Abstract: An electronic switch for the upgrade of an electric stringed instrument for enhancing the musical or artistic performance of a user. The electronic switch has two parts. The first part consisting of a printed circuit board with terminals for wire connections. On the printed circuit board are solid state relays and other electronic components. They are electronically controlled by the second part that is an external user-controlled switch. The switch is an LED touch capacitance switch, also referred as but not limited to, a capacitance touch switch, or touch key. The capacitance touch switch has an LED light that changes colors from either a blue or green to red, but not limited to, indicating when the electronic switch is activated. When the LED touch capacitance switch activates the electronic switch board, the electronic switch board reroutes multiple signals that are attached to its terminal connectors.

Abstract: An adjustable capo for a stringed musical instrument includes a front jaw with a top arm and a rear jaw with a bottom arm. The rear jaw is pivotally attached to the front jaw about a first axis with the top arm biased rotationally in a direction toward the bottom arm about the first axis. The bottom arm is attached to a rear handle in a pivotal relationship about a second axis that is independent from the first axis. An adjuster is configured to adjust the pressure applied by the top arm on the strings of a musical instrument when the instrument neck is clamped between the top arm and bottom arm.

Abstract: A guitar fingering aid and method for its use to play a selected musical composition that includes a device for mounting onto a musician's hand that grips the instrument neck where the device is strapped along its top surface onto the one of the musician's middle fingers and includes at least one finger support that projects outwardly from a rectangular web main bar of the device, with the finger support mounted to extend at a right angle outwardly from a face of the rectangular web main bar that includes a string engaging rounded surface formed along the rectangular web main bar lower surface to extend across the instrument neck, and further includes at least a small finger bar for strapping onto the musician's small finger that has a flat string engaging surface, whereby the musician, by moving their hand and fingers appropriately, can pivot, rotate, tilt and vertically move the device and small finger bar up and down the instrument neck, to depress selected instrument strings in a sequence to play a musica

Abstract: A musical instrument including a vibrating member, such as a string, and a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism can include a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The first clamping member and the second clamping member can move between a first, undamped position to a second, clamped position. The clamping mechanism divides the vibrating member into a first portion and a second portion when the clamping mechanism is in the second, clamped position.

Abstract: A chord playing attachment and related method is disclosed. The chord playing attachment may be attached to a guitar or similar stringed instrument, and the user may use the chord playing attachment to learn to play the instrument. Unlike other chord playing attachments, the present invention discloses a design that does not function as a capo, which allows the user play chords in standard keys. The present invention also discloses tabs that may be removed or swapped by the user to allow the user to play some chords by pressing the strings directly and some by pressing a finger pad. The present invention encourages novices to learn to play the instrument in stages and eventually remove the invention entirely. A companion teaching manual is also disclosed.

Abstract: A guitar slide or other musical instrument string-contacting component has a core that consists essentially of a metal composition which is susceptible to the formation of nitrides and carbides of the metal composition upon proper exposure to carbon and nitrogen. A diffusion layer circumscribes the core and consists essentially of nitrides and carbides of the metal composition. A compound layer circumscribes the diffusion layer and consists essentially of the metal composition, nitrogen, and oxygen. In one physical embodiment, the guitar slide includes a generally tubular body having a conical outer surface tapering downward from a first open finger receiving end to a second smaller end. The outer surface and the inner surface are both preferably conical. In another physical embodiment, the guitar slide is provided with a domed end.

Abstract: A guitar slide adapted to be worn on a musician's finger has an annular end including a hole adapted for receiving the musician's finger, and a semiannualar end adapted to extend over a tip of the musician's finger. The semiannualar end-forms a recess adapted for the musician's finger to rest within and is configured such that the recess becomes wider as the distance from the annular end increases.

Abstract: A mechanical pitch shifter for changing the pitch of a stringed musical instrument is disclosed. The mechanical pitch shifter engages the musical instrument string between the end of operational length and point of string termination. This device comprises a base clamp 1 and thumbscrew 2 to attach to the musical instrument. This devise comprises a top bar 6 and cam 8 to engage and disengage the musical instrument string. Reaction force of the string is opposed by the thumbscrew 2. Fine tuning of the string pitch is achieved by turning a thumbwheel 3 thus changing the displacement between top bar 6 and base clamp 1.

