Abstract: A multifunctional finger-mounted device includes a finger mount configured for attachment to at least one of a user's fingers, a tool holder positioned on the finger mount and configured to receive at least one tool, an electronics unit connected to the at least one tool, and a switch for actuating the electronics unit. The switch is actuated by bending and straightening a user's finger.

Abstract: An electronic wind instrument includes a tonguing sensor which detects tonguing, a breath sensor which detects a breath value, a loudspeaker which outputs a musical sound and a processor which controls the musical sound, in which the processor acquires a tonguing value which depends on a tonguing time which is the time which has elapsed after start of the tonguing which is detected by the tongue sensor, decides a silencing effect value which indicates a degree of volume reduction depending on the tonguing value, acquires the breath value which depends on a magnitude of a breath sensor signal which indicates a result of detection by the breath sensor and makes the loudspeaker emit the musical sound whose volume which depends on the breath value is reduced depending on the silencing effect value.

Abstract: An electronic cymbal and a bell part sensor installation method are provided. The electronic cymbal includes: a disk-shaped frame; a frame bell part which is configured at a center of the frame in a top view; a bell part sensor which is attached onto the frame bell part in a circumferential direction and detects a hit on the frame bell part; and a cover which covers the frame and the bell part sensor and has a surface formed as a hit surface, wherein the bell part sensor is separated in at least a radial direction of the frame bell part.

Abstract: Described is a musical instrument having a carbon fiber body joined with a wooden core, including a method for forming such a musical instrument. Specifically, the musical instrument includes a body portion having carbon fiber wrapped around and adhered to a wooden core. The wooden core includes a bore therethrough to define a flow path through which air travels in the musical instrument through the body portion. Additionally, a plurality of tone holes are formed through the carbon fiber and wooden core and into the bore. Keywork can be applied to the tone holes to form a clarinet or other wood wind instrument as applicable to the particular design as implemented.

Abstract: An electronic wind instrument is provided, which is capable of representing a wide range of performances using a tonguing operation. The electronic wind instrument has at least one sensor, a sound source for generating a tone, and a controller. The controller controls a tonguing performance detecting process for detecting a tonguing performance played by the player based on the output value from the one sensor, and a tone muting process for muting the tone output from the speaker in accordance with the lip position of the player determined in the lip position determining process, while the tonguing performance is being detected in the tonguing performance detecting process.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining input signals produced by a plurality of electric musical devices includes a plurality of audio buses and a plurality of segments. Each segment includes input circuitry configured to receive at least one input signal from at least one electric musical device and to deliver the at least one input signal to one of the plurality of audio buses; a plurality of variable adjustment devices each associated with a corresponding one of the audio buses and each configured to change at least one property of an input signal received by another of the plurality of segments and carried on the corresponding one of the audio buses independent from input signals carried on other of the plurality of audio buses; and a mixer configured to combine the input signals carried on each of the plurality of audio buses into an output signal.

Abstract: A sensor obtains an angular rate of a stick member. A sound source map includes plural areas disposed in a virtual space. CPU presumes a direction of a turning axis of the stick member based on the angular rate obtained by the sensor, while a user is operating the stick member, calculates an angular rate of a top of the stick member based on the angular rate obtained by the sensor with the angular rate in the longitudinal direction of the stick member removed, calculates a position of the holding member in the virtual space after a predetermined time, based on the recent direction of the turning axis of the stick member and recent angular rate of the top of the stick member, and sends a sound generating unit a note-on event of a musical tone assigned to an area corresponding to the calculated position among the plural areas.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are presented which provide for a musical instrument direct box combined with a musical instrument tuner which may be phantom powered by an external audio system, according to some embodiments In some embodiments, an apparatus is presented. The apparatus may include a direct box (DI) module, and a musical instrument tuner module coupled to the DI module. The musical instrument tuner module may be phantom powered based on a connection to a remote system geographically distinct from the apparatus. In some example embodiments, the apparatus may also include a tuning transformer coupled to the musical instrument tuner module and the DI module, the tuning transformer configured to galvanically isolate a ground domain of a musical instrument signal from a ground domain of the remote system while the musical instrument tuner module measures a pitch of the musical instrument signal.

