Abstract: A non-electronic device which extracts energy otherwise lost in a banjo's body and converts it into audible sound that not only adds volume to the sound coming from the head, but also makes the sound waves' high frequency components more pronounced. Readily movable from one attachment site to the next along the inside surface of the banjo's cylindrical rim, the device includes a two-dimensional, made-from-cardstock body and, affixed thereto along one end, an elongated strip of acrylic adhesive tape. Suspended from it within the banjo pot, the body routes sound surface waves coming from the rim to various surface wave-amplifying elements including an asymmetrical array of branches and tiny offshoots extending from them, as well as a pair of staples fastened to one branch and a five-sided, irregular timbre polygon hingedly connected to another branch so as to form, with it, a tiny loudspeaker.

Abstract: A resonator assembly includes a resonator, a collector-amplifier, as well as a timbre tray, one or more timbre pieces, and a detector holder. The resonator assembly, designed to be attachable to a conventional acoustic guitar, improves the quality and volume of the conventional guitar. A wood or metal timbre piece or a varying combination thereof may be used according the user's sound preference. The resonator, the collector-amplifier, the timbre holder tray and the detector holder are preferably made from thin brass.

Abstract: A sound enhancing device for F-hole stringed instruments, banjos, and drums. The device includes at least one cross-shaped element and a timbre square, which may be part of a larger, user-constructed sound emitter. Strung like beads along a fastener, one or more cross-shaped elements and timbre squares are arrayed between a bridge and terminal retainer. In one embodiment, the cross-shaped element and timbre square are juxtaposed, forming a sound emitter which is mounted within an F-hole instrument's sound chamber; the bridge, positioned above it and astraddle opposing F-hole side edges, collects inaudible sound surface waves and transmits them through the fastener —a knot-free, waxed string under tension—to the sound emitter. There sound waves are amplified by constructive interference, timbre characteristics added, and sound waves transferred into the sound chamber's air. The latter then increase the sound surface waves at the F-hole's edges, setting up a positive feedback loop.

Abstract: A device that can be easily placed on and removed from an acoustic, stringed instrument, such as an acoustic guitar. When placed on a guitar, the device amplifies and clarifies the sound of the guitar, thereby allowing the guitarist to obtain quality sound and high volume. In addition, the device enables the guitarist control the timbre or sound characteristics of the guitar.

Abstract: A device that can be easily placed on and removed from an acoustic, stringed instrument, such as an acoustic guitar. When placed on a guitar, the device amplifies and clarifies the sound of the guitar, thereby allowing the guitarist to obtain quality sound and high volume. In addition, the device enables the guitarist control the timbre or sound characteristics of the guitar.

Abstract: A banjo has a resonator (24) mounted about the pot (11) and acoustical links (25) that acoustically couple the resonator with the banjo head (14). When the instrument is played acoustical waves pass from the head through the acoustical links to the resonator which amplifies the sound produced by the banjo. An adoption of this invention is also disclosed for a guitar.

Abstract: A mute for stringed instruments such as banjos, guitars, and the like which allows the volume of the sound generated by plucking the strings to be varied without changing the pitch of the instrument. This device comprises a small, elongated cloth bag filled with tiny metallic balls. The bag is sufficiently long that when it is properly mounted on the bridge of the instrument, the bag extends past the points where the two outermost strings cross the bridge, the two outermost strings being disposed proximate opposite ends of the bridge. In use, the beg is mounted partially on the upper edge of the bridge and partially on the strings. The degree of muting, as well as the duration of individual notes once played, varies with the position of the bag on the bridge. The pitch of the strings, however, does not vary.

Abstract: A bridge for a stringed musical instrument comprises a thin wooden body having a bottom base portion adapted to be supported upon a resonant body member of the instrument and a top crown portion that is formed with grooves for holding individual strings. The base and crown portions have opposed edges that are generally parallel with respect to each other. The crown is formed with baffle slits located adjacent the grooves that are oriented obliquely with respect to the crown edge for redirecting sound waves emitting from strings back to the grooves to produce a ringing tonal effect or to the base to reduce sound attenuation within the bridge.