Abstract: A guitar slide has a core that consists essentially of a metal composition which is susceptible to the formation of nitrides and carbides of the metal composition upon proper exposure to carbon and nitrogen. A diffusion layer circumscribes the core and consists essentially of nitrides and carbides of the metal composition. A compound layer circumscribes the diffusion layer and consists essentially of the metal composition, nitrogen, and oxygen. In one physical embodiment, the guitar slide includes a generally tubular body having a conical outer surface tapering downward from a first open finger receiving end to a second smaller end. The outer surface and the inner surface are both preferably conical. In another physical embodiment, the guitar slide is provided with a domed end. Other physical embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tubular shaped slide having first and second spaced ends for use with a fretted musical instrument, the first end having a diameter greater than the second end. The slide is positioned on the finger of a wearer such that the wearer's fingertip extends beyond the second end of the slide; the second end of the slide being formed at an angle to the vertical. A sizing slot extends along the length of the slide.

Abstract: A textured surface for improving grip on plectra and other hand-held implements. A series of parallel ridges serve to frictionally engage thumb and forefinger surfaces and “lock” the grip in place.

Abstract: A stringed instrument keyboard consists of a plate secured above a fingerboard of an instrument with multiple keys uniquely arranged on that plate. Each key consists of a rectangular key top, a key shaft extending downward from the key top through an access hole in the plate toward the fingerboard, and a key tip attached to the opposite end of the key shaft suitable for depressing an instrument string against a particular fret on the fingerboard. Pressing the key top causes the associated key tip to apply pressure to the string beneath that key in an opportune position to hold the string against an adjacent fret. Thumb levers may be used to depress certain keys. The keyboard facilitates learning how to play a stringed instrument, by simplifying the manipulation required to hold strings in appropriate positions and minimizing the pain associated with holding strings with finger tips.

Abstract: One embodiment of a tight fitting finger sleeve is presented which has a raised flexible bar to assist in playing a stringed musical instrument, such as a guitar, in a style that includes barre chords. The finger sleeve (10) is configured with an internal cavity (11) to accept the insertion of a musician's index finger (14) and is made of an elastomeric material that provides a frictional connection with the finger and can be repeatedly bent and straightened without restriction. In addition, a raised flexible bar (12) is attached to the finger sleeve (10) along the longitudinal axis from the proximal end (13) to the distal end (15) and is made of a flexible material that can be repeatedly bent and straightened without restriction while providing the rigidity required to compress a number of guitar strings (16) at various fret positions (17) along a guitar fingerboard (18) as required when playing barre chords.

Abstract: The finger-mounted striking devices described herein are for use on stringed musical instruments, in particular for but not limited to electric or acoustic bass instruments. The paired devices consist of elongated cylindrical wooden shafts of differing length. The offset in length allows the striking tips to be effectively even when worn as intended on the index and middle fingers. The striking tip of each shaft contains a permanently embedded weight to accelerate the transfer of finger movement to the shaft tip. The mechanism for attaching the elongated shaft to each finger is an adjustable metal ring permanently attached to the shaft end opposite the striking tip. An upward-sloped fingertip rest is provided forward of the ring. The entire body of each elongated shaft and the integral metal ring are encased in an elastomeric coating that prevents scratching of the instrument surface during use by the devices and seals the metal ring against corrosion from moisture.

Abstract: The present invention is a sliding chord producing device and method of use for a user playing a guitar with a neck, a plurality of strings and a plurality of frets. The device has a generally tubular metal handle with two metal support rods that can be grasped by the user that are perpendicularly attached to the handle. There is also a vertical generally tubular metal slide and a diagonal generally tubular metal slide that are in movable contact with the neck, the strings and the frets that are perpendicularly attached to the handle by the support rods at a fixed angle forming the device. The device can also be made of glass.

