Abstract: A musical instrument comprising a circular rigid base vibrator having a plurality of sound bars arranged in a spaced, circular pattern around the center of the base and on one side of the base, with a pattern guide rotatably mounted coaxially with the base, the pattern guide having openings therein for permitting those bars which sound notes in a diatonic scale or major chord to be struck, while covering or masking other bars whose sounds are not within such scales or chords. The pattern guide is readily interchangeable with similar guides defining other scales or chords.

Abstract: An improved zither-like musical instrument, having a high sound box volume to mass ratio, thin sound board, relatively thin tuning pin blocks comprising the ends of the instrument, and a contact earboard for close contact listening while the instrument is being played normally. The instrument produces a mellow, guitar-like sound.

Abstract: A simple, efficient chording mechanism for instruments such as the guitar, banjo or mandolin, which is hand held, light weight and slides up and down the neck of the instrument stopping at any fret and assuming either of two basic lateral positions relative to the strings, and is either tilted forward, or held horizontal, thereby automatically producing major, dominant seventh, relative minor and relative minor seventh as well as the major sixth chords. At each fret a different chord family is produced. Said device has adjustable features which enable additional chords to be produced.