Abstract: A plectrum sheath made of a rigid material designed to retain a single plectrum, having a thin wide opening at the top and a closure at the bottom. Two clip springs are built into the device due to the nature of its fabrication. These clip springs provide downward spring tension that holds a plectrum firmly in place once the plectrum is fully inserted into the plectrum sheath.

Abstract: A mechanism for picking one or more vibratory strings of a string musical instrument comprising an actuator, shaft, pick and pick holder with extended offset sides to guide the pick to the correct angle for proper picking of a vibratory string on both the forward and backward picking strokes. The shaft is parallel to the vibratory string in one plane and angled to the vibratory string in a perpendicular plane as a means of fine adjustment of the engagement with the vibratory string.

Abstract: A plectrum for strumming a stringed instrument comprises a body having a front side, a rear side, a center portion, and a periphery. The body has one or more pick tips having an edge adapted to strum a stringed instrument. An ergonomic contour is provided on the front side and/or the rear side of the body, the ergonomic contour having a protrusion that extends radially from the center portion toward the periphery, the protrusion having one or more projections or recesses. The ergonomic contour creates a surface that is contactable by the thumb or other finger of a user to aid in the gripping of the plectrum and reducing stress. The pick tips on the body may each be different. A method of using the plectrum includes rotating the plectrum between the fingers from one pick tip to another.

Abstract: A controller for musical instrument models is presented, comprising acoustic elements with embedded vibration sensors that the user actuates for example by plucking, strumming, or striking the elements. A vibration sensor attached to each acoustic element is used to generate an excitation signal for musical instrument models. A note input interface can be included so that note input such as MIDI can be used to control the musical pitch of the musical instrument models.

Abstract: A guitar pick holder includes a receptacle having an open top and a closed bottom. A piston is provided within the receptacle and a retainer is fitted over the receptacle wherein the piston is disposed between the closed bottom of the receptacle and the retainer. The retainer has a partially open top at a side thereof. A spring is disposed between the closed bottom of the receptacle and the piston such that the piston is biased into contact with the retainer. A clip is coupled to an outside surface of the closed bottom of the receptacle.

Abstract: A musical instrument accessory for optimizing the comfort and ease with which musicians can play instruments. The accessory can be manufactured as a high end accessory made with gems and/or can be customized to provide a unique aesthetic appearance. In a preferred embodiment, the accessory allows for multiple picks to be detachably stored which may have different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a stringed musical instrument comprises a rotatable shaft and groups of one or more string engaging elements coupled to the rotatable shaft. Each string engaging element of a group is positionable in a first orientation for driven rotary engagement with a corresponding string of the musical instrument. Each string engagement element is further positionable in a second orientation. The attachment further includes key actuators operatively associated with the string engaging elements, and each key actuator is manipulable so as to urge each string engaging element of a group into at least one of the first orientation or the second orientation. In an embodiment, the string engaging element(s) operated by each key actuator are rotatable wheels that rotate at a slower rate or a faster rate, depending on whether or not corresponding strings is/are bent toward the corresponding wheel(s).

Abstract: A drumstick having an attachment to strap it to the thumb of the drummer. The attachment also goes through a hole in the drumstick to allow the stick to freely rotate in its proper plane of motion, allowing the drummer the chance to practice drumming without overly squeezing the drumstick as well as playing the drums with no risk of dropping the drumsticks.

Abstract: A musical instrument plectrum having at least two string-engaging regions (17, 18), an incurvate contact surface (13) on a first side of the plectrum, and an obverse contact surface (35) on a second side of the plectrum. The incurvate contact surface (13) is arranged so that two of the at least two string-engaging regions (17, 18) are noncontiguous with each other.

Abstract: A plectrum for playing a stringed musical instrument includes a body with two opposing sides, a lower plucking region, a central gripping region and a top region having a transverse groove. A wedge shaped piece of material is secured into the transverse groove on the top of the plectrum to provide a second surface for impinging or actuating the strings of the instrument. Typically, the body of the plectrum is composed of a semi rigid or flexible plastic, while the wedge of material is composed of a harder substance, such as glass or polished stone.

