Abstract: The present invention provides a system for producing vibratical unification of components of a musical instrument comprised of a soundboard, a plurality of strings, a bridge system, a neck, and a body. The system acoustically interconnects the major sound components of the musical instrument in a time-correct sound transfer loop. An acoustically high sound conductivity material selected from the group comprising minerals, ceramics, metals, and combinations thereof, is employed as an interconnect member to produce a balanced, compressed, and naturally equalized sound, with extreme clarity and sustain, and with minimal distortion. The low end sound that is produced by the unified components are coherent, tight, and well defined. The acoustically high sound conductivity material has a specific gravity on the order of at least 2, and preferably at least the specific gravity on the order of the specific gravity of granite. Advantageously, the specific gravity is at least four, and can be six or higher.

Abstract: A pick guard for a guitar comprises a main body having a front surface and a back surface, and a peripheral edge adjoining the front surface and a back surface. At least a substantial portion of the main body comprises a doming mixture. There is also a guitar contact portion having a front surface and a back surface, and a peripheral edge adjoining the front surface and a back surface. An adhesive is on the back surface of the guitar contact portion. The front surface of the guitar contact portion may include a graphic image.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument body is formed using injection molded high density polystyrene foam with a foaming agent. It is injection molded by itself or around a wooden core to make the body or to form two panels adhered together to sandwich a wooden core therebetween. The core provides good wood tone and the polystyrene with a foaming agent produces good sustain and a resonance of about twenty-eight seconds. A metal reinforced injection molded neck resists warping.

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 stringed musical instrument having a back, a side and a first sound board that form a sound box. The back, side and first sound board further define an enclosed resonant cavity within the sound box. A bridge is positioned on the surface of the first sound board on a side of the hole opposite a neck for attaching strings. A second sound board is positioned in opposition in a spaced relation to the first sound board within the cavity of the sound box, sandwiched in spaced relation between the back and the first sound board. The first and second sound boards each having a hole formed therein. The bridge further includes a sound transfer bar vertically disposed between the first sound board and the second sound board. The sound transfer bar effectively transfers vibrations from the first sound board to the second sound board and further equalizes any upward or downward pull by the bridge caused by the tension of the strings.

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 device and method for balancing the torque created by strings on musical instruments includes a bracket attached to the bottom of the bridge, an adjustable brace attached to the neck and residing within the body of the instrument and a tension string connecting the bracket and brace such than it offsets torques created by the strings that create the music. The device counteracts the tension created by guitar strings and provides enhanced vibration of the instrument soundboard.

Abstract: The sound box includes two truncated portions (1 and 4) for enabling the body to take up a better position in order to avoid certain pathologies induced by playing the instrument as it currently exists.

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: 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: 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: Marching band string instruments and wearable string instruments are described that include a stiff waist band to prevent excessive side to side movement during use, while providing easy doff and don of the string instrument. String instruments also are provided with adjustable chest braces to allow accommodation for different player sizes and for minimization of back strain when playing the electric string instrument for extended time periods. Electric string instruments optionally have soft material interposed between bridge feet and a string instrument body, to allow a more resonant sound detection from a pickup located between the bridge feet and the body. Other advances include generation of a stereo signal from bridge vibrations, and electronic processing of sound that enhances the electric string instrument playing and learning experience.

Abstract: A cover 78d, having a static cling property, is formed in a cover perimeter pattern, and with a plurality of holes 82b, 84b, 98b and 100b in accordance with a cover hole-location pattern. The cover 78d is formed from a clear plastic static cling sheet 80, or a white plastic static cling sheet, each having a thickness of 7.5 mil, and may have a decorative design 110 applied to one surface thereof. In a preassembled guitar 48, strings 64 are located over a body top 52, with pickups 56 extending outward from the body top toward, but spaced from, the strings by a pickup-to-strings space, which is greater than 7.5 mil. While the guitar remains preassembled, the cover 78d can be moved into the pickup-to-strings space, and into static clinging engagement with the body top 48.

Abstract: Electric guitar with a neck and a body which has a first side wall, facing the guitar player, and a second side wall, facing away from the guitar player, said side walls delimiting a front and a back of the body at the edges, wherein the second side wall has an associated arcuate bow extending along it at least in sections which can have its distance from the second side wall adjusted and whose arc shape can be rotated into a concave and a convex position relative to the side wall.

