Abstract: A kit for customizing an instrument includes a template that has a shape of a guitar body and is provided with an opening for positioning a guitar neck therethrough. The template includes a bottom surface, a side portion contiguous with the bottom surface, a lip portion for receiving a guitar body thereon, and springs for selectively maintaining the guitar body spaced above the bottom surface. A support section is connected to the bottom surface and is shaped to resemble a pick guard. Labels are attachable to a guitar pick guard by pressing same against the support section. A plurality of protrusions help maintain the guitar body spaced from the label after the guitar is positioned on the template so that a user can selectively align the guitar body with the label prior to pressing same against the pick guard.

Abstract: A small, portable device used to exercise and train the fingers of a stringed instrument player. The device is a rigid, short neck body, u-shaped in cross-section and designed to simulate a short section of the neck of a stringed instrument, such as a guitar. The neck body is hollow with an elongated main cavity with two or more, transversely aligned finger bars located thereover. Each finger bar is mounted on two or more coil springs enabling it to move up and down on the neck body. The top of each finger bar is flat and includes four to six raised string lines that represent strings on a stringed instrument. The main cavity is divided into a plurality of finger bar cavities by a plurality of support ribs. When at rest, the top surfaces of the finger bars are elevated above the support ribs and represent frets on the neck body.

Abstract: Devices for removing and separating moisture from interior passage of woodwind musical instruments are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, 1) a de-moisturizing device includes a pocket sewed onto one side of the device to provide storage for the device hanging outside of an instrument carrying case, thus keeping the moisture absorbed by the swab re-moisturize the instrument; 2) a de-moisturizing device contains a closed loop affixed at one end of the device for holding a moisture absorbent fabric for removing moisture from the interior passage of woodwind instruments; and 3) a de-moisturizing device contains a plurality of moisture absorbent desiccant gels in an elongated hollow porous tube for removing moisture from the musical instruments.

Abstract: A musically resonant apparatus with continuously variable resonances and methods for increasing the tonal complexity and quality of live and recorded musical instruments utilizes the position of one or more movable resonators to determine the freely resonant dimensions of the resonators comprising the apparatus. The dimensions and materials of this apparatus are scaled and selected to resonate in one or more musically relevant frequency ranges for the instrument and musical situation it is to be used with. The apparatus is mechanically coupled to a microphonic or vibrationally sensitive component in the chain of equipment between a musician and the listener. The continuous adjustability of one or more resonators allows the user to easily select the best complimentary resonances. This improves an instrument's tonal complexity, and thus its tonal quality at the listener's ears quickly, easily, and economically without invasive techniques.

Abstract: A support base for instrument components, including instrument components having a pedal associated therewith, that includes a base member and one or more component retainers. Various types of component retainers can be used either individually or in combination with one another. Such component retainers include hook-and-loop fasteners extending between the base member and an associated instrument component. The base member can include one or more passages, such as holes or slots, through which a component retainer, such as a fastener, can extend to engage an associated instrument component. Also, a component retainer, such as a post, may extend from either the base member or the instrument component to engage the other of same. The post may be integral or detachably supported on either the base member or instrument component.

Abstract: A pick-handle is attached to the to the “rear” edge of a conventional pick via a metal shaft. The handle portion is made to be comfortably grasped in the palm of the player's hand while the pick is held in the normal manner between the thumb and forefinger. Stringed instrument playing technique is enhanced by improved control over the pick and increased volume capability due to the increased mass effectively transmitted to the pick from the hand, wrist and arm of the player. Additionally, the invention reduces the strain on the thumb and forefinger by allowing the other fingers to supplement the grip, and also reduces the risk of the pick slipping out of playing position or totally escaping from the thumb/finger grasp. Attachment of the pick to the shaft may be implemented by a spring clip that allows easy removal of the pick and replacement by practically any commonly available pick of the player's choice.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is provided wherein each string has two critical points, A fulcrum tremolo is mounted on the instrument for varying the tension of the strings and the distance between the two critical points. The strings are attached to a plurality of intonation modules mounted on the fulcrum tremolo. Each intonation module is adjustable so that the strings can be adjusted from an untensioned state to a proper playing pitch. A bearing assembly is also included to facilitate pivoting of the fulcrum tremolo.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for lifting and setting a piano string coil (16) is provided for improving tuning stability. Preferably, the apparatus (10) includes an internal slide hammer portion (12) and a string engaging portion (14) extending from the internal slide hammer portion (12). The string engaging portion (14) is intended to engage a piano string coil (16) wrapped around a tuning pin (18) and transmit an upward or downward force from the internal slide hammer portion (12) to the piano string coil (16).