Abstract: A drumstick gripping device is provided for a drumstick comprising tip, shoulder and grip portions. The drumstick gripping device includes a collar defining a collar opening for the insertion and engagement of a drumstick. The diameter of the collar opening is larger than the diameter of the drumstick tip and shoulder portions and smaller than the diameter of at least a portion of a drumstick grip portion. The collar can be engaged to a portion of the drumstick grip portion. A looped finger grip defines a finger grip opening for the insertion of a finger. The finger grip is connected to the collar wherein the finger grip opening is offset from and transverse to the collar opening. A drumstick system and a method of drumming are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stringed instrument plectrum cover that includes a formed structure having a conformal shape adapted to match the tear-drop shape of an instrument pick. The cover comprises a thickened member having an open interior. The plucking end of the pick is exposed while the body of the pick is retained within the thickened member, whereby the member increases the thickness of the pick and improves purchase thereof. The surface of the cover includes decorative features such as phosphorescent decals and designs thereon for personalization and for identification of the pick in low light. The pick is inserted through the open end of the thickened member, whereby the pick is supported within a channel in the padded member while its plucking end and its body section is exposed.

Abstract: A guitar pick holder with a recessed rim and a rear support plate for receiving and securing guitar picks. A fastener or a hoop for accepting a material provides means for the guitar pick to be ornamentation. An opening in the holder allows visibility to the guitar pick when the guitar pick is placed in the holder ornament.

Abstract: A device for playing a stringed musical instrument comprises (a) a handle-like member to be gripped by a hand of a user; (b) a plectrum; and (c) a holder of said plectrum mechanically connected to the aforesaid member. The holder is configured for releasably fixating said plectrum therewithin. The plectrum holder is pivotally connected to the member such that an axis of rotation is in a plane of the plectrum and substantially parallel to instrument strings.

Abstract: A non-electrical stringed instrument sound effects device includes a crosspiece, having a string interface, and a strapping system that is configured to removably fasten the crosspiece, including the string interface, around a plucking or strumming hand of a player of the stringed musical instrument. A method of creating a sound effect using the device includes attaching the device to a plucking or strumming hand of a player of a stringed musical instrument such that the strapping system extends around the hand and the crosspiece is disposed adjacent the outside of the hand, positioning the hand in a conventional plucking or strumming position such that the string interface of the crosspiece extends across at least one of the strings, and manipulating the string interface of the crosspiece against the strings while plucking or strumming to achieve a desired sound effect without use of electrical power.

Abstract: A stringed instrument plectrum cover that includes a formed structure having a conformal shape adapted to match the tear-drop shape of an instrument pick. The cover comprises a thickened member having an open interior. The plucking end of the pick is exposed while the body of the pick is retained within the thickened member, whereby the member increases the thickness of the pick and improves purchase thereof. The surface of the cover includes decorative features such as phosphorescent decals and designs thereon for personalization and for identification of the pick in low light. The pick is inserted through the open end of the thickened member, whereby the pick is supported within a channel in the padded member while its plucking end and its body section is exposed.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible container and pick holder for a musical instrument. The flexible container and pick holder has a plurality of thin slots on its face, in which can be placed musical instrument picks. The thin slots have a raised lip or ridge that keeps the pick at a small acute angle with respect to the face of the flexible container and pick holder. The material of the face of the flexible container and pick holder is such that the musician's thumb can easily swipe or move a guitar pick across it. The present invention can be positioned so that the musician can easily reach the face containing the picks using the thumb of the strumming hand.

Abstract: A musical instrument includes a body, a neck attached to the body, a plurality of strings having first ends secured to the body and second ends secured to the neck, and a keyboard secured to the body. Optionally, each of the strings is associated with a plucker.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for an apparatus for playing a stringed instrument that has a surface facing multiple strings. The apparatus includes an input device and a carriage assembly having multiple picks configured to sound strings of the stringed instrument. In response to data received from the input device, the picks are configured to move across the strings from a first position, with the strings between the picks and the surface of the stringed instrument, to a second position, with the picks between the strings and the surface of the stringed instrument.