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 stringed musical instrument such as an electric guitar includes a body made of metal and composite components. The use of such materials permits the design of an instrument having desired sound characteristics. The musical instruments fabricated according to the present invention are very consistent from one instrument to the next, and sound variations due to use of materials having variable material properties is eliminated.

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 system for supporting a sound board in a string instrument comprises a longitudinal support coupled to opposite ends of a cavity in the body of the instrument and a transverse support coupled to the longitudinal support and to the bridge of the string instrument. A compression force is generated between the bridge and the transverse support to lower a raised sound board, thereby improving the sound of the instrument. Alternatively, the compression force maintains a preferred curvature of a sound board or restores a preferred shape to the instrument body. The transverse support includes adjustable elements to permit attachment of the sound board support system to bridges having a range of variation in a length dimension. In some embodiments, the longitudinal support has an adjustable length and may be made from components sized to fit through a sound hole in the instrument body.

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 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 pickup device (11) sandwiched between strings (3) and a top (4) of a body in a plucked string instrument comprises: a saddle (16) transmitting vibrations of the strings (3) to the body; and a bridge (25) fixedly attached on the top (4) of the body to support the saddle (16). Piezoelectric films (17, 18) being piezoelectric elements are pasted on areas of a front surface of the bridge (25) excluding a portion in which the saddle (16) is fitted. The vibrations of the strings (3) cause the pickup device (11) to also vibrate together with the top (4) of the body, and the portions of the bridge (25) on which the piezoelectric films (17, 18) are pasted make the largest bending deformations. The piezoelectric films (17, 18) are also free to make bending deformations to efficiently output electrical signals by a piezoelectric effect for musical sound in all pitch ranges.

Abstract: A module for removable insertion into a body of an instrument having longitudinal strings defines a transverse cavity extending from a lateral edge. The module includes a base configured to engage the cavity. At least one pickup is secured to the base such that upon insertion into the cavity the pickup is in operative proximity to the strings. The pickup has a first and second electrode. A first electrical contact is in first electrical connection to first electrode. A second electrical contact is in second electrical connection to the second electrode.

Abstract: Marching band string instruments and wearable string instruments are described that include a stiff waist band to prevent excessive side to side movement during use, while providing easy doff and don of the string instrument. String instruments also are provided with adjustable chest braces to allow accommodation for different player sizes and for minimization of back strain when playing the electric string instrument for extended time periods. Electric string instruments optionally have soft material interposed between bridge feet and a string instrument body, to allow a more resonant sound detection from a pickup located between the bridge feet and the body. Other advances include generation of a stereo signal from bridge vibrations, and electronic processing of sound that enhances the electric string instrument playing and learning experience.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for improving the tonal characteristics of a stringed instrument. This has been accomplished using a device that interfaces acoustically with the soundhole. The device inhabits space where sound energy waves tend to interfere and redirects the sound energy out of the soundhole. This prevents distortion and delivers more fullness in sound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a guitar that has a detachable neck for ease of transport and storage. The body is attached to the neck in the preferred embodiment by means of a lever actuating clamp providing a clamping force substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the neck and body and the tensioned strings so that when reassembled the guitar strings regain their prior pre-assembled state of tune.

Abstract: A musical instrument having exchangeable components. The musical instrument may include a core portion providing a foundation for the musical instrument and a body portion removably attached to the core portion. Exchanging a body portion for another portion may alter the tonal, structural or aesthetic characteristics of the instrument. The musical instrument may be a stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar, for example, or may be a woodwind, horn or percussion instrument.

Abstract: Described are split body electric guitars and electric basses. The guitar body consists of two body plates, a front body plate and a back body plate, the opposing inside surfaces of which are in proximity but not in contact except where joined at a solid core. The body may be shaped to provide internal acoustic chambers, which may be adapted for mounting of electronics. Optionally, an output jack is mounted internally to one of the body plates.

Abstract: This will explain things about the conventional dobro that causes this invention to be a logical improvement over conventional dobros. Conventional dobros have a fingerboard that is not used as a fingerboard and frets that are not used as frets, lines drawn across the board in place of frets will serve the same purpose as frets, and the cost is considerably less. The neck of conventional dobros is not used as a neck to grasp with the hand and pull the strings down with the fingers against the frets to make musical notes as it is done on conventional guitars. In recognition of this fact some dobros now have solid, so called square necks. Square necks save a little time in manufacturing but cause no effect on performance. Therefore a logical alternative to improve the dobro is to do what this invention is doing. The extended soundbox enhances sound and provides a mounting place for the fret position locator board.