Abstract: A case (11) for musical instruments, in particular for string instruments such as guitars, has a floor section (12) and a lid section (13) which are joined to one another by a hinge-like connection, in particular are sewn together, and can be closed by a fastening device (15), in particular a zipper. The case (11) further includes a positioning element (17) for positioning the musical instrument in the case (11) and a fixation device (22) with which the musical instrument is releasably fixed in the case by the positioning element (17). The positioning element (17) that is formed substantially as a pocket (25).

Abstract: A stand for a musical instrument is sturdy, durable, virtually unbreakable, lightweight, simple and inexpensive to construct, and supports an instrument (e.g. a string instrument) in an upright readily accessible manner; yet the stand is simple easy to disassemble for ready transport in a low volume configuration. The stand includes two substantially planar (e.g. molded of polycarbonate) support pieces, with a slide connection between them. An abutment piece preferably fits between the support pieces for ease of transport, and when the stand is assembled fits atop the support pieces. The neck of a guitar, violin, banjo, or like instrument, fits in a recess in the abutment piece, while the body of the instrument is supported by leg portions of the support pieces. A locking member, such as an elastic strap, can extend over the recess to prevent the instrument from detaching from the stand. The stand can be constructed to support multiple instruments.

Abstract: A musical instrument teaching calender has a plurality of pages coupled together. A date section is located on each of the plurality of pages for indicating the day of the year. A musical instruction section is located on each of the plurality of pages for teaching a musical lesson.

Abstract: An anchor structure for accessories of a musical instrument stand mainly uses the spared space between the foot rack and the post of the instrument stand by coupling the anchor structure with an anchor section of the post to hold a microphone or additional instruments. The anchor structure includes an anchor unit fixedly fastened to the anchor section, a holding unit for holding the microphone and the additional instruments, and an adjusting unit which has two ends coupling respectively with the anchor unit and the holding unit to form connection relationship. The invention thus constructed can support the microphone or additional instruments without requiring extra space.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for enhancing the sound of musical instruments using an acoustically reflective element. In an example embodiment of the present invention, an acoustically reflective element is provided. This acoustically reflective element is adapted to be placed on the floor underneath a musical instrument such that sound waves from the musical instrument which strike the reflective element are reflected upward, thereby enhancing the sound of the musical instrument. A protective band may be provided around a perimeter of the reflective element. This protective band will prevent the edge of the reflective element from cutting the user or causing other damage.

Abstract: A violin stand including a support plate with at least one hole and at least one slot remote from said hole. A number of threaded rods extend through each hole and each slot and project from the front and the back of the support plate. A number of nuts extend from the back of the support plate with one of the nuts being threadably fastened to each of the threaded rods. A number of pegs extend from the front of the support plate. One of the pegs is affixed to each of the threaded rods in an off-centered manner such that the pegs act like cams when rotated with the threaded rods.

Abstract: A case for musical instruments including a shell, elements for carrying the case and attached to the shell, and an arrangement provided on the shell or on one of the carrying elements for receiving a communication device.

Abstract: A two-piece music stand accessory for holding large music volumes consisting of a pair of cleats (11) with a lengthwise slot (14) to allow mounting on the existing ledge of a music stand. An alignment pin (13) joins them in the center, providing support and rigidity for the assembly when the cleats are slid together. Once the pin is disengaged, the cleats can remain on the stand's ledge and yet permit folding. One or more bow hooks are fitted through the front edge of the cleats to accommodate a fiddler's bow. A lip (17) on the front edge of the cleats assists in holding open book pages.

