Abstract: A guitar comprising a sound box that comprises an upper sound board having a sound hole, a lower sound board, a resonator plate comprising a relatively thin sturdy material exhibiting a vibrational springy characteristic, with the resonator plate supporting a bridge, and a resonator conductor positioned between the upper and lower sound boards for transmitting vibrations directly from the resonator plate to the lower sound board and to create additional air vibrations within the sound box.

Abstract: A system for changing the acoustical characteristics of a musical membranophone having a vibrating membrane or a stringed musical instrument having a sound box includes an overlay including indicia dividing a surface of the vibrating membrane or sound box into discrete zones enabling a user to position magnetic members to obtain predictable effects based on experimentation or a guide such as a diagram illustrating the position of magnetic members on the overlay, a first rare earth magnetic member is adapted to be disposed on a first side of the membrane or sound box, a second rare earth magnetic member is disposed on an opposed side of the membrane or sound box such that the first and second magnetic members are magnetically engaged on opposed sides of the membrane or sound box wherein the mass of the first and second magnetic member is sufficient to change the acoustical characteristics of the instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stringed musical instrument comprising a hollow body with a top having a first opening or openings, a bottom and sides, one or more strings held in tension over said body, a bridge supporting the strings and positioned on the top adjacent the first opening or openings, a diaphragm resonator provided inside the hollow body and connected to the top below and surrounding the first opening or openings, and at least one second opening. According to the invention the bridge is suspended to the body and connected to the diaphragm resonator such that the vibration of the strings passes through the bridge to the diaphragm resonator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stringed musical instrument comprising a hollow body with a top having a first opening or openings, a bottom and sides, one or more strings held in tension over said body, a bridge supporting the strings and positioned on the top adjacent the first opening or openings, a diaphragm resonator provided inside the hollow body and connected to the top below and surrounding the first opening or openings, and at least one second opening. According to the invention the bridge is suspended to the body and connected to the diaphragm resonator such that the vibration of the strings passes through the bridge to the diaphragm resonator.

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: A guitar or similar musical instrument with a resonator cone insert has been improved in several respects. My improvements include the development of a structural support ring made of graphite with circumferentially aligned strengthening fibers integrated within the circumference of the support structure, a sealing ring for sealing the cone cover in the structural support ring, the sealing ring being tubular in cross section and compressed to a figure-8 cross section to create additional pressure for holding the cover plate in place securely and eliminating "rattling" of the cover plate to distract from the sound of the instrument. Another feature of the design of the present invention is the provision of a interlocking connection between the structural support ring and the resonator support ring which allows one to change the size, shape and configuration of the resonator support ring to create different sounds.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument having a sound box including a resonator having a solid top wall and a resonator chamber opening through the bottom surface of the sound box, and a bridge bar in contact with both the top wall of the resonator and the strings of the instrument.

Abstract: A stringed instrument, such as a violin, is provided wherein the bridge of the instrument rests on a resonator bar, and the resonator bar has a plurality of individually-tuned resonators. A pickup, either electronic or acoustic, is coupled to the resonator bar. The output can be purely acoustic or, if an electronic transducer is used, it can be coupled to an amplifier and the output made almost entirely electronic. A mixed electronic and acoustic output can also be obtained. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a variable damping feature is provided.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument having an instrument body, a neck mounted on and extending from said body, and at least one string, an end of which is secured to the extremity of the neck remote from said body and an end of which is secured to said body, this string being under tension and extending adjacent to the neck and the body between its ends, can be improved by pivotally mounting the neck on the body and by using a cam and cam follower structure to adjust the position of the neck relative to the body. The cam and cam follower structure is employed so as to equalize the component of the force exerted by the string on the neck tending to deform the neck. Preferably the instrument has two somewhat flexible resonator structures within the body of the instrument and means connecting both of the resonator structures to a bridge supporting the string or strings of the instrument. These connecting means are employed to transmit vibration to both of the resonator structures.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument having an instrument body, a neck mounted on and extending from said body, and at least one string, an end of which is secured to the extremity of the neck remote from said body and an end of which is secured to said body, this string being under tension and extending adjacent to the neck and the body between its ends, can be improved by pivotally mounting the neck on the body and by using a cam and cam follower structure to adjust the position of the neck relative to the body. The cam and cam follower structure is employed so as to equalize the component of the force exerted by the string on the neck tending to deform the neck. Preferably the instrument has two somewhat flexible resonator structures within the body of the instrument and means connecting both of the resonator structures to a bridge supporting the string or strings of the instrument. These connecting means are employed to transmit vibration to both of the resonator structures.

Abstract: This invention relates to musical instruments and in particular to attachments for application to guitars to change the tone of the latter.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument is disclosed having a resonating diaphragm mounted within the instrument body and carrying a bridge assembly which supports the strings so that the diaphragm vibrates in accordance with string motion to produce an improved tone. The diaphragm is mounted within the instrument in a novel and improved manner to facilitate construction of the instrument, and an improved bridge assembly structure is disclosed. Means are provided to adjust the pressure of the strings on the bridge assembly to prevent damage to the diaphragm and to obtain an improved tone quality. The improved diaphragm support structure, bridge assembly and string pressure regulating means are adaptable to a variety of instrument types and shapes.