Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning a woodwind instrument including a housing and a motor mounted within the housing, the motor having a rotatable drive shaft extending outwardly from the housing. An elongated cleaning tool is coupled to the drive shaft and insertable into the tube portion of a woodwind instrument for cleaning the inner wall of the tube. The apparatus further includes an instrument support attached to the housing adjacent the cleaning tool. The instrument support defines a length aligned substantially parallel with the length of the cleaning tool for supporting the instrument during a cleaning process. The cleaning tool being rotatable via the drive shaft for cleaning the interior of an instrument positioned over the cleaning tool and supported by the instrument support. A strap is provided to secure the instrument to the instrument support.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided for a musical instrument, particularly for a guitar. The enclosure has a flexible rear panel having a laterally enlarged lower portion to cover the back side of the guitar. The enclosure further includes a flexible front side being substantially of the same size and shape as the rear side of the enclosure. A side panel, which is substantially continuous, interconnects the rear side and the front side of the enclosure. Preferably, the front side is clear or transparent so that the guitar may be viewed from outside the enclosure. An opening is provided in the bottom of the side wall and the opening is sized and shaped to allow the passage of the guitar in and out of the enclosure.

Abstract: Disclosed musical instrument cases have a semi-rigid, continuous sidewall defining a front edge with opposing first and second elongated sides and a back edge with opposing first and second elongated sides. The cases also have a partition, with front and back surfaces, attached to the sidewall. The cases have a front cover hingedly connected to the second elongated side of the front edge and releasably fastened to the first elongated side of the front edge. Conversely, the cases have a back cover hingedly connected to the first elongated side of the back edge and releasably fastened to the second elongated side of the back edge. The front cover may selectively enclose a front region of space between the front cover and the front surface of partition and, independently, the back cover may selectively enclose a back region of space between the back cover and the partition back surface.

Abstract: CPU 11 reads from RAM 13 pitch information of each of musical notes composing the music, fingering information for playing the musical notes, and time information of the musical notes, thereby calculating a difficulty level of music. CPU 11 calculates a fingering difficulty level concerning fingering of playing adjacent musical notes based on the pitch information and fingering information, a rhythm difficulty level concerning musical-note duration and timing of key playing based on the time information, and a key difficulty level concerning a key of music based on the pitch information. Further, CPU 11 calculates the whole difficulty level of music based on the fingering difficulty level, rhythm difficulty level and key difficulty level.

Abstract: Wind musical instrument moisture drying devices are disclosed. The device includes a core member, a base member and an optional flexible adaptor member. The core member includes a hollow enclosure, a fan, an electric energy source and a fan operations control unit. The fan is mounted on top of the hollow enclosure, while the electric energy source and the fan operations control unit are housed inside. The base member contains at least one extrusion element located on the surface of the hollow enclosure substantially near the bottom. The extrusion element is configured to be orientated radially outward from the centerline of the hollow enclosure. The core member and the base member can be fixedly connected to each other, or connected via a connecting device. The flexible adaptor member is configured for receiving the based member to be flexibly adjusted or reshaped to be snuggled with inside surface of a wind musical instrument.

Abstract: The claimed device is a drum rim extension. Previously, drummers playing cross-stick, (that is, laying the stick across the rim of the drum to produce a clicking or tapping sound), had difficulty maintaining a good grip on the drumstick and finding a consistent sound throughout performances. The drum rim extension is a block of metal, wood or plastic that connects to a portion of the rim of and drum and provides the player up to several inches of free space above the drum, improving stick handling and playing consistency. The drum rim extension improves drumming where rim playing is prominent in musical pieces.

Abstract: A lighting system that is controlled and operated by the cymbal player of a musical band is disclosed. A limiting switch actuator arm is mounted in a predetermined proximity to the underside of the cymbals such that striking the cymbal moves the actuator arm a sufficient distance to momentarily close an electrical circuit to which a light is connected and produce the flash-lighting effect. The actuator arm is encased in a plastic sleeve and has a sleeve tip and a bead attached at the cymbal contact end. The plastic sleeve, sleeve tip and bead protect against the risk of an electric shock, help protect the actuating arm against mechanical damage and help dissipate vibrations.