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 soundboard, which vibrates and generates tones, does not hit the mounting member (components); as a result abnormal vibration/noise is not caused; a contact members are contacted and attached on the both sides of the soundboard which generates tones; the contact member is softer than the soundboard; mounting member is harder than the contact members, mounting members are contacted outside the both contact members; all of them from the mounting members through the mounting members are held and fixed with the connect members; the soundboard is detached from the hard mounting members with the soft contact member (sheet) in between; therefore the tone characteristics of the soundboard do not deteriorate, and abnormal vibration/noise caused by resonance of soundboard and other components do not occur.

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 stringed musical instrument is provided with a plate or soundboard that is curved to define a crest parallel to the strings. If the instrument is a closedbox instrument, another plate opposing the first plate may be curved to define a crest perpendicular to the strings. The first plate may be supported by transverse braces, which are scalloped to leave substantial air gaps along the glue line once the brace is attached. The back plate may be supported by a substantial longitudinal brace or spine, which runs down its center parallel to the strings. The spine contains a substantial portion of the mass of the back plate. These musical instruments have reduced wolf tones and improved harmonic generation over common instruments, and therefore have a more complex and pleasing tone than common instruments. The harmonic character of these instruments is fully exploited by using one or more harmonic bridges in addition to the primary bridge.

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: The present invention describes the use of nanophase materials, chiefly aluminum, in musical instrument construction. Nanophase materials have constituent grains that are substantially smaller than those of conventional materials, imparting greater strength and deformation resistance. Aluminum has excellent acoustical qualities for making musical instruments, but its use was previously limited due to material weakness of pure aluminum and due to unfavorable, metallic sounding acoustics of aluminum alloys. The present invention also describes the use of aluminum composites in musical instrument construction to further strengthen the material composition used. The use of nanostructured materials in musical instrument construction, e.g. to make soundboards, provides exceptional, premier acoustical qualities as well as great strength and durability.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument having a back, a side and a first sound board that form a sound box. The back, side and first sound board further define an enclosed resonant cavity within the sound box. A bridge is positioned on the surface of the first sound board on a side of the hole opposite a neck for attaching strings. A second sound board is positioned in opposition in a spaced relation to the first sound board within the cavity of the sound box, sandwiched in spaced relation between the back and the first sound board. The first and second sound boards each having a hole formed therein. The bridge further includes a sound transfer bar vertically disposed between the first sound board and the second sound board. The sound transfer bar effectively transfers vibrations from the first sound board to the second sound board and further equalizes any upward or downward pull by the bridge caused by the tension of the strings.

Abstract: A soundboard for a hollow-body stringed instrument made of layers of carbon-fiber and resin material surrounding a core of one or more layers of constant-thickness plywood, veneer (thinly sliced wood) or paper. Additional shaped layers are provided to produce a desired pattern of stiffness in the soundboard. The soundboard may be tuned by attaching additional masses to a surface of the soundboard. A method of making and tuning the soundboard of the invention is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an acoustic musical instrument whose timbre can be varied while playing the instrument. The acoustic musical instrument comprises a membrane and a body which body forms a cavity therein, a divider means within the body cavity, said divider means defining an aperture therethrough, wherein the divider separates the body cavity into a first zone and a second zone such that the first zone and second zone are capable of tonal communication through the aperture, a moveable cover, said cover capable of adjustably blocking the aperture; and a movement device, which is capable of moving the moveable cover under control of a user.

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: An interchangeable modular insert for a electric stringed instrument is mounted in a cavity cut into the rear of the instrument. The rear insertion module provides rapid exchange of electronic components of different manufacturers. Placement of a module into the instrument automatically positions the module and electrically connects the same with the module being retained in the guitar body by a threaded fastener.

