Abstract: The present invention relates to a piano key press processor for a piano keyboard, which analyzes the key press characteristics of simple chord voicings during play, flags the pressed keys having specific such characteristics, and repurposes those flagged keys, so as to play the chord in a more advanced chord voicing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an overlay for a touchscreen piano keyboard implemented on an iPad or similar touchscreen device. It includes a screen covering sheet, that has a top surface pitted with hollows, such that it blocks activation of the touchscreen piano keys when lightly pressed, but not when more firmly pressed, thereby emulating the pressing of physical piano keys.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an overlay for a touchscreen piano keyboard implemented on an iPad or similar touchscreen device. It includes a screen covering sheet, that has a top surface pitted with hollows, such that it blocks activation of the touchscreen piano keys when lightly pressed, but not when more firmly pressed, thereby emulating the pressing of physical piano keys.

Abstract: The present invention provides a piano-type key actuator that employs supplemental actuation so as to enable an associated key to become engaged when a typical actuation force is applied anywhere along its entire length, including from within the immediate vicinity of its pivot point, where the key would otherwise be unusable for playing due to the prohibitively large actuation force that would generally be required in this area. By eliminating the unusable portion of a key, a full-function keyboard can be provided in a more compact and portable form.

Abstract: The present invention provides touch sensor means for detecting the touch location along the length of an outfitted piano key as it is pressed, so as to then offset the notes of an associated piano keyboard accordingly during play. When such an outfitted key is pressed in combination with other piano keys, the touch location along the length of the outfitted key, and the separation intervals and timing of the key presses, are analyzed to determine the intended chord, such that before any notes are sounded, the notes of the pressed keys are configured for the sounding of that chord. This arrangement enables playing a wide range of notes using just a few keys, so as to provide a substantially reduced-size keyboard with full-sized keys sufficient for real-time playing.

Abstract: The present invention provides touch sensor means for detecting the touch location along the length of an outfitted piano key as it is pressed, so as to then offset the notes of an associated piano keyboard accordingly during play. When such an outfitted key is pressed in combination with other piano keys, the touch location along the length of the outfitted key, and the separation intervals and timing of the key presses, are analyzed to determine the intended chord, such that before any notes are sounded, the notes of the pressed keys are configured for the sounding of that chord. This arrangement enables playing a wide range of notes using just a few keys, so as to provide a substantially reduced-size keyboard with full-sized keys sufficient for real-time playing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an application for an iPad or similar electronic device having a touch screen. It provides a sensor to detect the touch position along the vertical length of a key as it is being engaged and to then offset the notes of the keyboard accordingly. This enables several octaves of notes to be accessed on the touch screen at any given time with a key size that is sufficient for real time playing. This arrangement further enables the incremental offset of the note pitches in a continuous manner to emulate the “string stretching” and “fretless neck” techniques of guitars and basses. The invention further provides a screen overlay to physically define the borders and travel of the on-screen keys thereby emulating the tactile feedback of real keys, again in a manner sufficient for real time playing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an application for an iPad or similar electronic device having a touch screen. It provides a sensor to detect the touch position along the vertical length of a key as it is being engaged and to then offset the notes of the keyboard accordingly. This enables several octaves of notes to be accessed on the touch screen at any given time with a key size that is sufficient for real time playing. This arrangement further enables the incremental offset of the note pitches in a continuous manner to emulate the “string stretching” and “fretless neck” techniques of guitars and basses. The invention further provides a screen overlay to physically define the borders and travel of the on-screen keys thereby emulating the tactile feedback of real keys, again in a manner sufficient for real time playing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an application for an iPad or similar electronic device having a touch screen. It provides a sensor to detect the touch position along the vertical length of a key as it is being engaged and to then offset the notes of the keyboard accordingly. This enables several octaves of notes to be accessed on the touch screen at any given time with a key size that is sufficient for real time playing. This arrangement further enables the incremental offset of the note pitches in a continuous manner to emulate the “string stretching” and “fretless neck” techniques of guitars and basses. The invention further provides a screen overlay to physically define the borders and travel of the on-screen keys thereby emulating the tactile feedback of real keys, again in a manner sufficient for real time playing.

Abstract: A combined pick and stringed instrument tuning device includes a relatively flat, substantially rectangularly shaped housing having a pick attached thereto and is small enough to be easily held in one's hand. A momentary contact push-button switch mounted on top of the housing controls an electronic tuning circuit by selecting one of several predetermined frequencies from a frequency generator. In one embodiment, the tuning circuit is mounted in the housing so that the tuning device is totally self-contained. Alternatively, the tuning circuit is remotely located and is controlled by a cable connected to the housing or by radio signals. The frequency selected is displayed on the housing and the frequency generator drives a strobe light located near the pick. In another embodiment, a microphone mounted on the housing converts sounds from the string being tuned to a signal which is compared to the preselected frequency.

Abstract: A manually operated switch located on an electric guitar controls a remotely located tuning device through the existing guitar cable. Preferably, the switch is located in an adaptor which plugs into the audio output jack of the guitar and into which is plugged the guitar cable. Circuitry associated with the switch sends a control signal on the audio cable and circuitry located adjacent the tuner interprets the control signal for controlling the tuner.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is tuned by illuminating a portion of a vibrating string with a monochromatic stroboscopic light source. The illuminated string portion is viewed through a monochromatic filter of the same color as the light source. The string tension is then adjusted until the desired stationary stroboscopic effect is achieved.

Abstract: A combined pick and stringed instrument tuning device includes a relatively flat, substantially rectangularly shaped housing having a pick attached thereto and is small enough to be easily held in one's hand. A momentary contact push-button switch mounted on top of the housing controls an electronic tuning circuit by selecting one of several predetermined frequencies from a frequency generator. In one embodiment, the tuning circuit is mounted in the housing so that the tuning device is totally self-contained. Alternatively, the tuning circuit is remotely located and is controlled by a cable connected to the housing or by radio signals. The frequency selected is displayed on the housing and the frequency generator drives a strobe light located near the pick. In another embodiment, a microphone mounted on the housing converts sounds from the string being tuned to a signal which is compared to the preselected frequency.

Abstract: A transducer produces an electrical signal representing the frequency of a tone produced by the vibrating string of a musical instrument. Circuit means convert the electrical signal into a visually perceivable form which moves or appears to move in unison with the vibrating string. The signal from a frequency generator representing the desired frequency operates a strobe light source which is operatively associated with the visual vibrating motion display. When the string is in tune with the pre-selected desired frequency from the generator, the vibratory motion appears to stop and the strobe light or vibrating element appears to stand still.