Abstract: The disclosure is a plectrum used for playing a stringed instrument comprising a generally acute isosceles triangle body and further comprising at least one pad, groove, inlet or opening. These picks are designed to provide the user with improved control, dexterity and further provide certain acoustic advantages.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a flatpick device is in the present application. The flatpick device includes a front face and a back face, the flatpick includes first and second bores through the flatpick extending from the front face to the back face. Also included is a band with a first distal end and a second distal end, the first distal end extending from the front face to the back face through a first bore and the second distal end extending from the front fact to the back face though the second bore.

Abstract: A guitar pick is described that places the playing edge and associated tip at an angle relative to a planar body that is grasp by the thumb and forefinger of a player to permit the player to hold his/her wrist at a more natural angle when playing. The pick is characterized by an arcuate wall that rises from a distal end of the pick, which in combination with the body forms a cradle for the thumb. A planar jut extends from the top edge of the arcuate wall and includes the playing edge and tip of the pick. The plane defined by the jut and the plane defined by the body define an acute angle of intersection.

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 semiannular end adapted to extend over a tip of the musician's finger. The semiannular 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 composite plectrum with a strum direction is disclosed. The plectrum is generally triangular in shape and includes a first layer of wood having a first grain direction, a layer of silk fabric with silk threads that are woven at angles to one another, and a second layer of wood with a grain in a second grain direction. The second layer of wood being adhered to the layer of silk while at 90 degrees to the first layer of wood, so that the layer of silk extends between the two layers of wood and is adhered to both layers of wood.

Abstract: A guitar aid enables a user to selectively position and control tension and angle of a guitar pick for a richer sound with decreased strain on the user's hand and fingers. The guitar aid includes a band that can be adjustably sized to fit a user's finger. A guitar pick can be coupled directly to the band. The guitar pick can define a raised portion or ridge on the upper surface of the pick that serves as a first engagement feature for a first user finger, such as the user's thumb. The lower surface of the pick can include at least one outwardly projecting rib that serves as a second engagement feature for a second user finger, such as the user's index finger. The positioning of the pick with respect to the ring and the pair of engagement features cause a user to hold the pick at the proper angle and with appropriate tension when playing a guitar or other stringed instrument.

Abstract: An adjustable pick or plectrum for a stringed musical instrument is characterized by a top grip portion and a bottom tip portion, the top grip portion adapted to matingly receive the bottom tip portion through an engagement means. The top grip portion preferably has at least one slot or channel which is adapted to receive and retain at least one leg from the bottom tip portion. Preferably, each leg has one or more protrusions, so that selective holes or slots in the top grip portion are adapted to selectively receive, engage and retain each protrusion. The pick is adapted for height adjustability and/or angular adjustability as desired by the musician. The height adjustability can be set in selected positions for different flexibilities. It is seen that this pick has a multi use capability, adjustable from a solid pick through several different flexibilities, heights and angles.

Abstract: A finger pick for being retained on a user's finger and for aiding in the playing of a stringed musical instrument includes a base portion, sizing wings, a spoon portion, and an opening defined by the base portion and the sizing wings. The sizing wings are bent upward from the base portion to define an interior space into which a user's finger is received to attach the finger pick to the finger. The opening extends transversely across the base portion and upward into the sizing wings when the sizing wings are bent upward. When the finger pick is inserted on the finger of a user, the soft tissue of the finger will protrude outwardly from the sizing wings and also through the opening, providing for three points of contact to the retain the finger pick on the finger.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for retaining a guitar pick is provided, which includes a ring with a magnetic component being attached, by a chain for example, to a guitar pick also including a magnetic component. The apparatus allows a performer to release or drop the guitar pick, either intentionally or unintentionally, and have the guitar pick be maintained in the performer's hand by its attraction to the magnetic component of the ring. The guitar pick may be made from a magnetic material, including for example stainless steel or a magnetic plastic.

Abstract: A finger ring for removing yet stably retaining an article commonly known as a guitar pick used for playing a guitar is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved card design and manufacturing method to produce thin gage, open loop system cards, such as credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, financial cards, and payroll cards. The thin gage card structure may vary between 5-15 mils in thickness (0.005? inches to 0.015? inches) on a one ply plastic material such as PVC or polyester. The majority of manufacturing steps can be performed on a rotary press in a single operation. Card personalization will be accomplished on a high-speed machine using ink jet for all variable information imaged on both the front and back, and accompanied by high speed encoding of magnetic stripe or activation of integrated circuit elements utilized in the electronic payment process.