Abstract: A musical instrument pick has a flat pick with parallel slots through which an adjustable strap is passed. The strap has a wide portion and a narrow portion. The narrow portion is passed through the slots until a shoulder of the wide portion encounters a slot and prevents further passage of the strap. The strap has hook-and-loop surfaces that allow a user to adjust the strap to a wide range of digit diameters and shapes.

Abstract: A stringed instrument plectrum that includes a second edge disposed perpendicularly with respect to a first edge, a rounded top portion disposed endwise opposite the first edge, a protruding pick portion disposed over a third edge, and a plurality of indentations disposed along the third edge, whereby said stringed instrument plectrum is more easily grasped within the hand of a musician, while yet enabling dexterous manipulation of a striking edge disposed upon a tip of the protruding pick portion, for rendering melody upon the relevant strings of a stringed instrument to which the present stringed instrument plectrum is applied when making music.

Abstract: A plectrum having a body made from an organic material having a desired shape, weight, and thickness, the body having a plurality of surfaces wherein opposing sides, a first and a second side, form an edge about the perimeter of said sides, wherein the perimeter forms a silhouette that is substantially scalene.

Abstract: A guitar pick holder with a recessed rim and a rear support plate for receiving and securing guitar picks. A fastener or a hoop for accepting a material provides means for the guitar pick to be ornamentation. An opening in the holder allows visibility to the guitar pick when the guitar pick is placed in the holder ornament.

Abstract: A pick worn on the finger or thumb of a player of a stringed instrument to aid in the plucking of the strings. The pick rests comfortably like a saddle upon the upper surface of the finger because it's large inner surface mimics the unique contour of the finger or thumb, enabling the pressure required to secure it to be distributed equally on the finger. It has a picking edge that is placed at a point on the finger where the string naturally first contacts the finger, making for a very natural playing experience. The angle of orientation of the picking edge allows the string to move easily and quietly across the striking surface, reproducing the sound of a traditional flat pick. It's unique design holds it place without slipping using wide and thin elastic band which also eliminates unwanted noise from inadvertently contacting adjacent strings.

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 pick and method for obtaining a bright sound from a strummed instrument and in particular a guitar, the pick having a plurality of points about its rounded perimeter arranged in a uniform series to form a serrated edge, which points are sized and spaced so that a plurality of points substantially simultaneously engage a string when strummed, producing a bright chorus sound.

Abstract: A string bouncing bar for striking strings of a stringed musical instrument is comprised of an elongate bar body with a distal end and a proximal end. A striking head is provided at the distal end of the bar body and formed integrally therewith and of the same material as the material of the bar body. The striking head has a longitudinally extending string striking surface with the length from 0.25 to about 1.6 inches and extends along the length of the elongate bar body. A grip is provided at the proximal end of the bar body and includes a bulb portion and a generally flattened web located between and joining the bulb portion in the bar body. The web extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the striking head with the web having a thickness dimension sufficiently small to fit and to be held between adjoining fingers of a players' hand using the bar to strike the strings of the musical instrument.

Abstract: A hand-held pick for playing guitars and other musical instruments includes a pick body and a plurality of string engaging protrusions. The pick body is flexible and may be used in either a straight condition or a bent condition. The protrusions can be simultaneously engaged with a plurality of strings and simultaneously pluck the strings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for storing and dispensing guitar picks. More particularly, the present invention relates to a credit card shaped housing apparatus that holds and dispenses about 1-5 guitar picks. The credit card guitar pick apparatus is able to be stored in a wallet providing a convenient, quickly available, organized supply of guitar picks to a musician.

Abstract: A grip member for connection to an instrument pick includes a grip member body having opposed first and second sides. A plurality of abrasive particles is attached to and extends away from the first side. An adhesive on the second side is used to adhesively connect the grip member to a pick surface. An aperture extends entirely through the grip member first and second sides such that the pick surface is exposed through the aperture when the grip member is adhesively connected to the pick surface permitting the user's finger to contact both the abrasive particles and the pick surface through the aperture.

