Abstract: A method for indicating voice input state for a call on a communications device. A processor unit identifies the state of voice input for the call. In response to the state of the voice input being a mute state, the processor unit identifies a mute setting for the mute state based on a user profile. Thereafter, first audio data specified by the mute setting is played with audio data from the call on the communications device. In response to the state of the voice input being an unmute state, the processor unit identifies an unmute setting for the unmute state based on the user profile. Thereafter, second audio data specified by the unmute setting is played with the audio data from the call on the communications device.

Abstract: A three-position mute for use with a musical stringed instrument, such mute having an elongated body with two pairs of legs extending therefrom, a slot defined between each pair of legs, a pair of notches defined in the bottom of the elongated body, such notches for engagement with selected strings of the musical instrument in selected modes of use and the slots for engagement on the musical instrument's bridge in a selected mode of use, such modes of use including a bridge engagement position in a first mode of use, a bridge-contacting position in a second mode of use, and a resting position with the mute installed on the strings between the bridge and the tailpiece.

Abstract: A mute for a stringed instrument which includes a character or caricature.

Abstract: A vibration damping device for a drum includes a drumhead contact adapted to be releasably fixed to a drumhead of the drum and a strap releasably connected between the contact and a drumhead hold-down hoop for forming a drum vibration bridge between the drumhead and the hold-down hoop. The strap has a hoop attachment end and a contact attachment end opposite the hoop attachment end. The hoop attachment end is adapted to be fixed to the drumhead hold-down hoop of the drum, while the contact attachment end is adapted to be releasably connected to the contact.

Abstract: A mute for a stringed instrument which includes a character or caricature.

Abstract: An open-string damper for stringed musical instruments, especially those played with a string-tapping technique, utilizes an elongated rectangular metal shift bar mounted in a transverse channel running across the fretboard of the instrument, located between the first fret and the nut. The shift bar, fitted with a pad of damping material on its top side facing the underside of the strings, is mounted in a constrained manner extending to both sides of the fingerboard so that it can be grasped between a thumb and finger and shifted by the user between two stable locations: an engaged location wherein the damping material is urged upwardly against the strings and a disengaged location wherein the damping material is held away from the strings.

Abstract: A mute for stringed instruments such as banjos, guitars, and the like which allows the volume of the sound generated by plucking the strings to be varied without changing the pitch of the instrument. This device comprises a small, elongated cloth bag filled with tiny metallic balls. The bag is sufficiently long that when it is properly mounted on the bridge of the instrument, the bag extends past the points where the two outermost strings cross the bridge, the two outermost strings being disposed proximate opposite ends of the bridge. In use, the beg is mounted partially on the upper edge of the bridge and partially on the strings. The degree of muting, as well as the duration of individual notes once played, varies with the position of the bag on the bridge. The pitch of the strings, however, does not vary.

Abstract: A mute for a banjo that has a parchment belly, a hoop, a peripheral flange, a resonator and a bridge. The mute consists of a supporting device adjustably carried by a platform spaced from the resonator. The supporting device is adapted to bear against the parchment belly under the bridge. Thumbscrews are carried by the flange for adjusting the platform.

Abstract: A mute for a stringed instrument is provided by the present invention. A mounting plate is pivotally coupled with the framework of the instrument and in turn carries the muting element. The muting element is movable under a force exerted by a player of the instrument to apply a muting pressure to the bridge to mute the tone of the instrument. An arm rigid with the framework underlies the mounting plate and carries a camming plate. A pressure plate is pivotally coupled with the mounting plate and is engageable with the camming plate when moved in one direction to move the muting element away from the bridge and preclude any muting pressure from being applied to the bridge. Movement of the pressure plate in the opposite direction places the muting element in position for application of force to the bridge. A plurality of wedge members are engageable with the strings at a point behind the bridge to stretch the strings during muting of the instrument to compensate for the flatting effect of the muting element.