Abstract: Cases for the protection of stringed musical instruments having a bottom, a sidewall of a predetermined height extending from the bottom and a cover which is hingedly connected to the sidewall and which can be closed and secured with an appropriate fastener are described herein. The cases include a semi-rigid neck-brace having a height approximately the same as the inner height of the sidewall and being affixed to the bottom. The cases further include at least one retaining band that may be used to releasably secure the instrument neck to the neck-brace. Instrument damage may be prevented in the event of a sideways or backward fall, in at least part, because the neck-brace suspends the headstock between the bottom, sidewall and cover of the case and thereby prevents it from making contact.

Abstract: One embodiment of a foldable and height adjustable playing support for musical instrument that supports an instrument such as a guitar in the playing position while the musician is in the seated position. When in use it supports the instrument's bottom surface with its top instrument supporting surface and its bottom portion, the body contacting surface, rests on the performer's thigh. The support provides the performer various height adjustments to achieve the most comfortable playing position. When not in use it can be flattened to a form that is easy to carry and travel with.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective tuner cover for the tuning section of a stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar. The tuner cover is sized to enclose the instrument headstock, or a substantial portion thereof, and includes a section that encloses and protects the tuning keys and knobs of the musical instrument. When constructed as a unitary structure, the tuner cover can be slid onto the instrument headstock. When constructed from separable components, the tuning cover can be opened and closed over the headstock in a bivalve manner if hinged, or by appropriately spaced latching mechanisms if completely separable. The tuner cover can be constructed to enclose and protect one or two rows of tuning keys and knobs, depending on the type of musical instrument.

Abstract: A holder for mounting a sensory device to a musical instrument includes a bracket having a plurality of first connector elements, a locking mechanism for fixing the sensory device to the bracket; and a plurality of hanger members. The bracket supports the sensory device and each of the hanger members connects at least one of the first connector elements to at least one of a plurality of second connector elements attached to the musical instrument. The second connector elements being spaced apart from each other and the hanger members hold the bracket at a predetermined position.

Abstract: One embodiment of an improved piano tuning hammer which eliminates the tilting force which, when a tuner operates a conventional “L”-shaped tuning hammer, invariably accompanies the application of a turning force to a tuning pin mounted in a pin block. The improved hammer has an overall shape like the letter “C,” so that its handle lies substantially in the plane of the pin block, allowing the tuner to turn the pin without tilting it. The embodiment presented is lightweight and rigid, and clears the case structures of most pianos.

Abstract: Described are techniques for preventing movement of tuning pegs on a stringed instrument. Described is a device comprising an elongated body forming a sleeve opened at a first end thereof and having a slit formed therein. The body has a shape and dimensions in accordance with a shape and dimensions of a row of a plurality of tuning pegs of the stringed instrument so that the body is configured to enclose therein head portions of the plurality of tuning pegs. The slit is configured to have a length and width to extend around neck portions of the plurality of tuning pegs on the stringed instrument.

Abstract: A music device comprising a large acoustic frequency chamber, the chamber further comprising an elastic membrane placed on the acoustic chamber. It also comprises, at least one tightening ring and one tightening tuning device, where the tightening tuning device is anchored to a tightening ring and an elastic membrane. The device further comprises one small acoustic frequency chamber that contains another elastic membrane and a second tightening ring. Both chambers combine acoustic frequencies to produce a single combined acoustic frequency. The music tuning device is used both to clasp at least one drum skin and to mask unharmonic resonances.