Abstract: The finger-mounted striking devices described herein are for use on stringed musical instruments, in particular for but not limited to electric or acoustic bass instruments. The paired devices consist of elongated cylindrical wooden shafts of differing length. The offset in length allows the striking tips to be effectively even when worn as intended on the index and middle fingers. The striking tip of each shaft contains a permanently embedded weight to accelerate the transfer of finger movement to the shaft tip. The mechanism for attaching the elongated shaft to each finger is an adjustable metal ring permanently attached to the shaft end opposite the striking tip. An upward-sloped fingertip rest is provided forward of the ring. The entire body of each elongated shaft and the integral metal ring are encased in an elastomeric coating that prevents scratching of the instrument surface during use by the devices and seals the metal ring against corrosion from moisture.

Abstract: This is a device that will securely store and hold a guitar slide while allowing the user to perform single-handed guitar slide transitions (installation or removal of a guitar slide) with minimal interruption.

Abstract: A capo (10) for use with a stringed instrument comprises a top arm (12), lower arm (16) and a lever arm (24). The top arm (12) is adapted to extend across a fingerboard of the instrument above the strings (4), and a side arm is connected and extending at an angle to the top arm and arranged to extend generally laterally of the neck (2) of the instrument. The lower arm (18) has one end pivotally attached to the side arm (16) at a lower arm pivot (20) and is adapted to abut against the back of the neck of the instrument when in a closed position. The lever arm has one end pivotally attached to the side arm (16) at a pivot (26) spaced from the lower arm pivot (20). The capo further includes an adjuster mechanism (28, 334) that extends and projects an adjustable amount from the lever arm (24) and has an end tip (32) which bears against the lower arm (24).

Abstract: A musical instrument slide including a body portion and a light source. The light source includes a switch for selective activation, enabling the slide body to emit light when activated. As the musician moves the slide across the strings as the instrument, such as a guitar, is played, a visual effect is created by the movement of the light. The body portion preferably is constructed of a material to pass light therethrough, and can be either wholly or partially clear or translucent, or a combination of both. Alternatively or in addition to the light source, the slide body can include an eccentric motor that causes the slide body to vibrate. This vibration, in turn, causes vibration of the guitar strings, or other string instrument, as the slide is positioned on the strings, or moved along the strings, by the musician.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a finger position on the playing surface of an instrument are described. A sensor module located at a selected location of the playing surface emits light that is reflected or diffused by a finger or an object near the selected location. The reflected or diffused light is sensed by the sensor module, which generates a signal indicative of the amount of light detected. Based on the signal, a location of the finger or object is determined. When the finger placement corresponds to a specific note or effect, a digital signal is generated indicating the note or effect.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting the movement of strings of an instrument are disclosed. According to some embodiments, one or more light emitting devices provide light to an array of photosensitive elements. One or more strings are disposed between the light emitting devices and the array such that the strings block a portion of the light form the light emitting devices over a portion of the array. A status of the one or more strings is determined based on the regions of detected and blocked light.

Abstract: A soft, removable forearm wrap worn on the user's forearm toward the wrist, which has “raised” artwork on it's exterior which faces away from it's user. This artwork has the appearance of part of a musical instrument fret board such as a guitar fret board (bass guitar, banjo, etc.) on it's exterior side (facing away from the user) and Velcro attachments on the inter side. This invention can be fabricated using cloth; preferably a soft, sturdy fabric such as burlap, cotton, or elastic, etc. having the musical instrument fret board embedded via of embroidery, or a raised painted surface so that the person using this invention, can have a “feel of the strings”, etc. as the tips of their fingers touch the “raised” string graphics, and “squeezing” as if really playing. Other material forming the “raised” fingerboard, such as plastic or wood, etc could accomplish the same “feel”.

Abstract: A device that allows a musician to conveniently play both slide guitar and traditional styles, that includes a ring-shape member to accurately receive the guitarists finger, upon which a second and wider half-cylindrical shaped bearing surface is attached via a tapered and joining rectangular base. The half-cylindrical bearing surface contacts with the string(s) of the instrument which vibrate against it. The device is constructed such that it also functions as jewelry, thereby being immediately accessible to the musician.

Abstract: A capo device has a clamping assembly and individually selectable pressure pad assemblies for compressing selected strings of a stringed instrument to selectively tune the stringed instrument. The pressure pad assemblies are adapted to be selectively vertically lifted or lowered relative to the strings of the stringed instrument to vary the permutations for chord tunings.

