Luthier, Acoustician, Inventor
Roger H. Siminoff
Patents
Books
Bibliography
Biography
Communication Arts
Marine Author
By early 1970, Siminoff was heavily involved in the design and development of musical instruments and instrument manufacturing devices including carving machines to do the exact shaping of instrument necks, and mandolin top and back plates. By 1973, he had developed a multi-axis truss rod system to counteract the forces of string tension on musical instrument necks. For this design, he was awarded a U.S. Patent in 1974, and later licensed the patent to Gibson Incorporated.
Roger had several other musical designs in progress. These included the invention of a guitar tuning knob with a fold-out fast-wind crank for which he was granted a U.S. Patent and several foreign patents. The knob, dubbed the “CRANK,” has been licensed to Gibson and to Schaller (W. Germany), a world renowned manufacturer of tuning machines. A unique nut, with adjustable-action supports for each string, won Siminoff another U.S. Patent and subsequently was licensed to Dunlop Manufacturing. Then, his frustrations at the inconvenience of changing strings won him a few more patents; he developed two methods to change instruments strings without cutting, twisting, or knotting them. One design, a string with a special pin at its peghead end, was licensed to Gibson under the name “GRABBERS.”
In early 1984, Roger was granted another U.S. Patent, this one for an unusual modular guitar. It features interlocking parts that permit a musician to snap together an instrument to suit his or her tastes in much the same way a photographer might assemble camera bodies and lenses. Two years later, another patent followed, this one for a universal mounting system for tuning machines. Today, several other music-related designs are awaiting their turn for further development on the Siminoff workbench. Patent details follow:
Truss rod system
U.S. Patent 3,901,119, describes a vertabrae of links with a steel truss rod positioned off-center. When the rod is tightened, the linkage is forced to bend in the direction of the rod’s compressive force. In this system, there can be up-links, down-links, left- or right-links, or blanks (where no bending effort is exerted). Since the truss rod system is completely removable through the truss rod pocket (in the peghead), the links can be assembled in any sequence or order to correct a single axis or multiple axis defect.
Component Guitar
U.S. Patent 4,433,603 speaks of a guitar comprised of descrete interchangable components. With this design, a guitarist could assemble an instrument to suite his or her tastes of neck and body styles as well as interchanging pickups or electronic tone/volume control modules while playing. The system features a unique center section that is designed to hold the neck and body, as well as act as a central housing for all of the core wiring to accept pick-up and electronics modules. The center section’s unique neck support provides for access and playability of the entire fretboard. In this design, completed guitar parts could be sold as accessory items. Pickups and electronics snap-in.
Crankable tuning machine knob
This design, U.S. Patent 4,278,002, covers a fold-out rapid-wind knob to enable musicians to quickly and easily change strings. The crank handle is spring loaded and folds into the knob body when not in use. A simply pull opens the knob to allow for fast winding and unwinding of strings. With this crank knob, a musician no longer has to carry extra winder devices and strings can be wound on and off in a matter of seconds. The crank conforms to the shape of the knob when it is folded in place making it virtually invisible. The spring loaded feature prevents the knobs from rattling and causing unwanted noises.
Adustable nut
The adjustable nut, U.S. Patent 4,304,163, enables the musician to set the strings’ “action” high or low without the need to file the nut (and possibly file it too low rendering it unusable). Each string’s contact point is a small screw which threads into the nut body and can be stopped at quarter-turn adjusting points. The adjustable nut provides the most precise nut action available. Further, the metal (brass) design provides the additional advantage of being a desirable rigid non-damping string support (acoustically speaking).
String spool
To further simplify string installation, U.S. Patent 4,377,963 describes having the last few inches of string spooled onto a thimble so that the string could be instantly attached to the machine head and the necessary slack drawn out to install the string. (Stemming from this design, Siminoff developed strings with a pin on one end [licensed to Gibson as the “Grabbers”] enabling the pin to be placed into the hole of a traditional geared machine and instantly locked in place. With this string design and Siminoff’s crank design [above], an entire set of guitar strings could be changed in 1-1/2 minutes.)
