Abstract: A set of formation data codes, which includes action event codes and duration codes, is loaded in an automatic player piano, and a controller interprets the action event codes for driving the solenoid-operated key actuators; since the solenoid-operated key actuators slowly push the associated keys, the hammers do not reach the strings, and any piano tone is not produced; the plungers make the keys sunk to different depth so that the keys are laid on a artistic pattern; the controller sequentially changes the artistic pattern, and offers an artistic visual expression to the audience.

Abstract: A sound pickup device, which is arranged in proximity to a percussion instrument (e.g., a bass drum), comprises a diaphragm stretched under tension over an opening of a shell having a cylindrical shape, and an electroacoustic transducer arranged inside of the shell. The electroacoustic transducer comprises a magnetic transducer or a speaker unit. Herein, the percussion instrument is played to produce the low-pitch sound, which is transmitted to the diaphragm to vibrate so that the electroacoustic transducer is activated to convert the low-pitch sound into an electric signal, based on which the low-pitch sound is reproduced by a sound system with a high fidelity to the original sound.

Abstract: An interchangeable modular insert for a electric stringed instrument is mounted in a cavity cut into the rear of the instrument. The rear insertion module provides rapid exchange of electronic components of different manufacturers. Placement of a module into the instrument automatically positions the module and electrically connects the same with the module being retained in the guitar body by a threaded fastener.

Abstract: A 2 manual musical keyboard with the pitch progression on one of the manuals reversed. The keys on these manuals are segregated into 2 groups of 2 different heights in the same way as a standard musical keyboard. The key configurations on these manuals have 12 semi-tones linearly distributed across 12 keys of alternating heights. Instead of the traditional 7 lower keys (white) and 5 upper keys (black), this arrangement has 6 lower keys and 6 upper keys. The notation system for this unique keyboard is a dual character set. Six unique characters for the upper keys and six unique characters for the lower keys. The musical staff for this unique keyboard will have six lines assigned to one character set and the six spaces assigned to the other character set.

Abstract: A soundhole accessible musical instrument control platform mounted inside the body of a musical instrument requires no physical alterations to the instrument, allowing the user convenient and ergonomic access to the control platform through the soundhole while using the musical instrument. The control platform includes a circuit platform, mounted inside the instrument with adhesives, separably attached to a mounting bracket. Control detents and markings are easy to feel and to read and thus provide feedback for control position and the relative degree of effect. The controls are surrounded by a cosmetic bezel that hides the actual mounting mechanism and circuitry. Any combination of controls, circuitry, and sensors may be used. Power is either provided onboard or offboard. An output connector may be integrated into the circuit platform or via an endpin jack.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stringed, musical instrument where the instrument strings are grounded by a string ground circuit, and wherein the string ground circuit includes a circuit breaker having a current path that defines a portion of the string ground circuit between the strings and a ground.

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 automatic player piano includes keys driven for the angular motion through a hybrid feedback control loop; a controller, a key position sensor, a plunger velocity sensor and a solenoid-operated key actuator form parts of the hybrid feedback control loop for each key, and a current key position and a plunger velocity are reported to the controller; the controller determines a series of target position or a reference trajectory and a target velocity, and periodically compares a composite current position and a composite current velocity, which are determined on the basis of the current key position and current plunger velocity, with the target position and target velocity to see whether or not the key travels on the reference trajectory; if the answer is negative, the controller adjusts the driving signal to a proper duty ratio so as to force the key to travel on the reference trajectory.

Abstract: A hybrid electric/acoustic percussion instrument and percussion set containing the instrument. The instrument includes a hollow cylindrical shell having a first end and a second end and an inside cylindrical surface. A first substantially rigid plate having an outside surface and an inside surface is attached to at least the first end of the hollow cylindrical shell. A first resilient pad is attached to the outside surface of the first substantially rigid plate. An electroacoustic transducer is attached to the inside cylindrical surface of the hollow cylindrical shell.

Abstract: The invention is an electric guitar. In detail, the guitar includes a solid body and neck portions. A pressure sensor is mounted at the junction of the body and neck, the pressure sensor having the sensor element in direct contact with the guitar. An electric circuit connects the pressure sensor to an electrical connector mounted on an external surface of the guitar.