Abstract: A D-Tuner for mounting on the peghead of a banjo. The D-Tuner has keyed cam pegs, adjustable stops for limiting the extent of rotation of the cam pegs, and linear flexible members attached to the cam pegs. The flexible members are suitable for attachment to the second B string and third G string of a banjo for tuning the banjo when the keyed cam pegs are turned.

Abstract: A metal guitar slide ring, for playing a stringed musical instrument such as a guitar in a slide style, is configured to accept insertion of a musician's finger and still allow the fingertips to remain flexible and free to play instrument strings. The ring is configured with non-parallel ends so that the effective slide bar length that contacts the strings can be varied by the musician by rotating the ring about the finger. The range of adjustment along with the capability of wearing a plurality of rings simultaneously enable a musician to play up to 12 possible intervals on a guitar without retuning compared to 4 intervals with a conventional guitar slide. At least a portion of the ring may be coated with a hard smooth slide surface for substantially improved playing qualities, aesthetically appealing appearance, and superior comfort.

Abstract: A device that allows a musician to conveniently play both slide guitar and traditional styles, that includes a ring-shape member to accurately receive the guitarists finger, upon which a second and wider half-cylindrical shaped bearing surface is attached via a tapered and joining rectangular base. The half-cylindrical bearing surface contacts with the string(s) of the instrument which vibrate against it. The device is constructed such that it also functions as jewelry, thereby being immediately accessible to the musician.

Abstract: A machine for placement on the fingertips of players of stringed instruments with which the strings will picked or plucked. Designed as a set, the two picks do not collide as the musician moves his or her fingers to pick the stringed instrument, The abrasion of the interior of the picks, prevents pick slippage, even when worn comfortably loose, The forefinger pick is designed with a unique diagonal wrap that may be adjusted to fit a range of finger sizes, The middle finger pick is designed with wings that provide a gap which allows the adjacent pick to touch the skin of the middle finger instead of allowing metal to touch metal, The forefinger wrap is placed to avoid the metal of the middle finger pick and instead touch the skin of the middle finger, and The shank (the tip portion) may be adjusted or bent to the conformation desired by any given musician.

Abstract: A modular automated assistive guitar is described comprising a base assembly, a pick assembly, a strumming mechanism and a fretting mechanism which, in combination with a standard guitar or similar stringed musical instrument (e.g., banjo, steel guitar, ukulele), forms a musical device that can be played by an individual with a range of independence, cognitive and physical abilities. The base assembly accepts, positions, and secures a standard guitar. The pick assembly includes quick attach and spring-loaded features for attaching and detaching picks, in addition to flexibility for smooth interaction with the guitar strings. The strumming mechanism provides cyclic motion and speed control to create pleasant and variable rhythm from the mounted guitar. The fretting mechanism allows a user to change chords and tone. An unmodified, traditional guitar is preferably used in the musical device. The guitar is easily interchangeable with another guitar or other stringed instrument, at the convenience of the user.

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: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an enhanced knob with multiple integrated functions for use with an electric stringed musical instrument. The enhanced knob can be positioned on an electric stringed musical instrument or on an interconnected amplifier and can be either an add-on feature or can replace one or more existing knobs. In one embodiment of the present invention, the volume knob for an electric guitar is removed and replaced by an enhanced knob. The enhanced knob includes a switch that allows a user to switch between the multiple functions and also allows the user to control each selected function. The enhanced knob includes a volume function to compensate for the removed volume knob. Additionally, the enhanced knob includes a number of other functions, including a tuner function, a metronome function, and a dynamic visual-display function.

Abstract: A multi-finger guitar slide for permitting a musical instrument player to contact individual strings of a stringed instrument at different locations. The multi-finger guitar slide includes a glove having multiple fingers that can be worn over the player's hand. Each of the fingers of the glove includes a slide member aligned with the fingertip of the user when the glove is worn. Each of the slide members is removably secured to the glove and has a width less than the width across the plurality of strings of the stringed instrument. Each of the slide members can be formed from one of multiple different materials and the individual slide members can be removed and replaced as desired.