Geared machine assembly
U.S. Patent 4,515,059, describes a unique tuning machine whose mounting bases are comprised of unique plates which emulate the shape and mounting holes of earlier machines. With this design, a guitarist changing from some early (no longer produced) machine to a new set of geared machines would be able to use the same mounting as the previous machines and not be left with unsightly holes or embossings in the paint where the previous machines used to be. It was intended that these machines would be sold as standard sets, and the various mounting plates to match the original machines would be available separately.
The Physics of Music
Transcribed and annotated by Roger H. Siminoff. This book is a verbatim reproduction of a student’s notebook from Professor Lloyd Loar’s class at Northwestern University, Evanston, IL in the summer of 1943. The numerous illustrations were scanned from the original book to maintain a close feeling to what Loar drew on the blackboard. Great background on musical acoustics, inferences to tuned air chambers, and comments on Loar’s preference of the violin over the mandolin (acoustically). 48 pages, spiral bound. Prologue by Roger H. Siminoff . Available only through us.
The Art of Tap Tuning
The Art of Tap Tuning by Roger H. Siminoff is a 56-page richly detailed text on the process of adjusting the structural components of an acoustic string musical instrument to make it produce excellent tone. The text includes: a introduction to musical acoustics, a guide to using strobe tuners, the use of additional electronic equipment to improve sustain when tuning, structural changes you can make that affect tuning, tools to use, and much more. The accompanying 50-minute DVD includes numerous tests and demonstrations that let you both see and hear the tap tuning process and its results. Includes article by Lloyd A. Loar on soundboards and how they work. Foreward by Richard Hoover of Santa Cruz Guitars.
The Ultimate Bluegrass Mandolin Construction Manual
The Ultimate Bluegrass Mandolin Construction Manual is a compendium of 40 years of mandolin building and research by Roger Siminoff. This 160-page book features rich step-by-step assembly instructions, a complete set of the most highly detailed full-size drawings ever made available, more than 250 construction photos and illustrations, 4 pages of full-color photos of the color-finishing and grain-contrast process, luthier’s signature labels, a detailed guide on the art of tap-tuning, and much more. Foreword by John Monteleone.
How to set up the Best Sounding Banjo
How to set up the Best Sounding Banjo is a step-by-step guide to the structural tuning and proper set up of a banjo. Instructions include evaluations and settings for the neck, neck-to-rim fit, tone chamber, bridge, tailpiece, string-break angle, string selection, and more. All chapters culminate with the goals and objectives of “tuning” the banjo’s air chamber and head. A highlight of this book is a chapter by Earl Scruggs on how to set up a banjo for electric amplification.
The Luthier’s Handbook
The Luthier’s Handbook explores the secrets and science behind building acoustic string musical instruments that sound good. The text focuses on wood selection, bridge designs, air chambers, bracing and tone bar configurations, soundboard design, string selection, and the art of tap tuning. “The Luthier’s Handbook” features ideas on revolutionary deflection tuning techniques for the serious builder, as well as a free String Gauge Calculator for selecting optimal string gauges.
Constructing a 5-String Banjo
Constructing a 5-String Banjo treats the reader to the pleasure of building a bluegrass style 5-string banjo. This fully illustrated comprehensive guide includes wood selection, making the neck, steam bending the rim (or building one from solid wood), assembly, pearl inlays, fretting, hardware selection, and hand coloring. The text include color plates on shading the neck and resonator as well as a set of full-size fold out drawings.
Constructing a Solidbody Guitar
Constructing a Solidbody Guitar provides all the instruction and diagrams necessary to build a full-size solidbody electric guitar. This book is fully illustrated and includes chapters on wood selection, making the neck, shaping the body, preparing the fretboard, assembly, hand coloring, hardware selection, and installing the electronics. The text includes color plates on sunburst and curly maple finishing as well as a set of full-size fold out drawings. Foreword by Chet Atkins.