Abstract: An electric double-bass is broken down into a trunk, a detachable framework assembled with the trunk, coupling units provided between the trunk and the detachable framework, accessory parts, strings stretched over the trunk and an electric sound generating system for generating electric tones like acoustic tones of a double-bass, and any resonator is formed in the electric double-bass, wherein a string player disassembles the detachable framework from the trunk for storing the electric double-bass in a case, thereby enhancing the portability of the electric double-bass.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for amplifying low amplitude vibrations from stringed instruments, and in particular guitars while reducing Gaussian and 60 Hz hum noise from the signal. In particular, the invention incorporates the use of one or more bipolar magnets in conjunction with high precision differential amplifiers and a power source. The bipolar magnets may be arranged at varying locations on the guitar as long as they are within range to induce an electrical signal in the strings when they are played. The signal is then fed through the amplifier circuitry whereby noise is eliminated and then played through a standard speaker.

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 sound pickup system for string instruments includes a chinrest and/or tailpiece connected to a first audio interface device—e.g. a piezoelectric transducer-on the instrument's bridge. A second audio interface device—e.g., a microphone-may be attached to and extended from the chinrest and/or tailpiece to provide a second sound pickup mechanism, which improves the quality of the sound reproduced by the sound pickup system. The chinrest and/or tailpiece contains volume and sensitivity control, for one or both audio interface devices, that also acts as a high frequency noise filter; a human grounding point in the chin cup and/or in the strings; and an output jack.

Abstract: An instrument main body has a keyboard including a plurality of keys and sound generators (for example, speakers) at a rear of the keyboard. At the rear of the keyboard, an upper surface cover portion composed of an upper panel, a operating panel, and so on is provided to cover an upper portion of the instrument main body. In the operating panel, tone escape portions are provided at right and left regions separated in a direction in which the keys of the instrument main body are arranged. Further, a rear panel is erected on the upper panel at a rear of the tone escape portions and having a width equal to or larger than the entire width of the keyboard in the direction in which the keys are arranged and a height larger than the length of the key in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An electronic percussion instrument includes a vibration detection apparatus having a simplified frame structure that increases the uniformity of its rim shot strike sensitivity distribution. The frame is comprised of a flange, a center section and a linking section that surrounds the center section and extends from the center section to the flange. The flange engages the end of the drum body and the frame is disposed within the drum body. A rim shot sensor is mounted to the center section of the frame and detects rim shot vibrations that are transmitted through the frame. Because the linking section of the frame surrounds the center section, uniformity of rim shot strike sensitivity is improved. A head sensor is also mounted to the frame on a support plate that is coupled to the frame through a vibration isolating damper. A cushioning material is placed between the head sensor and a head of the percussion instrument for transmitting vibrations from the head to the head sensor.

Abstract: A removable and portable single pickup unit for stringed instruments such as guitars, and the like. The unit can be mounted inside of a sound hole of an acoustic guitar without damaging the guitar. The unit can combine inputs from three different pickups(such as a magnetic sensor, vibratory transducer, and a microphone) into a single small housing. The unit can include a pre-amplifier and circuitry within the unit along with three rotatable rheostat type control knobs for each of the pickups, and an overall volume control knob that are easily reachable to the user's fingers while the fingers are on the strings. An output cable connects the unit to a single external amplifier or three individual amplifiers for each of the three different pickups.

Abstract: An electronic piano is provided in which activation of a keyboard (7) and foot pedals (8) causes sound to be generated and output via a pair of conventional cone loudspeakers (210–212) each comprising a tweeter (214), a woofer (216) and a base (218). Simultaneously with the activation of the conventional cone loudspeakers (210, 212), sound corresponding to the notes played by using the keyboard (7) is also generated and output via two distributed mode loudspeakers (220, 222) which are arranged to output sound through the inducement of resonant vibrations. The conventional cone loudspeakers (210–212) act as a series of discrete point sound sources. The distributed mode loudspeakers (220, 222) act as diffuse point sources generating sound across the entire surface area of the panels (220, 222). The air disturbance patterns propagated by the two different types of sound source result in sound more closely emulating the sound generated by a conventional high quality acoustic grand piano.

