Abstract: A mute of soft, flexible sound-absorbing material, located adjacent the exterior of each sound-hole in a stringed instrument to form a substantially complete closure for the same, imparts a new and distinctive sound to the instrument.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved bridge for stringed musical instruments which bridge is shaped, for preferred embodiments, so as to provide maximum, and substantially uniform, mechanical compliance between the bridge and the soundboard of the instrument over the full frequency range of the instrument while still being wide enough at each point along its length to effectively couple the frequency of vibrations to be driven by the bridge at that point. For alternative embodiments, the shape of the bridge is altered at one or more selected points along its length, altering the mechanical compliance at these points in a predetermined manner. These variations cause the instruments to have a predetermined frequency response characteristic.

Abstract: A damper for a stringed instrument has an elastic foldable web provided with catch members positioned at the end portions thereof, a hinge portion positioned at the longitudinally central portion thereof and notches of substantially isosceles triangular shape disposed close to and outwardly from the hinge portion. On the inner surface of the foldable web a resilient spongy member is secured. When the foldable web is folded for holding the strings of a stringed instrument in between the upper and lower layers of the resilient spongy member and the catch members are fastened, the strings are compressed by the spongy member and the sounds produced from the strings may be lowered.

Abstract: A bass guitar incorporates a number of damping pads which are individually mounted and individually adjustable without tools. Rotational motion of the adjustment is isolated from the pad and its carrier by rotatably mounting the latter to an adjustable shaft, restraining rotation of the shaft and minimizing resistance to relative rotation of the pad carrier and adjustable shaft.

Abstract: Solid transparent plastic material has frosted surfaces and contains lights the rays of which are diffused by the surfaces and viewed as a solid field of luminous light. Preferably, the lights are variously colored, for example, red, blue and green, and are energized by suitable switching means to produce color fields in each of the colors and in the pastel or sum colors thereof. This color field effect is incorporated in a plastic guitar, energization of the lights therein being responsive to tone frequencies as the guitar is played, to provide a spectacular display of light and whereby the guitar player sees his music in color fields that change hue.

Abstract: A guitar containing fiber optic strands extending through the neck to conduct light from a source located in the body to fret markers on the fretted surface of the neck and the side surface facing the guitarist, thereby allowing the instrument to be played in the dark and producing a pleasing aesthetic affect.

Abstract: A rigid end plug adapter which serves both as a strap or end button and electrical connector for transducer pickups is provided in the end block of a musical instrument such as a guitar or violin-type instrument.