Abstract: The present invention is a banjo tone ring with vertical sides (30) as opposed to the angled design of conventional banjo tone rings (120). The ring (30) of the present invention has specific height (h) to width (w) or thickness ratios and is within specific weight ranges for improved performance It vibrates much freer and thus raises the quality of musical tones from the banjo (10) to much higher aesthetic levels. Other embodiments also modify the musical tones for different sounds. Several novel embodiments of manufacturing methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is a banjo tone ring with vertical sides (30) as opposed to the angled design of conventional banjo tone rings (120). The ring (30) of the present invention has specific height (h) to width (w) or thickness ratios and is within specific weight ranges for improved performance It vibrates much freer and thus raises the quality of musical tones from the banjo (10) to much higher aesthetic levels. Other embodiments also modify the musical tones for different sounds. Several novel embodiments of manufacturing methods are also described.

Abstract: In an implementation of this invention, a stringed musical instrument has a resonator comprised of a bridge and a soundboard. Vibrations from the strings are transmitted through the bridge to the soundboard. A plurality of sensors are attached to or embedded in the soundboard. The sensors measure primarily the vibrations of the soundboard, rather than primarily the vibrations of the strings. Preferably, three or more sensors are used. Piezoelectric sensors sample vibrations in the soundboard. The resonator includes a printed circuit board that amplifies the signal from each sensor separately. Also, a signal processing device that is “onboard” the musical instrument processes the separate input signals to create one output signal. The resonator may be easily removed, enabling resonators to be interchanged. Also, the physical characteristics of a particular resonator, such as its mass or its boundary condition, may be adjusted, thereby changing the acoustic qualities of the soundboard.

Abstract: A method of assembling an anti-wolf resonator assembly for use with a string instrument is provided. The method includes positioning a first portion of the resonator assembly against a first side of a surface of the instrument, and magnetically coupling a second portion of the resonator assembly to a second side of the instrument surface that is opposite the first side of the surface. The surface is positioned between the first and second portions of the resonator assembly. The resonator assembly is configured to dampen at least one of a musical note and a vibration produced by the string instrument.

Abstract: A D-Tuner for mounting on the peghead of a banjo. The D-Tuner has keyed cam pegs, adjustable stops for limiting the extent of rotation of the cam pegs, and linear flexible members attached to the cam pegs. The flexible members are suitable for attachment to the second B string and third G string of a banjo for tuning the banjo when the keyed cam pegs are turned.

Abstract: “Mitchel's Tone Ring Mate” is completely new to the banjo world. The “Mitchel's Tone Ring Mate” is a smaller tone ring in itself, sitting on top of the original raised head tone ring at 25 thousands higher and at opposite angles, thus converting the original raised head tone ring to a flat head tone ring. Being completely different than any other invention. This doing, by design, composition and development, unknown in manufacturing there into.

Abstract: A device and method is disclosed for creating a customized chinrest for a violin or a viola, molded to conform to the precise idiosyncrasies of a player's chin and jaw, rendering greater comfort, support, range of motion, and control to the player. The chinrest of this invention is comprised of a rigid, flat, edgeless base upon which a removable, firm, but flexible silicone, custom molded top is adhered. The method of impression taking records complex contours, angles, and a range of motion created by head pivot of the player's chin and jaw while in the act of playing.

Abstract: “Mitchel's Tone Ring Mate” is completely new to the banjo world. The “Mitchel's Tone Ring Mate” is a smaller tone ring in itself, sitting on top of the original raised head tone ring at 25 thousands higher and at opposite angles, thus converting the original raised head tone ring to a flat head tone ring. Being completely different than any other invention. This doing, by design, composition and development, unknown in manufacturing there into.

Abstract: A device, system and method for a musical instrument are disclosed herein. The exemplary musical instrument may have a first resonance chamber having a first bridge coupled to a surface of the first resonance chamber and a second resonance chamber having a second bridge coupled to a surface of the second resonance chamber. At least one string may couple the first bridge to the second bridge.