Abstract: An acoustic control system for an electronic musical instrument, which can obtain optimal acoustic characteristics irrespective of whether or not a low range speaker is attached to a body thereof. A piano body has high range and mid range speakers. A low range speaker is removable from the body. A stand-excluding switch designates a first speaker-use mode for using the high range and mid range speakers alone, and a stand-including switch designates a both speaker-use mode for using both the high range and mid range speakers and the low range speaker. A ROM stores stand-excluding and stand-including factors for setting acoustic characteristics in the two modes, respectively. A CPU reads one of the factors, which corresponds to the mode designated by the stand-excluding or stand-including switch. A tone generator circuit generates a musical tone signal to be reproduced in one of the modes, based on the read factor.

Abstract: An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or inactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electric guitar comprising a body (1), a neck (2) fixed to the body and a scroll (3) located at the free end of the neck (2). The body (1) consists of a base body, an upper cache which covers the front side of the base body and is provided with an orifice for the chord support (5), and a lower cache which covers the rear side of the base body. The base body bears the chord support (5), the read head(s) and the connection socket (7) for the amplifier cable.

Abstract: There is provided an operator member displaceable, in response to operation by a human operator, relative to at least one displacement axis (more preferably, multi-dimensionally). Operating state of the operator member is detected and model operation information, indicative of an operating state to be taken by the operator member, is generated, so that reaction information is generated in accordance with a difference between the detected actual operating state and an operating state indicated by the model operation information. Reactive force is imparted to the operator member in accordance with the generated reaction information. In this way, a model operation amount can be informed to the human operator in the form of the reactive force. Further, by imparting separate reactive forces to a multi-axially operable operator member, appropriate information can be provided to the human operator during operation of the operator member, thereby achieving sensory feedback to the human operator.

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: 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 sound pickup system for string instruments includes a chinrest and/or tailpiece connected to a first audio interface device—e.g. a piezoelectric transducer-on the instrument's bridge. A second audio interface device—e.g., a microphone-may be attached to and extended from the chinrest and/or tailpiece to provide a second sound pickup mechanism, which improves the quality of the sound reproduced by the sound pickup system. The chinrest and/or tailpiece contains volume and sensitivity control, for one or both audio interface devices, that also acts as a high frequency noise filter; a human grounding point in the chin cup and/or in the strings; and an output jack.

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: The invention is an electronic, voice-controlled musical instrument. It is in essence an electronic kazoo. The player hums into the mouthpiece, and the device imitates the sound of a musical instrument whose pitch and volume change in response to the player's voice. The player is given the impression of playing the actual instrument and controlling it intimately with the fine nuances of his voice. The instrument can in principle be any music-producing sound source: a trumpet, trombone, clarinet, flute, piano, electric guitar, voice, whistle, even a chorus of voices, i.e. virtually any source of sound. In its simplest configuration, the instrument resembles a kind of horn. However, the shape and appearance of the instrument can be fashioned by the manufacture to match the sound of any traditional instrument, if desired; or its shape can be completely novel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuous keyboard system. The Continuous Music Keyboard resembles a traditional keyboard in that it is approximately the same size and is played with ten fingers. It also resembles a fretless string instrument in that it has no discrete pitches; any pitch and any tuning may be played, and finger movements produce smooth glissandi and vibrato. The Continuous Music Keyboard comprises a plurality of rods, each of which has a magnet on each end. The displacement of each rod is measured through mounted Hall-Effect sensors. The sensor values are then analyzed to identify the three-dimensional location of the fingers depressing upon a control surface. Additionally, predictive analysis is conducted on values collected to identify whether a new depression on the control surface has occurred, or rather if a previously placed finger is simply moving alone the Continuous Music Keyboard.

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: There is provided a performance apparatus that can reduce energy consumption while allowing sounding elements to appropriately generate sound. A CPU supplies driving energy to an actuator to drivingly control the same based on pulse width modulation. A rotary pick is rotatively driven by the actuator to pluck reeds to generate sound. The CPU sets the duty of a driving pulse for driving the rotary pick during time points t3 and t4. Thus, higher driving energy is supplied to the actuator in timing in which the rotary pick plucks any of the reeds than in timing in which the rotary pick does not pluck any of the reeds.

Abstract: An electric double-bass is broken down into a trunk, a detachable framework assembled with the trunk, coupling units provided between the trunk and the detachable framework, accessory parts, strings stretched over the trunk and an electric sound generating system for generating electric tones like acoustic tones of a double-bass, and any resonator is formed in the electric double-bass, wherein a string player disassembles the detachable framework from the trunk for storing the electric double-bass in a case, thereby enhancing the portability of the electric double-bass.

