Abstract: A self aligning folding guitar comprises a neck portion, and a body portion. They hinge it is mounted to the neck portion and the body portion. A first alignment member is secured to the neck portion. The second alignment member is secured to the body portion, the second alignment member meeting with the first alignment member at a substantially fixed position. A securement member secures the first alignment member to the second alignment member.

Abstract: This is an improved latch for a collapsible stringed musical instrument providing for a two step assembly or disassembly and combining all operations into a single lever, knob, or cam. A snap action catch holds the instrument in the intermediate position, resisting the stings tension, allowing for a second step to tighten or loosen the neck to the body of the instrument without de-tuning the instrument's strings.

Abstract: A device for mounting a sensor on a musical instrument comprises at least a first sensor held by a first arm so that a user can place the first sensor at a desired first distance measured normal to the first string and can place the first sensor at a desired first position anywhere in a first range along the first string, the first range being at least seventy percent of a least distance between termination of a fingerboard and a bridge, where the user can change the first distance during normal playing and can also change the first position during normal playing, and where the first sensor stays at the first distance during normal playing unless changed by the user and the first sensor stays at the first position during normal playing unless changed by the user.

Abstract: A new and improved body and bridge bracing system for stringed musical instruments includes an bracing system that consists of an upper brace located in the upper body of the instrument's body and a lower brace located in the lower body. Two or more longitudinal braces connect to each of the lateral braces and provide the instrument's neck, body, and soundboard support against the constant stress of the strings. A bridge reinforcing means is also included and consists of two or more truss rods. The rods connect the upper body lateral brace to the bridge area and further counteract the tension of the strings thereby preventing damage to the bridge and soundboard.

Abstract: Decorative strip inlay products. Strip inlay products are used at the outer edges of stringed instruments, about the sound aperture and inwardly of the edges. Products of the invention are laser cut in the top surface of a workpiece. A bottom portion of the workpiece supports overlying cut portions. Where the strip must be flexed for insertion into curved channels, a substrate layer is resiliently flexible, and the overlying display layer is cut into segments, with spaces between the segments. The segments can move relative to each other, and/or flex, when the substrate flexes. Alternatively, the uncut bottom portion of the strip is rigid relative to an axis perpendicular to the top, and cavities in the display pattern are filled with filler and the resultant product, is sanded, resulting in display of both the filler material and the full pattern of the facing material as cut by the laser.

Abstract: Automatic playing and recording apparatuses for an acoustic/electric guitar allow a user to play in concert along with music of other musical instruments outputted by an automatic playing apparatus by adding the automatic playing apparatus to an acoustic/electric guitar, or to record/process user's guitar music or ensemble music and then reproduce/output the guitar music or the ensemble music according to user's need by adding a recording apparatus to an acoustic/electric guitar.

Abstract: A folding guitar comprising a guitar body and guitar neck is disclosed. A hinge connects the guitar body to the guitar neck. The hinge is disposed on one side of the guitar body and guitar neck. A latch plate is secured to the other side of one of the guitar body or guitar neck. A catch member is secured to the other side of the other one of the guitar body or guitar neck. The catch member defines a catch member catch surface. A latch arm is pivotally mounted to the latch plate. A hitch arm is pivotally mounted to the latch arm. A securement member mounted on the hitch arm, the securement member think configured to engage the catch member catch surface. The latch arm, hitch arm and latch plate are configured to vary the distance between the securement member and the catch member catch surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guitar body comprising an upper bout region and a lower bout region with a waist region disposed there between. A first and second peripheral edge of the guitar body is defined in a longitudinal direction thereof by a first and second upper bout region, a first and second waist region, and a first and second lower bout region, respectively. An anterior face and a posterior face of the guitar body extend between the first and second peripheral edges. At least one of the anterior face and the posterior face includes at least one curve so that at least a portion of the first peripheral edge includes at least one curve so that at least a portion of the first peripheral edge of the guitar body is not co-planar with at least a portion of the second peripheral edge of the guitar body.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, having components made from glass, and methods of manufacturing and assembling the same are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides for manufacturing a glass fretboard, manufacturing glass frets, assembling the glass frets to the fretboard, and assembling the fretboard to the neck of the stringed instrument. In addition to the fretboard and frets, other components of the stringed instrument may also be made from glass. For example, the present invention further provides a method for manufacturing glass saddles and top nuts to allow the strings of the stringed instrument to substantially entirely contact glass. This produces a clean, crisp sound and overcomes the problem of generating an inferior sound that results from the imperfections found in natural wood components, for example.