Constructing a Bluegrass Mandolin
Constructing a Bluegrass Mandolin is the first comprehensive guide to the art of building a wood-bodied stringed musical instrument. First published in 1973, this fully illustrated text takes the reader from wood selection through all of the stages of construction including: making the neck, steam bending the sides (ribs), carving the soundboard and backboard, tuning the air chamber, assembly, and hand coloring. The text includes color photos on grain enhancement and a set of full-size fold out drawings. Foreword by Bertha (Lloyd) Loar Westerberg.
Boating 101
Boating 101 is a handbook for power and sail boaters everywhere. It provides more than 100 tips on safety, maintenance, navigation, rules of the road, handling the VHF radio, docking, rafting-up, dingy handling, anchoring, heavy weather conditions, and much more. The text is heavily illustrated with photos and diagrams. For beginners or advanced “old salts.”
Published Texts (books and DVDs)
The Physics of Music, Roger H. Siminoff, 2007 (a lab notebook from the last class of Professor Lloyd Loar, 1943).
The Art of Tap Tuning, Milwaukee, WI, Hal Leonard Corporation, 2006 (text and DVD).
Boating 101, Camden, ME, International Marine (McGraw Hill), 1999.
The Ultimate Bluegrass Mandolin Construction Manual, Milwaukee, WI, Hal Leonard Publishing, 2004.
Constructing A 5-String Banjo, Milwaukee, WI, Hal Leonard Publishing, 1984.
Constructing A Bluegrass Mandolin, first and second printing: Denville, NJ, Colonial Press, 1974; third and subsequent printings: Milwaukee, Hal Leonard Publishing, 1978.
Constructing An Electric Guitar, Milwaukee, WI, Hal Leonard Publishing, 1986.
Gibson Authoritative Guide To Guitar Srings, Elgin IL, Gibson Inc, 1982 (out of print).
How to set up the BEST SOUNDING BANJO, Milwaukee, WI, Hal Leonard Publishing, 1999.
Luthier’s Handbook, The, Milwaukee, WI, Hal Leonard Publishing, 2002.
Secret Of Tuning (Voicing) Fretted Instruments, Chicago, C.G.Conn, 1977 (out of print).
5-String Banjo, Bluegrass Style, first and second printing: Denville, NJ, Colonial Press, 1973; third and subsequent printings: Milwaukee, Hal Leonard Publishing, 1978 (out of print).
Published Articles (in magazines, columns, et al)
Acceleration: When How Fast You Go Counts, Topsfield MA, Desktop Publishers, the NADTP Journal, January 1995.
Building A Captain’s Seat, Portsmouth, RI, The Pearson Log, Pearson Yachts, Fall 1986.
Bill Keith, New York, The Big Book Of Bluegrass, Quill Books, 1984.
Bill Keith, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 3/80.
Bridges (banjo), Annapolis, MD, Banjo Newsletter, 2/04.
Butch Robins, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 6/81.
Byron Berline, New York, The Big Book Of Bluegrass, Quill Books, 1984.
Byron Berline, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 3/82.
C.F. Martin, From Germany To Nazareth, The, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 6/77.
Care and Feeding of Your Instrument, Santa Cruz, CA, Bluegrass By The Bay, Northern California Bluegrass Association, (monthly column), 1994-present.
Catching Up To The Field; Gibson Banjos, Los Angeles, Gibson Guitars: 100 Years Of An American Icon, General Publishing Group, 1994.
Chet Atkins, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 10/79.
Color Issues, Victoria, Australia, Design Graphics, Design Editorial Pty Ltd, 4/95.
Connecting The Player To The Instrument: Gibson Strings, Los Angeles, Gibson Guitars: 100 Years Of An American Icon, General Publishing Group, 1994.
Crowning Glories: Mr. Loar’s Master Models, Los Angeles, Gibson Guitars: 100 Years Of An American Icon, General Publishing Group, 1994.