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: While a normal tone of a designated pitch is being generated in response to key depression or other performance operation on a keyboard or other performance operation device, the tone is controlled in response to manipulation of a pedal or other auxiliary performance operator. Namely, once the auxiliary performance operator is manipulated during generation or sounding of the normal tone, generation of an additional tone related to the normal tone is initiated. In this case, in correspondence with ON/OFF operation of the auxiliary performance operator, a resonant tone is generated, as the additional tone, which is peculiar to the currently-generated normal tone and which is also peculiar to the ON/OFF operation of the auxiliary performance operator. Particularly, if the normal tone is still being generated when the auxiliary performance operator has been returned from the ON state to the OFF state, a returning tone related to the currently-generated normal tone is generated as another additional tone.

Abstract: An electronic percussion instrument which includes a housing suspended from the bottom end of the barrel which houses the percussive impact sensor. The percussive impact sensor includes transducer. The arrangement of the percussive impact sensor and the housing maximizes the distance of the transducer from the percussion head.

Abstract: There is provided a rotary encoder having the physical characteristics of a vinyl phonograph disc on a properly prepared turntable. A disc jockey (DJ) may intuitively use this encoder in a virtually identical manner to a conventional record to create scratch effects in a digital signal being supplied from a digitized audio signal source such as a CD, mini-disc, digital audio tape (DAT), data file or any other source of a digital signal. Speed and direction information from the encoder are used as inputs to a digital signal processor so that scratch effects typically produced by the manipulation of a vinyl record on a turntable may be simulated in the digital signal.

Abstract: A pickup unit is used for converting vibrations of strings to electric signals for producing electric tones at good loudness, and the pickup unit includes a bridge assembly stationary to a body of the stringed instrument, vibration-responsive piezoelectric elements secured at the end portions thereof to the bridge assembly and vibration mediators held in contact with the strings and exerting force on the other end portions of the piezoelectric elements; since the vibration mediators have the freedom to move in the direction of the bending in the bridge assembly, the electric signals exactly represent the vibrations of the strings.

Abstract: A musical instrument adapted for string play comprises at least an elongated unitary neck and solid body, one or more support arms releasably or pivotally secured to the unitary neck and body, and one or more side panels releasably or pivotally secured to a support arm. A string tensioning system for tuning the instrument is secured to and spaced apart from the underside of the body portion and is operated in conjunction with a string-path reverser affixed to the proximal end of the body portion. The string-path reverser redirects the strings from the playing surface on the top of the body portion to the tensioning system underneath. Side panels are employed that approximate portions of the sides of the body of a conventional acoustic instrument, and connective means are employed that enable rapid assembly (or expansion) of the instrument for playing and rapid disassembly (or contraction). The components are readily arranged in a small carrying case for storage and transit.

Abstract: A design for a transducer assembly which embodies two separate microphone elements attached to two separate goosenecks where both microphone/gooseneck assemblies are connected to a single service housing. The goosenecks are constructed in a unique method in order to provide a wide range of mounting positions while simultaneously protecting the microphone elements from distortion due to ambient mechanical energy. The designs include methods for mounting microphones and other transducers onto musical instrument or other fixtures using two part fastening systems, elastic cords, padded hooks, and other devices. An optional microphone cover is described which will serve to reduce or eliminate feedback and other unwanted sounds.

Abstract: An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or inactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.

Abstract: An electric double-bass is broken down into a trunk, a detachable framework assembled with the trunk, coupling units provided between the trunk and the detachable framework, accessory parts, strings stretched over the trunk and an electric sound generating system for generating electric tones like acoustic tones of a double-bass, and any resonator is formed in the electric double-bass, wherein a string player disassembles the detachable framework from the trunk for storing the electric double-bass in a case, thereby enhancing the portability of the electric double-bass.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument such as an electronic piano has a musical tone generation structure that closely simulates and reproduces musical tones with nuances of musical expressions with fidelity to acoustic musical instruments such as acoustic pianos. In the casing of the electronic piano, speakers are attached to a speaker attachment plate, which is placed substantially horizontal, such that front sides of the speakers are directed upwards. The sounds radiated from the front sides of the speakers are reflected by a reflector board which is hinged to close or open at a prescribed angle of inclination with respect to a top board, so that reflected sounds are transmitted towards the audience. Enclosures are provided inside of the casing below the speaker attachment plate and contain mufflers having a relatively small thickness therein.

