Abstract: A method for creating the laser etched image in an instrument. The etching can be applied to bare wood, through a single layer of a contrasting coating, or through a plurality of layers to expose a layer having a contrasting color. The instrument can be prepared by applying one or more layers of coatings of different colors upon the surface. The programmed laser etches through a desired number of layers, exposing a target color, creating a multi-colored image. The etched material can be filled enhancing a contrast. The artwork can be aesthetic and/or functional, such as providing a series of note references laser etched into a fingerboard of the instrument. Each note reference is located respective to a position along a length of a respective string to generate the respective note and would be used for training a musician how to play the instrument.

Abstract: A mandolin having an integrated armrest provides a comfortable armrest while still allowing greater flexibility between the top and the sides of the mandolin, resulting in a construction which does not increase the rigidity of the connection between the carved top and sides of the instrument. Thus, in addition to providing greater comfort, the disclosed integral armrest has minimal negative impact on the sonic quality of the instrument, if any at all.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument combination of at least two traditional stringed musical instruments or of nontraditional stringed musical instruments or a mix of traditional and nontraditional. The combination presents the advantages of rapid exchange while playing, reduced storage or transportation volume and a lower cost than two separate instruments. The preferred embodiment is a Fiddolin, a commercially available violin modified to present a mandolin on its back face. The string tension requirement is solved by having additional structure to mount the mandolin pegs into and the angularity needed to keep the strings pulled over the nut by channels or lumens to conduct the strings through.

Abstract: An organic shell inlay blank is provided including a first layer of organic shell matter having two opposed surfaces defining a first thickness therebetween rendering the first layer flexible, a second layer of organic shell matter having two opposed surfaces defining a second thickness therebetween rendering the second layer flexible. One of the surfaces of the first layer substantially overlaps and is secured to one of the surfaces of the second layer. A bonding agent secures the layers together to form the inlay blank. A method for manufacturing an organic shell inlay blank is also disclosed and includes the steps of cutting a plurality of flexible pieces of organic shell matter from an organic shell, stacking the pieces in a substantially overlapping relationship with a bonding agent between the pieces, and urging the pieces together while the bonding agent cures to form the inlay blank.

Abstract: A new stringed musical instrument having an appearance somewhat similar to a banjo or guitar or related instrument and comprising a head portion and an elongated neck secured to the head portion and extending outwardly therefrom. A plurality of strings, which may vary in number, extend across and in overlying relation to an outer face of the head portion and continuously therefrom along the length of the neck, where they are adjustably attached by individual, rotatably mounted pegs. The head portion preferably comprises a tambourine having an exposed outer face and an inner face and a flexible material membrane stretched in a taut orientation across the exposed outer face and in underlying relation to the plurality of strings. The tambourine head portion also includes a plurality of metal disks or "jingles" movably mounted on the peripheral sidewall thereof.

Abstract: An organic shell inlay blank is provided including a first layer of organic shell matter having two opposed surfaces defining a first thickness therebetween rendering the first layer flexible, a second layer of organic shell matter having two opposed surfaces defining a second thickness therebetween rendering the second layer flexible. One of the surfaces of the first layer substantially overlaps and is secured to one of the surfaces of the second layer. A bonding agent secures the layers together to form the inlay blank. A method for manufacturing an organic shell inlay blank is also disclosed and includes the steps of cutting a plurality of flexible pieces of organic shell matter from an organic shell, stacking the pieces in a substantially overlapping relationship with a bonding agent between the pieces, and urging the pieces together while the bonding agent cures to form the inlay blank.

Abstract: An improved musical instrument, having a veneer comprising seashells in a fiberglass and polyester resin. A method for producing a seashell veneer, which includes preparing a selected surface with a polyester and fiberglass based resin; heating seashells to deformation and affixing the seashells to the surface; striking the heated shells to create a plurality of smaller elements; coating the affixed shell segments with the fiberglass and polyester resin to fill the interstitial spaces; sanding the surface to achieve a desired finish.

Abstract: Soundboards for stringed musical instruments comprising radially/circumferentially anisotropic sheets. The soundboards may be constructed of wooden wedges arranged so that the wood grain radiates from the focal point of the sheet. The soundboards preferably have at least a partially rounded periphery. Stringed instruments containing the novel soundboards are disclosed wherein the strings are coupled to the soundboards through a bridge located near the focal point of the soundboard.

Abstract: An organic shell inlay blank is provided including a first layer of organic shell matter having two opposed surfaces defining a first thickness therebetween rendering the first layer flexible, a second layer of organic shell matter having two opposed surfaces defining a second thickness therebetween rendering the second layer flexible. One of the surfaces of the first layer substantially overlaps and is secured to one of the surfaces of the second layer. A bonding agent secures the layers together to form the inlay blank. A method for manufacturing an organic shell inlay blank is also disclosed and includes the steps of cutting a plurality of flexible pieces of organic shell matter from an organic shell, stacking the pieces in a substantially overlapping relationship with a bonding agent between the pieces, and urging the pieces together while the bonding agent cures to form the inlay blank.