Abstract: The pedal steel guitar has a plurality of strings strung across the body, with at least one multi-element transducer positioned proximate the strings. At least one foot pedal or knee lever, carried by the body and being physically disengaged from the plurality of strings, is coupled to at least one sensor that produces an electronic sensor signal when the pedal or lever is moved. A digital signal processor receives the electronic transducer signal and the electronic sensor signal and operates on the electronic transducer signal in the digital domain. The processor uses the electronic sensor signal to manipulate at least one tonal property of the electronic sensor signal. The digital signal processor produces an audio output. The digital signal processor is programmed to change the manner in which the digital signal processor manipulates the at least one tonal property based on programming information received through a programming input.

Abstract: This invention, a key-changing apparatus for stringed musical instruments, automatically sets all the strings to the necessary flats and sharps for any key signature selected. This allows musicians, particularly novices, to play musical scores in any key signature without having to remember to flatten or sharpen all the multiple notes required by the key signature.

Abstract: An improved chorded zither is disclosed herein which may be characterized in that it comprises a novel adjustably positionable chord bar assembly (which assembly enables the playing of every key in the normal chromatic scale of 12 keys). In a preferred embodiment, the inventive chord bar assembly comprises a slidable chord bar rack operably connected to a plurality of chord bars, with the chord bar rack being interposed between the top surface of a body and a plurality of strings (associated with a stringed musical instrument). The plurality of chord bars is positioned above chord bar rack and perpendicular relative to the plurality of tensioned strings. The chord bar assembly is configured to be adjustably positionable between at least a set up key position, a sharpened key position, and a flatted key position.

Abstract: A musical instrument includes a body, a neck attached to the body, a plurality of strings having first ends secured to the body and second ends secured to the neck, and a keyboard secured to the body. Optionally, each of the strings is associated with a plucker.

Abstract: A musical instrument includes a fretboard, frets aligned in a first direction on the fretboard, a number of strings, aligned in a second direction above the frets, and tensioning devices operable to hold the strings in tension such that the pitch of adjacent strings at any given fret differ by one whole tone. Signals from string vibration pickups may be electronically processed and amplified to modify the sound produced by the musical instrument.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed is, in one embodiment, directed to a stringed musical instrument (e.g., a zither) that comprises a body; a plurality of laterally spaced apart tensioned strings connected to said body; axially spaced apart string supports below the strings, said strings contacting the string supports and having span regions spanning between the string supports; and a presser for each string, each presser in contact with the span region of its string, and each presser being movable laterally to displace the span region of its string and increase the tension in its string, and being movable laterally away from the span region of its string for releasing its string and lessening the tension in its string.

Abstract: A chorded zither including a self-supporting metal frame with separate and structurally independent sound board panels that can be easily interchanged and affixed to said frame to create different looking and sounding instrument configurations with the same basic instrument, including sound chambers that are deeper and greater in volume than those of the prior art.

Abstract: A musical instrument includes a plurality of strings and a plurality of pluckers. The strings are tuned in an ascending sequence, such as a chromatic sequence. The pluckers are associated with a different one of the plurality of strings and are adapted to pluck the string at a range of plucking frequencies. Control means enable selective control of the frequency with which the pluckers pluck the strings.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed is, in one embodiment, directed to a stringed musical instrument (e.g., a zither) that comprises a body; a plurality of laterally spaced apart tensioned strings connected to said body; axially spaced apart string supports below the strings, said strings contacting the string supports and having span regions spanning between the string supports; and a presser for each string, each presser in contact with the span region of its string, and each presser being movable laterally to displace the span region of its string and increase the tension in its string, and being movable laterally away from the span region of its string for releasing its string and lessening the tension in its string.

Abstract: A hammered dulcimer with a bridge having arrays of holes overlapping at the high tone strings, while providing a beam to an increasing extent as the tones deepen. The bridge is more flexible at the higher tones. The bridges, treble and bass, are supported by members beneath the top that include a metal rod having line contact with the top, and that include a wooden strip that is dished to receive the rod with surface contact. The braces have small pads secured to the top for a minor part of their extent. The braces and side rails at the string blocks are provided with cooperating wedge surfaces that convert the horizontal force vector of string tension into a downward vector exerted against the string block that will offset the upward vector of string tension on the string block; such upward force vector is also resisted by a screw at each corner of the frame that extends downwardly and inwardly through the string block into the front and rear braces.

Abstract: A dampening bar assembly comprised of a pair of support blocks held in parallel spaced-apart relationship by a pair of transverse frame members attached between the support blocks at each end of the support blocks forming a rigid rectangular frame. A number of dampening bars including string vibration dampening pads mounted to the bottom side of each dampening bar are slideably mounted parallel to each other transversely between the support blocks in vertical slots formed in the opposing support block sides. Compression springs mounted in cavities formed in the bottom of each slot provide an upwardly urging force on each end of the dampening bars. Each support block includes a lengthwise aperture therethrough for receiving a square hardwood rod to retain the compression springs in a compressed configuration to provide for assembly and disassembly of the dampening bar assembly. The dampening bar assembly is designed to be used with a stringed instrument such as an auto harp.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument embodies a matrix of intersecting frets and strings. A generally rectangular fingerboard mounts the strings and frets in a generally intersecting relationship thereon. The strings are tuned by string tensioning means, including tuning pegs. The string vibrations are amplified by an amplifier and sensed by a magnetic pickup. The strings and frets each define a number of notes, equal to at least the number of notes of an octave. In a first scheme of modulation, a plurality of strings are played along a single fret in a manner similar to a piano, the octave and key linear distance spacings as well as notes, being emulated. In a second scheme of modulation, different frets are played to obtain different notes, as in a guitar, to achieve a wide tonal range with easy fingering positions. Vertically adjustable magnets pick up the vibrations and are able to change the vibration sensitivity of the instrument.

Abstract: An improved zither-like musical instrument, having a high sound box volume to mass ratio, thin sound board, relatively thin tuning pin blocks comprising the ends of the instrument, and a contact earboard for close contact listening while the instrument is being played normally. The instrument produces a mellow, guitar-like sound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a modular frame construction for string instruments. Instead of making the frame of the string instrument in one piece, the frame according to this invention is assembled from a number of modules which each comprise a longitudinal tubular member of square cross-section on which strings are supported under tension.

Abstract: A dulcimer constructed primarily of wood, wherein the traditional heavy internal wood bracing structure, which is parallel to, and resists the compressive force of, the tuned strings and is connected to the back panel, is replaced by light metallic bracing, of tubular or other suitably engineered cross-section, which is also parallel to, and resists the compressive force of, the tuned strings, but is not in contact with the back panel.

Abstract: There is provided a stringed instrument in which an outer peripheral frame surrounds an open area, and in which a sounding board extends across the open area attached to the frame. Anchoring means for strings are centrally located in the open area, and pegs are distributed around the edge of the frame. Strings are provided between the anchoring means and the pegs, and due to the symmetrical nature of the structure, the high tension forces exerted by the strings on the center anchoring means are largely balanced out, so that particularly heavy bracing structure for the anchoring means is not required. The instrument is suitable for being played by a plurality of players, approaching the instrument from several directions, this being a departure from typical stringed instruments which are designed to be played only by one person at a time.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is disclosed which includes a body, a first bridge transversely mounted to the body adjacent one end thereof, and a second bridge mounted to the body in the vicinity of the opposite end. First and second string mounting means are positioned longitudinally outward of the first and second bridges, respectively, which tautly suspend a plurality of strings between said bridges. Lever means are provided for raising and lowering at least one of the strings at said first bridge to raise and lower the pitch of the strings.