Abstract: Conventional stringed musical instrument fingerboards are constructed with a constant longitudinal slope, relative to the string, along the fingerboard's length direction. Fingerboards with variations in their slope along their length direction could improve playability by shortening the string-to-fingerboard distances. A variable slope fingerboard is suggested to improve playability at locations close to the bridge.

Abstract: In a conventional stringed musical instrument the nut, the bridge and the fingerboard are either all radius or all flat. Bowed instruments such as cellos and violins require radius structures so that single note melodies can be played on the middle strings. But for some players the radius fingerboards are a bit harder while playing melodies. Classical and flamenco guitars have flat nut, bridge and fingerboards for ease of plucking and strumming the strings close to the bridge. However, flat fingerboards are harder to bar for playing cords. [Delete paragraph mark and indent] Combinations of flat nut with radius bridge and radius nut with flat bridge can be used if the fingerboard surface is changed to have a specific 3-dimensional curvature and may be preferred for their playability by some players.

Abstract: The conventional musical instrument top and back plates are supported with straight and scalloped braces. These braces tend to dampen vibrations along the length direction of the brace. Kerfed braces are introduced to mitigate the damping. If glued with their kerfed edge to the top or back plates they mitigate damping without much compromise in their strengthening properties.

Abstract: The conventional musical instrument top and back plates are supported with straight and scalloped braces. These braces tend to dampen vibrations along the length direction of the brace. Kerfed braces are introduced to mitigate the damping. If glued with their kerfed edge to the top or back plates they mitigate damping without much compromise in their strengthening properties.

Abstract: Conventional stringed musical instrument fingerboards are constructed with a constant longitudinal slope, relative to the string, along the fingerboard's length direction. Fingerboards with variations in their slope along their length direction could improve playability by shortening the string-to-fingerboard distances. A variable slope fingerboard is suggested to improve playability at locations close to the bridge.