Abstract: A stringed musical instrument having an elongate neck and a body which may have a resonant cavity at one end and a head at the other end thereof. Strings extend across the neck and, when vibrated, generate musical sounds. The invention relies upon fingerboards which are removable so that one type of fingerboard may be substitutable for another type of fingerboard in order to generate sounds of different timber or of different qualities. Thus, fretted fingerboards are substitutable for non-fretted fingerboards. Moreover, and in a preferred embodiment, the fingerboards are inserted onto the neck of the instrument and can be slid into and out of interlocking elements from one longitudinal side of the neck of the instrument. In one embodiment of the invention, dovetail projections are formed on the neck of the musical instrument and corresponding notches or grooves are formed on the underside of the fingerboard to permit an interlocking arrangement of the fingerboard on the neck of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A stringed-instrument practice device for improving a player's rhythm-hand technique involved in playing a stringed instrument. Such a device may have a generally rectangular base including a plurality of tunable strings. The base has two rests thereon with a series of fixed screws for fixing one end of each string and a series of adjustable screws for attachment to the other end of each string. Adjustment of the adjustable screws allows adjustment of the tension in each string. The practice device is desirably fitted with a transducer/microphone that allows connection of the instrument to an external amplifier and may have an in-built rhythm generator, amplifier, earphone jack or speaker, and controls therefor incorporated into the device.

Abstract: A method and device for optimizing the position of the strings on stringed and plucked instruments, especially guitars, and for improving the playability of such instruments. The instruments include strings which are stretched across a fretted or fretless fingerboard, wherein the profile of the fingerboard surface is measured underneath each individual tightened string. The optimum form of the fingerboard surface is determined for each string by a computer on the basis of string parameters, the aim being to keep the distance between the strings and the fret surfaces to a minimum without impeding the vibration of the strings. Subsequently, the differences between the calculated and real fingerboard surface profiles are compensated by a computer-controlled machine. The instrument which is tuned with high precision and adjusted to a minimum string position is characterized by excellent playability and clear intonation.

Abstract: This application relates to various stepped pitch instruments crafted to a novel musical tuning system for the generated frequencies. As such, the tone selection devices are arranged to a distinct set of interval specifications when compared to the tone selection devices for a prior art instrument crafted to sound the common frequencies of 12 tone equal temperament. To generate the bicameral tones, the preferred tuning system utilizes two different series of Pythagorean perfect fifths separated by a known reference interval. Relative to 12 tone, the instant tuning system is primarily concerned both with improving the sour major and minor thirds and perfecting the slightly flat fifths. Substantially fewer tones per octave are used than the number required by standard just intonation. Various modifications to existing prior art instruments are described, as well as a novel enharmonic multitone keyboard.

Abstract: The present invention relates to musical instruments and methods and apparatus for producing notes of a musical scale with real strings. More particularly, it relates to the division by frets, of the fingerboard, or neck, of a fretted stringed musical instrument, to obtain a desired musical scale with a specific set of strings. One embodiment of the invention is described in which the 12-tone equal-tempered scale is accurately produced on a guitar with steel strings having sufficient bending stiffness to cause audible intonation errors inherent in steel-stringed guitars of prior art. According to another embodiment of the invention, the musical scale is additionally tempered to approximate the 12-tone, equal-tempered scale while minimizing audible beats that occur when playing intervals and chords due to inharmonic frequency components inherent in tones generated by vibrating guitar strings. Manufacturing methods with respect to wound strings, and with respect to boundary conditions, are also explained.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument having an elongate neck and a body which may have a resonant cavity at one end and a head at the other end thereof. Strings extend across the neck and, when vibrated, generate musical sounds. The invention relies upon fingerboards which are removable so that a fingerboard can easily be repaired and replaced, or otherwise so that one fingerboard may be substitutable for another type of fingerboard in order to generate sounds of different timber or of different qualities. In a preferred embodiment, fretted fingerboards are substitutable for non-fretted fingerboards. Moreover, and in a preferred embodiment, the fingerboards are slid into and out of slots having beveled edges in the neck of the instrument.

