Abstract: An apparatus and method of varying the tonal aspects of a string instrument such as an acoustic or electric guitar is disclosed. The apparatus and method employing a unique zero fret assembly. The zero fret assembly includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion is configured to connect with a fret board, headstock or body of an instrument. The upper portion is configured to engage the lower portion. The upper portion is also configured to receive and support an instrument's strings. The upper portion is selectively movable relative to the lower portion by an operator to change the tonal nature of the instrument.

Abstract: A system and method for illuminating a needle on a tone arm for a turntable or controller device is provided. The lighted needle is consistent in light quality and intensity regardless of tone arm location or position while in use. The system and method includes providing a light source moveable with the tone arm. The light source being directed toward a needle. The system and method keeps the relative position of the light source and the needle consistent throughout the entire tone arm range of motion. As such, the light quality and intensity at the needle and resulting needle drop point is consistent through all tone arm motion.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a visual display on an outer surface of a turntable platter. The system and method includes providing a light source around and directed toward the periphery of the platter that includes a number of reflective nodes on its outer peripheral surface. The reflective nodes project a lighted display around the outer periphery of the platter thereby creating a visual effect.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a visual display on an outer surface of a turntable platter. The system and method includes providing a light source around and directed toward the periphery of the platter that includes a number of reflective nodes on its outer peripheral surface. The reflective nodes project a lighted display around the outer periphery of the platter thereby creating a visual effect.

Abstract: A female jack is provided that includes one or more terminals and a reception aperture configured to accept a male plug. The female jack also includes a first spring contact with a first mating curvature configured to contact the male plug and create electrical contact between the male plug and the female jack. The first spring contact also includes one or more flex joints.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the presentation of music is provided. In the method, a sequence of musical notes is presented by a first music presenting device. A critical beat indicator defining a time within the sequence of musical notes for a critical beat point is received. An isolation indicator defining a period for note isolation for the sequence of musical notes is received. A velocity coefficient is calculated by a processor for each note of the sequence of musical notes. The velocity coefficient is calculated as a function of the defined time and the defined period for note isolation. The sequence of musical notes is presented by a second music presenting device using the calculated velocity coefficient.

Abstract: An electronics module for an electric guitar is provided. The electronics module includes a processor, a plurality of controls, an antenna, and a computer-readable medium. The processor receives an audio signal generated by a vibration of a plurality of strings of the electric guitar. The plurality of controls are operably coupled to the processor and provide a mechanism for adjusting a sound created from the audio signal. The computer-readable medium is operably coupled to the processor and configured to cause the electric guitar to determine a control of the plurality of controls associated with the received effects parameter; adjust a state of the determined control based on the received effects parameter; modify the audio signal based on the plurality of controls and on the received effects parameter; and output the modified audio signal through the antenna to a second device.

Abstract: A parallel tapped magnetic pickup for an electrical stringed musical instrument is provided. The parallel tapped magnetic pickup comprises a coil formed with at least two parallel connected wound wires. A guitar in combination with the parallel tapped pickup is additionally provided.