Abstract: A guitar aid enables a user to selectively position and control tension and angle of a guitar pick for a richer sound with decreased strain on the user's hand and fingers. The guitar aid includes a band that can be adjustably sized to fit a user's finger. A guitar pick can be coupled directly to the band. The guitar pick can define a raised portion or ridge on the upper surface of the pick that serves as a first engagement feature for a first user finger, such as the user's thumb. The lower surface of the pick can include at least one outwardly projecting rib that serves as a second engagement feature for a second user finger, such as the user's index finger. The positioning of the pick with respect to the ring and the pair of engagement features cause a user to hold the pick at the proper angle and with appropriate tension when playing a guitar or other stringed instrument.

Abstract: A harness is provided for securely holding a conventional plectrum or pick in firm engagement with a guitar player's thumb, the harness consisting of a flexible and resilient strap contoured to fit around the thumb in advance of the first knuckle and being provided with a central portion which is slit to receive and hold the plectrum firmly against the undersurface of the thumb with the pointed end of the pick protruding through one of the slits into playing position.

Abstract: An adjustable pick or plectrum for a stringed musical instrument is characterized by a top grip portion and a bottom tip portion, the top grip portion adapted to matingly receive the bottom tip portion through an engagement means. The top grip portion preferably has at least one slot or channel which is adapted to receive and retain at least one leg from the bottom tip portion. Preferably, each leg has one or more protrusions, so that selective holes or slots in the top grip portion are adapted to selectively receive, engage and retain each protrusion. The pick is adapted for height adjustability and/or angular adjustability as desired by the musician. The height adjustability can be set in selected positions for different flexibilities. It is seen that this pick has a multi use capability, adjustable from a solid pick through several different flexibilities, heights and angles.

Abstract: The original contoured thumb and finger pick for players of stringed instruments introduced an incredible innovation for guitar players and others. Improvements based on this unique concept have transformed a useful tool into an extremely comfortable and natural strumming aid. The pick saddle totally follows the thumb and finger contours for greater comfort and the band is secured to the pick with a low profile post. A new method of constructing a large inventory of 3d CAD models with the manufacture of individual custom fit models by 3d printing now makes the improved contoured pick available to all sizes and shapes of fingers and thumbs, and allows each player to select a pick which will best fit his own shape, size, and playing style.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for retaining a guitar pick is provided, which includes a ring with a magnetic component being attached, by a chain for example, to a guitar pick also including a magnetic component. The apparatus allows a performer to release or drop the guitar pick, either intentionally or unintentionally, and have the guitar pick be maintained in the performer's hand by its attraction to the magnetic component of the ring. The guitar pick may be made from a magnetic material, including for example stainless steel or a magnetic plastic.

Abstract: A pick or plectrum for a stringed musical instrument comprising an upper body, a generally triangular shaped lower body with appendages extending adjacent to the planar perimeter of the upper body, and an intermediate portion of less width than the upper body and lower body, and having greater flexibility than the upper body and lower body. The player can grip the pick with a thumb and index finger on opposing sides of the upper body, and strike the strings with the lower body. The player can modify the amount of flexibility of the pick by engaging the appendages of the lower body through the application of more pressure upon the pick, thereby flattening the thumb and index finger onto the adjacent lower body appendage, or by rolling the thumb and finger in a more natural lateral fashion upon a lower body appendage. The lower body and appendages provide a smooth leading edge so as no to grab or rake the strings.

Abstract: The invention is generally a pick apparatus for playing a stringed musical instrument having an elastic and generally cylindrically shaped cot having an opening and a tip, and has a substantially uniform thickness, as well as a pick capable of plucking a string of a musical instrument attached thereto proximate to the cot's hemisphere and extending beyond the hemisphere away from the cot such that the pick is capable of plucking a string of a musical instrument when the cot is being worn on a digit of a user.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention related to plectrum composite couplers comprising a spacer material, the spacer material comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, and a pivot core that is embedded at least partially in the spacer material. Different embodiment of the invention comprise methods for manufacturing composite couplers, methods of assembling a dual plectrum system comprising a dual plectrum composite coupler, and methods for striking the strings of a stringed instrument using an assembled dual plectrum device comprising said dual plectrum composite coupler.

