace it with another card having a different arrangement of notches. As in the previous embodiments, the organist need not refer to any notebook nor need he memorize any sequence of digits in order to achieve a particular voice setting.

A modification of the last mentioned embodiment is illustrated by FIGS. 9 and 10. A projection screen 150 is positioned on the organ proximate the drawbars as in the previous embodiments. Below the screen 150 there is provided a projector housing 152 in which is located a multi-element, wide angle lens 154 and a projector lamp 156. Transport means of a conventional type well known in the photographic arts may be to move a film strip 158 intermediate the lens 154 and the lamp 156. The transport means are generally designated by the reference character 160 and are coupled by means 162 to drive selector means 164 that are located on the, organ panel. The selector means may be used to initiate and stop movement of the film strip 158 or may be used to move the film strip 158 in either forward or reverse direction.

As shown particularly in FIG. 9, a bar graph type of outline, similar to the shape of the template shown in FIG. 8 is projected on the screen 150. The outline will change for each voice selected and each frame of the film strip 158 contains a different voice to be projected. The draw bars are moved outwardly to the cross hatched portion which represents a color that contrasts with the non-hatched area. Thus the cross-hatched areas function in the same manner as notches in the FIG. 8 template. It will be evident that a given film strip will be able to contain a large number of different voices, particularly if microfilm, is used with an appropriate enlarging lens.

From the foregoing, it will .be evident that the major problem connected with the use of draw bars has been very simply and economically overcome. Whereas in the past it was necessary for an organist to memorize a large quantity of nine digit numbers in their correct sequence, or alternatively, to maintain a notebook and I constantly refer to the notebook when he desired to make a voice setting, it is now possible with the present invention to eliminate this burdensome difficulty. The present inventionprovides means either as an integral part of the organ or as an attachment thereto, for accurately and quickly locating the position of each of the nine draw bars to achieve a particular voice setting.

In one embodiment a color coded card is used to provide a single voice setting, the card being adapted to be reused and have additional voice settings placed thereon. As a modification of the first embodiment,

means are provided for forming a plurality of different 6 voice settings on a single, edge-lighted translucent panel, the different voice settings being distinguished from each other by the use of different colors. In the second embodiment, the organist need only pull out each of the draw bars to the same color and he will be assured that the setting is quite accurate.

Easily replaceable punched cards are also provided for indicating the desired position of the nine draw bars. The punched card can be illuminated from below either by 81 light pipes or 81 lamps. In either case, the light transmitting means are oriented in a grid-like pattern of nine by nine and the holes in the punched card permit only selected ones of the light transmitting means to shine through so that the organist need pull the draw bars out until they coincide with the several lights. In one of the two punch card embodiments wherein the 8l lamps are used, the punched card is provided with 81 holes but only selected ones of the holes are provided with conductive means thereabout so that only selected lamps will be energized when the card closes the single switch that energizes all of the lamps. Finally, one embodiment of this invention contemplates the use of a replaceable template to provide limiting means for the movement of the draw bars. The template is notched so that the draw bars can be pulled out only a specified distance whereby when all of the draw bars are pulled out into abutment with the notches in the template the combination of draw bar positions will coincide with the particular voice desired by the organist. I I

A variation of the template with means for physically limiting the outward movement of the draw bars is the use of a film strip that projects a bar graph type outline on a frosted glass template. Voice selection means located on the organ allows the organist to select the desired voice by moving the film strip into the projector means. Contrasting colors on'the film strip provides means for indicating the outermost position for the draw bars.

All of the embodiments described hereinabove have the common characteristic of permitting the setting of all of the draw bars without reference to a' notebook or without the need for memorizing a large quantity of nine digit numbers. Several of the embodiments described hereinabove are rapidly interchangeably while other embodiments permit several different'voice settings to be indicated thereon. None of the embodiments require any form of memorization by the organist.

There has been disclosed heretofore the best embodiment of the invention presently contemplated. However, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

l. A tone control for an electric organ of the type using a plurality of draw bars that are individually displaceable to different positions, each group of draw bar positions constituting a setting for a different tone, said tone control comprising:

a. a template located on the organ proximate the draw bars; and

b. means for indicating different positions on said template, the positions being those at which the draw bars are to be set, said indicating means being co-linear with each of the draw bars whereby the draw bars may be moved outwardly to a position coincidental with the location of said indicating means thereby providing a predetermined combination of draw bar settings, indicating means comprising a plurality of areas having the same appearance but distinct in appearance from the remainder of said template, there being provided at least one such area for each of the draw bars, the location of said areas being the positions to which the respective draw bars are displaced.

