Rowan University, 2001 - $10,830

When handling a stringed instrument such as a guitar or violin, unwanted jarring of the instrument's tuning knobs can occur. Slightly bumping an instrument's headstock (top of the instrument) while moving about or leaning an instrument against a wall or a floor during break periods can lead to the detuning of the instrument's strings.

With Clutch Knobs in place, this detuning cannot occur. If accidentally bumped, the knobs spin freely without altering the string tension. To tune the guitar, the musician turns the knobs as usual.