Abstract: A standard electronic module for an electric stringed musical instrument is provided. The standard electronic module is mounted within the main body of the electric stringed musical instrument in a module cavity in the back of the electric stringed musical instrument. The standard electronic module comprises two printed circuit boards, a main printed circuit board and a connector circuit board, wherein the standard electronic module provides rapid exchange of the main printed circuit board without changing the wiring harness of the electric stringed musical instrument, which is directly connected to the connector printed circuit board.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining input signals produced by a plurality of electric musical devices includes a plurality of audio buses and a plurality of segments. Each segment includes input circuitry configured to receive at least one input signal from at least one electric musical device and to deliver the at least one input signal to one of the plurality of audio buses; a plurality of variable adjustment devices each associated with a corresponding one of the audio buses and each configured to change at least one property of an input signal received by another of the plurality of segments and carried on the corresponding one of the audio buses independent from input signals carried on other of the plurality of audio buses; and a mixer configured to combine the input signals carried on each of the plurality of audio buses into an output signal.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument includes a plurality of touch sensors each configured to generate an electrical signal representative of a musical note in response to being touched by a user, one or more proximity sensors each configured to generate an electrical signal representative of a musical key based on a distance between the user and the sensor, a controller configured to generate electrical signals representative of sound based on the electrical signals from the plurality of touch sensors and one or more proximity sensors, and one or more transducers configured to generate sound based on the electrical signals generated by the controller.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for playing existing aerophone musical instruments e.g. bagpipe or constructing new instruments or more general human interaction devices by continuous estimation of the impulse response of the acoustic system of the instrument with the use of probing signal. In the proposed apparatus this is done by means of transducers introducing probing signal and capturing and analyzing the signal resulting from the interaction between the probing signal, the instrument and the player. In contrast to the normal way aerophone instruments are used where a player blows air and stimulates vibration of air this method does not require the player to blow, the generated probing signal can be outside of the audiable sound range and the output of the instrument can be outputted as digital data.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling an electronic system are provided. An embodiment of a device comprises a spring having a first end with a first handle and a second end with a second handle. A first sensor detects movement of the first end and a second sensor detects movement of the second end. Each sensor provides a control signal to the electronic system such that the electronic system can act according to the varying control signals. A method comprises providing a spring-based musical instrument and providing a computer having a speaker. The spring is altered by the musician in order to generate control signals to the computer. Sound is generated by the speaker and varied by the computer according to the received control signals.

Abstract: A programmable pickup director switching system for a musical instrument having a plurality of pickup coils and a pickup director control board communicatively interconnected to the plurality of pickup coils. The system also includes a push/pull potentiometer structured and arranged to activate different combinations of one or more of the plurality of pickup coils, a main multi-position switch having m positions, and a bank select switch having n positions. Additionally, the system includes a switching matrix configured to switch one or more of the plurality of pickup coils into a signal path based on a position of at least one of the main multi-position switch, the bank select switch and the push/pull potentiometer.

Abstract: As described herein, a sound pickup for musical cymbals includes an integrated assembly attachable to a cymbal stand. The integrated assembly includes a plurality of microphones arranged and electrically connected such that the resulting amplified sound is of optimal quality and of relatively constant loudness regardless of cymbal tilt. In one embodiment, two microphones are used, with the signal phase from one microphone being inverted prior to combination with the signal from the other microphone. The inversion is implemented using an inverter and serves to cancel signals that are in phase with one another and augment signals that are out of phase with one another. This, along with suitable placement of the pickup, exploits the fact that the more desirable components of the cymbal's vibration at the inflection point of the cymbal are out of phase with each other, whereas the less-desirable components are in phase with each other.

Abstract: A guitar pickup assembly which would allow a guitar player to blend the sound of two or more pickups smoothly as the player desires via the use of a foot pedal. The guitar pickup assembly includes a guitar separately providing the output from a first pickup and a second pickup separately to an actuator, such as a foot pedal, wherein movement of the foot pedal from one position to another position alters the ratio of the signal from the first pickup and the second pickup.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selecting combinations of pickups on a guitar or other stringed instrument allows a performer to control the pickup selections without interrupting instrument play. Combinations of pickups are selected by a processor according to measurements of orientation, position, and/or rate of movement made by an accelerometer. The accelerometer measurements can be filtered. Any or all elements of the system can be contained in a hollow space within the instrument. A manual control can be included to override the processor. Pickup combinations and/or accelerometer measurement ranges can be specified by manual controls while in a training mode. In a sequential mode, pickup combinations are selected in a preset order and for preset time periods. The accelerometer sampling rate can be between 1000 and 100 samples per second, and the sampled data can be stored in an 11 by 11 array.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a programmable switch for configuring circuit topologies. The switch can be any type of mechanical or electronic switch. Every setting of the switch can be programmed by a user, selecting topologies such as circuit elements in series, in parallel, in phase or out of phase. In a dual switch embodiment, the first switch selects the circuit elements to be used, and the second switch configures those selected elements in a wide variety of topologies. This division in switch circuit design between element selection and then topology provides an extremely wide range of circuit topologies available, unlike prior art designs.

