Accenter touch bar for electronic musical instrument

Claim 1

In an electronic musical instrument of the keyboard type comprising at least one manual keyboard, said keyboard having a bank of keys arranged in a row, said keys being connected to electrical switch means responsive to the physical operation of said keys, said switch means being connected to an electric circuit to control the energization of an audio system for an electronic signal source, electric circuit means for modifying the electronic signal for energizing said audio system whereby the tonal qualities of said audio system may be modified, and manually operable switch means for selectively controlling said electronic circuit means, said manual switch means including a base supporting an elongated push bar, said push bar being positioned adjacent said keyboard with its longitudinal axis extending generally transversely of said keys so that it may be facilely struck by a performer, resilient mounting means for said push bar so that it may be displaced relative to said base, and switch contact means responsive to the displacement of said push bar, said contact means being connected in electric circuit with said electronic circuit for modifying the electronic signal, whereby changes in said signal may be rapidly effected.