Abstract: The present invention 10 has two components that provide the signal that is representative of the guitar sound, a primary pickup device 12 and a secondary pickup device 52. The primary device is the piezoelectric pickup 12 that is situated between the strings 18 beneath the saddle 14 of a stringed instrument 16. The primary device 12 is designed to detect the bulk of the sound as well as the tonal nuances. The primary device does not provide ambience. The secondary device 52 as used in one embodiment of the present invention makes use of the physically induced charge modulation properties along both the longitudinal and transverse axis of the interconnecting coax cable 52 that runs from the primary pickup 12 to the impedance changing preamplifier 36. This cable can simulate the ambience that could otherwise be generated from discrete microphones or reverberation devices. An optional pair of pickups 26 may be disposed outside the strings 18.

Abstract: This graphic character matrix display assembly has a support providing a nonreflecting background for a multiplicity of display units arranged for cooperatively displaying the character. Each of the display units comprises a flat display disk having opposite sides. An electromagnet rotates the disk between display position and reversed position. A light source at each disk projects a light beam through a peripheral cutout in the disk when the disk is in display position. The light beam also projects an outline of the disk by backlighting. The periphery of the disk blocks the light beam when the disk is in reversed position. The light source for each disk may be an incandescent lamp, emitting diodes or the end of a light pipe.

Abstract: The microscopic pores, cavities and crevices of the strings and the interstices of a wound string are filled with dry lubricant particles using a moisture displacing agent and rust inhibitor as a carrier for the dry lubricant. This provides lubrication and inhibits corrosion, thus shortening initial break in periods and extending string life.

Abstract: An integrated piezoelectric sound transducer and preamplifier is provided within a sealed enclosure and the preamplifier is powered through a coaxial cable utilized for the AC signal output of the preamplifier. By integrating the transducer and preamp, cable noise is eliminated. The preamplifier is implemented with a single FET connected in a source-follower configuration. The gate of the FET is connected to circuit ground through the internal resistance of the piezoelectric material and mass of the transducer, and the drain of the FET is connected to an external power supply through the internal conductor of the coaxial cable that is AC coupled to the source of the FET by a capacitor. In the case of bipolar power supplies over the coaxial cable, the source is connected to either circuit ground or the other polarity of power through a separate diode and filter capacitor.

Abstract: A pressure transducer comprised of a piezoresistance bridge on a semiconductor chip is employed as a pressure sensor in musical instruments having an air column through which pressure variations pass in producing sounds, such as in wind instruments and drums. A noiseless voltage preamplifier couples the transducer to a power preamplifier the output of which may then be amplified in a conventional audio amplifier. In the case of a wind instrument, the transducer is mounted between the cup or reed of the mouthpiece and the first key or finger hole, or in the air column in a direction opposite the first key or finger hole in the case of a transverse flute or similar reedless woodwind instrument for direct communication with the air column of the instrument.