2. The tone control in accordance with claim 1 wherein said areas are colored and there is one group of colored areas on said template to indicate a single combination of draw bar settings.

3. The tone control in accordance with claim 1 wherein said areas are colored and there are a plurality of groups of colored areas on said template, said group of colored areas being distinct from each other, each group of colored areas indicating a different combination of draw bar settings.

4. The tone control in accordance with claim 2 wherein said template is divided into a grid consisting of a plurality of vertical columns and a plurality of horizontal rows, said colored areas being confined within selected portions of said grid.

5. The tone control in accordance with claim 2 further including means for removably locating the template on the organ.

6. The tone control in accordance with claim 3 wherein said template is divided into a grid consisting of a plurality of vertical columns and a plurality of horizontal rows, said colored areas being confined within selected portions of said grid.

7. The tone control in accordance with claim 3 further including means for removably locating the template on the organ.

8. The tone control in accordance with claim 3 wherein said template is translucent and wherein there is further included means for illuminating said template.

9. The tone control in accordance with claim 1 wherein said indicating means comprises a plurality of openings formed in said template, said openings corresponding to the positions to which the draw bars are to be moved and wherein there is further included means for transmitting light energy through said openings.

107 The tone control in accordance with claim 9 wherein said light transmitting means comprises a light source and a plurality of light pipes for receiving light energy from said light source, there being a quantity of light pipes equal in number to the number of draw bars plus the numbers of different positions of the draw bars, said light pipes being positioned below said template and in alignment with the openings therein.

11. The tone control in accordance with claim 1 wherein said indicating means comprises a plurality of openings in said template equal in number to the number of draw bars plus the number of different positionsof the draw bars, a plurality of lamps equal in number to the number of said openings in said template, said lamps being positioned below said template and in alignment with said openings therein, a single switch connected to all of said lamps and to a source of electrical energy, contact means associated with each said lamp and conductive means associated with selected ones of said openings in said template, said selected openings corresponding to a predetermined displacement of the draw bars whereby when said template is positioned on the organ, said switch will be closed and said lamps adjacent said selected openings having conductive means associated therewith will be illuminated.

12. An electric organ comprising the combination of:

a. a plurality of draw bars that are individually displaceable to different positions, each group of draw bar positions constituting a setting for a different tone;

b. a template located on said organ proximate said draw bars; and

0. means for indicating different positions on said template, the positions being those at which said draw bars are to be set, said indicating means being co-linear with each of said draw bars whereby said draw bars may be moved outwardly to a position coincidental with the location of said indicating means thereby providing a predetermined combination of draw bar settings, said indicating means comprising a plurality of areas having the same appearance but distinct in appearance from the remainder of said template, there being provided at least one such area for each of said draw bars, the location of said areas being the positions to which the respective draw bars are displaced.

13. The organ in accordance with claim 12 whereinsaid areas are colored and there is one group of colored areas on said template to indicate a single combination of draw bar settings.

14. The organ in accordance with claim 12 wherein said areas are colored and there are a plurality of groups of colored areas on said template, said group of colored areas being distinct from each other, each group of colored areas indicating a different combination of draw bar'settings.

15. The organ in accordance with claim 13 wherein said template is divided into a grid consisting of a plurality of vertical columns and a plurality of horizontal rows, said colored areas being confined within selected portions of said grid.

16. The organ in accordance with claim 13 further including means for removably locating the template on said organ.

17. The organ in accordance with claim 14 wherein said template is divided into a grid consisting of a plurality of vertical columns and a plurality of horizontal rows, said colored areas being confined within selected portions of said grid.

18. The organ in accordance with claim 14 further including means for removably locating the template on said organ.

19. The organ in accordance with claim 14 wherein said template is translucent and wherein there is further included means for illuminating said template.

20. The organ in accordance with claim 12 wherein said indicating means comprises a plurality of openings formed in said template, said openings corresponding to the positions to which said draw bars are to be moved and wherein there is further included means for transmitting light energy through said openings.