Abstract: Cases for the protection of stringed musical instruments having a bottom, a sidewall of a predetermined height extending from the bottom and a cover which is hingedly connected to the sidewall and which can be closed and secured with an appropriate fastener are described herein. The cases include a semi-rigid neck-brace having a height approximately the same as the inner height of the sidewall and being affixed to the bottom. The cases further include at least one retaining band that may be used to releasably secure the instrument neck to the neck-brace. Instrument damage may be prevented in the event of a sideways or backward fall, in at least part, because the neck-brace suspends the headstock between the bottom, sidewall and cover of the case and thereby prevents it from making contact.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable, flexible protective cover for a guitar is disclosed. Upon placement of the cover in an operative position onto the guitar, the protective cover is adapted to provide unobstructed access to and use of the functional control elements of the guitar during the playing thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a binding for musical instruments. The binding comprises a combination of a base and a decoration strip. The base is formed with a groove having a sinuate shape. The decoration strip is formed of a plurality of thin and elongated materials having different colors. The thin and elongated materials are attached to each other into a single body. Thus, the musical instruments can be manufactured so as to have more beautiful appearances, and provide more active and meaningful feelings.

Abstract: An assembly for purging liquid from a lip vibrated aerophonic musical instrument having a hollow bore, the assembly including a first outlet port, the first outlet port opening the hollow bore of the lip vibrated aerophonic musical instrument; the assembly further having a housing having an inner wall and an inlet end; the assembly further having a second outlet port, the second outlet port opening the housing; the assembly further having a heat fusion weld attaching the housing to the lip vibrated aerophonic musical instrument, the weld positioning the housing's inlet end at the first outlet port; the assembly further including liquid transmissive materials; and the assembly further including an apertured screw cap operatively to an outlet end of the housing, the apertured screw cap being adapted for alternatively retaining the liquid transmissive material within the housing and releasing the liquid transmissive material from the housing.

Abstract: A musical instrument case comprising a body which defines an outer and inner surface, first and second members, and a support layer affixed within the inner surface of the body and a microfiber layer affixed to the support layer.

Abstract: The instrument relates to a support provided with a first tubular guide element (1) consisting of two parts (2 and 3) having different diameters, which are joined in an intermediately staggered (4) manner. The upper end of the main guide element (1) is provided with a sleeve (6) which axially retains a nut which can detachably fix an inner pin guide (11) whose lower extremity bears a base (13) which is articulatedly connected to the legs or feet (14) of the support such that the latter can extend radially in an operative mode or which can be lowered onto the pin (1) in an inoperative mode, being accommodated in the lower sector (2) of the main guide element (1) which is provided with lower cavities (15) for coupling the feet (14) in an operative mode and provided with deep grooves (16) alternating with the cavities in order to allow pivoting towards the inside and outside of the arms (14) prior to rotation of the pin (11) by 45° in relation to the guide element (1).

Abstract: A battery tester determines a remaining level of charge of a battery mounted within a separate electronic device having an audio jack. The battery tester includes a plug and a circuit having a high impedance input amplifier. At least one electrical contact of the plug is electrically coupled to an input of the high impedance input amplifier. The plug is removably insertable within the audio jack such that the battery of the separate electronic device is electrically connected to the input of the high impedance input amplifier. When electrically coupled to the battery, an output of the high impedance input amplifier provides a signal proportional to the remaining level of charge of the battery, whereby the remaining level of charge of the battery is obtainable by the battery tester without having to remove the battery from the electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, method, and program that are capable of analysing a waveform of a tune involving a modulation with a reduced operation amount. A beat feature extraction section 41 extracts a feature related to a beat from sections of a waveform of a tune involving a modulation, each of the sections corresponding to each beat. A beat feature removal section 42 removes a phase component from a frequency component of each feature extracted. An autocorrelation map generation section 43 generates, based on the features whose phase components have been removed, autocorrelation information representing correlation between one section and another section. This enables the waveform of the tune involving a modulation to be analyzed with a reduced operation amount. The present invention is applicable to an information processing apparatus.