Abstract: The invention is a stringed instrument having string vibrations transmitted through a bridge directly to an interaction region of a soundboard, to the exclusion of vibrations via other paths.

Abstract: A seven string guitar having a neck configured with a first tapered portion and a second tapered portion. The first tapered portion is relatively narrow adjacent to the guitar head and increases in width toward the guitar body. The second tapered portion is relatively narrow adjacent to the first tapered portion and increases in width toward the guitar body. The standard set of six strings are stretched across the neck, and a seventh string is stretched over the first tapered portion and over the open space adjacent to the second tapered portion. A player of the seven string guitar is able to use the thumb to access the seventh string.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a musical instrument having a plurality of strings, wherein a global fundamental tone produces a sympathetic resonance in one or more of the plurality of strings. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a stringed musical instrument comprises a plurality of strings, and a vibration inducing device configured to create a global fundamental tone upon demand by a user, wherein at least a first string of the plurality of strings controllably produces a sympathetic resonance in response to the global fundamental tone.

Abstract: A guide for stringed instrument and method. The guide comprises a mast slidably and rotatably attached to a clamp, an arm slidably and rotatably attached to and end of the mast opposite the clamp, and an up-stop rigidly attached to an end of the arm opposite the mast. Padding may be attached to the clamp to cushion the attachment between the clamp and a stringed plucked instrument. Method steps included removably attaching the clamp to a stringed instrument, setting a height of the up-stop over the instrument strings to substantially equal the sum of a player's middle finger distal phalangeal joint length plus the player's middle finger middle phalangeal joint length, positioning the player's index and middle fingers substantially under the up-stop, and plucking the strings. The guide may also be used to properly position a bow in a rest position, resting against the up-stop, pending being used to play the instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus for a guitar comprising a first compressible member, one or more spacers and a second compressible member. The second compressible member may be configured to receive the one or more spacers and engage the first compressible member when a force is applied to the first compressible member.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to novel soundboard apparatus for stringed musical instruments. Specifically, the present subject matter teaches an apparatus capable of enhanced phonetic quality, improving the phonetic consistency of a stringed musical instrument, and enhancing resonance in a stringed musical instrument, all while reducing construction cost and reducing the cumbersome size associated with similarly stringed musical instruments.

Abstract: A method of improving the mechanical connection between a stringed instrument's neck and body by incorporating an interlocking jigsaw shaped mortise and tenon joint. The mortise is machined into the neck heel and the tenon is machined into the neck pocket of the instrument's body. The neck and body are press-fit together and secured with threaded fasteners.

Abstract: The present invention is a stringed instrument for producing rapid tempo and more precise rhythmic strumming. The shape of the strumming apparatus allows simultaneous contact of two or more strings from a plurality of strings, and thereby allows chords to be more efficiently produced. In combination with the strumming apparatus, the present invention includes an instrument body with recessed components on the front surface of the instrument body. Combining the strumming apparatus and an instrument body as in the present invention allows a user to achieve greater rhythmic precision and a faster tempo vis-à-vis faster paced strumming of the strings.

Abstract: A self-corrective wrist positioning practice device including a planar elongated member having a two curved terminating ends with a pair of slots defined proximate each terminating end. Two adjustably securable straps are received within the pair of slots at the respective terminating ends. When oriented on the back of the wearer's arm the device permits while simultaneously mechanically signaling improper backward wrist bending without using electronic components. The device is also repositionable from the back to the side of the arm so as to signal improper bending of the wrist sideways.

