Abstract: A vibration applying assembly (VAA) 10 having a base from where extends a vertical tube having attached to its upper end a hollow forked structure and near its lower end a forked cradle. The structure and the cradle are dimensioned to releasably retain a stringed musical instrument such as an acoustic guitar inserted into the hollow forked structure are a pair of vibrator motors that when energized produce a vibration that permeates through the VAA and an attached acoustic guitar. The applied vibrations provide the means by which an acoustic guitar is pre-maturely aged to enhance the guitar's resonance and the tonal quality.

Abstract: A stand for a musical instrument which includes a ground-engaging base, a post that extends from the base, and a clamp assembly attached to the post. The clamp assembly includes a pair of clamping arms, each of which is variably spaced relative to the other along an axis transverse to the post, to detachably engage a respective side of the instrument, when placed therebetween, to hold the instrument in a convenient position for a user to access and play.

Abstract: A multi-layered instrument cover protects an instrument against damage. The cover can encapsulate the instrument fully assembled, so that a user only has to remove the cover to utilize the instrument. The cover includes multiple layers that provide various functions. An inner layer is fabricated from a soft material suitable for contacting the instrument. An intermediate layer overlays the inner layer, and has sufficient rigidity to provide protection and a shape to the cover. The shape of the cover can conform to the instrument. An exterior layer provides an exterior surface that can be decorative and also help to identify the instrument. The exterior layer and the intermediate layer can be sewn onto the inner layer. Pouches on the exterior layer contain instrument components such as mouth pieces, tuners, and sheet music. A handle on the exterior layer orients and positions the cover on and/or off the instrument.

Abstract: Music Display, Collaboration, and Annotation (MDCA) systems and methods are provided. Elements in music scores are presented as “layers” on user devices which may be manipulated by users as desired. For example, users may elect to hide or show a particular layer, designate a display color for the layer, or configure the access to the layer by users or user groups. Users may also create annotation layers, each with individual annotations such as music symbols or notations, comments, free-drawn graphics, staging directions, or the like Annotations such as staging directions and orchestral cues may also be generated automatically by the system. Real-time collaborations among multiple MDCA users are promoted by the sharing and synchronization scores, annotations or changes. In addition, master MDCA users such as conductors may coordinate or control aspects of the presentation of music scores on other user devices.

Abstract: A portable reverberation device for attaching to a musical instrument with a distal end that can be adjusted to alter a distance between the ends of the portable reverberation device. The device includes a cup attached to a collar to receive incoming sound waves and a spring stretched inside the body. The device further includes an attachment mechanism with a clamp adapted to attach the portable reverberation device to the musical instrument.

Abstract: A pedal board is provided that has an attachment mechanism, mounting member, and musical effects pedal retaining device. The attachment mechanism is carried by the musical effects pedal retaining device and functions to attach a musical effects pedal to the musical effects pedal retaining device. At least a portion of the musical effects pedal retaining device is releasably attachable to the mounting member to function to assist making the musical effects pedal releasably attachable to the mounting member. At least a portion of the musical effects pedal retaining device is releasably attachable to the mounting member through a mechanical engagement that is not a hook and loop type fastener.

Abstract: A salsa metronome provides a practice rhythm in the style of salsa music to facilitate practice for a musician, singer or dancer. The metronome includes a housing and a control unit positioned in the housing. The control unit produces multiple polyrhythmic sound patterns. A rhythm selection control is coupled to the housing. The rhythm selection control is operationally coupled to the control unit for selecting a desired polyrhythmic sound pattern. A speaker is positioned in the housing and is operationally coupled to the control unit for audibly producing the selected polyrhythmic sound pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for mounting a percussion instrument onto a stand.

Abstract: A system herein provides a protective cover that also serves as a cleaning product for multiple musical instruments such as guitars. The system is designed to protect instruments from dust, oils and/or other debris (e.g., resulting from being played) that attach to the instrument and influence the oxidization process. For example, oxidation tends to reduce the life of strings of stringed instruments. The system is designed to remove oil and debris through user cleaning while protecting the instrument when covered and not being used.