Abstract: An device for accelerating the conditioning process of a stringed musical instrument by causing such instrument to be continuously strummed and vibrated, whereby such vibrations are transmitted to the wooden body of the instrument, which causes the instrument to be prematurely aged and over time improves the consistency, richness, and quality of the sound produced by the instrument when played.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective tuner cover for the tuning section of a stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar. The tuner cover is sized to enclose the instrument headstock, or a substantial portion thereof, and includes a section that encloses and protects the tuning keys and knobs of the musical instrument. When constructed as a unitary structure, the tuner cover can be slid onto the instrument headstock. When constructed from separable components, the tuning cover can be opened and closed over the headstock in a bivalve manner if hinged, or by appropriately spaced latching mechanisms if completely separable. The tuner cover can be constructed to enclose and protect one or two rows of tuning keys and knobs, depending on the type of musical instrument.

Abstract: A musical instrument slide including a body portion and a light source. The light source includes a switch for selective activation, enabling the slide body to emit light when activated. As the musician moves the slide across the strings as the instrument, such as a guitar, is played, a visual effect is created by the movement of the light. The body portion preferably is constructed of a material to pass light therethrough, and can be either wholly or partially clear or translucent, or a combination of both. Alternatively or in addition to the light source, the slide body can include an eccentric motor that causes the slide body to vibrate. This vibration, in turn, causes vibration of the guitar strings, or other sting instrument, as the slide is positioned on the strings, or moved along the strings, by the musician.

Abstract: A key assembly for a saxophone includes an elongated body adapted to be pivotal relative to a saxophone body and having a key formed on one end of the elongated body for selectively closing a hole in the saxophone body in response to the pivotal movement of the elongated body, a casing formed on the other end of the elongated body, a sliding block movably received in the casing from the top opening of the casing and having multiple positioning holes defined in a side face thereof, a key finger button to move simultaneously with the sliding block and a locking block threadingly extendable into the casing and having a locking pin to be extendable into one of the positioning holes of the sliding block so as to secure position of the sliding block as well as the key finger button relative to the elongated body.

Abstract: A musical keyboard instrument which not only allows a music stand to be erected in a desired position in the transverse direction on a panel section, but also ensures easiness of viewing a written musical score of a music book even when the music stand is erected in the vicinity of the left or right end of the panel section. A keyboard section includes a plurality of keys arranged in a front part thereof. A panel section is provided at a location rearward of the keyboard section. An arcuate groove part is formed in the panel section, for engagement with leg parts of a music stand. The arcuate groove part is formed such that the leg parts of the music stand can be engaged therewith in a desired position in the transverse direction, and is curved in a rearwardly convex manner.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument includes a string mounting arrangement that enables multiple strings to be maintained in relative tune as the pitch of the strings is simultaneously varied. In one embodiment, a composite musical string comprises multiple segments, each segment having a different density, but the composite string will maintain substantially the same tension throughout its length. As the tension is increased or decreased, the pitch of the instrument changes, but the relative tuning between the strings remains. In another embodiment, a composite string comprises musical string segments joined end-to-end with bending segments. The musical segments are adapted to emit desired notes and tones at tension. The bending segments are adapted to easily bend about pivots such as a tuning knob or pulley.

Abstract: A stand for holding a musical accessory at a convenient level having a base comprised of a plurality of adjustable telescoping members forming a U-shape base support, which can be adjusted to extend around other equipment in a crowded stage area, thereby conserving space and enabling the stand to be conveniently situated closely together with such other equipment, and in addition being used as an instrument and equipment support stand that can be compacted into a convenient small package for purposes of storage and transport. A structure for folding for carrying and transportation is particularly disclosed.

Abstract: Adjustable hand rest attachment for a musical instrument, wherein the hand rest post is constructed to provide multiple adjustments of the position of the hand rest on which the hand or hands of the musical performer rest when playing a musical instrument, such as a bassoon or contrabassoon. The adjustable hand rest attachment incorporates an articulated hand rest post to allow for varying angles of adjustment. The adjustable positioning of the hand rest achievable through adjustment of the articulated and adjustable hand rest post, reduces discomfort for the player and reduces injury with overuse. The adjustments of the hand rest and the hand rest post may then be secured into a fixed position. A bassoon is equipped with a key mechanism that is constructed using a tube that consists of a tenor joint, a boot (also known as a double) joint, a long joint, and a bell joint.