Abstract: A musical instrument apparatus including multiple parallel strings defining a string line and a keyboard overlay positioned at an acute angle to the string line to allow for consistent playing feel by consistently positioning the hammers on the keys while allowing large key spacing with minimized distance between the strings. The hammers are directly mounted to the keys and are adapted to either cause vibration of the strings or clamp the strings against the upper surface of a neck board so that the strings may have multi tonal capabilities as is commonly used with a fret board neck on a guitar. The strings can be played with just the keyboard, but the strings also extend past an edge of the keyboard overlay so that the user can directly play the multiple parallel strings to achieve a guitar sound. Both an electrical pickup and an acoustical body are provided for further sound variety.

Abstract: A capo for use with a dobro or similar stringed instrument. The capo includes upper and lower curved bar members, each bar member having a horizontal arm portion and a downwardly curved arm portion meeting at a juncture. The upper and lower curved bar members are pivotally attached to each other adjacent the junctures of their horizontal and downwardly curved arm portions. A slot extends longitudinally in the mid-portion of the downwardly curved arm portion of the upper curved bar member, and a cam locking lever is pivotally mounted within the slot. A string hold down bar is pivotally mounted to the outer end of the horizontal arm portion of the upper curved bar member.

Abstract: Dividing devices are provided for dividing an input information signal into a plurality of frequency bands, and a level detector is provided for detecting a level of a noise component of the information signal divided by the dividing device. A plurality of thresholds corresponding to the divided information signals are stored in a memory. One or more thresholds are selected from the threshold stored in the memory based on a detected result by the level detector. Attenuators are provided for comparing the information signals with a selected threshold and for attenuating an information signal the level of which is lower than the selected threshold.

Abstract: A C-clamp capo comprises a string press for clamping down on the strings of a string-instrument against a front side of a fretboard. An extension arm curves behind and has an idler clamp with a first pivot attachment. Such enables a clamping action against a backside of the fretboard. A continuous insert having a positioning bumper that ensures consistent positioning against the fretboard is disposed all along an inside surface of the string press from a distal end across the first pivot attachment bridging over to an inside surface of the idler clamp and out to its distal end. A locking lever has a second pivot attachment to the extension arm behind the first pivot attachment, and provides a locking action against a backside of the idler clamp. A setscrew disposed in the locking lever provides an adjustable locking action between the idler clamp and the locking lever, e.g., for a range of thicknesses of the fretboard to be accommodated.

Abstract: A fingertip musical tap assembly for producing a clicking sound when the user's fingers are tapped on hard surfaces. The fingertip musical tap assembly includes straps being adapted to be fastenable about fingertips of a user; and also includes fastening members being attached at ends of the straps for fastening the straps about the user's fingertips; and further includes clicking sound-making support members being supported upon the straps; and also includes clicking sound-making members being attached to the clicking sound-making support members for producing a clicking sound upon being tapped upon a hard surface.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument having a bridge and a slide, such as a guitar, wherein the slide is carried by a finger on the strumming or picking hand of the musician, for contact with and movement along the strings in an area adjacent to the bridge.

Abstract: In a finger plate for a stringed instrument, the frets are formed arcuately and have a center of curvature through which some extending lines of strings pass, so that lengths of the strings between adjacent frets are made equal and every string crosses every fret perpendicularly. As a result, exact musical interval can be attained.

Abstract: A slide for stringed instruments with a bend extension and a finger tab. The slide allows for instantaneous switching between fingered play and slide play.