Abstract: A pick for a string instrument is manufactured by the use of a hot stamp press. A pick blank is mounted on a support surface of the press with a front side of the pick blank disposed upwardly. A heated die head is moved against the front side of the pick blank and maintained in that position a sufficient time to imprint a pattern configuration into the front side to thereby form a gripping surface on the front side. A film may be disposed between the front side and the die head. A pattern may also be imprinted into the rear side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plectrum for playing a stringed instrument. The plectrum is adapted to be securable relative to a finger (or thumb) of an instrument player, and it has a string engaging portion and a finger engaging portion. The finger engaging portion (or at least a part of it) has a spiral configuration which can secure the plectrum relative to the finger (or thumb) when the plectrum is positioned with the spiral at least partly wound around an end or portion of the finger (or thumb).

Abstract: A harmonic chime on a stringed instrument can be rendered by touching a part of a stringed instrument player's body, which is not part of a first member of the player's body that shortens a playable length of a string, to the string along its playable length at a harmonic-rendering position of the string, and plucking the string within its playable length to provide a harmonic chime on the string. Such a technique can provide for natural or artificial harmonic tones.

Abstract: The Pick clip increases ones ability to do multiple plucked instrument techniques without having to lose control of the pick. With the pick fixed to the thumb there is no effort wasted on holding the pick between the thumb and index finger, allowing the user to utilize the index finger and thumb independently to pluck, and tap the instrument along with using the instrument percussively.

Abstract: An device for accelerating the conditioning process of a stringed musical instrument by causing such instrument to be continuously strummed and vibrated, whereby such vibrations are transmitted to the wooden body of the instrument, which causes the instrument to be prematurely aged and over time improves the consistency, richness, and quality of the sound produced by the instrument when played.

Abstract: There is an instrument pick configured to selectably couple to a metal surface of an instrument, according to one embodiment of the invention. The instrumental pick includes a base member having an interior cavity and a magnet disposed within the interior cavity of the base member. The base member of the instrumental pick also includes a plurality of apertures configured to dispose a portion of the magnet.

Abstract: A hand-held pick for playing guitars and other musical instruments includes a pick body and a plurality of string engaging protrusions. The pick body is flexible and may be used in either a straight condition or a bent condition. The protrusions can be simultaneously engaged with a plurality of strings and simultaneously pluck the strings.

Abstract: A multiple part pick for engaging strings of a stringed musical instrument has a first part with a first blade for engaging the strings, a second part having a second blade for engaging the strings, and means for slidable connection between the first part and the second part for relative movement between the two parts. The blades of the two parts are mounted for a relative sliding movement accomplished by relative movement of the musician's fingertips, so that a musician can selectively choose which blade to use to engage with the strings without interrupting a musical performance. Different playing qualities among the blades allow the musician to produce different sound qualities without interrupting performance. In additional embodiments, added optional features include a third blade, a holder part, or a peg and channel feature, to keep parts from disengaging with one another during performance, or a gripping portion to prevent slippage.

Abstract: Snap away musical instrument picks. A sheet of material is provided that has a plurality of musical instrument picks formed therein by cut lines around the perimeter of the picks except for uncut web areas around each pick. The ends of the cut lines turn into the picks. A pick can be detached from the card body by severing the web to remove a pick when desired, and any rough edges formed by breaking the web are not located along the outer perimeter of the pick. The sheet of material can be sized to be carried in a purse or wallet and the like for easy access.

Abstract: A musician's pick having a pick body made up of both a pick portion and a gripping portion. The pick portion and gripping portion are angularly oriented with respect to each other in a predetermined manner. The predetermined angular orientation between the pick portion and the grip portion of the pick allows the pick portion to engage the strings of an instrument being played in a generally perpendicular relation despite the normal, parallel relation between the strings and the longitudinal axis of the musician's thumb.

Abstract: A guitar pick having a planar and generally triangular main body with three sides. Two sides of the main body join in a rounded nose protruding outwardly from one side. A wing extends outwardly from the top of the main body so that at least a portion of the wing lies in a plane oblique to a plane of the main body. The wing may be curvilinear in shape or include plural planar sections.

