Abstract: A system relating to providing improved bodies for stringed instruments. The present invention is directed toward the fabrication of alloy electric-guitar bodies utilizing CNC processes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a musical instrument using relatively thin metal sheet materials is disclosed. A metallic back plate is provided that has a peripheral edge. At least one metallic side plate with a peripheral edge is provided. Each side plate may be bent to conform to the shape of at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the back plate. A neck block and a tail piece may each be fixed to the inside surface of the back plate proximate the peripheral edge thereof. The neck block is adapted to be secured to a neck to the instrument, and the tail piece is adapted to secure two of the side plates together inside the instrument. Each side plate is fixed, such as with the adhesive, to the back plate, neck block and the tail piece. A metallic top plate is fixed to each side plate, the neck block and the tail piece. To the extent that the top plate and the bottom plate overhang or extend outwardly from the side plates, the overhanging portions are then removed with a router or the like.

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 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 support rod has a core and has a composite material covering at least a portion of the core. The support rod is suitable for use in enhancing the rigidity of the neck of a musical instrument, such as a guitar. The support rod is also suitable for use in a wide variety of other applications.

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 acoustic guitar having a soundboard and a head-plate made of a sheet of metal, such as a sheet of aluminum. The outward facing surfaces of the soundboard and head-plate are provided with a decorative appearance such as by etching or sanding a pattern thereon. The metal soundboard and head-plate provide the acoustic guitar with a unique appearance and enhance durability without adversely affecting the tonal qualities of the guitar.

Abstract: A stringed instrument has an instrument body, a neck pivotally attached to the body so as to allow rotation of neck from an operative position to a folded position and a string mount rotatably secured to the instrument body. At least one string has a first and a second end, the first end is attached to neck portion and the second end is attached to the string mount. A drive mechanism is also included for rotating the string mount in direct response to pivotal movement of the neck towards said body so as to wind the at least one string onto the string mount when the neck is pivotally moved between the operative position to the folded position. In a preferred embodiment rotation of the string mount preserves tension in the at least one string when the neck is pivotally moved from the operative to the folded position. When the neck is in the folded position the at least one string is stowed substantially wound on the string mount.

Abstract: Guitars have traditionally been manufactured from a variety of wood combinations to produce the best sound possible. The advent of modem day CNC machining has allowed for the construction of a hollow, lightweight, metallic stringed musical instrument body. This body can be constructed as a hollow body or solid body, as are traditional wood guitars, with or without the incorporation of sound amplification devices. This construction technique allows for unlimited body designs and modifications to produce a sound customized for the customer.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a guitar is provided. The stringed instrument includes a body and a neck adjustably and releasably mounted on the body so that the action of associated strings can be customized to a user's liking and then locked into a selected position.

Abstract: The present invention involves a stringed musical instrument having a lower portion comprised of a resonance body and an upper portion comprised of a neck and headstock. The resonance body encloses a resonating chamber and has a sound board and a bridge for fastening multiple strings. One or more sound holes are carried by the resonance body. The neck has an upper end from which the headstock extends and a lower end that is secured to the resonance body. Multiple pegs located in the headstock are connected to the strings for tightening and loosening the strings. One or more sound holes are located in the upper portion of the instrument. An elongated, hollow, enclosed passage is located in the upper portion of the instrument and communicates the resonating chamber with the one or more sound holes in the upper portion.

Abstract: The stringed instrument includes an aluminum head formed of a stepped annular flange with a shoulder intermediate smaller and larger diameter flange portions. A groove is formed in the shoulder to enable the smaller diameter flange portion to vibrate relative to the larger diameter flange portion. A membrane is stretched over the smaller diameter flange portion. The arm of the instrument is secured solely to the larger diameter flange portion by neck mount brackets screw-threaded to the head. The brackets permit angular adjustment of the arm relative to the membrane of the head. A full fingerboard capo is slidably mounted to the neck underlying the fretboard and has an arm spring-biased to engage the strings and to maintain the capo in selected positions along the length of the arm. A fifth string capo is slidably mounted to the fretboard and has a spring to maintain it in selected longitudinal position along the fretboard.

