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 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 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 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: 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: A device for adjusting the tension of the strings of a guitar having at least two strings, particularly an electric guitar or a bass, particularly an electric bass, in which each string of the guitar or bass is, with one end, wound on a turning peg of an adjusting mechanism mounted on the neck of the guitar or of the bass. The adjusting mechanism contains a combination consisting of a worm shaft and of a worm wheel and, due to these, is provided with a self-locking ability. The aim of the invention is to improve the design of a device of the aforementioned type so that, without considerably altering the basic shape of the guitar or of the bass, this device can automatically adjust the tension of individual strings of the instrument reliably and precisely whereby ultimately enabling them to be tuned. To this end, a drive unit for each adjusting mechanism is mounted on the neck of the guitar or of the bass.

Abstract: A string instrument comprising a neck extension primary member, having a neck extension securement end and a tuning assembly support head end, an extension top and a length extending between the ends, is disclosed. The neck extension primary member defines a neck extension cutaway volume configured to receive a hinge butt. The neck extension cutaway volume extends to be open at the neck extension securement end and open at the top of the neck extension primary member. A neck base primary member has a neck base securement end, a base top and an opposite end. The neck base primary member is made to define a neck base cutaway volume configured to receive a hinge butt. The neck base cutaway volume extends to be open at the neck base securement end and open at the top of the neck base primary member. A hinge has a first hinge butt positioned in the neck extension cutaway volume and a second hinge butt positioned in the neck base cutaway volume.

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 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 musical instrument case comprising a body which defines an outer and inner surface, first and second members, and a support layer affixed within the inner surface of the body and a microfiber layer affixed to the support layer.

Abstract: A supporting device for a stringed instrument, for example a guitar, comprises: a cradle portion for spanning the bottom side of the guitar body; a wrap portion for extending over the top side of the guitar body opposite the cradle portion and for being connected to the cradle portion for securing the cradle portion against the bottom side of the guitar body; and a strap portion extending between a first end for connection to the cradle portion opposite the guitar neck and a second end for connection to one of cradle portion or the wrap portion adjacent the guitar neck such that the body is suspended by the strap portion. The cradle portion, wrap portion and strap are formed of soft material without any fasteners required so as not to damage the instrument.

Abstract: An instrument having a body, a neck and a plurality of strings connected between the body and neck. The body and neck have a top surface. The top surface of the neck is offset by some angle relative to the top surface of the body. The strings are positioned on the instrument such that the strings overlie at least a portion of the top surface of the body and the neck of the instrument.

Abstract: A tubular bracing assembly for a string instrument and the resulting string instrument. Resin reinforced fibers are shaped into the form of a tubular structure. The tubular structure decreases the weight and increases the stiffness of the structure. The result is a bracing system that has very light weight and varied stiffness properties to achieve desirable acoustic performance from the hollow body of an acoustic instrument.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for safely and securely holding and manipulating a musical instrument for construction or repair, the apparatus for which consists of a base, a pedestal upstanding from the base having an associated vertically adjustable post, an instrument support assembly including an instrument support plate mountable thereon; a holder mounted atop the pedestal for holding the instrument support assembly; clamps for attaching an instrument to the instrument support assembly; a pivot for supporting the instrument support assembly about a vertical axis; a pivot for rotating the instrument support assembly about an axis normal to the face of the support plate; and a gear for rotating the instrument support assembly about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A guitar and strap address the shortcomings of convention guitar design and strap design such that the guitar may be suspended from the strap with a front plane of the guitar oriented generally horizontally, and with the higher frets of the guitar easily accessed by the player's fret-hand.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument which includes a main instrument body, a fretted neck affixed to said instrument body, a headstock affixed to said fretted neck, a fifth string having a gauge of 0.060 to 0.068 inches, a fourth string having a gauge of 0.038 to 0.048 inches, a third string having a gauge of 0.022 to 0.032 inches, a second string having a gauge of 0.009 to 0.014 inches and a first string having a gauge of 0.22 to 0.032 inches.

Abstract: In a musical instrument, such as a flat top guitar, having a sound chamber defined by a back, sides, and a soundboard, a beveled portion is generally placed in the bass side of the lower bout of the instrument. The beveled portion has one or more openings, or flutes, which are small, tube-like openings, half-rounded apertures or other penetrations extending from the interior to the exterior of the sound chamber. The bevel flutes are visually pleasing, and emit sound waves generally toward the ear of the musician.

Abstract: A portable electronic stringed instrument is disclosed. The folding instrument includes a neck portion and a body portion and a connection portion for connecting the neck portion to the body portion. A plurality of adjustable neck strings are disposed between a nut and a neck bridge on the neck portion and a plurality of adjustable body strings are disposed between a nut and a body bridge on the body portion. A finger placement sensor array is disposed on the neck portion proximate the frets and the neck strings. A string vibration sensor is disposed on the body portion proximate the body strings. Although the approximate length of the neck portion can be about 8 to about 12 inches, the fret board on the neck portion includes a plurality of frets that are precisely spaced to provide the fret spacing of a standard, 25.6- to 26-inch “scale length” acoustical guitar.