Abstract: An improved electric guitar and pickguard assembly are provided. The pickguard assembly includes a traditionally shaped deck plate for mounting to the body of an electric guitar. The deck plate is constructed at least partially, or entirely, of a multi-layered printed circuit board for providing electrical pathways for communicating power and signals between electrical components mounted to the deck plate. Preferably, the deck plate's printed circuit board includes an integrated wireless transmitter and an integrated synthesizer which eliminates the need for a phantom pickup.

Abstract: A musical instrument display stand includes a base rod, connecting assemblies, abutting posts and arm assemblies. The base rod has a top, a left end and right end, and the connecting assemblies are rotatably mounted on the top of the base rod. Each abutting post and arm assembly is respectively and pivotally mounted in each connecting assembly to hold a musical instrument for display and can be folded in the same direction to reduce the volume of the stand to save space for storage. Each connecting assembly can be turned to accommodate a specific angle of displaying and viewing the musical instruments. Consequently, the musical instrument display stand is suitable for display musical instruments and can be conveniently stored.

Abstract: An electronic tuner for tuning a musical instrument has a tuner housing in which electronic circuitry for tuning the instrument is situated, and a multi-positional and multi-functional bracket which is reciprocatingly slidable and pivotally mounted on the tuner housing. The bracket is positionable in a closed position, where it rests closely against the tuner housing, as a stand, where it supports the electronic tuner in an upright or a slightly angled position, and in a position where the electronic tuner may be suspended from the musical instrument being tuned.

Abstract: A support base for instrument components, including instrument components having a pedal associated therewith, that includes a base member and one or more component retainers. Various types of component retainers can be used either individually or in combination with one another. Such component retainers include hook-and-loop fasteners extending between the base member and an associated instrument component. The base member can include one or more passages, such as holes and slots, through which a component retainer, such as a fastener, can extend to engage an associated instrument component. Also, a component retainer, such as a post, may extend from either the base member or the instrument component to engage the other or same. The post may be integral or detachably supported on either the base member or instrument component.

Abstract: A musical instrument storage and/or carrying case including a musical instrument case having a depiction on the case of the musical instrument stored within, adhesively secured to at least one of its top and bottom defining sides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tuning tool for a stringed instrument and methods for tuning a stringed instrument. The tuning tool comprises a knob and a recess in the knob adapted to accept a tuning peg of the stringed instrument. The knob provides increased leverage for tuning the stringed instrument. The recess enables the tuning tool to be temporarily fitted over the tuning peg.

Abstract: An interchangeable passive electric guitar circuit control and switching module is integrated into an existing guitar to dynamically alter the electronic relationship of the guitar's electric components (i.e. the existing pickups, volume and tone controls, at least one tonality select switch, and output jack) which are connected to the module through a wiring harness. Individual interchangeable modules connected through the wiring harness establish finite and discrete electronic relationships through the guitar's existing electric components to produce a plurality of selectable desired tonality sounds from a single guitar.

Abstract: A teaching device for bowed string instruments includes a base connected to a finger support by a stem. The base is used to attach the teaching device to a bow for a bowed string instrument. The base has an outer end and an inner end and a central opening therebetween that receives the bow. The central opening has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bow when the base is attached to the bow. The finger support has hollow body with a closed lower end and an open upper end and a central cavity between the two ends. The central cavity has a longitudinal axis that is positioned at an angle of less than 90° to the longitudinal axis of the base. The player's little finger is positioned within the central cavity of the finger support, which forces the little finger into an angled position with respect to the bow and teaches a player how to maintain a proper grip on the bow.