Abstract: The present invention includes a string instrument that includes a neck having a finger board, a finger board having a plurality of frets and having a finger board axis along the length of the finger board, the frets having substantially parallel fret axes, and the fret axes oriented at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the finger board axis. The non-perpendicular angle is an obtuse angle or an acute angle. The string instruments are fretted string instruments including a guitar, a harp, a zither, an electric guitar, a bass guitar, mandolin, sitar, ukulele, and banjo. It is another object of the invention to provide a method of manufacturing a string instrument that includes the steps of attaching the plurality of the substantially parallel frets on the finger board of the instrument along the length of the finger board at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the finger board axis; and, forming and assembling the string instrument. The invention also provides a kit for playing music.

Abstract: A compensator system for a stringed instrument is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of compensator blocks selectively positionable on the fretboard of a stringed instrument between its transverse projections. The compensator blocks extend upwardly in contact with the strings of the instrument. The blocks have a generally rectangular lower planar surface of a first length and first width and an upper planar surface of a second length and a second width. The width of the upper surface of the blocks is less than the width of the lower surface of the blocks thus forming tapered side walls between the upper and lower surfaces to form a trapezoidally-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The length of the lower surface of each block is essentially equal to the length of the fretboard between adjacent projections of the instrument.

Abstract: Indicators for a stringed musical instrument having a fingerboard and strings stretched over the fingerboard. The indicators indicate the pitch produced when the string is pressed down against the fingerboard and plucked or bowed. There may be indicators for some or all of the twelve half steps of a chromatic scale (A; A.music-sharp., which is equivalent to B.music-flat.; B; C; C.music-sharp., which is equivalent to D.music-flat.; D; D.music-sharp., which is equivalent to E.music-flat.; E; F; F.music-sharp., which is equivalent to G.music-flat.; G; and G.music-sharp., which is equivalent to A.music-flat.). The indicators may be colored black and white like a piano keyboard. The invention includes a method for making portions of musical instruments having such indicators.

Abstract: A fretted stringed musical instrument is provided with channels which can removably accommodate frets. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the channels are provided at locations where it is sometimes, but not always, desirable to have a fret. The frets which are standard to the instrument may remain imbedded in the fingerboard. Alternatively, channels may be provided at all possible fret locations such that the instrument can be played fretted or unfretted. This embodiment would eliminate the need for expensive, time consuming, and instrument damaging refretting operations. In another embodiment of the invention, a set of tempered frets can be used to change the temperament of the instrument, such as from equal temperament to mean temperament in an Appalachian dulcimer. In another embodiment, using frets having a variety of lengths, it also becomes possible to fret only certain strings.

Abstract: The present invention includes a string instrument that includes a neck having a finger board, a finger board having a plurality of frets and having a finger board axis along the length of the finger board, the frets having substantially parallel fret axes, and the fret axes oriented at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the finger board axis. The non-perpendicular angle is an obtuse angle or an acute angle. The string instruments are fretted string instruments including a guitar, a harp, a zither, an electric guitar, a bass guitar, mandolin, sitar, ukulele, and banjo. It is another object of the invention to provide a method of manufacturing a string instrument that includes the steps of attaching the plurality of the substantially parallel frets on the finger board of the instrument along the length of the finger board at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the finger board axis; and, forming and assembling the string instrument. The invention also provides a kit for playing music.

Abstract: An improved neck for a guitar which is comprised of a elongated body, an elongated fingerboard, and an elongated strip. The fingerboard is mounted longitudinally of the body on the upper side of the body. The strip is mounted in the neck longitudinally of the body and fingerboard and near the junction between the body and fingerboard and being substantially parallel to the junction. The strip has a modulus of elasticity greater than the body and fingerboard. The strip can have a domed upper surface and a flat bottom surface and may be adhesively secured to, or molded, to the fingerboard in a wide shallow groove formed in the bottom of the fingerboard. The strip and fingerboard may be laminated to the top surface of the neck body. The neck body may have a truss rod or lever system therein.