Abstract: A guitar and strap address the shortcomings of convention guitar design and strap design such that the guitar may be suspended from the strap with a front plane of the guitar oriented generally horizontally, and with the higher frets of the guitar easily accessed by the player's fret-hand.

Abstract: A string mounting system for a stringed musical instrument (10), comprising a helical tension spring (22a-f) connected in series with each string (14a-f), each string (14a-f) being collinear with its corresponding helical tension spring (22a-f), wherein each string (22a-f) is provided with an inertial damper (16) which is received within the body of the respective helical tension spring (22a-f).

Abstract: An improved hollow-bodied stringed instrument body having a substantially free edge in the lower bout which reduces the coupling of the resonances of the front plate, back plate, and enclosed volume of air. A selected number of holes of a selected shape create a substantially free edge in the lower bout of the front plate. This substantially free edge reduces the large-amplitude displacement of these plates that occurs due to low frequency resonance coupling. Placement of the free edge allows high frequency resonance of the front plate, which is not due to coupling, to contribute to the tone of the instrument. Reducing the large-amplitude displacement of the plates reduces bass-heavy tone and feedback.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an electro-acoustic guitar having an isolated resonant soundboard with or without an integrated transducer attached to the soundboard. The soundboard/transducer assembly fits into an aperture of the guitar body frame and has structure allowing it to be adjusted in multiple axes to provide the best playing action. The soundboard may also be interchangeable with other soundboards to further alter sound quality. String vibration energy is conducted by an acoustically pure bridge to the soundboard/transducer assembly. The large magnetic transducer is integrated by having one portion, a magnet structure, secured to a magnet support and another portion, the voice coil and mounting hub, secured to the soundboard spaced and opposed above the magnet support thus creating a truly integrated electro-mechanical soundboard transducer assembly with tonal qualities modified by an internal chamber defined by the space between the soundboard and the magnet structure support.

Abstract: A new sound board construction for the stringed musical instrument is provided. The sound board comprises 12 wedge shaped, flat wooden pieces joined at the center and along the edges between adjacent pieces. Bracing is provided behind the joints between the wedge pieces. The grain of the wood in each of the wedge pieces is arranged to extend from the joining point or apex to the outer edge of the wedge piece.

Abstract: A structure for a musical instrument body that limits vibration of various components or parts of the body while controlling and providing for overall resonance of the instrument. The structure is suitable for use with a musical instrument, specifically an electric guitar. The structure includes a support member or block positioned in a chamber created between a top plate and bottom plate of the guitar body and a structural element, spaced from the top and bottom plates, that engages the block to provide additional support and stiffness enabling further control of the overall vibration and thus resonance of the instrument. Varying the design of the structure along with the various body components provides an apparatus for uniquely tuning the acoustic characteristics of the guitar body.

Abstract: A stringed instrument including an arm extending besides the strings from the body to the headstock such that said arm supports the tensions of the tuned strings, thereby eliminating the need for a neck to support this tension, and allowing for the use of fingerboards of a wide range of shapes which greatly improves ergonomic properties of the instrument.

Abstract: A string dampener for a musical instrument is disclosed for dampening extraneous string noise caused by sympathetic vibrations. The dampener includes an attachment apparatus that releaseably attaches the dampener to a portion of a stringed instrument. The dampener also includes dampening material to dampen string vibrations. An arm section is included that is rotatably coupled to the attachment apparatus and has the dampening material disposed on at least a portion of the arm section. The arm section is used to selectively engage and disengage contact of the dampening material with one or more strings of the stringed instrument by rotation with respect to the attachment apparatus. The string dampener affords quick attachment and detachment from a stringed instrument as well as easy engagement and disengagement of the dampener with the strings of an instrument with a requisite amount of pressure on the strings to effect proper dampening of sympathetic vibrations.

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.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar, having a body with a neck secured to the body and over which are laterally stretched substantially parallel strings, which strings are stretched over a bridge mounted on the body upper face between a tuning key disposed on a head at a distal end of the neck and initial points of termination on the body upper face with the bridge disposed on the upper face intermediate the keys and the initial points of termination. The complete termination arrangement for the strings is comprised of channels in the body for each of the strings which extend from the initial points of termination to final points of terminal securement on the body displaced laterally from the initial points of termination with the strings stretched over a dense non-displaceable surface. Accordingly, the strings are thereby further lengthened beyond the bridge in order to subject the strings to greater tension for a specified musical pitch to provide increased resonance and performance.