Abstract: A framework for a stringed musical instrument includes a body having a first interlocking interface in an outside face, a neck having a distal end and a proximal end with a second interlocking interface in the proximal end, and a key configured with first and second portions. One of the key portions is configured to interlock in the first interface on the outside face and the other of the portions is configured to interlock in the second interface of the proximal end such that the body and neck are held together, at least in part, by their common interlocking with the key.

Abstract: The tremolo mechanism includes a novel cam actuated lock having a plurality of parallel locking channels disposed on an engagement surface of a movable locking arm and further having a locking ridge disposed on an engagement surface of a locking block so as to be in aligned opposition with the locking channels. Each pairing of locking channels is separated by a chromatic spacing distance corresponding to a chromatic half step change in the pitch of the plurality of tensioned strings. The lock of the further including a cam actuated torsion bar to positioning the locking arm according to a cam follower's position on a cam profile. The torsion bar provides a flexible means of applying a motive force for moving the locking arm such that, with the locking ridge and a selected locking channel misaligned and the cam follower disposed upon the locked seat, the torsion bar elastically deforms as the locking ridge is received by a land disposed between the locking channels without damaging the lock.

Abstract: A guitar includes a brace bar having a longitudinal horizontal coupling portion arranged so as to be parallel along a top plate inner surface of the top plate, a pair of connecting legs bent from both ends of the horizontal coupling portion so as to be orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and a bridge coupling leg provided along a projecting direction of the connecting leg from vicinity of the center of the horizontal coupling portion is attached to the top plate. A pair of recesses obtained by cutting the top plate into a recess form are formed on the top plate and a connecting leg of the brace bar are connected with vibrating thin plate bonded to the recesses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for improving the tonal characteristics of a stringed instrument. This has been accomplished using a device that interfaces acoustically with the soundhole. The device inhabits space where sound energy waves tend to interfere and redirects the sound energy out of the soundhole. This prevents distortion and delivers more fullness in sound.

Abstract: A tremolo mechanism for varying the pitch of the strings of a musical instrument to create a vibrato effect includes a plurality of separately adjustable bridge segments, one for each string, which are mounted onto a pivotable plate and adjustable longitudinally to vary tension and hence frequency of a string, vertically to adjust the height of a string above the instrument, and laterally to align the strings horizontally with the instrument body.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument comprises: a headstock with tuners; a neck having a fingerboard, and a neck extension; a body having a top, a back, a longitudinal recess in the back for receipt of the neck extension and a bridge with a saddle secured to the body; and, one or more strings stretched from the headstock over the neck and fingerboard and over a portion of the top of the body to contact points on the bridge saddle. The instrument is further provided with a pivotal mount for mounting the neck to the body and a string action adjustment member for moving the neck lower extended end within the body longitudinal recess and thereby the position of the neck relative to the body, whereby the height of the strings are adjusted relative to the neck and its fingerboard.

Abstract: An adapter for mounting a vibrato device, such as a Bigsby Vibrato, to an electric guitar without making changes to the guitar body is provided herein. The vibrato device replaces the stop tailpiece leaving available mounting holes for the adapter. The vibrato device is then mounted to the adapter without the need to alter the guitar by drilling holes. The adapter locates the vibrato device on the guitar in a manner to maintain the critical bend angle of the guitar strings over the bridge. The adapter, with a minimalist profile, is barely visible when mounted. Alternative embodiments provide an adapter kit and a method for mounting the adapter.