21. The organ in accordance with claim 20 wherein said light transmitting means comprises a light source and a plurality of light'pipes for receiving light energy from said light source, there being a quantity of light pipes equal in number to the number of draw bars plus the numbers of different positions of said draw bars, said light pipes'being positioned belowsaid template and in alignment with the openings therein.

22. The organ in accordance with claim 12 wherein said indicating means comprises a plurality of openings in said template equal in number to the'number of said draw bars plus the number of different positions of said draw bars,- a plurality of lamps equal in number to the number of said openings in said template, said lamps being positioned below said template and in alignment with said openings therein, a single switch connected to all of said lamps and to a source of electrical energy, contact means associated with each said-lamp and conductive means associated with selected ones of said openings in said template, said selected openings corresponding to a predetermined displacement of said draw bars whereby when said template is positioned on said organ, said switch will be closed and said lamps adjacent said selected openings having conductive means associated therewith will be illuminated.

Claims

1. A tone control for an electric organ of the type using a plurality of draw bars that are individually displaceaBle to different positions, each group of draw bar positions constituting a setting for a different tone, said tone control comprising: a. a template located on the organ proximate the draw bars; and b. means for indicating different positions on said template, the positions being those at which the draw bars are to be set, said indicating means being co-linear with each of the draw bars whereby the draw bars may be moved outwardly to a position coincidental with the location of said indicating means thereby providing a predetermined combination of draw bar settings, indicating means comprising a plurality of areas having the same appearance but distinct in appearance from the remainder of said template, there being provided at least one such area for each of the draw bars, the location of said areas being the positions to which the respective draw bars are displaced.

10. The tone control in accordance with claim 9 wherein said light transmitting means comprises a light source and a plurality of light pipes for receiving light energy from said light source, there being a quantity of light pipes equal in number to the number of draw bars plus the numbers of different positions of the draw bars, said light pipes being positioned below said template and in alignment with the openings therein.

11. The tone control in accordance with claim 1 wherein said indicating means comprises a plurality of openings in said template equal in number to the number of draw bars plus the number of different positions of the draw bars, a plurality of lamps equal in number to the number of said openings in said template, said lamps being positioned below said template and in alignment with said openings therein, a single switch connected to all of said lamps and to a source of electrical energy, contact means associated with each said lamp and conductive means associated with selected ones of said openings in said template, said selected openings corresponding to a predetermined displacement of the draw bars whereby when said template is positioned on the organ, said switch will be closed and said lamps adjacent said selected openings having conductive means associated therewith will be illuminated.

12. An electric organ comprising the combination of: a. a plurality of draw bars That are individually displaceable to different positions, each group of draw bar positions constituting a setting for a different tone; b. a template located on said organ proximate said draw bars; and c. means for indicating different positions on said template, the positions being those at which said draw bars are to be set, said indicating means being co-linear with each of said draw bars whereby said draw bars may be moved outwardly to a position coincidental with the location of said indicating means thereby providing a predetermined combination of draw bar settings, said indicating means comprising a plurality of areas having the same appearance but distinct in appearance from the remainder of said template, there being provided at least one such area for each of said draw bars, the location of said areas being the positions to which the respective draw bars are displaced.

13. The organ in accordance with claim 12 wherein said areas are colored and there is one group of colored areas on said template to indicate a single combination of draw bar settings.

14. The organ in accordance with claim 12 wherein said areas are colored and there are a plurality of groups of colored areas on said template, said group of colored areas being distinct from each other, each group of colored areas indicating a different combination of draw bar settings.

21. The organ in accordance with claim 20 wherein said light transmitting means comprises a light source and a plurality of light pipes for receiving light energy from said light source, there being a quantity of light pipes equal in number to the number of draw bars plus the numbers of different positions of said draw bars, said light pipes being positioned below said template and in alignment with the openings therein.

22. The organ in accordance with claim 12 wherein said indicating means comprises a plurality of openings in said template equal in number to the number of said draw bars plus the number of different positions of said draw bars, a plurality of lamps equal in number to the number of said openings in said template, said lamps being positioned below said template and in alignment with said openings therein, a single switch connected to all of said lamps and to a source of electrical energy, contact means associated with each said lamp and conductive means associated with selected ones of said openings in said template, said selected openings corresponding to a predetermined displacement of said draw bars whereby when said template is positioned on said organ, said switch will be closed and said lamps adjacent said selected openings having conductive means associated therewith will be illuminated.