Abstract: A fluid user interface is presented for applications such as immersive multimedia. In one embodiment, one or more sprays or jets create an immersive multimedia environment in which a participant can interact within the immersive multimedia environment by blocking, partially blocking, diverting, or otherwise engaging with a fluid, to create computational input. When the fluid is air, a keyboard can be implemented on cushions of air coming out of various nozzles or jets. When the fluid is water, the invention may be used in environments such as showers, baths, hot tubs, waterplay areas, gardens, and the like to create a fun, playful, or wet user-interface. In some embodiments, the spraying is computationally controlled, so that the spray creates a tactile user-interface for the control of such devices as new musical instruments. These may be installed in public fountains to result in a fluid user interface to music by playing in the fountains.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining input signals produced by a plurality of electric musical devices includes a plurality of audio buses and a plurality of segments. Each segment includes input circuitry configured to receive at least one input signal from at least one electric musical device and to deliver the at least one input signal to one of the plurality of audio buses; a plurality of variable adjustment devices each associated with a corresponding one of the audio buses and each configured to change at least one property of an input signal received by another of the plurality of segments and carried on the corresponding one of the audio buses independent from input signals carried on other of the plurality of audio buses; and a mixer configured to combine the input signals carried on each of the plurality of audio buses into an output signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining input signals produced by a plurality of electric musical devices includes a plurality of audio buses and a plurality of segments. Each segment includes input circuitry configured to receive at least one input signal from at least one electric musical device and to deliver the at least one input signal to one of the plurality of audio buses; a plurality of variable adjustment devices each associated with a corresponding one of the audio buses and each configured to change at least one property of an input signal received by another of the plurality of segments and carried on the corresponding one of the audio buses independent from input signals carried on other of the plurality of audio buses; and a mixer configured to combine the input signals carried on each of the plurality of audio buses into an output signal.

Abstract: An instrument in which an acoustic or otherwise measurable disturbance of change is made in physical matter is disclosed. In one embodiment an oscillatory vortex shedding phenomenon is formed in water, in association with each of a plurality of finger holes. Water flows past a branch point where it can either flow over a labium, edge or the like in a resonant pipe, or out a finger hole, the finger hole being the path of lesser resistance to the water. Obstruction of the finger hole forces the water past on underwater sound production mechanism. Blocking water from coming out of a given hole produces a given hole, which, in some embodiments, is electrically amplified by a hydrophone. In one embodiment there is a further processing of each hydrophone signal. Embodiments with various kinds of acoustic or optional pickups are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combination distortion pedal and amplifier includes a foot pedal controls the distortion and the amplification of audio signals. The level of distortion and amplification are determined by the position of the foot pedal with a low level of distortion and amplification when the foot pedal is in a released position and a high level of distortion and amplification when the foot pedal is depressed. Various intermediate distortion and amplification levels are provided when the foot pedal is in positions between fully released and fully depressed.

Abstract: Based on acceleration-sensor values from a three-dimensional acceleration sensor 23, CPU 21 of a performance apparatus 11 determines a timing at which a musical tone is generated. Further, based on the acceleration-sensor values of the acceleration sensor 23 given at a predetermined timing, for example, at a time when a player starts swinging of the performance apparatus 11, a roll angle of the performance apparatus 11 rotating about an axis in its longitudinal direction is calculated. A timbre of musical tones to be generated is determined based on the calculated roll angle.

Abstract: An instrument in which an acoustic or otherwise measurable disturbance or change is made in physical matter is disclosed. In one embodiment an oscillatory vortex shedding phenomenon is formed in water, in association with each of a plurality of finger holes. Water flows past a branch point where it can either flow over a labium, edge or the like in a resonant pipe, or out a finger hole, the finger hole being the path of lesser resistance to the water. Obstruction of the finger hole forces the water past an underwater sound production mechanism. Blocking water from coming out of a given hole produces a given note, which, in some embodiments, is electrically amplified by a hydrophone. In one embodiment there is a further processing of each hydrophone signal. Embodiments with various kinds of acoustic or optical pickups are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sound system and method for modeling a sound field generated by a sound source and creating a sound event based on the modeled sound field is disclosed. The system and method captures a sound field over an enclosing surface, models the sound field and enables reproduction of the modeled sound field. Explosion type acoustical radiation may be used. Further, the reproduced sound field may be modeled and compared to the original sound field model.