Abstract: Stringed musical instruments, and methods for manufacturing such instruments, are provided that include a unitary shell that includes a head, a neck and a body, a separate sound board adapted to be attached to the unitary shell, wherein the soundboard extends from the head to the body, and a substantially hollow cavity extending through the head, the neck and the body. Exemplary processes include composite manufacturing processes and plastics manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a guitar, which includes a chest rest formed on a back plate of a main body so that the guitar can be gripped in a stable manner and can be played with a comfort of chest. The guitar further includes an arm rest formed on a top plate of the main body so that so that the guitar can be gripped in a stable manner and can be played with a comfort of chest and arm. A method of manufacturing the chest and arm rest is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wood on graphite layup instrument includes a soundboard, reinforced bridge, and neck made of reinforced plies of graphite fibers. The outer surface of the instrument is adorned with a wood veneer for a finished look that resembles a traditional instrument, such as a guitar.

Abstract: The present invention is a stringed instrument that comprises a circulating element that transmits a stream of liquid through a conduit at a flow rate of 0.92 meters per second to 1.58 meters per second. A string that is displaceable along the stream of liquid produces vibrations caused by the interaction between the stream of liquid and the string. A device positioned proximate the string registers vibrations emanating from the string. Interaction between said stream of liquid and said at least one string generate vibrations with frequencies ranging from 220 Hz to 1318 Hz.

Abstract: A string instrument includes a body portion having a first longitudinal axis, an elongate neck portion having a second longitudinal axis and first and second opposing ends located along the second longitudinal axis, and a fastener that secures one of the first or second ends to the body portion, wherein the first and second axes are misaligned from each other in a same plane.

Abstract: A string instrument includes a body portion having a first longitudinal axis, an elongate neck portion having a second longitudinal axis and first and second opposing ends located along the second longitudinal axis, and a fastener that secures one of the first or second ends to the body portion, wherein the first and second axes are misaligned from each other in a same plane.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar, having components made from glass, and methods of manufacturing and assembling the same are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides for manufacturing a glass fretboard, manufacturing glass frets, assembling the glass frets to the fretboard, and assembling the fretboard to the neck of the stringed instrument. In addition to the fretboard and frets, other components of the stringed instrument may also be made from glass. For example, the present invention further provides a method for manufacturing glass saddles and top nuts to allow the strings of the stringed instrument to substantially entirely contact glass. This produces a clean, crisp sound and overcomes the problem of generating an inferior sound that results from the imperfections found in natural wood components, for example.

Abstract: An improved stringed musical instrument includes a unitary shell having a head, a neck and a body. The unitary shell has an asymmetrical waist having a substantially flat side and a substantially concave side. The instrument also includes a soundboard configured to be attached to the unitary shell. The soundboard includes a body portion having a sound hole located substantially adjacent the substantially flat side of the waist of the unitary shell. The union of the unitary shell and the soundboard results in the formation of a substantially hollow cavity in the unitary shell, with the hollow cavity acoustically coupled to the sound hole. In some embodiments, the hollow cavity extends through the head, the neck and the body, with an optional supplemental sound hole positioned at the head. The instrument can be strengthened by one or more reinforcing structures strategically located on the interior surfaces of the body, neck and/or soundboard.

Abstract: A string musical instrument, such as but not limited to a guitar, whose sides are angled; and without relief holes in the instrument's soundboard, or top; with the absence of a hole on the instrument's top that allows more sound to be produced by the remaining material in the top, where the sound hole might have been; whose relief holes are located on the “inner back” which is attached to the angled sides; that embodies a second, or “outer back,” identically contoured or shaped like the inner back but whose outer dimensions are equal to the outer dimensions of the instrument's top, with a sound chamber created by the proximity of the inner back with the outer back, whose outer back embodies a shaped flange designed to direct the instrument's sound forward, and embodies a series of springs attached to both the bridge plate and inner back of the instrument, designed to create a reverb effect.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an electronic-device interface integrated into an electric stringed musical instrument. The electronic-device interface can be used for interconnecting an electric stringed musical instrument to an electronic device. In one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic-device interface includes a universal-serial-bus interface, a tip-ring-ring-sleeve output jack, and an enhanced electric-stringed-musical-instrument cable with a tip-ring-ring-sleeve connection at a first end and a universal-serial-bus connection at a second end. When an electric stringed musical instrument is equipped with an electronic-device interface, a user may insert the first end of the enhanced electric-stringed-musical-instrument cable into the tip-ring-ring-sleeve output jack and the second end of the enhanced electric-stringed-musical-instrument cable into a universal-serial-bus port for an electronic device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of decorating guitars and other stringed musical instruments are disclosed. In one aspect, a method may include UV printing a first portion of a decoration over a first region of at least part of a guitar using a first ink drop size, and UV printing a second portion of the decoration over a second region of said at least part of the guitar using a second ink drop size. In another aspect, a method may include UV printing a mask layer over a surface of at least a portion of a guitar using a first amount of image constriction and a first amount of feathering, and UV printing a decorative layer over at least a portion of the mask layer using a second amount of image constriction and a second amount of feathering.

