Abstract: A stringed instrument having a swappable and configurable pre-amplifier. pickups may detect vibrations in each string then transduce the vibration signal into an electrical signal. The electrical signal may be processed in differing manners including attenuation of amplitude, filtering across a frequency spectrum or otherwise altered according to one or more transfer functions embodied in a swappable and configurable pre-amplifier. In embodiments, this swappable pre-amplifier may be stored in a cavity that is accessible at the rear of the body of the stringed instrument. One may remove a first swappable pre-amplifier and connect a second swappable pre-amplifier. The pre-amplifiers may be electronically coupled to an audio output circuit of the musical instrument such that the electric signal from the pickups is altered according to the pre-amplifier profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods for translating strings of a stringed instruments as well as providing for adjustable tensioning. In embodiments, a stringed instrument, may include an instrument body having a front side and a back side wherein, as with most stringed instruments, the strings are disposed on the front side of the body for playing. Different from conventional stringed instruments though, at least a portion of at least one string may be disposed on the backside of the body as well. Thus, a first set of string anchor points are disposed on front side and a second set of string anchor points are disposed on the back side. That is, the strings are translated form the front side to the back side by passing the one or more translated strings through an aperture in the body called a through-bridge. Further, embodiments may include additional versatility by having adjustable tensioning systems.