Abstract: A percussion plectrum provides a unique sound that is soft. It also aids in training a stringed instrument player in learning to pick the strings of the instrument. The plectrum is teardrop shaped and includes bristles having frayed ends which are uneven in length and spaced unevenly apart from one another. The plectrum may be held with a firmer grip without fear of losing it into the strings or producing a loud harsh tone that ordinarily is produced with a firm grip.

Abstract: A pick for strumming stringed musical instruments is provided, wherein some embodiments the strumming pick are fabricated from a compliant material. In other embodiments of the present invention, an ergonomically contoured depression is formed into the front side of the pick and means corresponding ergonomically contoured protrusion is formed upon the backside of the pick. Yet other embodiments combine the foregoing compliant aspect and the ergonomic aspects.

Abstract: A moving jaw (20) is spring-urged (45, 55) against a fixed jaw (10, 110), to capture picks (70) and other like stringed musical instrument accessories therebetween. The fixed jaw (10, 110) is configured for either adhesive mounting (60) onto and extending exterior to a stringed instrument surface, or embedding interior to and coupled (118, 131) with the surface (80) of the stringed instrument. Picks (70) or other accessories are oriented perpendicular to the instrument surface (80), and one or a plurality of picks (70) may be inserted into and removed from between the jaws (10, 20, 110).

Abstract: A musical instrument pick holder that provides convenient temporary storage of one or more picks. The pick holder provides a housing that is the same or substantially the same shape as the pick. The pick holder stores one or more picks therein and provides for quick and easy access to the picks. The pick holder has an internal biasing member that releasably retains the picks therein. The pick holder further provides one or more exterior surfaces that are suitable for placement of advertising or marketing indicia or graphical elements. The pick holder further comprises a key ring or other clasping element for releasable coupling with another items such as the garment of a musician.

Abstract: Described is a pick for use with a stringed instrument, the pick being constructed of a polyimide material. Because of the various physical properties of the polyimide material, the pick exhibits increased dimensional stability, desirable lubricity throughout the pick, increased resistance to wear, and desirable rigidity. The combined properties of the pick provide exceptional tonality and longevity.

Abstract: A pick assembly for use in playing a stringed musical instrument includes a pick holder having an elongated body adapted to fit on an underside of a thumb of a user and a pick hingedly attached to the pick holder adjacent one end of the body. A band is provided at an intermediate portion of the body which engages the thumb of the user and the pick includes a slot for receiving a tab at one end of the body to form a hinge connection with the tab which permits up and down movement of the pick with respect to the tab.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a pick for a stringed instrument, the pick comprises a main pick body having a plurality of linearly aligned strike heads; and a gripping means coupled to the main pick body. The gripping means further includes attaching means adapted to couple to a front surface of the main pick body to enable about 360-degrees of rotation of the gripping means about an axis generally perpendicular to the front surface. And, the gripping means further comprises a generally curvilinear clip structure configured to enable a musician to place a finger or thumb there-through to enhance grip of the main pick body and to facilitate stroking the stringed instrument.

Abstract: The present invention includes a supplemental gripping means for a guitar pick. The gripping means includes a resilient material formed in a C-shape and adapted to selectively couple to a pick body. An arcuate arm of the C-shaped gripping means adapts to enable a musician to slide a finger through an opening. The opening is sized to provide comfortable yet snug fit with the finger or thumb, thus allowing the pick to stay attached to the musician.

Abstract: An improved guitar pick or plectrum for use with a stringed musical instrument. The improved pick has a substantially planar central gripping portion and at least one and not more than four substantially planar picking wing portions peripherally extending, one each in a respective different longitudinal direction from the central gripping portion. In application, only one of the wing portions may be used at any one time. The wing portions can include an end surface having a different jagged or serrated picking edge formed of at least two and not more than four peak members adapted for strumming or plucking the strings of a stringed instrument so that each of the peak members strike the string in rapid sequence.