Abstract: A digital guitar system and method includes a digital guitar and a digital guitar interface device, and a method of converting a conventional guitar into a digital guitar. The guitar is adapted to generate analog audio signals, convert those signals into digital signals, format the digital signals according to a digital communication protocol, and to output the formatted signals. The guitar may include a novel multi-signal guitar pickup that generates some of the analog audio signals. The guitar is further adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals. The interface device is adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals.

Abstract: A hybrid wind musical instrument is a combination of an alto saxophone and an electronic system, and a player has an option between acoustic tones and electronic tones to be produced during performance; the electronic system includes sensors monitoring selected component parts of the key mechanism so as to determine the electronic tones intended to be produced by the player, and plural combinations of pieces of magnet and Hall-effect elements serve as the sensors: However, the component parts of key mechanism are arranged in a narrow space over the surface of tubular instrument body; driven parts are attached to the selected component parts so as to bridge gap between the selected component parts and the Hall-effect elements remote from the selected component parts.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining input signals produced by a plurality of electric musical devices includes a plurality of audio buses and a plurality of segments. Each segment includes input circuitry configured to receive at least one input signal from at least one electric musical device and to deliver the at least one input signal to one of the plurality of audio buses; a plurality of variable adjustment devices each associated with a corresponding one of the audio buses and each configured to change at least one property of an input signal received by another of the plurality of segments and carried on the corresponding one of the audio buses independent from input signals carried on other of the plurality of audio buses; and a mixer configured to combine the input signals carried on each of the plurality of audio buses into an output signal.

Abstract: A programmable/semi-programmable pickup and transducer switching system includes a control, a plurality of switches communicatively interconnected to the control, an encoder communicatively interconnected to the control, a memory/buffer/drive with switching element options for passive or active pickup switching, said memory/buffer/drive being communicatively interconnected to the control, and a display system communicatively interconnected to the memory/buffer/drive. The display system includes at least one transparent fastening screw with an associated light emitting diode configured to provide a visual indication of an associated pickup activity.

Abstract: An automatic player piano is fabricated on the basis of an acoustic piano, and an automatic player is expected to give rise to key motion for reenacting performance with solenoid-operated key actuators; since the hammers of acoustic piano are different in mass, the load against the key motion is also different among the keys; while the motion controller is forcing the keys to travel on reference key trajectories through a servo control loop, the motion controller takes the pitched part into account, and selectively accesses control parameter tables so as to read out the approximate control parameters for the individual keys, whereby the hammers surely reach the target final hammer velocity before striking the strings.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard musical instrument which can realize natural sounds with favorable sound quality as an acoustic piano. A sound board 33 made of a plate member is vibrated so as to generate musical tones. A first performance signal generator 22 generates a first performance signal based on the operating state of a plurality of keys of a keyboard 17. A second performance signal generator 23 generates a second performance signal, which is different from the first performance signal, based on the operation of the plurality of keys and the operation of a pedal 18. Speakers 41A to 41D generates musical tones based on the first performance signal generated by the first performance signal generator 22. Transducers 21A to 21C mounted to the sound board 33 vibrate the sound board 33 based on the second performance signal generated by the second performance signal generator 23.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated digital control apparatus (10) for a stringed musical instrument. In some embodiments, the apparatus (10) generally includes an input (26) coupled with at least a portion of the musical instrument, a digital control element (28) coupled with at least one of the instrument's pickups, and a controller (30) coupled with the input (26) and the digital control element (28). The controller (30) is operable to control the digital control element (28) to vary at least one characteristic of the signal generated by the pickup in response to functioning of the input (26) by a musician. Such a configuration enables the musician to easily vary signal characteristics, such as volume or tone, while playing the instrument.

Abstract: An electronic percussion instrument that allows for a performance sensation that is similar to that of an acoustic HiHat cymbal. A sliding mechanism of a top cymbal pad section and a bottom cymbal pad section of an electronic HiHat cymbal where the top cymbal pad section and the bottom cymbal pad section are both fixed so that they can swing together when the top cymbal pad section is struck. Even when the first cymbal pad is struck and swings coming into contact with the second cymbal pad, the gliding contact between the first pad and the second pad is carried out smoothly and allows for a natural striking sensation comparable to that of an acoustic HiHat cymbal.