Abstract: A laminated structure for pick guards and back plates for guitars or other stringed instruments, electric or acoustic, utilizes a layered composite material typically featuring two metal facers bonded together with a composite plastic non-conductive core material, and typically coating the exterior surfaces with a durable anti-scratch layer. The pick guard is machined to shape, edge-beveled, edge-polished and drilled custom to each make and model. The non-conductive core between metal layers forms an electrical capacitor. The composite laminated stack serves as an electrostatic shield to reduce pickup interference, and is much lighter in weight than an equivalent all-metal panel. Providing scratch protection, control mounting, shielding and aesthetic benefits, the pick guard can be retrofitted to instruments after-market or incorporated in original manufacture.

Abstract: A cap for a musical wind instrument bell includes a flexible substantially circular disk shaped portion sized to span the mouth of the instrument bell and a flexible continuous side wall portion extends from the outer edge of the disk shaped portion. The disk shaped portion and the side wall portion together define a receptacle sized to receive and fit over the instrument bell. The disk shaped portion rests parallel to the mouth of the instrument bell. A fastener system is disposed on the side wall portion and is configured to decrease the opening of the receptacle over the tapering conical region of the instrument bell to releasably secure the cap to the instrument bell.

Abstract: In combination with a drumstick used for playing a drum, the improvement comprises an apparatus for teaching a novice the proper technique for holding a drumstick. The apparatus includes at least one aperture disposed in the drumstick and an elastomeric member engageable with the aperture and having a loop on each side of the drumstick for engagement with a user's thumb and ring finger.

Abstract: A foldable guitar holder has a stationary shaft, a central shaft assembly and two symmetrical brackets. The stationary shaft has an upper end and a lower end. The central shaft has a central shaft and two assistant shafts. The central shaft has a standing portion and a longitudinal hole receiving the lower end of the stationary shaft. The assistant shafts connect pivotally to the central shaft and have two standing ends. The brackets have two supporting shafts and two holding brackets. Each supporting shaft connects pivotally to the lower end of the stationary shaft and one of the assistant shafts and has a standing part. Each holding bracket connects pivotally to the upper end of the stationary bracket. The standing portion, standing ends and standing parts allow the guitar bracket to stand on the ground steadily.

Abstract: A pedaling aid is combined with an acoustic piano, and assists a physically handicapped person in performing a piece of music on the acoustic piano; the pedaling aid includes a human interface, a pedal actuator and a controller, and the pedal actuator is equipped with a locator and a coupling device; a user moves the pedal actuator in the vicinity of the acoustic piano, and couples the pedal actuator to the acoustic piano at a proper position with the assistance of the locator and coupling device; while the physically handicapped person is fingering on the acoustic piano, the human interface is kept around the head so that the physically handicapped person manipulates the human interface with the chin, mouth, teeth or tongue; since the human interface produces a signal representative of a target position, the controller makes the pedal actuator to move the pedal to the target position.

Abstract: An instrument training device for use with a stringed instrument includes a plurality of training members. Each training member is constructed of a flexible material and includes opposed ends. Each end includes complementary fastening material such as hook and loop fasteners for securing a respective training member about a fret board of a stringed instrument by releasably fastening the opposed ends together. Each training member includes indicia on a front portion thereof corresponding to chord sets or tuning schemes. The front portion is constructed of a resilient or elastic material that may be stretched across the front surface of the fret board such that the indicia thereon is situated directly beneath predetermined strings. This enables each training member to be used on stringed instruments of different sizes or widths. Each training member includes an identifier for positioning the training member at a predetermined position along a fret board.