Abstract: A stringed, electric musical instrument, such as a guitar comprises an electroformed, seamless metallic body to which is attached the base portion of a neck assembly. In one embodiment of the invention the body is hollow and the base portion of the neck assembly is inserted into the body and fastened in contact with the inner surface of the top face of the body. In that embodiment, the bridge of the instrument is also fastened to the base portion of the neck assembly.

Abstract: A body for an electronic stringed instrument is disclosed in which an inner metal chassis is provided with a removable and replaceable outer body shell. The chassis has a first end adapted to receive and secure a neck of a guitar or similar instrument and an opposite end adapted to receive and secure a bridge. The chassis has at least one opening in its upper surface adapted to receive and secure an electric pickup. The body of the outer shell includes a lower portion which is removably secured to the metal chassis and an upper portion which is removably secured to the lower portion. The outer shell creates a cavity into which various electronic components may be secured. Because the outer shell is removable, various outer shell shapes may be secured to a single chassis. Additionally, the metal chassis of the present invention provides superior resonance qualities over conventional solid wooden body guitars.

Abstract: A body for an electronic stringed instrument is disclosed in which an inner chassis is provided with a removable and replaceable outer body shell. The chassis is manufactured of metal or a particularly hard plastic. The chassis has a first end adapted to receive and secure a neck of a guitar or similar instrument and an opposite end adapted to receive and secure a bridge. The chassis has at least one opening in its upper surface adapted to receive and secure an electric pickup. The body of the outer shell includes a lower portion which is removably secured to the metal chassis and an upper portion which is removably secured to the lower portion. The outer shell creates a cavity into which various electronic components may be secured. Because the outer shell is removable, various outer shell shapes may be secured to a single chassis. Additionally, the chassis of the present invention provides superior resonance qualities over conventional solid wooden body guitars.

Abstract: A sound producing instrument is shown having a plurality of vibrating strings supported over an elongated aluminum sounding board. The strings are solid wires of brass, bronze or steel that are tensioned to produce a range of vibrations within the audible sound range. The strings may be manipulated along their lengths in various ways to control the mode of vibration of each of the respective strings. An electronic means such as a crystal or magnetic microphone is provided adjacent to the sounding board to pick up the vibrations resulting from activating the vibratory motion of the strings, and amplifying means are used to reproduce the sounds developed by the instrument. In one embodiment, the microphone may be caused to move during the pickup by a remote controller, so as to provide different sound effects. A special cylinder is provided for creating special sound effects when used to agitate the strings.

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 guitar construction having a complete body, neck, head, nut and tail piece formed as a single, integral, metal casting with tuning pegs, finger board, bridge and strings mounted thereon. The body portion is in the usual bell-shaped outline, formed by a continuous metal rib with a plurality of other ribs, all integrally formed in the same casting, extending across the space enclosed by the continuous rib and themselves defining a plurality of other spaces extending through the body. Solid, planar sheets, preferably of transparent plastic, cover the front and rear sides of an opening defined by one set of ribs to form a hollow chamber. The bridge is affixed to one of the ribs defining the chamber to produce a resonant effect similar to that of a hollow body guitar, while retaining the open appearance and unitary construction. Conventional pick-up means for an electronic amplification system are mounted in one of the enclosed spaces.

Abstract: A guitar has a separate body and neck each made of a metallic frame combined with a mass of structural foamed plastic. A solid joint, involving metal to metal contact of the two frames, is provided between the body and the neck and is readily unmade to allow disassembly of the neck from the body for repair or replacement of either the body or the neck. The two frames provide a continuous metallic span from the nut to the bridge to inhibit bending under string tension and also to enhance sustain by reducing damping. The external surface of the neck and body plastic masses may be given a grain effect, color and finish causing such masses to closely simulate wood, yet the use of wood is entirely avoided to avoid its disadvantages such as its tendency to warp, crack or otherwise deteriorate with age and changes in temperature and humidity.