Curly Maple, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 4/78.
D’Addario, The Making Of Strings, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 3/78.
Dealing with Dovetails on Mandolin Necks, Cupertino CA, The String Instrument Craftsman, GPI Publications, Nov/Dec 1988.
Don Reno, New York, The Big Book Of Bluegrass, Quill Books, 1984.
Don Reno, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 8/79.
Earl Scruggs, Bigger Than a Giant, Acoutsic Musician, Acoustic Musician Pubs., 6/98.
Earl Scruggs, Five String King: The, Los Angeles, Gibson Guitars: 100 Years Of An American Icon, General Publishing Group, 1994.
Earl Scruggs, New York, The Big Book Of Bluegrass, Quill Books, 1984.
Earl Scruggs, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 7/80.
Earl Scruggs & Rodney Dillard, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 7/81.
Earl Scruggs Model Mastertone, Greensboro MC, Banjo Newsletter, Banjo Newsletter Inc., 4/85.
Finding the Right Tailpiece (banjo), Annapolis, MD, Banjo Newsletter, 6/04.
First Aid Kit, The, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 6/83
Fitting Dovetail Neck Joints, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 5/79.
Five String King: Earl Scruggs, The, Los Angeles, Gibson Guitars: 100 Years Of An American Icon, General Publishing Group, 1994.
Following C.F. Martin From Germany To Nazareth, The, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 6/77.
Frets Visits Gibson Guitars, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 5/81.
Frets Visits Guild Guitars, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 3/79.
Frets Visits Gurian Guitars, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 5/79.
Frets Visits Larivee Guitars, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 9/81.
Frets Visits Ovation Guitars, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 10/81.
Frets Visits Richard Schneider, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 9/79.
Frets Visits Santa Cruz Guitars, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 10/81.
Frets Visits Steve Klein, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 5/82.
Fretting, How To Tackle The Job, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 4/79.
Gibson, The Early Years, Part I, Denville, NJ, Pickin Magazine, Colonial Press Corp, 6/75.
Gibson, Part II, Denville, NJ, Pickin Magazine, Colonial Press Corp, 7/75.
Gibson Banjos, The Early Years, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 1/81.
Gibson Goes Back, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press Corp., 7/78.
Gibson Serial Numbers, Part III, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 7/77.
Glues: The Market For Bonds, Cupertino, CA, The String Instrument Craftsman, GPI Publications, Jan/Feb 1988.
Guitar Bridge Adjustment, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 11/77.
Happy Traum, Putting Teachers In Your Home, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 5/78.
How Banjos Work, Annapolis, MD, Banjo Newsletter, 2/03.
How To Install Truss Rods, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 10/80.
In The Age Of The Computer, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 8/78.
Inside Reno & Harrell, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 1/76.
Introducing “The Gibson:” Orville’s Instruments, Los Angeles, Gibson Guitars: 100 Years Of An American Icon, General Publishing Group, 1994.
Jose Ramirez, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 1/82.
Kenny Baker, New York, The Big Book Of Bluegrass, Quill Books, 1984.
Kenny Baker, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 7/82.
Lloyd Loar, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 7/79.
Lloyd Loar, A Genius Ahead Of His Time, San Mateo, CA, Vintage Gallery, Miller Freeman Publications, 6/95.
Lloyd Allayre Loar, A Man Before His Time: , Los Angeles, Gibson Guitars: 100 Years Of An American Icon, General Publishing Group, 1994.
Lowdown On Counterfeiting, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 2/77.
Luthier’s Corner, The Breakdown, Sacramento, CA, California Bluegrass Association, 2004-present (monthly column).
Made In Madrid, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 5/83.
Making Oval Mandolin Rosettes, Tacoma, WA, American Lutherie, Guild of American Luthiers, Sprint 1995.