Abstract: A clarinet weather shield cover for shielding the hands of a musician from weather conditions while playing a clarinet outdoors has a tubular envelope. The envelope has rear and forward openings that seal about the clarinet and a length greater than that portion of the clarinet containing the clarinet's finger holes and keys but less than the length of the clarinet so that both the mouth piece and the flared forward end of the clarinet extend beyond the tubular envelope. The lower portion of the envelope has hand openings through which the musician inserts his/her hands to play the clarinet. Preferably, the ends of the envelope are semi-rigid, the upper portion of the envelope is transparent to permit the passage of sunrays, and the bottom portion of the envelope is opaque to absorb the sunrays to warm the interior of the envelope.

Abstract: A protective pad for use covering the vulnerable components of music sound equipment such as guitar or bass amplifiers, speakers, and public address systems. When the pad is attached, it is form-fitting to the front, covering the knobs, screens, or fabric which might otherwise be damaged when left exposed. The way in which the pad attaches to the music equipment allows it to remain attached even while the equipment is in use, which saves space and can provide a cushioned surface for further protection and use.

Abstract: A new and improved sound reflector and a mouthpiece mount. The mouthpiece mount is secured to the sound reflector to position a mouthpiece adjacent to and generally perpendicular of the reflector.

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.

Abstract: A handrest for musical instruments includes a fastening loop attached to the instrument, a handrest handle attached to the fastening loop that shifts the weight of the instrument from the player's thumb to the fold between the player's thumb and index finger, the handrest handle including an upper end for resting on the players fold, a palm portion extending downwardly from the upper end for contacting the player's palm, and a turning joint at a plam point of the lower palm portion, the palm point spaces downwardly from the upper end.

Abstract: A case (11) for musical instruments, in particular for string instruments such as guitars, has a floor section (12) and a lid section (13) which are joined to one another by a hinge-like connection, in particular are sewn together, and can be closed by a fastening device (15), in particular a zipper. The case (11) further includes a positioning element (17) for positioning the musical instrument in the case (11) and a fixation device (22) with which the musical instrument is releasably fixed in the case by the positioning element (17). The positioning element (17) that is formed substantially as a pocket (25).

Abstract: Improved Stringed Instrument Stand with an L shaped bracket having a centrally located clevis joint, a hinged flat stand member, and a retaining clip, the L shaped member capable of retaining a washer, the washer having a plurality of engagement fingers that are able to engage with one of a plurality of mating linear engagement receptacles. The washer has a centrally located aperture that allows the retention of a strap holding screw of a stringed instrument. The washer is able to be placed higher or lower within the L shaped bracket thereby allowing stringed instruments having different body thickness's to be accommodated by the bracket without having to drill additional holes in the body the stringed instrument. A hinged flat stand member folds open to help hold the instrument in an upright position when being placed on a flat surface and folded closed when the instrument is being played.

Abstract: A musical string instrument (12) has a body (21) with a resonate cavity covered by a soundboard (22). A pick guard (34) has a flat surface for mounting to the soundboard of the instrument. Electronic control components (36) are mounted within a housing of the pick guard. The musician can control a preamplifier within the resonate cavity of the body with knobs (58) and push buttons (60) located on the pick guard. A thin, flat, multi-conductor ribbon cable (38) is connected to the electronic control components and routed along a surface of the soundboard and through a sound hole (24) in the soundboard into the resonate cavity of the body. The ribbon cable entering the resonating cavity through the sound hole does not adversely effect the natural response, performance, sound quality, and tonal property of the string instrument and does not require any additional holes be drilled in the soundboard.

Abstract: The invention is a new system for simplifying the transport, set-up and use of electrically amplified musical instruments such as guitars and electric bases. It is comprised of a combination of components that are normally carried and set-up separately by the performer and thereby saves the performer considerable time and effort in transport and set-up of his equipment. Included in the invention are an integrated accessory case, guitar stand and pedal effects board. Additional features provide the special protection required for effects pedals during transport.

Abstract: A soft case for instrumental drums which has a three layer, elongated, rectangular, flat casing made of flexible materials. The front layer is made heavy weight fabric and the back layer is made a lighter weight fabric. The middle layer is laminated between the outer and inner layers and is made of foam padding. When in use, the casing is wrapped around the shell of a drum. The ends of the casing overlap and are removably secured to one another with hook and loop fastening material. The sides of the casing are drawn taut around the rims of the drum with drawstrings. When not in use, the soft case may be rolled up and stored in a minimum of volume.

