Abstract: A combination of limited data, 3D linear interpolation, and a unique simulation circuit are combined to provide a programmable tone control that can simulate any desired tone stack. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, it has been found that a reduced number of data points plus interpolation provides sufficiently accurate coefficients for simulation. The data points are obtained from measurements of the actual operation of the analog tone stacks to be simulated. A second aspect of the invention is the simulation circuit controlled by the coefficients to accurately reproduce the operation of any given tone stack. The simulation circuit uses two programmable filters and three variable gain amplifiers to simulate a tone stack. The cut-off frequency of each filter and the gain of each amplifier are determined by coefficients extracted by interpolation from stored data.

Abstract: A guitar string, in which an end of the string element is threaded into an enlarged end formed of metal, such enlarged end having been forced radially-inwardly all around the string element end so as to very tightly grip it. A method of making a guitar string, in which the string element end is threaded into a hole in a metal blank. Thereafter, such blank and string element are passed through an extrusion die to make such blank longer and smaller in diameter, to cause such blank to grip the end with great force.

Abstract: An improved neck for a guitar which is comprised of a elongated body, an elongated fingerboard, and an elongated strip. The fingerboard is mounted longitudinally of the body on the upper side of the body. The strip is mounted in the neck longitudinally of the body and fingerboard and near the junction between the body and fingerboard and being substantially parallel to the junction. The strip has a modulus of elasticity greater than the body and fingerboard. The strip can have a domed upper surface and a flat bottom surface and may be adhesively secured to, or molded, to the fingerboard in a wide shallow groove formed in the bottom of the fingerboard. The strip and fingerboard may be laminated to the top surface of the neck body. The neck body may have a truss rod or lever system therein.