Abstract: An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or inactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument or guitar has a plastic foam body substantially covered by a shell of thermoplastic material, a wood base on the plastic foam body, a plurality of strings supported to extend above the wood base, and at least one electromagnetic pick-up at the base. Musical vibrations produced by strumming the strings are conducted via the plastic foam body and wood base are largely sensed by the electromagnetic pick-up.

Abstract: An electric double-bass is broken down into a trunk, a detachable framework assembled with the trunk, coupling units provided between the trunk and the detachable framework, accessory parts, strings stretched over the trunk and an electric sound generating system for generating electric tones like acoustic tones of a double-bass, and any resonator is formed in the electric double-bass, wherein a string player disassembles the detachable framework from the trunk for storing the electric double-bass in a case, thereby enhancing the portability of the electric double-bass.

Abstract: A toy for generating tone sequences includes a sound-generating circuitry having multiple inputs, the activation of a particular input corresponding to a particular tone. The inputs are connected to a motion sensor whereby a particular motion of the toy is converted into a corresponding sound. The motion sensor may be, for example, a multiple position pendulum switch. Repeated motion of the toy in a plurality of directions allows a tone sequence to be generated. The circuity may include a storage system to allow tone sequences to be retained for later playback.

Abstract: A combination musical instrument comprising first and second instrument portions each having first and second sides and a plurality of input devices actuable by a user on one side thereof. The first and second portions are coupled to each other. In one embodiment of the invention, the first portion resembles a keyboard and the second portion resembles a guitar. When the input devices on the guitar portion are actuated, sound files stored in a microcontroller are transmitted through a speaker, producing sounds that resemble those made by a guitar. When the input devices on the keyboard portion are actuated, different sound files are transmitted by the microcontroller through the speaker, producing sounds that resemble those made a keyboard, organ, drums, xylophone or other instrument. In one embodiment of the invention, the keyboard portion is foldable about an axis, concealing the keyboard portion from view.

Abstract: An interactive electronic drum system and training techniques suitable for use in a coin-operated environment such as an arcade are described. Electronic drum pads, audio speakers, a visual display, training lights and an overall control system are combined to simulate the excitement of a live drum or interactive musical jam session for a user. Positive feedback and, as necessary, instructive aid are provided to make the experience a positive one for both the novice and the expert player. Learning and playing a musical instrument becomes an intuitive, exciting experience and not a boring chore to be endured. Players can simulate the experience of playing in a rock band before a live and appreciative audience. In short, this interactive electronic drum system makes drums and the jamming experience widely accessible to the public.

Abstract: A plectrum holding device for playing the guitar or the like string musical instruments comprises a handle-like casing unit (12, 14, 16) configured to be gripped by the player, with a mounting (18) for attaching a plectrum (20) in an operable playing position. Body portion (12) is provided with controls such as switching pad (22) with push buttons (24) and trackball (26), for remotely operating a variety of musical devices (A, B, C, D) such as synthesizers, VCRs, multi-effect producers, etc. In the example illustrated, the push buttons (24) and the trackball (26) are accessible by the thumb of the user, adapted to actuate infrared emitters (28, 29, 30).

Abstract: An electronic musical synthesizer comprising a keyboard assembly including at least one main keyboard controller and one or more support keyboard controllers. The main keyboard controller includes ergonomically configured keypads each of which include two keyrows, wherein each keyrow preferably comprises either five keys or six keys. The keyboard assembly through the plurality of keyboard controllers operatively communicates with a processor assembly comprising a retrieve processor and an assemble processor each of which communicate with the keyboard assembly to receive different MIDI language, key-velocity primary parameters including pitch, velocity and channel.

Abstract: A linearly-positional, multi-configurational stringed musical instrument pickup as shown provides a mechanism by which one or more single-string musical instrument pickups,also known as signal sensors, each with its own output, may be repositioned to any desired point beneath the length of the string of a musical instrument between the bridge and the fingerboard (or neck), if present. The single-string pickups or signal sensors being wired in series with one another in any desired combination or left to be amplified as individual, independent signals. The signal sensors themselves are completely removable from the device to allow sensors of other types to be interchanged.