Abstract: A stringed instrument comprises, in combination, a body with a neck extending forwardly therefrom The neck has a tuning portion mounted opposite the body which is adapted to receive one end of a plurality of strings. The tuning portion adjusts the tension on each of the plurality of strings. The other end of the plurality of stings is attached to the body. A plurality of pickup elements is positioned on the body proximate to the neck. The plurality of pickup elements is underneath the plurality of strings. The plurality of pickup elements are also in electrical communication with a position sensitive switch which determines which of the plurality of pickup elements is actuated in response to movement of the body. A plurality of tremolo mechanisms corresponding to the plurality of strings is attached to the end of the plurality of strings attached to the body. Also, interchangeable fret boards are mountable on the neck.

Abstract: A musical instrument case containing one or more amplifiers and a plurality of speakers is described. The consolidated case comprises a substantially rectangular base portion having a recess configured to receive and retain a musical instrument therewithin. Pivotally attached to the base portion are first and second triangular cover members that are coactively adapted to fold over and completely cover or enclose the base portion leaving no exposed gaps.

Abstract: A collapsible stringed instrument which is integrated into a compact carrying case with a portable sound studio. This instrument is collapsible by sliding the fretboard along channels in the body of the instrument inwardly or toward the rearward face of the case to retract or collapse the instrument for carrying. This instrument is extendible by following the reverse process. A novel, removable multiple coil pickup is included which plays at a normal electric tone or pitch, or at a combined, different tone or pitch by alternately lifting open or lowering to close the hinged top portion thereof. Said portable sound studio has a compact disc (CD) player, cassette tape player/recorder, and a special effects circuitry board for amplifying, mixing and altering sounds. An alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a "Hummingbird" fretboard having frets with ridges cut therein and which ridges generally decrease in size and shape in direct correspondence to guitar string size and shape.