Man Before His Time: Lloyd Allayre Loar, A, Los Angeles, Gibson Guitars: 100 Years Of An American Icon, General Publishing Group, 1994.
Man With A Vision: Orville H. Gibson, A, Los Angeles, Gibson Guitars: 100 Years Of An American Icon, General Publishing Group, 1994.
Mike Auldridge, New York, The Big Book Of Bluegrass, Quill Books, 1984.
Mike Auldridge, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 2/81.
Modes of Vibration of a Musical String, Annapolis, MD, Banjo Newsletter, 4/03.
Mounting Skin Banjo Heads, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 7/80.
Onward From Orville: The Gibson Company’s First Models, Los Angeles, Gibson Guitars: 100 Years Of An American Icon, General Publishing Group, 1994.
Orville H. Gibson, A Man With A Vision:, Los Angeles, Gibson Guitars: 100 Years Of An American Icon, General Publishing Group, 1994.
Orville’s Gibson Comes Home, The, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 7/78.
Ovation Instruments, New York, The Big Book Of Bluegrass, Quill Books, 1984.
Pete Seeger, Working At The Other End, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 5/76.
Power Tuning the 5-String Banjo, Broad Run, VA, Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine, 3/00.
R & D, (102 monthly cols), Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 1978-87.
Rebuilding The Mast Step, New York, Yachting Magazine, July 1992.
Refitting Banjo Tone Rings, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 12/80.
Regluing Bridges, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 6/81.
Regluing Mandolin Backs, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 10/76.
Repairing Cracked Banjo Heels, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 2/81.
Resonance, American Luthierie, Guild Of American Luthiers, 1990.
Restoring Force and Rigid Tailpieces, Annapolis, MD, Banjo Newsletter, 6/03.
Reworking A Nut, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 12/81.
Roy Clark (Flashback), San Mateo, CA, FRETS Magazine, CMP Media Corporate, Fall 2006.
Roy Clark, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 12/79.
Santa Cruz Guitar Company, New York, The Big Book Of Bluegrass, Quill Books, 1984.
String Break Angle, Annapolis, MD, Banjo Newsletter, 8/03.
Structural Tuning: Tone Control. Milpitas, CA, The String Instrument Craftsman, Mar/Apr 1988.
Super Duper FRP Cleaner, Los Gatos CA, Cat’s Paw, Los Gatos Yacht Club, 1991.
Techtalk, (42 monthly columns), Denville NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 1974-78.
Techtalk, Annapolis, MD, Banjo Newsletter, 2003-present (bi-monthly columns).
The Right Tailpiece (banjo), Annapolis, MD, Banjo Newsletter, 4/04.
Three Dimensions (of a luthier), Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 1/83.
Truss Rod, The, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 1/82.
Truss Rod Adjustment, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 9/81.
Truss Rod Installation, Milpitas, CA, The String Instrument Craftsman, May/Jun 1988.
Truth About A Lyre, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 6/76.
Tuning the Head, Annapolis, MD, Banjo Newsletter, 10/03.
Tuning the Air Chamber (banjo), Annapolis, MD, Banjo Newsletter, 12/03.
Understanding Monitor Calibration, Atlanta, GA, Digital Output, Axle Communications, Inc, 4/95.
Using Heat To Straighten Instrument Necks, Cupertino CA, FRETS Magazine, GPI Publications, 3/81.
Vintage Instrument Debate, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 6/78.
Wendy Miller, Musician and Luthier, Denville, NJ, Pickin’ Magazine, Colonial Press, 1/76.
Where’s The Focus?, Reno, NV, Auto Racer’s Monthly, NLP Inc., 1/92.
Biography: Author (musical instrument construction):
Roger H. Siminoff has been designing, building, playing, and researching musical instruments for more than 40 years. The combination of these talents, coupled with his love of writing, has made Siminoff one of America’s foremost authorities on string instruments and their design, a leading music journalist, and a highly respected inventor. Siminoff has authored several hundred articles on instrument construction and repair, musical acoustics, performers, and the history and craftsmanship of musical instruments. His research and writing on the life and work of Orville Gibson and Lloyd Loar have made him a highly-respected expert on these renowned artisans.