Abstract: A stand for holding a microphone, music, or instrument having a horizontally adjustable base comprised of a plurality of adjustable telescoping members forming a U-shape support, such that the members of the base can be adjusted to avoid other equipment in a crowded stage area, thereby conserving space and enabling the stand to be conveniently situated closely together with such other equipment.

Abstract: A telescopic tube has an outer tube having a notched post securely mounted inside the outer tube, an inner tube selectively and movably received in the outer tube, a seat securely connected to a distal end of the inner tube and having a spring extendably received in the seat and a connector detachably connected to a distal end of the seat to adapt to connect to a musical device, a handle pivotally connected to the seat to force the spring to extend, and a securing device securely connected to a distal end of the spring and being movable relative to the inner tube to selectively clamp the notched post. A relative position of the inner tube to the outer tube is able to be adjusted by the pivotal movement of the handle.

Abstract: An oboe reed gouging device includes a base, a pair of pedestals, a rod supported between the pedestals, and a bed pivotally attached to the base for holding a cane to be gouged into an oboe reed. The oboe reed gouging device further includes a first and second carriage portion which houses a blade. The two part construction of the carriage enables adjustment of the blade with respect to the bed without movement of the bed. The blade is held by a pair of cylinders for providing greater surface contact on the blade to prevent pivotal movement of the blade. The blade can be advanced and retracted by a pushing screw having a collar and a groove engagable with a pair of pins. Each of the adjustments, including an adjustment of the bed with respect to the rod, can be made with a single adjustment, making re-adjustment easy.

Abstract: A device for protecting a musical cymbal from scratching or other damage during transport and storage, comprising flexible planar material cloaking one surface of the cymbal, said material having a margin sufficiently elastomeric to allow said material to envelope the outer edge of the cymbal.

Abstract: A musical string instrument (12) has a body (21) with a resonate cavity covered by a soundboard (22). A pick guard (34) has a flat surface for mounting to the soundboard of the instrument. Electronic control components (36) are mounted within a housing of the pick guard. The musician can control a preamplifier within the resonate cavity of the body with knobs (58) and push buttons (60) located on the pick guard. A thin, flat, multi-conductor ribbon cable (38) is connected to the electronic control components and routed along a surface of the soundboard and through a sound hole (24) in the soundboard into the resonate cavity of the body. The ribbon cable entering the resonating cavity through the sound hole does not adversely effect the natural response, performance, sound quality, and tonal property of the string instrument and does not require any additional holes be drilled in the soundboard.

Abstract: A musical instrument case made of foam material is described herein. The case is advantageously made of rigid foam material, such as, for example polypropylene foam, that has been molded to the desired musical instrument shape. In the case of a stringed instrument the body and cover portions of the case, both made of polypropylene foam, are joined by hinges partially embedded in the foam material. The body and cover portions meeting edges are preferably provided with complementary channel and tongue assemblies increasing the structural stability of the case, once closed.

Abstract: This consists of a spring (2.1) that raises or descends an turning the screw (2.2), which becomes endless to move the riveted nut (2.3) that, in turn, serves as a closure of the spring. On the point of the screw and the base of the spring two dampers (2.4 and 2.5) are fastened in such a way they permit the mouthpiece and reed of the wind instruments of the clarinet and saxophone families to be secured between both elements, touching the dampers only to avoid the transmission of vibrations to the set, thus reducing the contact surface with the results that the same set is valid for any instrument. Possible changes in the shape and material of the spring (2.1) and the dampers (2.4 and 2.5) have been envisaged so that the way of tightening, the position and contact surface with the reed and mouthpiece can be varied.