Abstract: An elongated string support for a stringed musical instrument includes a finger-board surface having a bass side and a treble side and extending between a proximal end and a distal end relative to the stringed musical instrument to support strings in close proximity thereto. The finger-board surface follows a longitudinally twisted path with an angle of twist increasing progressively from the proximal end to the distal end and the finger-board surface has a non-uniform radius extending between at least either one of the bass side and the treble side and one of the proximal end and the distal end.

Abstract: A guitar includes a guitar body having a bridge, and an elongated neck having a first end connected to the guitar body and a second end joined to a head having a series of tuning pegs. A plurality of vibratable musical strings is stretched along the length of the neck between the tuning pegs and the bridge. A plurality of longitudinally spaced frets is fixedly mounted on the neck in spaced relationship beneath the strings. Each of the strings is adapted to be depressed against any one of the frets to produce a note of a particular pitch. The interval between a first note associated with one fret and a second note with the same name associated with another fret defines at least one octave unit. A fret attachment is disposed upon the guitar body between the first end of the neck and the bridge and is spaced beneath at least one of the strings.

Abstract: A fully adjustable acoustic guitar bridge is claimed that allows the strings (nylon or steel) of an acoustic guitar to be separately and continuously intonated accurately and easily whenever necessary. The bridge system employs a minimum of alterations to the traditional non-adjustable acoustic guitar bridge to retain the acoustic qualities of the instrument. Recessed, rear-loaded cap screws utilize the forward pull of the guitar strings to stabilize the adjustable saddles. A threaded saddle capture on each saddle provides stability, continuous threading capability, and the freedom to use acoustically resonant materials (bone, phenolic, composites, etc.) for saddles. These features eliminate the need for springs or other fasteners, which would have a negative effect on the acoustic guitar's tone and sustain. A rosewood shim is employed on acoustic/electric guitars over the internal bridge pickup.

Abstract: A musical instrument, such as a guitar, having strings across a bridge, a finger board and a nut wherein the bridge, finger board, and nut have a concave curvature. Preferably, the concave curvature is a hyperbolic curve. The resulting string arrangement is designed to minimize wrist and finger strain associated with playing the instrument.

Abstract: A guitar fingerboard provided with modular fretboard construction for ease of fretboard replacement, superior fret anchoring bi-directional string bending, and a fretboard design with longitudinal facets cut on a latitudinal arc shape that undulates from fret land areas in high regions to low regions substantially midway between the fret spacing that generates a musical scale progression, for increased playing action. The modular feature is due to a dovetailed form constructed in the fretboard and the neck of the stringed instrument to allow easy and fast replacement of the fretboard. The geometric configuration of the base of the fret, anchors the fret into the fretboard giving it superior stability. The arc facets are formed in a transverse direction to the length of the fretboard and are undulated from high regions at the fret to low regions between the frets by means of a transverse arc form defining fingering regions.

Abstract: A fully adjustable acoustic guitar bridge is claimed that allows the strings (nylon or steel) of an acoustic guitar to be separately and continuously intonated accurately and easily whenever necessary. The bridge system employs a minimum of alterations to the traditional non-adjustable acoustic guitar bridge to retain the acoustic qualities of the instrument. Recessed, rear-loaded cap screws utilize the forward pull of the guitar strings to stabilize the adjustable saddles. A threaded saddle capture on each saddle provides stability, continuous threading capability, and the freedom to use acoustically resonant materials (bone, phenolic, composites, etc.) for saddles. These features eliminate the need for springs or other fasteners, which would have a negative effect on the acoustic guitar's tone and sustain. A rosewood shim is employed on acoustic/electric guitars over the internal bridge pickup.