Abstract: A suspended bracing system is disclosed that allows the sound board of an acoustic instrument, such as a guitar, to vibrate more. As a result, the instrument projects more tone and volume than that provided by conventional guitar sound boards. Conventional sound boards have wood or synthetic bracing glued all across the sound board. This is to prevent the bridge from pulling up when the strings are tightened to pitch. Using the suspended system, the invention disclosed herein secures the bridge, but drops the bracing below the sound board of the guitar to allow the sound board more freedom to vibrate.

Abstract: A musical instrument apparatus has the ability to interchange from acoustic to electric string instrument embodiments; both the acoustic and electric string embodiments share a common hollow modular body assembly.

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 musical instrument, such as an electric or bass guitar, is formed of a lamination of wood layers having differing grain orientations in adjacent layers, the grain orientations defining a crossing angle less than 90°. An instrument formed from such a lamination is strong and resistant to splitting and checking and produces a good musical sound. The wood layers can be molded under pressure to form curves, such as an S-curve in a neck, or deformations, such as rounded edges in a guitar body. The S-curve in the neck allows the neck to be attached to the guitar body without breaking the continuity of the wood fibers, thereby strengthening the neck. In a three-dimensional molding embodiment, a net shape or near net shape part results, which requires little or no further machining after molding.

Abstract: The invention concerns a sound pickup device for acoustic instrument (10), preferably a string instrument, in particular a plucked string instrument, such as an acoustic guitar, stroke or struck string instrument. Said device is characterized in that it comprises: at least two overhead microphones (1, 2) designed to be positioned above the instrument (10), outside the instrument (10), wherein said microphones (1, 2) are large bandwidth microphones one of which constitutes a preferably low frequency sensor, the other preferably a high frequency sensor in such a way that a wide spectrum of bass and trebles is covered; and at least another relay box (6) whereto each microphone (1, 2) is connected, said relay box (6) being adapted to transport sounds in parallel receiving, in parallel, in input, the signals of the microphones (1, 2) and being adapted to transmit, in parallel, in output, by wire our wireless connection to a mixing console or to a preamplifier.

Abstract: A guitar or applicable musical instrument is improved to enhance string energy through integration of side materials and structural spanners to maintain the integrity of the instrument under load of string tension. The invention improves ampliphonic efficiency by protecting the resonating surface of the instrument's soundboard from compression and distortion, stabilizes the harmonic mode of the neck as it rocks in and out of the sound hole area, and decreases loss of string energy. By stabilizing the neck and body structure, a long-term consistency in the neck alignment to the body is preserved. The soundboard efficiency is improved by extending the string load on the structure to the butt end of the instrument, allowing for a greater portion of soundboard area to be de-stressed when under string load.

Abstract: A stringed instrument including a housing defining an interior space, at least one string on the housing, an amplifier positioned in the interior space and attached to the housing and a pick-up on the housing and positioned adjacent to the string where the pick-up converts vibrations from the string into electrical signals and transmits the electrical signals to the amplifier. The stringed instrument includes an audio input on the housing and coupled to the amplifier, where the audio input is coupled to a digital music player and sound stored by the digital music player is coupled to the amplifier. At least one speaker is mounted in the housing and coupled to the amplifier. The amplifier converts electrical signals from the pick-up into live music and the speaker emits both the live music and the sound from the digital music player to enable a player to play along with the sound.

Abstract: A musical instrument, such as an electric or bass guitar, is formed of a lamination of wood layers having differing grain orientations in adjacent layers, the grain orientations defining a crossing angle less than 90°. An instrument formed from such a lamination is strong and resistant to splitting and checking and produces a good musical sound. The wood layers can be molded under pressure to form curves, such as an S-curve in a neck, or deformations, such as rounded edges in a guitar body. The S-curve in the neck allows the neck to be attached to the guitar body without breaking the continuity of the wood fibers, thereby strengthening the neck. In a three-dimensional molding embodiment, a net shape or near net shape part results, which requires little or no further machining after molding.

Abstract: A training apparatus for guiding and independently teaching a user to quickly play a guitar by interpreting stored encoded MIDI music data to guide the user's hands by illuminating sequences of desired finger positions on the frets of a guitar to play the music.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for remotely generating sound from a musical instrument. In one embodiment, the system includes an input configured to receive a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, an exciter for converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and a coupling interface for coupling the mechanical vibrations into a second musical instrument. The method for remotely generating sound includes the steps of generating a signal representative of the sound of a first musical instrument, transmitting the signal, receiving the signal at an input, converting the signal to mechanical vibrations, and coupling the mechanical vibrations to a second musical instrument capable of producing sound waves.

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: A stringed musical instrument which includes a main instrument body, a fretted neck affixed to said instrument body, a headstock affixed to said fretted neck, a fifth string having a gauge of 0.060 to 0.068 inches, a fourth string having a gauge of 0.038 to 0.048 inches, a third string having a gauge of 0.022 to 0.032 inches, a second string having a gauge of 0.009 to 0.014 inches and a first string having a gauge of 0.22 to 0.032 inches.