Abstract: A digital guitar system and method includes a digital guitar and a digital guitar interface device, and a method of converting a conventional guitar into a digital guitar. The guitar is adapted to generate analog audio signals, convert those signals into digital signals, format the digital signals according to a digital communication protocol, and to output the formatted signals. The guitar may include a novel multi-signal guitar pickup that generates some of the analog audio signals. The guitar is further adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals. The interface device is adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard musical instrument capable of performing delicate sound board vibration control based on outputs generated individually for respective ones of transducers, thereby realizing production of natural sounds with sufficient volume, and an easy tone quality adjustment. A sound board is fixed to a frame, and the transducers are mounted to the sound board so as to be spaced from one another. In accordance with first and second performance signals generated in response to a key operation of a keyboard and a damper pedal operation, driving signals for the transducers are individually generated in consideration of characteristics and mounting positions of the transducers, and the driving signals are supplied to the transducers. The sound board is thereby caused to vibrate at a frequency varying according to a tone pitch, thus producing a musical tone and/or a damper tone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for manipulating physical objects to produce sounds that are correlated with the feel of the objects being manipulated. Example devices called the PebbleBox, CrumbleBag and ScrubberGlove each use the manipulation of physical objects of arbitrary material as the basis for interacting with granular sound synthesis models. The sounds made by the objects as they are manipulated produce sound signal events that are detected and used to trigger and control the reproduction of stored sound samples in real time.

Abstract: A digital guitar system and method includes a digital guitar and a digital guitar interface device, and a method of converting a conventional guitar into a digital guitar. The guitar is adapted to generate analog audio signals, convert those signals into digital signals, format the digital signals according to a digital communication protocol, and to output the formatted signals. The guitar may include a novel multi-signal guitar pickup that generates some of the analog audio signals. The guitar is further adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals. The interface device is adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals.

Abstract: An electronic percussion instrument which is capable of accurately discriminating roll performance to thereby electronically produce percussion tones closer to tones produced by a natural percussion instrument. A waveform memory 6 stores waveform data of percussion tones to be output for roll performance and waveform data of percussion tones to be output for non-roll performance. A work memory 4 stores values of parameters. A drum pad 1 has a percussion surface part 10, and a percussion pattern-detecting section detects a pattern of percussion applied to the percussion surface part 10 of the drum pad 1 and outputs a value of the parameter indicative of the detected pattern of percussion. The values of the parameter output from the percussion pattern-detecting section are sequentially stored in a buffer area of the work memory 4 in the order of output.

Abstract: A high technology acoustic piano includes a piano body. A musical keyboard is mounted on the piano body. Keys are connected to the action for operating the hammers to strike strings. Strings adjacent to the hammers are arranged in different groups according to frequency, pitch, and ranges. A soundboard is mounted to the piano body and is spaced under the strings. Four or more pickups (located between the groups of strings and the soundboard) transmit frequencies, overtones and beats to onboard computers and to each pickup's separately controlled amplifier. An onboard computer mounts on the piano body near the musical keyboard and stores musical scores, written/drawn materials, and word processing text, and records music from the strings, pickups, modules, and amplifiers associated with the musical keyboard. A scanner slides from beneath the keyboard to copy printed/written/drawn materials and word processing text into the computer.

Abstract: A programmable/semi-programmable pickup and transducer switching system includes a control, a plurality of switches communicatively interconnected to the control, an encoder communicatively interconnected to the control, a memory/buffer/drive with switching element options for passive or active pickup switching, said memory/buffer/drive being communicatively interconnected to the control, and a display system communicatively interconnected to the memory/buffer/drive. The display system includes at least one transparent fastening screw with an associated light emitting diode configured to provide a visual indication of an associated pickup activity.

Abstract: A digital recording device includes a housing that is engageable with a lower curvature of a guitar's frame. The housing includes an arcuate inner surface, an arcuate outer surface coextensively shaped with the inner surface, and a padded member conjoined to the exterior surface thereof. An electrical contact protrudes outwardly from the inner surface and becomes nested with an electromagnetic pickup on the guitar. A mechanism, disposed within the housing, digitally records acoustic signals emanating from the guitar during playing conditions. A rechargeable internal power supply source, situated within the housing, and a timer circuit are linked to the digital recording mechanism. The timer circuit automatically toggles the digital recording mechanism between operative and in-operative modes. A portable base station is mateable to an external power source and is conjoinable to the housing for recharging the internal power supply source.