Abstract: A pick stabilization device for use with a musical instrument pick, the pick stabilization device being formed of a plastic foam tab that is sized to be received on a musical instrument pick, with an adhesive provided on opposing front and a back surfaces of the tab, wherein a first of the front and back surfaces of the tab is a pick interface surface thereof, and a second of the front and back surfaces of the tab is a user interface surface thereof; and packaging including: a carrier sheet having a non-stick surface having the pick interface surface removably adhered thereto, and a protective backing material having a non-stick surface removably adhered to the user interface surface of the tab.

Abstract: There is an instrument pick, and its method of manufacture, having a body member including a pliable member disposed therein. The body member includes crushed magnetic elements disposed throughout the body member. The instrument pick includes a tip member disposed about an end of the body member. The tip member includes a hardened region. The instrument pick includes a plurality of selectably removable tip members having diverse acoustical properties.

Abstract: An electronic guitar pick, system, system and method may include an enclosure forming a cavity, the enclosure having a first end that is substantially pointed and a second end opposite the first end that is substantially flat, the enclosure having a thickness proximate the cavity greater than a thickness proximate the first end. The electronic guitar pick, system, and method may further include a sensor contained, at least in part, within the cavity and configured to generate a sensor output based on an interaction with the enclosure and a sensory output device, communicatively coupled to the sensor, configured to output a sensory output based, at least in part, on the sensor output.

Abstract: A pick for a stringed musical instrument is disclosed, the pick having a substantially triangular shape and a top edge and two side edges that converge toward a tip. The tip may be used for strumming or picking a stringed instrument. The projection extends from one of the two side edges and contains an enlarged head disposed on its distal end. The enlarged head may be used for tapping or hammering the strings of a musical instrument. In use, the pick may be grasped along the top edge for strumming or picking and it may be rotated approximately ninety degrees to place the head on the projection into contact with strings on the musical instrument while the user grasps the other side edge.

Abstract: For musicians playing an electric or acoustic guitar, there is disclosed a re-designed plectrum having an orthogonally-protruding handle and a snubber extending from the handle. The handle and snubber allow the plectrum to be inserted into the channel of a flexible, primarily longitudinal strap-retainer. The plectrum and strap-retainer, thus connected, form a one-piece handled plectrum assembly, with the strap-retainer being fastened about one, two, or three fingers of the user. The disclosed plectrum assembly provides an improvement in the gripping surface available to the user, in addition to providing more comfort and more reliable thumb and forefinger gripping orientation. The assembly also permits a rapid release of the plectrum for finger-plucking or strumming style of play.

Abstract: A hand-held guitar pick includes a distal end which is twisted at a compound angle with respect to the body of the pick so as to align the tip of the pick with the guitar strings. The compound angle comprises a rotation component in relation to a longitudinal axis and a bent component in relation to a lateral axis. The bend and rotation properly align the distal end of the hand-held pick to better engage a string on a guitar when used in a typical manner. One embodiment resembles a traditional triangular pick. Another embodiment includes a cylindrical, hollow body configured to be worn over a user's fingertip. The distal end comprises an arced bridge spanning edges of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A rigid plectrum (1) for stringed instruments, of the type having a spearhead shape with a pointed front part (2) and a broadened rear part (3) in which, at the lateral walls (4) and (5) forming the pointed part, a first facet (4a) and a second facet (5a) are made, covering the entire thickness of the respective lateral wall; the facets being set at an angle ? to the thickness of the respective lateral wall, each facet starting on one face of the plectrum which is opposite the face from which the other facet starts, and finishing on the other face of the plectrum; the facets also being set at an angle ? to the face of the plectrum, from the rear part to the front part.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention related to plectrum composite couplers comprising a spacer material, the spacer material comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, and a pivot core that is embedded at least partially in the spacer material. Different embodiment of the invention comprise methods for manufacturing composite couplers, methods of assembling a dual plectrum system comprising a dual plectrum composite coupler, and methods for striking the strings of a stringed instrument using an assembled dual plectrum device comprising said dual plectrum composite coupler.