Abstract: An easy install musical instrument string system having a substantially rectangular holder strip with a front surface, a back surface, a top end and a bottom end. A plurality of channels are defined in the front surface of the holder strip running from the top end to the bottom end of the strip. Musical instrument strings are disposed in each channel in the order the strings would be attached to the particular instrument for which the strings are adapted. A sheet covers the strings and the front surface of the strip and attaches to the back surface of the strip. The ends of the strings extend past the ends of the holder strip far enough to be attachable to the head and body of a particular stringed musical instrument.

Abstract: An easy install musical instrument string system having a substantially rectangular holder strip with a front surface, a back surface, a top end and a bottom end. A plurality of channels are defined in the front surface of the holder strip running from the top end to the bottom end of the strip. Musical instrument strings are disposed in each channel in the order the strings would be attached to the particular instrument for which the strings area adapted. A sheet covers the strings and the front surface of the strip and attaches to the back surface of the strip. The ends of the strings extend past the ends of the holder strip far enough to be attachable to the head and body of a particular stringed musical instrument.

Abstract: A musical instrument string changing kit has a box with a lid and a tool receiving portion. Tools are stored in shaped recesses in the tool receiving portion, and a secret compartment is arranged on an inside of the lid.

Abstract: A storage apparatus for musical reeds comprises a container comprising a reed chamber adapted for holding a reed, and a humidity controlling chamber arranged such that air is exchanged substantially freely between the reed chamber and the humidity controlling chamber. A humidity controlling mixture, comprising a salt, a superabsorber, and water, is contained within the humidity controlling chamber. The amount of water is such that a portion of the salt remains undissolved, and such that water saturated with the salt is absorbed by the superabsorber. The apparatus can be adapted to attach to an instrument so that the reed can be stored in a humidity controlled environment while in its playing position on the instrument.

Abstract: Presented is a detachable and adjustable cover member for the sound hole of a string instrument such as a guitar. The cover member provides a base member to which are attached elastically resilient keeper blocks that detachably engage the periphery of the sound hole. The base member is apertured to admit sound into the hollow body of the string instrument and to enable feedback of such sound when the apertures are open to the atmosphere. An adjustable sound and feedback control dial is a detachably mounted on the top surface of the base member and is provided with apertures corresponding in size and configuration with the apertures in the base member. The control dial may be selectively digitally adjusted to place the apertures in the dial in registry with the apertures in the base member to enable the ingress and egress of sound therethrough or adjusted to partially or totally occlude the passage of sound through the sound hole.

Abstract: Support devices for a woodwind musical instrument, and methods for making such support devices. A support device includes a strap for hanging from the neck of the user. Attached to the strap is a brace shaped to receive the instrument. This way the instrument is suspended from the neck of the user. Preferably the brace is such that the strap is attached so that no portion of the strap contacts the instrument, when it is so supported.

Abstract: A duster which is flexible in all directions has the ability to dust hard to reach and inaccessible surface areas. One application of the duster is to clean the sound board beneath the strings of a grand or baby grand piano. The core of the duster has an elongated rod which is made from a resilient material and is covered by a close fitting cleaning or dusting sleeve made from napped material, cloth or other well known cleaning or dusting fabric or material.

Abstract: A guard assembly for preventing accidental movement of the tuning adjustments for adjusting the tension of strings on an associated string instrument, the guard assembly which includes a bracket, the bracket being generally U-shaped and having spaced legs dimensioned and configured for gripping opposed surfaces of the head of an associated string instrument, the guard assembly further including first and second guard elements mounted on the bracket, each of the guard elements is generally sleeve shaped and dimensioned and configured to extend around a plurality of keys on the associated string instrument. In some forms of the invention the spaced legs are each substantially planar and are disposed in mutually parallel relationship and the legs are joined by a portion of the bracket which is dimensioned and configured to provide apparatus for elastic engagement of the spaced legs with opposed surfaces of the associated head of the associated string musical instrument.

Abstract: A musical instrument string changing kit has a box with a lid and a tool receiving portion. Tools are stored in shaped recesses in the tool receiving portion, and a secret compartment is arranged on an inside of the lid.