Abstract: An attachable and removable illuminated fiber optic strand adhered to the top side surface of a guitar neck and which conducts light to a plurality of predetermined proportionally etched abrasions exposed along the longitudinal length of the optically conductive fiber optic strand. The device provides multiple illuminated points of light along the top side surface of the guitar neck facing the guitarist, thereby allowing the instrument to be played in the dark and producing a pleasing visual effect.

Abstract: A light weight guitar construction and associated method of manufacture involves the use of a light weight wood core material having deposited thereover a strengthening layer preferably of carbon fiber and a fiberglass sheet layer both impregnated with a high temperature resin. A piezoelectric crystal transducer system is used individually with each string for sensing string vibrations. An improved fret board construction is employed. In one feature of the present invention each of the frets have coupled thereto circuit runs for signal coupling.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument (12) that can be played either in a fretted or a fretless mode includes an interconnected fret assembly (38) including frets (24) and a longitudinal fret interconnecting member (40) that is attached to, and movable with, the frets. A movable linear cam structure (46) has two cams at each fret, one positioned on each side of the fret interconnecting member, and includes rack teeth (52) which mesh with a pinion (62) driven by a lever (66) for causing linear movement of the linear cam structure. The interconnecting member is an elongated slat (40) which is positioned in a slot (50) between the cams. The linear-movable cam includes an elongated guide protrusion (56) and an interior cavity (30) of the fingerboard, in which the cam rides, defines an elongated guide slot (58) for receiving the guide protrusion and thereby limiting lateral movement of the linear cam. The linear cam structure and the interior cavity have tapered lateral sides.

Abstract: Strings and frets are simulated in a resilient fingerboard controller for synthesizer-type musical instruments. Raised string-faces and fret-faces simulate the feel of conventional strings and frets. Embedded sensor strips connect to an external customized encoder. In operation, notes are selected in the manner of conventional guitar fret-stopping but with either hand or both hands simultaneously. The pitch of each note is under real time control of the player's finger tips via pressure exerted in either lateral direction against the simulated strings, bending the pitch upward in proportion to the amount of such pressure in either direction as is usual in stringed instruments, or, alternatively, bending the pitch up or down depending on the direction of the pressure. Optional fret-bend sensors enable proportional control over additional effects.

Abstract: A guitar or other similar musical string instrument having a fret-bearing fingerboard of conventional size and shape in which are placed oblique, almost parallel, arcuate frets. Frets are arranged on the fingerboard of this invention in an oblique-to-the-string relationship, appearing almost parallel and slightly arced so as to maintain a correspondence between the fret-string intersections of the invention and the fret-string intersections of the similar conventional instrument. Arcing the frets, and departing from precise parallelism, assures maintenance of the diatonic scale and the corresponding fret-string intersection relationship between the invention and a similar, but conventional, instrument. Such a familiarity and correspondence allows seasoned musicians to convert over to the invention instrument(s) with little or no difficulty.

Abstract: A musical instrument having at least six strings tuned and fingered like an electric guitar, and having a symmetrically arched fingerboard (12 or 13), nut (31) and bridge (15 or 16) configuration to allow each string to be played individually with a violin bow. In addition, a transducer (26 or 29) is mounted at the bridge to pick up the bowed sound and the arched double coil pick-up (14) is mounted underneath the strings to pick up the plucked sound of the string. An adjustable support mechanism (20) allows the instrument to be held so that the bow passes over the shoulder or clavicle. The bridge position relative to the player's body allows a scale length equal to that of the guitar to be practical. The fact that this instrument is played with a bow allows the fingerboard to be extended to 40 frets or the equivalent.

Abstract: A fingerboard construction for a stringed instrument such as a guitar employs a fret placement resulting in a sound characterized by perfect pitch octaves, fifths and fourths. According to the first fret placement, which begins by placing the twelfth fret, high E, exactly at half the distance between the nut and bridge of the fingerboard, perfect fourths can be found at exactly half the distance between their respective fifths.