After attending Parsons School of Design (NYC) where he majored in industrial design, Siminoff founded a graphic arts company in New Jersey that specialized in photography, art and design services, and printing. With creative facilities readily available to him, Siminoff channeled his banjo expertise into writing an instruction book for bluegrass banjo playing (5-String Banjo, Bluegrass Style, 1972). The publication quickly became a success, and a bound-in offer triggered the response for what was to follow–the creation of a monthly music magazine that focused on bluegrass and old-time country music. In February 1974, Pickin’ Magazine made its debut; within two years it was hailed as the most influential publication of its kind.
In 1979, Siminoff was invited to join GPI Publications in Cupertino, CA to launch FRETS Magazine. As the magazine’s founding editor, Siminoff helped build FRETS into a viable music publication, boasting an unprecedented international circulation of more than 30,000 within a two-and-a-half year period.
Siminoff has authored numerous texts on the art of musical instrument construction. These include, Constructing a Bluegrass Mandolin, Constructing a 5-String Banjo, Constructing a Solidbody Electric Guitar, How to set up the Best Sounding Banjo, the Luthier’s Handbook, The Ultimate Mandolin Construction Manual, and his latest work; The Art of Tap Tuning(all published by Hal Leonard Corporation, Milwaukee, WI, available at luthierie supply companies, book or music stores, or directly from Siminoff).
For a complete listing of Siminoff’s music writings, see Siminoff Bibliography.
Biography: Music Acoustician and Luthier
Roger H. Siminoff has been designing, building, playing, and researching musical instruments for more than 45 years. As a teenager, Siminoff showed an early interest in things both musical and mechanical. One of his first luthierie projects was a pedal steel guitar made with linkage from model airplane parts. Following that, he constructed a complete five-string banjo after which he produced numerous five-string necks to convert four-string instruments to the popular bluegrass models followed the steel guitar.
By the early 1960s, Siminoff was building custom banjo necks and parts for musicians in the New York metropolitan area. And, before the end of the decade, his mail-order parts business, Siminoff Banjos, was providing banjo and mandolin parts to instrument makers around the world. .
Roger has consulted for many leading musical string and acoustic instrument manufacturers both domestic and abroad, and has developed numerous devices for structural tuning, string tensioning, and pattern carving. On-site training has included instructing in the art of tap-tuning as well as training on various techniques of antique finishing, including hand-shading, and building grain contrast.
Biography: Inventor/designer
Roger H. Siminoff has been designing, building, playing, and researching musical instruments for more than 45 years. The combination of these talents, coupled with his love of writing, has made Siminoff one of America’s foremost authorities on string instruments and their design, a leading music journalist, and a highly respected inventor.
Having branched out into the building of mandolins in early 1970, Siminoff conceived and built special carving machines to do the exact shaping of instrument necks, and mandolin tops and back plates. To bend wood for banjo rims and mandolin sides, he developed a unique steam chamber long enough to roll a 12’ length of 1/4″ maple into a single seamless banjo rim. By 1973, he had developed a multi-axis truss rod system to counteract the forces of string tension on musical instrument necks. For this design, he was awarded a U.S. Patent in 1974 and later licensed the patent to Gibson Incorporated.
At that same time, Siminoff had several other musical designs in progress. These included the invention of a guitar tuning knob with a fold-out fast-wind crank for which he was granted a U.S. Patent and several foreign patents. The knob, dubbed the “CRANK,” was licensed to Gibson and then to Schaller (W. Germany), a world renowned manufacturer of tuning machines. A unique nut, with adjustable-action supports for each string earned Siminoff another U.S. Patent, and it was subsequently licensed to Dunlop Manufacturing. A few more patents were granted for inventions to help reduce the frustration and inconvenience of changing strings: he developed two methods to change instrument strings without cutting, twisting, or knotting them. One design, a string with a special pin at its peghead end, was licensed to Gibson under the name “GRABBERS.”