Abstract: A musical instrument having a body defining a substantially hollow volume, a neck coupled to the body, at least one string tensioned between the body and the neck, and a sound module positioned in the body and including a speaker having a front surface communicating directly with the hollow volume. In one embodiment, the speaker is part of a sound module that is positioned within the body of the guitar. Preferably, the sound module further includes an amplifier, a power switch, a volume control, an audio input (e.g., a wireless audio input or an audio input jack), and a battery compartment. A second aspect of the present invention is that the speakers do not face in a direction that is perpendicular to the plane defined by the soundboard. Rather, they face in a direction that is at some other angle, such as angled at least about thirty degrees from being perpendicular to the plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soundboard of composite fibre material construction for acoustic musical instruments, comprising at least three sheets which each extend over a substantial part of the entire surface of the soundboard, of which the two outer sheets each contain a layer of long fibres embedded in a carrier material and the middle sheet has a lower density than the two outer sheets. In this case the long fibres of the two outer sheets are disposed parallel to one another in the respective sheet and—relative to an imaginary vertical longitudinal central plane of the soundboard—extend at acute angles between 2 and 25°. In this way a markedly improve acoustic quality and simplified production are achieved.

Abstract: A string musical instrument having a body with a hole in the center for sound resonance, an upper bridge at the top and a lower bridge at the bottom. There is a plurality of long frets connected with the top of the body directly below the upper bridge whereby the frets are distanced so as to produce sounds that are a half note apart. There is also a plurality of tuning boxes attached to the bottom of the body, which are used to tune the instrument. There is further a plurality of strings, running through the upper and lower bridge secured from the top on the back of the body and from the bottom to the tuning box. A performer holds the instrument with the bottom on his lap and places one hand on the top over the upper bridge with fingers projected over the frets to change the pitch and with the fingers of the other free hand plucks the string to produce music.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a musical instrument, in which method a musical instrument is manufacturing for one or several parts and of which parts at least one part is manufactured of plastic material compound, which includes thermoplastic polymer. The present invention relates also to a musical instrument, which instrument has been manufactured of one or several parts and of which parts at least a part has been manufactured of plastic material compound, which includes thermoplastic polymer. Characteristic to the method in accordance with the invention is the fact that plastic material compound is made by mixing natural fibers to thermoplastic polymer and that a musical instrument or its parts are manufactured of plastic material compound by injection moulding such that the natural fibers in plastic material compound are directed mainly in certain, desired direction in respect of the musical instrument or its part while moulding.

Abstract: An acoustic stringed instrument includes a multi-tiered neck-body joint that removably secures the neck to the body, provides a superior structural and acoustical coupling and enables an expanded treble cutaway that provides improved access to higher regions of the neck and elimination of the neck heel and other external structures in the vicinity of the neck joint.

Abstract: An ergonomic stringed instrument is described, presenting a novel ergonomic design incorporating one or more of an angled waist, provided as part of the waist portion of the stringed instrument bowl or body, and a contoured ridge, provided along at least a portion of the back of the stringed instrument bowl or body. The angled waist is provided on the treble side of the stringed instrument, which side may rest on the leg of a performer, and is configured with an angled contour towards the back of the stringed instrument. The contoured ridge runs along at least a portion of the bass side of the stringed instrument back and defines at least a slightly concave portion on the treble side of the contoured ridge.

Abstract: An acoustical guitar characterized by a relieved formation in a side edge and adjacent back portion of the guitar, the relieved portion being shaped to provide space for the breast of an instrumentalist, whereby pressure against the breast of the instrumentalist is relieved during use of the guitar. The relieved formation may be a cup-shaped member designed to fit the breast size of a female instrumentalist.

Abstract: A family of stringed musical instruments has improved tonal quality. The top plate is cylindrically curved parallel to the strings, and the back plate is cylindrically curved along an axis perpendicular to the strings. The transverse braces supporting the top plate are scalloped, leaving substantial air gaps along the glue line once the brace is attached. The back plate is supported by a substantial longitudinal brace, or spine, which runs down its center parallel to the strings. The spine contains a substantial portion of the mass of the back plate. The spine and braces are produced as a laminate, with spruce surrounding a core of ebony. These musical instruments have improved harmonic generation over common instruments, and therefore have a more complex and pleasing tone than common instruments. In addition, there is little spatial variation for the harmonics produced by these musical instruments.

Abstract: A guitar body is formed of a generally solid material having a cavity formed therein and substantially lacking a soundboard. A soundboard is formed of a generally planar material attached to the solid material, so as to substantially cover the cavity.

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.

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.