Abstract: The plectrum includes a first lobe, a second lobe, a third lobe, a recessed edge, and a convex edge. Grasping the plectrum with the recessed edge resting against the web between the thumb and forefinger of a user's hand allows the user to strum or pluck a string of a string instrument with either the third lobe or the convex edge. The plectrum may also be grasped to allow a user to strum or pluck one or more strings of a string instrument with the first lobe and the second lobe.

Abstract: A plectrum sleeve has a sleeve body with an extending sheet. The sleeve body has a longitudinal open on an upper side thereof. The extending sheet is slantingly extending from an edge of a bottom side of the sleeve body. A plectrum piece is extending from an end of the extending sheet. The sleeve body is slid to a distal end of a finger with the extending sheet attached to the tip of the finger and the plectrum piece located in the front of the tip of the finger like an extension of the nail. The plectrum piece plunks a string of an instrument by bending or stretching the finger, the force back to the plectrum sleeve from the string will be strongly and steadily supported by the finger. A real and direct counterforce will be given to the finger and the user for better experience of plunking.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated guitar pick holder with guitar picks. Said integrated guitar pick holder with guitar picks is comprised of a guitar pick holder which is a thin medium and guitar picks that are attached to said thin medium holder. Said guitar picks are secured by the said thin medium holder to form an integrated one piece by either not completely cutting out the picks but leaving connection between said picks and said holder and at the same time allowing individual picks to be removable from said holder, or by completely cutting out the picks and then adhering said picks to a thin film applied to one side of said holder, or by adhering separately manufactured picks to the surface of said holder, thereby creating an integrated unit comprised of both guitar picks and holder. The present invention may be made to the size and shape of a credit card, thus users may store and carry it in their wallets.

Abstract: There is an instrument pick, and its method of manufacture, having a body member including a pliable member disposed therein. The body member includes crushed magnetic elements disposed throughout the body member. The instrument pick includes a tip member disposed about an end of the body member. The tip member includes a hardened region. The instrument pick includes a plurality of selectably removable tip members having diverse acoustical properties.

Abstract: A plectrum sleeve has a sleeve body with an extending sheet. The sleeve body has a longitudinal open on an upper side thereof. The extending sheet is slantingly extending from an edge of a bottom side of the sleeve body. A plectrum piece is extending from an end of the extending sheet. The sleeve body is slid to a distal end of a finger with the extending sheet attached to the tip of the finger and the plectrum piece located in the front of the tip of the finger like an extension of the nail. The plectrum piece plunks a string of an instrument by bending or stretching the finger, the force back to the plectrum sleeve from the string will be strongly and steadily supported by the finger. A real and direct counterforce will be given to the finger and the user for better experience of plunking.

Abstract: A highly flexible pick is used for playing stringed instruments. The pick will essentially be made of low-density polyethylene plastic to yield a pick that may reduce string breakage, be secure in a player's fingers, even during fast strumming, and may provide excellent tone from the stringed instrument. Because the pick is highly flexible, the pick may bend it is sounds the string, without the pick moving in the player's grip.

Abstract: The invention is generally a pick apparatus for playing a stringed musical instrument having an elastic and generally cylindrically shaped cot having an opening and a tip, and has a substantially uniform thickness, as well as a pick capable of plucking a string of a musical instrument attached thereto proximate to the cot's hemisphere and extending beyond the hemisphere away from the cot such that the pick is capable of plucking a string of a musical instrument when the cot is being worn on a digit of a user.

Abstract: A pick that may have: a first layer or core that is configured with a first color; a second layer or coating configured with a second color; and, wherein said second color visually contrasts with the first color. Operably, the coating or second layer may be abraded whenever the pick is used to flick a guitar string whereby the coating or second layer erodes to expose the first color of the core or first layer. A musician may identify that the pick is worn out via seeing the first color showing through from underneath the coating or second layers.

Abstract: The plectrum includes a first lobe, a second lobe, a third lobe, a recessed edge, and a convex edge. Grasping the plectrum with the recessed edge resting against the web between the thumb and forefinger of a user's hand allows the user to strum or pluck a string of a string instrument with either the third lobe or the convex edge. The plectrum may also be grasped to allow a user to strum or pluck one or more strings of a string instrument with the first lobe and the second lobe.