Abstract: An ergonomic guitar including a contoured guitar body, a neck attached to the body, and a headstock on the distal end of the neck. A plurality of strings extending from the headstock to the body, a portion of the strings lying on a playing plane over the body. The contoured guitar body includes a front face located on a front or playing side of the body with a front edge extending around the periphery of the front face, and a rear face located on the back of the body and having a rear edge extending around the periphery of the rear face. At least a portion of the rear edge having a concave curvature relative to the playing plane such that the curved portion of the rear edge curves away from the playing plane.

Abstract: A portable travel guitar comprises a removable neck and a tapered removable panel attached to an opening in the body of the guitar by an airtight joint. Pre-tensioned strings attached to the removable panel bias it towards the closed position. Items can be stored inside the body of the guitar for ease of storage inside luggage. An auxiliary panel is provided permitting using the body of the guitar as separate luggage.

Abstract: A stringed musical toy that allows an individual to play notes on the various strings and alter their pitch by changing the configuration of the string bar end. The stringed musical toy has a generally tapered design, resulting in one wide end and one narrow end. A quartet of strings is located within the housing, and can be plucked through a circular opening found on the front panel. The stringed musical toy also has an acoustic pickup, allowing an individual to connect the stringed musical toy to an amplifier, signal processing unit, recorder, or other similar device.

Abstract: A string bender apparatus includes a mounting plate with an anchor for anchoring guitar strings to a guitar body, a first section with fastener-receiving holes arranged to receive fasteners extended into pre-existing mounting holes in the body, and an extension that extends from the first section. A lever is pivoted to the extension for movement in a plane that extends generally parallel the front surface of the guitar body. The lever includes a first end defining a handle that is positioned generally adjacent one side of the strings and includes an opposite end attached to one of the strings for temporarily changing a tension of the one string and thus changing a pitch of the one string when the handle is moved in the plane. The string bender can be retrofit onto existing guitars. The string bender can be made removable and replaced with, or combined with a vibrato.

Abstract: This invention relates to providing a plectrum holder device that may be easily attached to a guitar at the desired location of the guitar player. More particularly, this invention relates to providing a system for retaining multiple plectrums close to the surface of a guitar, in a low profile configuration, in a convenient location for easy access by the guitar player. Also, a guitar comprising the plectrum holder may still fit in its guitar case due to the low profile of the plectrum holder. Further, the plectrum holder holds picks of a variety of shapes and sizes.

Abstract: The present invention is a hollow body stringed musical instrument that utilizes a low mass, soundboard having a 12 to 25 foot radius dome configuration. The soundboard is made of a three ply torsion box design utilizing a honeycomb stiffening layer as the central core. Linear adjustable tuning braces are incorporated in the hollow body. The side and back of the instrument are also of a three ply construction having a polymer ir inorganic foam as the central layer. (Preferably this will be a closed cell foam.) The back also has a domed configuration with a 12 to 15 foot radius. All structural braces are eliminated from the interior of the instrument's body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for adjusting a neck angle of a guitar. The apparatus comprises a support block having a receiving groove into which the neck is inserted. The support block is installed inside a lateral plate. A reinforcing plate is installed at bottom of the receiving groove of the support block. The reinforcing plate includes a central plate, a fixed plate fixed to a front face of the support block, and a guide plate guiding rotating of the neck. An adjustment device includes an adjustment bolt inserted into an adjustment hole and a thread portion formed in the adjustment hole of the central plate of the reinforcing plate so as to be thread-fastened with the adjustment bolt. A fixing device includes a fixing bolt inserted into a fixing hole and a fixing nut fixed inside the neck body and thread-fastened with the fixing bolt.