Abstract: A wolf note elimination device for a stringed instrument utilizing a base member which is attachable to the surface of the stringed instrument. An adjuster in the form of a plate slidingly mounts to the base. The slidable plate terminates on one end with two blades having weights. The blades are cantilevered from the base. The other end of the plate extends from the base and contacts an adjuster which exerts a force on the plate to effect sliding of the same relative to the base.

Abstract: A stand and cradle suitable for resting a bass or cello instrument upon a floor includes an angled base forming a back support and C-bout support upon which a bass or cello may be rested. The base is further supported by a pivotally coupled angled support which maintains the angle of incline of the base. In one embodiment, a pair of generally planar wood members are used to fabricated the base and angled support. In an alternative embodiment, the base is formed of a pair of tubular legs pivotally joined to together with a pivotally secured angle support also formed of a tubular member. In each embodiment, the cradle and base support is foldable to a collapsed configuration for easy storage and transport.

Abstract: A percussive device for a stringed instrument includes a support structure, an attachment component that attaches the support structure to the stringed instrument, one or more hammers attached to arms rotatably coupled to the support structure and one or more actuators. User activation of the actuators causes a corresponding one of the hammers to make contact with a string of the stringed instrument resulting in a rotational force applied to at least one of the hammer arms or actuators. The applied rotational force causes the hammer to be positioned out of contact with the string of the stringed instrument. The applied rotational force is overcome when an applicable force has been applied to the corresponding actuator by a user, thereby causing the hammer to contact a corresponding string of the stringed instrument.

Abstract: A fanciful shaped rosin and protective element for use in connection with the bow of a stringed instrument, wherein said fanciful shape is selected from one or more of the following shapes: heart, star, flower, plant, cross, letter, number, animal, football, soccer balls, baseball, basketball, human shape, shamrock, skull, Christmas tree, wreath, six pointed star, crucifix, planet, crescent moons, clef symbols, notes, rests, fermata, punctuation symbols, QWERTY keyboard symbols, percent symbol, ampersand, LOL, and a smiley face. The protective element preferably comprises a protective fabric attached to said rosin.

Abstract: An invention is afforded for a dampening apparatus for a musical instrument. The dampening apparatus includes a plurality of dampening pads disposed on a base element. The dampening pads are spaced to allow a string of a stringed musical instrument to fit between two dampening pads. In addition, at least one dampening pad is configured to fit between two strings of the stringed musical instrument to allow for free string vibration. The base element and the plurality of dampening pads are configured to fit between the strings and a fretboard of the stringed musical instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to a finger positioner that facilitates playing musical instruments. The finger positioner comprises a wedge (1), which is positioned between two adjacent fingers of the fretting hand and in parallel to said fingers so that the wedge spreads the bent fingers in the area of the distal phalanges of the fingers, wherein the narrowly tapering end of the wedge points at the palm and wherein at least one pin (2; 3; 7) is provided, which penetrates the wedge in the transverse direction and lies against the inside of two adjacent fingers and thus holds the wedge in the correct position. In order to avoid tilting, the wedge is approximately as long as the fingers or is held in position by a further pin. The longitudinal section of the wedge (1) can be bent similar to the fingers of the fretting hand. The pins (2; 3; 7) can be straight or slightly bent and protrude from both sides of the wedge (1) by approximately half a finger width.

Abstract: A cord retaining device includes a decorative retainer member having a gripper for attaching removably to a musical instrument cord. The cord retainer device helps maintain the cord connected to the musical instrument.

Abstract: Provided is a tool for simultaneously correcting a radius of curvature of frets, a fretboard or a fingerboard of a stringed instrument and leveling the frets while strings are on the stringed instrument. In order to introduce the strings of the stringed instrument inside the tool, the tool includes grooves, provided at the bottom of the tool, and spaces leading from the grooves, provided inside the tool. The tool is moved back and forth, in a condition where the bottom of the tool contacts the polishing object, while the strings are on the stringed instrument.

Abstract: A display area, in which a note is displayed on two-axis coordinates configured by a tone pitch axis and a time axis, is displayed on a display device. A display magnification ratio used in the display area is variable. A note image of a given note is displayed in the display area to be arranged in correspondence with a tone pitch and a tone generation time of the note. The size of the note image is varied with the display magnification ratio. Relevant information is displayed in association with the note image displayed in the display area in such a manner that the relevant information is arranged inside the note image of the note in a first display state and the relevant information is arranged outside the note image of the note in a second display state with a display magnification ratio lower than that of the first display state.

