Abstract: A sound effects control system for musical instruments comprises a tactile controller and a control box. The controller generates, by means of manual or other bodily manipulation, a control signal which is communicated to the control box. The control box receives an output signal from the musical instrument and modifies it in accordance with the control signal received from the controller. The modified output signal is then communicated to a traditional amplifier which produces variations in the sound effects of the musical instrument, such as volume, tremolo, reverberation, etc. The tactile controller comprises a fluid-filled lumen which, in combination with the compressible material of the controller, is collapsible in response to manual manipulation in order to generate a static pressure control signal for varying the sound effects of the musical instrument. A wide variety of controller shapes, sizes, configurations, and locations on the musical instrument are available.

Abstract: A control system for a musical instrument, e.g., an electric guitar, which is programmable so that a tremolo characteristic can be applied to the audio signal produced by the musical instrument. The tremolo characteristic can be comprised of a combination of three preset amplitude components and three preset frequency components. The control system can also be used to dynamically vary the volume characteristic of the audio signal produced by the musical instrument. Specifically, the control system includes a tactile member which produces a signal proportionate to the pressure exerted on the tactile member by the musician. This signal can be used to increase the volume characteristic of the musical instrument while the musician is playing the musical instrument.

Abstract: A control system for a musical instrument, e.g., an electric guitar, which is programmable so that a tremolo characteristic can be applied to the audio signal produced by the musical instrument. The tremolo characteristic can be comprised of a combination of three preset amplitude components and three preset frequency components. The control system can also be used to dynamically vary the volume characteristic of the audio signal produced by the musical instrument. Specifically, the control system includes a tactile member which produces a signal proportionate to the pressure exerted on the tactile member by the musician. This signal can be used to increase the volume characteristic of the musical instrument while the musician is playing the musical instrument.