In early 1984, Siminoff was granted another U.S. Patent; this one for an unusual modular guitar. It features interlocking parts that permit a musician to snap together an instrument to suit his or her tastes in much the same way a photography assembles camera bodies and lenses. Two years later, another patent followed, this one for a universal mounting system for tuning machines.
Biography: Consulting
Roger H. Siminoff has been designing, building, playing, and researching musical instruments for more than 45 years. His unique expertise is in the art of structural tuning, production carving, string winding, and antique finishing.
As a consultant to Gibson, Siminoff assisted in reissuing several instruments originally produced by the company in its earlier years. Among those were the Earl Scruggs model banjo (a replica of Scruggs’ personal Gibson Granada), and the reintroduction of the famed F-5 mandolin (as first produced by Gibson in the mid 1920s). The re-issue, dubbed the F-5L after its creator Lloyd Loar has been enthusiastically received since making its successful “comeback” in 1978.
Consulting for several other instrument manufacturers, Siminoff has been responsible for the development of special hand-finishing techniques, improved structural and acoustical designs, production machining and pattern-carving of wood parts, string winding and tensioning technology, and compatibility “tuning” of the acoustic properties for production instruments.
Roger H. Siminoff has enjoyed more than four decades in graphics, prepress, print production, photomechanical technologies, publishing, color management, and marketing. Born in New Jersey, Siminoff grew up working in a family lithography business, taking on management responsibilities while still in high school. In 1962, Siminoff founded Universal Graphics Corporation (Denville, NJ) and grew its divisions, Dimension Studios, Colonial Press, ColorLab, and Padula, Simpson & Miller Advertising, into a comprehensive graphic arts, advertising, marketing, and communications facility. Educated as an industrial designer at Parsons School of Design (NYC), Siminoff holds several U.S. and foreign patents. He has designed numerous devices for the graphic arts industry including imaging and press technologies. Siminoff has held key marketing and technology positions at North American Publishing, GPI Publications, CYMaK Technologies, Digital F/X, Radius, Inc., and Silicon Graphics. Most recently, Siminoff was Apple Computer’s senior. marketing manager of professional graphics products, he steered the positioning of the Macintosh computer into the graphic arts and communications markets. Further to his credentials, Siminoff serves as a part-time Research Professor at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo, CA where he teaches a senior-level class in “Emerging Digital Technologies.”
Roger Siminoff’s infatuation with sailing spans more than 45 years from his first encounter with a Sunfish in the early 1960s. His experience grew through racing and cruising on a wide array of boats that eventually brought him to the marine industry where he was employed by Trimble Navigation as national sales manager for the company’s Loran and GPS marine division. In the late 1980s, Siminoff created a marine service company called Boatdoctor, performing specialized repair and maintenance services for boaters in the San Francisco Bay area. The film industry latched onto his talents when, in 1993, he was invited to design the marine navigation system for the Universal Pictures movie Waterworld — a project that required a rich comprehension and integration of marine, mechanical, video, and film technologies.
Siminoff has sailed extensively on both coasts and in the Caribbean where he literally “learned the ropes.” Many of those uncharted experiences found their way into his book Boating 101 in which he shares ideas not taught in traditional how-to books. His current vessel, Bolero, a 323 Pearson, is highly customized and fitted out (including two handmade spinnakers), displaying the artistry and craftwork of its skipper.
Siminoff has written articles for Yachting Magazine and the Pearson Log. Further to his information-sharing credit, he has taught a class on marine navigation and is a Research Professor at California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo, CA) where he teaches a course entitled “Emerging Digital Technologies.” Siminoff majored in industrial design at Parsons School of Design (NYC) and holds several domestic and foreign patents. Siminoff is currently involved in the music industry where he manufacturers a line of high-quality parts for mandolins and banjos.