Abstract: A stringed instrument fingerboard having a first fretted portion and a first fretless portion in which frets would occur if the pattern of the fret locations in the fretted portion had been extended thereover.

Abstract: A method of playing a fretted string instrument having a body, a neck, a single elongated fingerboard on the neck and conventional strings in tension over the body between a head and bridge thereof; the fingerboard extending rearwardly of the neck over the body and including at least about twenty-five frets, a substantial number of which frets overlie the body, means for retaining the instrument against the body of the instrumentalist and angularly disposed relative to the vertical, the fingerboard being outwardly convexed, the forward edges of the body adjacent the fingerboard diverging rearwardly, the fingerboard thereby being accessible to the fingers of both hands approaching the fingerboard from opposite sides throughout the length of the fingerboard, neck and body, the method comprising the instrumentalist retaining the instrument against the instrumentalist's body and angularly disposed relative to the vertical with the single fingerboard facing outwardly, approaching the strings with the fingers of on

Abstract: An improved fingerboard for a stringed instrument having a series of substantially planar raised surfaces, each surface having an edge disposed toward the nut of the instrument, a "fret edge". The fret edges are located at fret positions along the strings and may be provided by the attachment of fret blocks to the fingerboard. Between the raised surfaces are recessed surfaces which are at least partially inclined to verge upon the fret edges of the raised surfaces. Alternatively, the raised surfaces and recessed surfaces may be formed of a single monolithic member. The fingerboard is a modular unit which may be installed on the neck of the instrument or may comprise the neck of the instrument itself. Recessed surfaces may include indicator means to show the fret position of a proximate fret edge.

Abstract: A fingerboard for plucked and stringed instruments comprises transversely extending frets for altering the pitch of strings which are tightened over the length of the fingerboard. The frets are divided up in the region in which the individual strings are tightened across them into fret elements which are adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the strings on the fingerboard. Structural sections in which the fret elements are individually displaceable over a large area are inserted in the fingerboard so as to extend continuously over substantially the entire length of the fingerboard and parallel to the strings. The fret elements are, furthermore, held by frictional connection in the structural sections in such a way that they are infinitely displaceable only by intentional, external force acting in the longitudinal direction of the structural sections.

Abstract: For a musical instrument, a fingering display apparatus that includes a number of electrical switches manually operable to designate a desired musical note, either alone or as the root note for a desired scale or chord. For each of the notes designated by the switches, means are provided to activate a sub-display showing all of the possible fingering positions for that note. If a scale or chord is designated, then all of the fingering positions for all of the notes of the entire scale or chord are displayed. One form of the display, using small electrical lamps, is mounted on the fret-board of a guitar.

Abstract: A fingerboard or fret board for a stringed instrument utilizing a neck portion including a surface over which a plurality of strings are tensioned between a saddle of a bridge and a nut. Also, included are a series of straight frets which are aligned in a non-parallel pattern relative to one another to provide ach string with a different scale length.

Abstract: Improved neck structure for a stringed instrument which utilizes fiber-oriented graphite composite for formation of an elongated T-bar element that serves as the rigidifier and primary part connected between the instrument body and the peghead. The neck structure further utilizes a plurality of pin-connected frets which do not require transverse scoring or grooving of the fingerboard portion of the neck structure.

Abstract: A musical training device for stringed instruments having a neck with a fret board includes a fret support plate that extends over the instrument neck and includes regularly spaced transverse raised frets defining therebetween spaces receptive of the musician's fingers. A matrix of thin lights displayed upon the fret board are contained within the fret board and include electroluminescent flat light displays viewable from a wide angle and under ambient lighting conditions and capable of indicating the actual musical note of each position at each position, each comprising at least in part a phosphor layer and an electrode for applying an electric field across the phosphor layer.