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: The present invention provides a removable and adjustable neckjoint between a neck and a body of a musical instrument. The neck includes a contoured mounting portion that engages a pocket included in the body. The mounting portion and pocket include engagement features that provide contact between the mounting portion and pocket.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with providing a fret for a stringed musical instrument having strings containing ferromagnetic material, wherein the fret is arranged to be magnetic. Having a downward magnetic force exerted on the strings by a fret ensures full and consistent contact between a string and the fret when the string is pressed down against the fret. The invention has three embodiments that describe different ways of providing magnetism to the fret. In a first embodiment the fret is comprised of magnetic material. In a second embodiment a magnet is coupled to the fret to supply magnetic properties to the fret. In a third embodiment an electromagnetic coil is wrapped around a portion of the fret in order to induce magnetism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for storing, editing, deleting and visually displaying personal information within a stringed musical instrument. A hand-held type computer (34) located in and forming a portion of the envelope or housing of the stringed musical instrument displays personal information to a user from a display screen (44). For example, a user can store, retrieve, edit and delete information such as complete song tablature, contact names, phone numbers, play lists for performance, schedules of shows etc. from within the instrument.

Abstract: A stringed instrument including a body having a front surface and a rear surface, a tuning mechanism, a neck having one end joined to the body and an opposite end retaining the tuning mechanism, and a retainer block encompassed by the rear surface. A plurality of strings each have a first end secured to the tuning mechanism and a second end retained by the retainer block. Also included is a bridge system having a tailpiece mounted on the front surface and defining a plurality of holes each providing passage for one of the strings, and a connector assembly extending through the body and securing the tailpiece to the retainer block.

Abstract: The invention pertains to improvements in stringed instruments, particularly plucked and/or strummed instruments with sound boxes and the string support structure of same. The invention also pertains to enhancing the sound output of the instrument. A string support system that is structurally independent of the sound box eliminates the necessity to brace, or otherwise reinforce the soundboard to resist the substantial tension of the strings, thus substantially reducing the soundboards stiffness and mass, and greatly improving its ability to respond to the vibration of the strings. Furthermore, the invention enables the transmission of vibrating string energy to the soundboard without imposing any stresses upon said soundboard that are due to the static tension of the strings. The invention eliminates tension-induced distortion and damage to the sound box that is common to traditionally constructed instruments.

Abstract: An adjustable neck member is disclosed having a distal end and a mounting end configured to be coupled to a stringed instrument body. An enclosed channel extending within the neck member from a position near the mounting end and along a central axis of the neck member to the distal end is also provided. The channel may include at least one recess extending laterally from the channel at the distal end. Furthermore, a rigid bar disposed within the channel and having an adjustment end, an opposing distal end, a stabilizing pin, and a transverse pivot support that is configured to vertically displacement of the neck member is also included. In one embodiment the neck member may also include a pressure isolating means which is capable of indirectly applying sufficient pressure to the neck member to reduce any resonating spring vibrations.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument having multiple bridge-soundboard units, each unit substantially acoustically independent from other bridge-soundboard units. Said bridge soundboard units are coupled to a set of strings such that a number of the strings within the set are sounded through the first bridge-soundboard unit, others are sounded through a second bridge-soundboard unit, and so on. The process of division of set of strings among several bridge-soundboard units allows greater ability to bear tension, greater sustain, and greater variety of tonal color by allowing a greater number and variety of soundboards.

Abstract: A modular automated assistive guitar is described comprising a base assembly, a pick assembly, a strumming mechanism and a fretting mechanism which, in combination with a standard guitar or similar stringed musical instrument (e.g., banjo, steel guitar, ukulele), forms a musical device that can be played by an individual with a range of independence, cognitive and physical abilities. The base assembly accepts, positions, and secures a standard guitar. The pick assembly includes quick attach and spring-loaded features for attaching and detaching picks, in addition to flexibility for smooth interaction with the guitar strings. The strumming mechanism provides cyclic motion and speed control to create pleasant and variable rhythm from the mounted guitar. The fretting mechanism allows a user to change chords and tone. An unmodified, traditional guitar is preferably used in the musical device. The guitar is easily interchangeable with another guitar or other stringed instrument, at the convenience of the user.

Abstract: Musical instrument including a removable guitar body having a front side arranged to bear at least one string, a frame-shaped body support comprising a plurality of supporting elements, and at least one supporting element arranged as a bracing element positionable between two opposite supporting elements of the frame-shaped body support. Releasable connection elements are arranged to releasably connect the guitar body to the support body and to the at least one supporting element. The plurality of supporting elements are removably couplable to each other to fold the frame-shaped body support into a space saving unit.