Abstract: A guitar pick with at least three corners, at least two of which have a different gauge or stiffness to produce different sounds on a guitar. In the preferred form, the pick is generally symmetrical and all corners are “playing” corners of different gauge, intended for use across the strings of a guitar.

Abstract: There is an instrument pick capable of strumming and/or picking strings of a guitar, the instrument pick configured to store digital data within a storage element, according to one embodiment of the invention. The instrument pick includes a body having a storage element disclosed therewith.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a pick for an instrument having a string. The pick includes a body formed of a first material and having an outer periphery. The pick further includes a tip extending from the outer periphery of the body for engaging the string of the instrument. The tip is formed of a second material different from the first material of the body.

Abstract: A thumb pick formed as a unitary one-piece body having a substantially inflexible pick point portion including at least one slot extending between an upper surface and a lower surface of the pick point portion. A pliable strap portion extends away from the pick point portion toward a tail portion including a terminal end. The pliable strap portion is designed to wrap around a musician's thumb, while the tail portion becomes engaged in the slot with the tail portion confined between the upper and lower surfaces of the pick point portion. A gusset can be included on an upper surface of the pick point portion to strengthen the inflexibility of the pick point portion. The tail portion of the strap can include a series of grooves while the slot includes a pawl designed to engage at least one of the series of grooves to secure the strap within the slot.

Abstract: A rigid plectrum (1) for stringed instruments, of the type having a spearhead shape with a pointed front part (2) and a broadened rear part (3) in which, at the lateral walls (4) and (5) forming the pointed part, a first facet (4a) and a second facet (5a) are made, covering the entire thickness of the respective lateral wall; the facets being set at an angle ? to the thickness of the respective lateral wall, each facet starting on one face of the plectrum which is opposite the face from which the other facet starts, and finishing on the other face of the plectrum; the facets also being set at an angle ? to the face of the plectrum, from the rear part to the front part.

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 hand-held guitar pick includes a distal end which is twisted at a compound angle with respect to the body of the pick so as to align the tip of the pick with the guitar strings. The compound angle comprises a rotation component in relation to a longitudinal axis and a bent component in relation to a lateral axis. The bend and rotation properly align the distal end of the hand-held pick to better engage a string on a guitar when used in a typical manner. One embodiment resembles a traditional triangular pick. Another embodiment includes a cylindrical, hollow body configured to be worn over a user's fingertip. The distal end comprises an arced bridge spanning edges of the cylindrical body.

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: The foregoing describes a plectrum. In embodiments, the plectrum is comprised of hardened leather. The hardened leather may be beveled and/or sharpened. In other embodiments, the construction of the hardened leather plectrum may include a hole, or eyelet, for incorporating a lanyard. In other embodiments, a method of making a leather plectrum is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is worn on a finger of a user while playing the flute. The apparatus comprises a stabilization pad, an inner support pad, and an outer support pad. The stabilization pad is disposed at a first end of the apparatus and is positionable to abut at least one of the finger and a palm of the user. In contrast, the outer support pad is disposed at a second end of the apparatus and is positionable to project outward from the finger of the user. The inner support pad and the outer support pad are operative to at least partially support the flute.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and related methods for producing a blend of rhythm and sound.

Abstract: A thumb pick formed as a unitary one-piece body having a substantially inflexible pick point portion including at least one slot extending between an upper surface and a lower surface of the pick point portion. A pliable strap portion extends away from the pick point portion toward a tail portion including a terminal end. The pliable strap portion is designed to wrap around a musician's thumb, while the tail portion becomes engaged in the slot with the tail portion confined between the upper and lower surfaces of the pick point portion. A gusset can be included on an upper surface of the pick point portion to strengthen the inflexibility of the pick point portion. The tail portion of the strap can include a series of grooves while the slot includes a pawl designed to engage at least one of the series of grooves to secure the strap within the slot.

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 hand-held hammer for playing a guitar includes a handle, an arm and a head. The head has a head longitudinal axis and a striking surface that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the arm. The striking surface is curved and equal to or longer than the distance between the first and fourth string of a six-string guitar. The player holds the guitar, selects the string length by fretting one or more strings, grips the hammer by the handle and strikes the strings with the striking surface.