Abstract: A stringed instrument microphone which is particularly optimized for many players of stringed instruments is disclosed. Uniformity and faithfulness of the electrical output is provided by employing a high-quality microphone mounted by a fraction to the sound box at a fixed position in which it does not interfere with the playing of the instrument. At the same time gone variation of this position is accommodated with a structure which maintains position rigorously. This is important because infinitesimally small variations in position will produce clearly audible distortions. In accordance with the invention it has been discovered that such variations may be caused, among other factors, by vibration of the sound box, a flexible or otherwise displaceable bracket structure and resonance in the bracket.

Abstract: A string tuning adjuster is a stick including a first aperture, a second aperture and a third aperture. Each aperture has a different diameter with respect to the others. The first aperture is disposed at a center section of the stick, while the second and the third apertures are disposed at opposite ends of the stick. The first aperture or the second aperture is inserted onto a string peg of a cello or a viola, respectively. The third aperture is inserted onto a string peg of a violin to facilitate tune adjustment.

Abstract: The neck sock cover for stringed instruments is used while the instrument is not being played. It protects the headstock, neck, tuning pegs, and strings of a stringed instrument, such as a guitar, while at the same time allowing the remaining areas of the instrument to be displayed. In one embodiment, the cover comprises a top portion for covering the headstock and tuning keys of said instrument; a body portion for covering the strings of said instrument, with one or more straps to secure the body portion around the headstock; and an end portion for attaching said cover to the body of said instrument. Another embodiment also has one or more detachable straps connected at one end to a free edge of the top portion of said cover and connected at another end to a free edge of the end portion of said cover. Other embodiments additionally have one or more pockets accommodated within said cover or accommodated on the exterior of the cover. The cover can be made of any suitable material such as fabric or plastic.

Abstract: An action for a piano is provided for clarifying a timing of let-off, improving the sequential touching capabilities, and consequently realizing high playing performance excellent in expressive power in a simple structure without adversely affecting the key touch feeling. The action for a piano swings a hammer in response to a touch on a key, and comprises a wippen pushed up by the key to pivotally move, a regulating button having a flat jack contact surface on the lower end, and a jack having a flat regulating button contact surface which comes into contact with the jack contact surface as the key is depressed. The jack comprises a molding made of a thermoplastic resin containing long fibers for reinforcement.

Abstract: A cleaning device (2) for in-situ cleaning of metal strings (50) on a stringed musical instrument comprising a manually bendable, resilient laminate having a first planar portion and end portion extending out of the plane of the first portion, the laminate comprising a layer of plastics material (4) sandwiched between two layers (6,8) of a plastics micro-fibre fabric. The device (2) allows the metal strings (50) of, for example, a guitar (52) to be readily cleaned in-situ while on the instrument to maintain the brightness of tone of the string. A method of manufacturing the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a releasably attachable C-shaped or U-shaped member that protects the slide extension of an instrument, such as a trombone or other brass instrument, from damage. The C-shaped member is dimensioned and configured to correspondingly engage with a complementary shaped portion of a musical instrument, such as the distal end of the slide extension of a trombone or other brass instrument.

Abstract: A sound intensity display system for use by performers. The invention is a system which displays indications of sound intensity on a display large enough to be viewed by performers distant from the display. This invention allows indication of a sufficient number of different sound intensity ranges to make the system useful for performers including, but not limited to, musical performers. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the display face is permanently marked with “ppp” and “fff.” In that embodiment, vertical variable display elements styled as line segments can be selectively illuminated by light emitting diodes based on the sound intensity. This embodiment includes a built in microphone and a female jack connection to allow the optional use of an external microphone. That embodiment can be battery powered or powered by an external power supply through a jack-connection, at the option of the user. Other embodiments include ones capable of receiving and displaying inputs from multiple channels.

Abstract: A combination guitar arm rest and leg rest for attachment to a portion of a body of a guitar and holding the guitar away from a guitar player's arm or elbow and above the player's leg. The combination includes an arm rest pad and a leg rest pad. The arm rest pad and the leg rest pad are pivotally attached to a tang. The tang is pivotally mounted on a yoke. The yoke is pivotally attached to one end of a pair of struts. An opposite end of the struts is pivotally mounted on a suction cup pivot pin. Opposite ends of the pivot pin are attached to a pair of suction cups. The suction cups are adapted for releasable attachment to the body of the guitar. The tang, the yoke and the struts allow the arm rest pad and the leg rest pad to be pivoted in an “XY” vertical plane, a “YZ” vertical plane and a “XZ” horizontal plane for infinite adjustments by the guitar player.