Abstract: A device and method for automatic tuning of a string Instrument, in particular, a guitar, comprising a recording device, for recording a tone generated by striking a string and for the output of a digital signal corresponding to the recorded tone, a memory device for storage of given digital signals which correspond to a desired tone, a comparator device for comparison of the digital signal output by the recording device with a digital signal corresponding to the desired tone stored in the memory device, an adjuster device for altering the tension of the strings, at least one actuator, for operating the adjuster device, a controller connected to the comparator device, which controls the at least one actuator using a bus line, by means of a difference determined in the comparator device between the signals representing the generated tone and the desired tone.

Abstract: A support for a body of a stringed instrument includes a brace structure having a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body. The brace structure has a substantially flat first surface. A portion of the plurality of legs conforms to a soundhole opening which is integrated into the body of the stringed instrument. A brace for a body of a guitar includes a unitary structure adapted to mount to a soundboard of the guitar. The unitary structure has a plurality of arms radially disposed about a central body. A method of assembling a guitar includes mounting a brace structure to a soundboard of the guitar. Again, the brace structure has a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance modulator system for acoustic stringed musical instruments having a plurality of magnets. The resonance modulation is a function of the plurality of weights and locations of placement of magnets on the instrument. The attachment of the resonance modulator to the instrument and its infinite adjustability is achieved by using the attractive magnetic forces of the magnets to hold them in place through a vibrating component of the instrument, in any position on the instrument, making any location adjustment and consequent resonance or tonal adjustment quick and easy.

Abstract: A body adapter for a stringed musical instrument, comprising: a bottom portion and a varying thickness perimeter sidewall portion, where a space bounded by the bottom portion and an inside portion of the perimeter sidewall portion, forms a receiving compartment. The receiving compartment has a shape adapted to releasably receive the body of a stringed musical instrument and thereby change the shape of the instrument as it is held by a user for playing, from that of the outside shape of the musical instrument, to the outside shape of the body adapter.

Abstract: A support for a body of a stringed instrument includes a brace structure having a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body. The brace structure has a substantially flat first surface. A portion of the plurality of legs conforms to a soundhole opening which is integrated into the body of the stringed instrument. A brace for a body of a guitar includes a unitary structure adapted to mount to a soundboard of the guitar. The unitary structure has a plurality of arms radially disposed about a central body. A method of assembling a guitar includes mounting a brace structure to a soundboard of the guitar. Again, the brace structure has a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body.

Abstract: A support for a body of a stringed instrument includes a brace structure having a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body. The brace structure has a substantially flat first surface. A portion of the plurality of legs conforms to a soundhole opening which is integrated into the body of the stringed instrument. A brace for a body of a guitar includes a unitary structure adapted to mount to a soundboard of the guitar. The unitary structure has a plurality of arms radially disposed about a central body. A method of assembling a guitar includes mounting a brace structure to a soundboard of the guitar. Again, the brace structure has a plurality of legs radially disposed about a central body.

Abstract: A headblock and fingerboard support assembly for a stringed instrument includes a fingerboard support assembly for mounting to a neck and fingerboard of the stringed instrument. The fingerboard support assembly further includes a plate having an integrated rail structure. A headblock has an integrated channel for receiving the integrated rail structure. The headblock is adapted to secure to the fingerboard support assembly. A method of assembling a stringed instrument includes mounting a plate structure to a neck and fingerboard of the stringed instrument, where the plate includes an integrated rail, and mounting a headblock to an interior surface of a body of the stringed instrument, where the headblock has an integrated channel structure for receiving the integrated rail of the plate structure.