Abstract: A resonator assembly includes a resonator, a collector-amplifier, as well as a timbre tray, one or more timbre pieces, and a detector holder. The resonator assembly, designed to be attachable to a conventional acoustic guitar, improves the quality and volume of the conventional guitar. A wood or metal timbre piece or a varying combination thereof may be used according the user's sound preference. The resonator, the collector-amplifier, the timbre holder tray and the detector holder are preferably made from thin brass.

Abstract: A guitar configuration that has improved playability without requiring a raised fret or fingerboards or a neck that extends through the resonance chamber all the way to the sound hole is disclosed. The particular construction of the present invention includes a soundboard with a partially curved portion that provides additional clearance for the guitarist's hand thereby allowing the guitarist to play the higher fret positions without changing the position of the fretting hand. The tapered construction of the soundboard is achieved while maintaining the structural integrity of the guitar construction while eliminating the need for extending the neck of the guitar through the sound chamber up to the sound hole in the sounding board.

Abstract: A device that can be easily placed on and removed from an acoustic, stringed instrument, such as an acoustic guitar. When placed on a guitar, the device amplifies and clarifies the sound of the guitar, thereby allowing the guitarist to obtain quality sound and high volume. In addition, the device enables the guitarist control the timbre or sound characteristics of the guitar.

Abstract: An electric guitar includes a hollow acoustic body, a plurality of strings, a fingerboard, air in the hollow acoustic body, and at least one speaker mounted in the hollow acoustic body. A sound system operatively associated with the strings and speaker causes sound to emanate from the speaker when the strings are played and causes sound to vibrate and resonate the hollow body and air in the hollow acoustic body.

Abstract: The creation of sounds by musical instruments or sound reproduction systems is not perfect, but acoustic dissonances inherent in the production of sound generators can be corrected. The present method uses open volumes, such as a glass, possibly provided with a cutoff, a fragmentation creating at least one opening. This object placed close to or on a sound generator frees additional sound waves to harmonise with the sound generator by means of mechanical coupling or an air sound link due to the volume of the resonator and its fragmentation. A device made of a material with a Shore hardness of more than 60 makes it possible via its foot fixed to a piano to transmit mechanical sound vibrations. Method and device constitute an effective improvement in the reproduction and creation of sounds.

Abstract: A stringed instrument such as a guitar with a thinner than traditional body is provided enhanced decibels measured by sound pressure level (DBSPL) response employing a combination of one or more of each of a passive radiator, tuned isolated resonating wave guide or guides in the body cavity and an equalized closeable sound opening in the front face configured to maximize volume at low frequencies and increasing low frequency response, e.g., at or less than 500 Hz. The passive radiator may be in either the front or rear or both faces. The wave guides each comprise elongated sheets in the body chamber spaced from the corresponding face by spaced posts. The wave guides may be in opposing cooperating pairs or may be staggered for directing low frequency waves to a sound opening in the front face and resonate to provide enhanced low frequency response and subsequent volume. The passive radiator in the rear face is recessed within the body chamber.

Abstract: My inventions are: three concentric baffles, plus one non-resonant tailpiece assembly.

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: A shoulder rest for use with a stringed musical instrument, such as a violin or viola, includes a substantially rigid body, defining a hollow resonating chamber, and supporting feet mounted to the body for engaging the underside of the instrument and spacing the body from the instrument when the shoulder rest is attached thereon. A fastener is provided for removably attaching the shoulder rest to the underside of the instrument.

Abstract: A banjo has a resonator (24) mounted about the pot (11) and acoustical links (25) that acoustically couple the resonator with the banjo head (14). When the instrument is played acoustical waves pass from the head through the acoustical links to the resonator which amplifies the sound produced by the banjo. An adoption of this invention is also disclosed for a guitar.