Abstract: An inventive positioner adapted to secure a string of a guitar or other fretted stringed instrument at fret positions in order to quickly and easily vary the length of the string available for vibration to change the pitch when the string is plucked. The positioner describes a threaded machine screw received in a metal insert, the insert fixedly held in the fretboard of the neck of the guitar. The positioner screw is angled at a preferred 55.degree. angle with respect to the fretboard and so positioned that it hooks the string in a locking downward "V" catch to secure holding the string against the fretboard so that the string will rise up and engage the adjacent fret between the positioner and the guitar main body. The guitar string is not moved laterally when it is engaged and held.A plurality of positioners are provided for each of the guitar strings behind each fret throughout the length of the fretboard in order that each guitar string effective vibrating length may be changed as desired.

Abstract: An adjustable string contact system is disclosed for a musical instrument and, in a preferred embodiment, includes an elongate neck member which provides a means for supporting musical strings and an elongate member having frets located thereon for providing means to shorten the vibrating length of the strings to produce variations in musical pitch. In this preferred embodiment, these members comprise a neck body with a fingerboard mounted on its upper surface. The fingerboard has a plurality of transverse slots for receiving a fret into each of the slots so that the frets are generally perpendicular to, and below the strings. The frets are connected to a pair of longitudinally extending, spaced-apart rails located generally in the neck body. The frets are movable in the slots and provision is made for moving the rails toward and away from the strings at selected positions permitting adjustment of the distance of the frets from the strings.

Abstract: A fret for the fingerboard of a plucked stringed instrument, in particular, a guitar, comprises a metal body including on its side facing the string a structural groove extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fret. A plastic or metal insert into which the fingered string presses slightly so as to be held stationarily and prevented from "whizzing" is replaceably inserted into this structural groove.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument provided with a neck and body such as a guitar comprises a fingerboard the frets of which are retractable under the control of the player.

Abstract: Electric stringed musical instruments having an elongated fingerboard, an upper headpiece and nut and a lower tailpiece and bridge, with a first set of primary frets placed in regular sequence along the fingerboard from its upper end to is lower end and a set of secondary frets each placed intermediate a pair of primary frets along the fingerboard. Each secondary fret is so placed between two primary frets that upon depression of a string of the instrument between any selected pair of frets comprising a primary fret and an adjacent secondary fret, accompanied by plucking or strumming of the string, two harmonically resolved musical notes are generated. One of such notes is related to the length of the portion of the string between the lower fret of the selected pair of frets and the lower bridge of the instrument and is picked up by a pickup head of a lower magnetic pickup assembly.

Abstract: A fretted fingerboard having transverse, shallow U-shaped grooves which receives circular fret rods formed from durable metal provides an improved playing surface for fretted stringed instruments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fingerboard for stringed instruments, especially guitars, comprising transversely extending frets for varying the pitch of taut strings extending lengthwise over the fingerboard. In order to improve tuning of the instrument, the frets are divided into fret elements in the region of the individual strings extending thereover. The fret elements are individually adjustable on the fingerboard in the longitudinal direction of the strings.

Abstract: A string instrument of guitar type which is constructed to allow both individual notes and chords to be played thereon. The instrument is tuned in such a manner that the pitch difference of the open string notes obtained by adjacent strings (4) alternately is three and four semitones. Each fret (5) on the instrument represents one whole tone. The tuning of the instrument thus is adapted to the traditional occidental harmony of music. The instrument is designed in two different embodiments, viz., as an acoustic instrument and as an electric instrument. As a beginner's instrument in both the acoustic and electric variety it comprises preferably 4 to 6 strings (4). In other embodiments the string instrument is designed to comprise any number of strings between 6 and 13. The increased number of strings increases the range of notes and tone variety of the instrument. The string instrument may be played using available guitar literature as well as existing piano literature.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the string supporting assembly of various types of string musical instruments, typified by a guitar. Each string of the instrument is held in skew alignment relative to one or more of the respective strings supported by the assembly to make chording finger positions comfortable.