Abstract: A guitar slide 10 includes a cylindrical body 20 defining an internal cavity 21. The cavity is defined by a very gradually tapered inner surface 25 which tends to result in a frictional connection with the musician's finger. A forward opening 30 is reduced in diameter by a neck 40 having an annular inner surface 41 with a diameter smaller than the tapered inner surface 25 of the cylindrical body. A curved transition surface 42, between the annular inner surface of the neck and the tapered inner surface 25 of the cylindrical body, tends to grip the tip of the musician's finger when the finger is gently forced toward the forward opening. A rear opening 50 is defined between a semi-circular rim 51 and a crescent-shaped rim 52, resulting in an opening which provides access to the internal cavity 21 from the direction perpendicular to the length of the cylindrical body 20. A finger rest 60 includes a flat surface 61 which is bordered by the outer surface of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: Levers are used on a multiple-stringed musical instrument to enable the player, while performing, to raise and lower the pitches of individual strings. Finger pressure upon the levers, by tightening or slackening individually selected strings, can be used to both raise and lower the pitches of strings from their rest tunings selectively, simultaneously, and independently of each other. This can be done while leaving other strings in their rest tunings. Increasing pressure on a rod results in increasing deviation from the rest tuning, either up or down in pitch, depending on the direction that the pressure is applied.

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: Slide bars are used by musicians when playing string instruments to achieve different effects and sounds to stylize their musical compositions Existing slide bars, when not use, are usually removed, or rotate with difficulty around the finger, to continue play thereby interrupting play for a short, but discernible, period of time The slide bar devices and assemblies of this invention are easy to use and reduce down time to a non-discernible degree The slide bar device has a slide member with a longitudinal axis and an outer surface for contacting all of the strings of the string instrument. A ring member is attached to the slide member and adaptable for wear around any of the musician's fingers. The axis of the ring member is parallel to, and spaced away from, the axis of the slide member The center of gravity of the slide member is spaced away from, and radially outward of, the ring member.

Abstract: An operator or artificial finger tip for entering commands and data into a personal data device, such as an electronic notebook, by contacting the screen of the personal data device. The operator comprises a partially rigid base which encircles the finger, generally conforming to the finger, and a rigid tip member which projects forwardly from the base to contact the screen. The tip of the tip member is of reduced diameter at the point of contact with the screen. The tip member has a snap fitting connector enabling it to be manually and removably attached to the base. The base is tubular and has a plurality of sockets, and the tip member has an equivalent number of male elements snap fitting to the sockets. Preferably, a plurality of tip members are provided, each differing from the others in diameter such that a selection of tip sizes varying in relative fineness at the point of contact with the screen is available to the user.

Abstract: An ergonomic musician's pick or pick holder for use with string instruments, such as a guitar, mandolin, bass guitar, or ukelele, has a curved finger grip portion on one side adapted to form a finger cradle for either the thumb or index finger of a user and has a flat generally planar area on another side against which the other fingers of a user may be pressed to allow the user to securely and comfortably grasp the pick for playing. The grip portion positively locates the fingers in a generally predetermined angular relationship to the string engaging pick tip. Different individual picks of the invention may have different angular relationships. The pick functions in the same way to bring the same advantages of the invention to any conventional and some non-standard or custom picks. Holder provides the added advantage that various picks may be used and the angular relationship may be more easily varied through various arrangements for attaching the pick to the holder.

Abstract: Finger-controlled members for contacting the strings on a guitar includes three string-contacting finger members, one for the index finger, one for the middle or second finger, and one for the third or ring finger. Each of the string-contacting finger members is securely fastenable upon the respective finger such that it is on the palm-side of the finger and on the second segment of the finger so that the user can manipulate the string-contacting finger members with one's finger tips. Each string-contacting finger member has a body with a single string contact stem extending from the bottom thereof and being capable of holding only one string against the fingerboard of the guitar. In addition, there are four multiple string contact attachments which can be detachably attached to the string-contacting finger members and which have bottoms that are capable of holding two or three consecutive strings or two nonconsecutive strings against the fingerboard of the guitar to achieve selected musical chords.

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 device for facilitating the playing of stringed instruments comprises a stand (6) with two lateral pieces (7, 7') between which is arranged a pressure plate (5) with a length which is larger than the distance between at least three crossbars (3) on a neck of the instrument, and a width that is larger than the distance between maximally separated strings (2). On its underside, the pressure plate has protruding abutment elements (12), the plate being on one hand reciprocally displaceable relative to the stand, and on the other hand being capable of being pressed down against the force of springs (10) in the direction of the neck (1) in order to activate a combination of transmission device (5) included in the stand by a desired, corresponding combination of abutment elements, the transmission device having the purpose of stretching strings against the crossbars (3), so that the strings deliver a desired chord.

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.