Abstract: A guitar interface device for a digital guitar system is adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals, so that the digital guitar system may be utilized with conventional analog equipment. The interface device includes an input assembly to receive the digital signals, a processing circuit to generate the analog signals, and an output assembly to output the analog signals.

Abstract: A digital guitar system and method includes a digital guitar and a digital guitar interface device, and a method of converting a conventional guitar into a digital guitar. The guitar is adapted to generate analog audio signals, convert those signals into digital signals, format the digital signals according to a digital communication protocol, and to output the formatted signals. The guitar may include a novel multi-signal guitar pickup that generates some of the analog audio signals. The guitar is further adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals. The interface device is adapted to receive digital signals, convert those signals into analog signals, and output the analog signals.

Abstract: A selector switch for musical instruments, such as electric guitars. is provided having a single, manually operated toggle member adapted to perform greater functionality. A selector switch is disclosed which indexes longitudinally for the electrical connection of pickup(s) for resultant amplification but will additionally provide further associated connectivity by means of a transverse indexing motion thus availing expanded switching function from a single switch apparatus. This inventive step is referred to as a compound selector switch.

Abstract: Performance interface system includes a motion detector provided for movement with a performer, and a control system for receiving detection data transmitted from the motion detector and controlling a performance of a tone in response to the received detection data. State of a performer's motion is detected via a sensor of the motion detector, and detection data representative of the detected motion state is transmitted to the control system. The control system receives the detection data from the motion detector, analyzes the performer's motion on the basis of the detection data, and then controls a tone performance in accordance with the analyzed data. With this arrangement, the performer can readily take part in the tone performance in the control system.

Abstract: A programmable/semi-programmable pickup and transducer switching system includes a control, a plurality of switches communicatively interconnected to the control, an encoder communicatively interconnected to the control, a memory/buffer/drive with switching element options for passive or active pickup switching, said memory/buffer/drive being communicatively interconnected to the control, and a display system communicatively interconnected to the memory/buffer/drive. The display system includes at least one transparent fastening screw with an associated light emitting diode configured to provide a visual indication of an associated pickup activity.

Abstract: An electronic percussion instrument samples an input waveform. An unused waveform number may be automatically assigned to the sampled waveform upon sampling or when a user-specified waveform number is already in use for another waveform. Musical time parameters for the input waveform may be specified in advance of sampling, and an endpoint for the sampled waveform may be automatically set in response to a stop sampling command so that length of the waveform is a whole number of musical time units such as bars or beats. The endpoint of the sampled waveform may be set to the beginning or the end of the musical time unit during which the stop command is received, depending on the time at which the stop command is received. The sampled waveform may be edited by manually moving the starting point by a specified amount and automatically moving the end point by a corresponding amount, by changing the specified tempo of the waveform, or by specifying a different number of musical time units.

Abstract: A system for expanding generalizing aspects of an autoharp and making these functionalities beneficially available on other instruments. Strumpads comprising arrays of isolated touch switches, each generating distinct signals, are used to generate MIDI note events according to interpretations of an active mapping selected from a plurality of programmable mappings. The active mapping may be selected via chord buttons or foot switches, or may be determined by keys on a melodic keyboard. Mappings in some embodiments may provide repeated notes, non-note signals, and utilize one or more MIDI channels for controlling synthesizers, lighting, electronic percussion, and the like. The strumped may further include orienting tactile markings and provide pressure and velocity sensing. The system may be attached to or integrated within another instrument such as a guitar, keyboard, autoharp, pedal steel guitar, sitar, koto, mbria, and pipa, among others.

Abstract: An electronic percussion instrument samples an input waveform. An unused waveform number may be automatically assigned to the sampled waveform upon sampling or when a user-specified waveform number is already in use for another waveform. Musical time parameters for the input waveform may be specified in advance of sampling, and an endpoint for the sampled waveform may be automatically set in response to a stop sampling command so that length of the waveform is a whole number of musical time units such as bars or beats. The endpoint of the sampled waveform may be set to the beginning or the end of the musical time unit during which the stop command is received, depending on the time at which the stop command is received. The sampled waveform may be edited by manually moving the starting point by a specified amount and automatically moving the end point by a corresponding amount, by changing the specified tempo of the waveform, or by specifying a different number of musical time units.