Abstract: A guitar having strings to be played in conjunction with a manually-held slide bar has an indicator for the proper position of the slide bar along the length of the strings. This position indicator is located between two adjacent strings, the strings on one side of the indicator being tuned to a first major chord and certain of the strings on the other side of the indicator being tuned to a different major chord. The position indicator includes a carrier resiliently mounted at opposite ends and carrying upstanding longitudinally spaced projections, each projection forming a pair of opposed longitudinally spaced abutments engageable by the slide bar at the correct positions along the strings.

Abstract: A fret assembly for a stringed musical instrument having an elongated neck body, comprising a ladder-like structure including a pair of elongated support rods upon which are fixed a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transverse fret bars, and a clamp member for detachably securing the support rods longitudinally upon the top surface of the neck body.

Abstract: A guitar is provided which, while being held in the traditional guitar playing position, may be strummed or bowed interchangeably, as desired. This is accomplished by constructing the nut, neck and bridge each to be formed having an arcuate surface to support the strings in an arcuate disposition. Furthermore, when the guitar is held in the traditional, generally vertical position, the corresponding upper edge portions of the nut, neck and bridge are raised so as to be greater in height than the opposite edge portions thereof to locate the arcuate surfaces asymmetrically relative to the body of the instrument to support the strings either for strumming, plucking or bowing.

Abstract: An improved fret, nut and/or, bridge saddle for stringed instruments comprises a polished aluminum oxide ceramic. The ceramic of this invention is long lasting and provides improved tonal clarity, and can increase greatly the ease with which a strummed instrument can be played.

Abstract: An electric bass guitar with retractable frets for the purpose of for example enabling the musician to perform dynamic slides without volume attenuation of the slide by moving the frets down into the neck of the guitar out of play. The retractable frets provide dual positions to choose from in regard to fret positions: a first, retracted position which provides frets flush with the fretboard, giving the electric bass a fretless guitar characteristic, and a second, non-retracted position which provides frets protruding out of the plane of the fretboard as in a conventional guitar; or alternatively the selection of retracting only certain desired one of the frets without interrupting the effectiveness of the remaining frets.The neck includes on its upper side a lateral, inclined slope upon which the wedge-shaped frets ride. As the frets are moved across the neck, and ride up the slope, they rise up out from the neck body and protrude above it to be in their operative disposition.

Abstract: A new musical eight-string instrument in which the body, or resonance chamber, has an ovoidal lute-like shell and a flat sound board having an oval-shape contour, with a larger arc on the bass string side of the neck and a smaller arc followed by a concave portion on the other side of the neck. The larger side meets with the neck at the twelfth fret, while the smaller side meets the neck at the twentieth fret to allow easy access to the strings at all frets. The neck of instrument is joined to the shell by a spine. This new instrument is also tuned in a new manner, so that its eighth open strings are tuned in seven superimposed intervals of four half-tones, in order to make it much easier for the finger board fingers of the player. A positive note identification means is also disclosed for the finger board of any string musical instrument, consisting of rectangular areas of visually contrasting shades, one shade for the natural notes and another shade for the altered notes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a guitar neck and body made from moldable materials such that the finished guitar may be made either solid, semi-solid, or substantially hollow, and wherein the structure further includes interconnection areas between the various components to provide a finished article which can be durable, require less manufacturing processes, while simultaneously providing performance characteristics at least comparable to conventional designs for guitars.

Abstract: An electrical device is disclosed herein for training a student to play a string instrument which includes a first group of visual indicators mounted on the neck of a fret board and each indicator being immediately beneath and in registry with a particular string and fret of the instrument so as to identify therewith. A second group or plurality of visual indicators are mounted on the fret board adjacent the sounding hole in spaced relationship to the first plurality of visual indicators and each one is associated with a particular string to be strummed for a particular musical chord.