Abstract: A camera assembly for filming the hands of a musician playing a finger board instrument includes a guiding device mounted to the finger board instrument. A stage movably engages the guiding device. A camera is mounted on the stage for filming the hands of the fingerboard user as the hands travel along the finger board. A driving device, such as a linear motor, is connected to the stage for moving the stage along the guiding device. A means for controlling the camera is also provided, either manually from a remote location or by visual tracking. A sensor senses the velocity and position of the stage and outputs a detection signal to the control means. The control means transmits command signals to the driving device for actuating movement of the camera along the guiding device.

Abstract: A device for preventing unintentional removal of a guitar strap from a guitar strap peg. The device includes a body for positioning on the guitar strap peg, outboard of the guitar strap. The body is disk-shaped and has a periphery, a throughbore extending centrally therethrough, and a throughslot communicating with the throughbore therein and the periphery thereof, and is for allowing the neck of the guitar strap peg to slide therein, and into the throughbore, and when therein, one surface of the body is wedged against the head of the guitar strap peg, and an opposing surface of the body wedges the guitar strap against the guitar, and when doing so, prevents the slot in the guitar strap from escaping past the head of the guitar strap peg, and in doing so, prevents the guitar strap from being unintentionally removed from the guitar strap peg.

Abstract: A musical instrument stand with a neck lock assembly for a guitar-shaped musical instrument has a post, multiple legs and a neck lock assembly. The neck lock assembly is attached to the post and has a collar, a crossbar assembly and a crossbar fastener. The collar is attached securely to the post and has two distal ends. The crossbar assembly is mounted on one of the distal ends of the collar and has a crossbar pivotally mounted on the distal end of the collar and having a locking recess. The crossbar fastener is mounted on the other distal end of the collar and has two head-halves defining a tapered head. The crossbar pivots toward the crossbar fastener with the tapered head engaging the locking recess to securely lock the neck.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a microphone on a musical instrument includes a holder adapted to hold the microphone and having a rod, and a clamping unit. The clamping unit includes a seat mounted on the rod, a pair of spaced-apart first and second clamp arms which is adapted to clamp a peripheral edge of the musical instrument and which are converged to form a common connection part connected to the seat, a shaft extending through the first and second clamp arms and having one end portion extending outwardly of the first clamp arm, and a nut threadedly engaging the shaft to bias the first clamp arm toward the second clamp arm.

Abstract: A combination stringed musical instrument for providing different stringed instruments on a common housing. The instrument includes a housing, neck portion, head portion, first plurality of string and second plurality of strings. The neck portion includes a neck first side and a neck second side. The head portion may be operationally coupled to the neck portion. The head portion includes a head first side and head second side. The head portion includes a plurality of tuning pegs. The first plurality of strings is preferably operationally coupled to the first side of the housing and extends upwardly along the neck first side. The first plurality of strings is coupled to the head first side. Similarly, the second plurality of strings may also be coupled to the second side of the housing and extends upwardly along the neck second side. The second plurality of strings is coupled to the head second side.

Abstract: A device and method for reducing wear and stress in the string of a stringed instrument, such as a guitar. Certain stringed instruments are strung by advancing strings through string apertures in the body of the instrument. The device includes tubular sleeves that are placed into the string apertures. As the instrument is strung, the strings of the instrument are tightened. When tightened, the strings abut against and bend around the tubular sleeve. The tubular sleeve has a curved surface against which the strings bend. This lowers stress concentrations in the strings at the points of the bend. Furthermore, the tubular sleeves are made from a material that is softer than the material of the instrument's strings. Accordingly, as the instrument's strings wear against the sleeves, the sleeves experience the wear more so than the strings.