Abstract: A string support for a musical instrument comprises a string support body and a plate set. The string support body has a length, a height, a top surface, and a cavity that recesses into the top surface of the string support body. The cavity extends in a primary direction and has a width and a depth. The plate set comprises at least one string-engaging plate (e.g., one per string) and at least one spacer plate per string-engaging plate that seat within the cavity, stacked in a direction of the width of the cavity. Moreover, each string-engaging plate can have a string-engaging edge (or passthrough) at a height greater than a height of each spacer plate. The order of the spacer plate(s) and associated string-engaging plate is adjustable to position the string-engaging plate forward or backward in the direction of the cavity width.

Abstract: A string support for a musical instrument comprises a string support body and a plate set. The string support body has a length, a height, a top surface, and a cavity that recesses into the top surface of the string support body. The cavity extends in a primary direction and has a width and a depth. The plate set comprises at least one string-engaging plate (e.g., one per string) and at least one spacer plate per string-engaging plate that seat within the cavity, stacked in a direction of the width of the cavity. Moreover, each string-engaging plate can have a string-engaging edge (or passthrough) at a height greater than a height of each spacer plate. The order of the spacer plate(s) and associated string-engaging plate is adjustable to position the string-engaging plate forward or backward in the direction of the cavity width.

Abstract: An adjustable strap holder comprises a housing having an end face and a channel that extends from the end face axially into the housing. The adjustable strap holder also comprises an extension rod or bar that extends into the channel of the housing so as to have an exposed end that extends from the end face and a strap button secured to the exposed end of the extension rod. Further, the adjustable strap holder comprises a release mechanism coupled to the channel, where the release mechanism is operated by a user so as to allow the extension rod to be adjusted axially relative to the end face and/or removed from the instrument body.

Abstract: An adjustable strap holder comprises a housing having an end face and a channel that extends from the end face axially into the housing. The adjustable strap holder also comprises an extension rod or bar that extends into the channel of the housing so as to have an exposed end that extends from the end face and a strap button secured to the exposed end of the extension rod. Further, the adjustable strap holder comprises a release mechanism coupled to the channel, where the release mechanism is operated by a user so as to allow the extension rod to be adjusted axially relative to the end face and/or removed from the instrument body.

Abstract: Method for unamplified, selective identification of a microorganism comprising obtaining a sample comprising the microorganism, wherein the sample comprises unseparated genetic material of the microorganism; adding to the sample a molecular beacon comprising an nucleic sequence which is complementary to at least one nucleic acid sequence in the microorganism; and heating the sample; wherein the molecular beacon hybridizes with said nucleic acid sequence to produce a detectable signal.