Abstract: A hand tool for removing frets associated with guitars, banjos and other string instruments. The tool has a handle with a blade extending therefrom. At a distal end of the blade is a slot wider than a tang of a fret and smaller than a top of the fret. The tool is slid under the fret, thereby providing pressure both to raise the fret and at the same time also against the wood surrounding the tang to prevent undue breakage of the wood during removal of the fret.

Abstract: A drumstick holder, comprising: a member providing a surface; one or more retaining members (for example clips arranged to grip a drumstick) arranged to prevent or restrict free movement of a drumstick across the surface; a plurality of protrusions from the member; wherein the drumstick holder is adapted for fitting to a rim of a drum or further comprises means for fitting the member to a rim of a drum (for example a clamp); and when the drumstick holder is fitted to a drum rim, each respective protrusion engages a drum at a different respective position around a circumference of a drum rim. The surface may be substantially planar. The drum may be a bass drum.

Abstract: An accessory for attachment to a stringed musical instrument that mechanically limits depth of picking action by providing interference to the finger, fingernail, or pick. A plate or “anvil” either flexible or rigid, is adjustably positioned beneath the strings to intercept and arrest a picking element. In a first embodiment, picking depth is roughly controlled my manually forcing the anvil up and down on a flanged support post. In a second embodiment, picking depth may be finely controlled by a knurled thumbwheel or similar mechanism on the anvil support posts. The flexibility of the plate provides a shock absorber, thereby creating a realistic feel to the player. The flexible plate assures both limitation of depth of picking action, and also renders picking action consistent as to depth.

Abstract: A musicians hearing device by which a musician may easily hear in a more clear and obvious way what is coming out of their horn or musical instrument. The acoustic personal monitor samples the tones being created inside the instrument and channels the frequency out of the instrument, extending to the musician and through a sealed ear bud into their ear or ears.

Abstract: Embodiments of the inventive technology relate generally to item support apparatus. Although a focus of the inventive technology may, in some embodiments, be on support of musical related items such as musical instruments, keyboards, and sound speakers, the scope of the inventive technology and its applicability is not necessarily limited as such. In various embodiments, certain inventive technology provides enhanced functionality (e.g., stand adjustability), robust and simplified design (e.g., as may be found in a retention augmented item stand), enhanced performance (as may be found in a telescoping tube lock apparatus), and an ability to more easily control the elevation and lowering of heavy, stand supported items such as speakers.

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 method and apparatus for protecting a musical instrument includes a ring formed of an impact-absorbing material. A continuous notch on the inner circumference of the ring tightly receives the tubular rim of a particular instrument to anchor the ring thereto. The ring may include lights randomly positioned on the outer circumference to aesthetically enhance the instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for securing a media or audio player to a support and the related methods of use.

Abstract: A method of instructing an audience to spontaneously create music at an entertainment event is disclosed. The method comprises providing noisemakers to groups of participants, the noisemakers being distinguishable between the plurality of types and each noisemaker sounding a single note. A dynamic display comprising a screen and a notice period shows instructions to the participants. The instructions direct the participants to sound their respective noisemakers at different times. The combined sound from the various noisemakers thereby produces a musical score.

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

Abstract: A musical instrument stand includes an upright rod, a support assembly, and a transverse rod. The support assembly includes a base unit mounted on the upright rod, a holding unit mounted on the base unit, a locking unit connected with the base unit and pressing the holding unit, and a damping member located between the base unit and the holding unit. Thus, the damping member provides a damping effect to the holding unit so that the holding unit is rotated relative to the base unit stably. In addition, the holding unit can be rotated relative to the base unit to adjust the angle of the transverse rod relative to the upright rod and can be moved in the holding unit to adjust the horizontal position of the transverse rod.

Abstract: This invention is a humidifier used to increase and maintain the humidity of a musical instrument, such as a guitar. The humidifier is a container made of a water vapor permeable material that contains a water absorbent material such as acrylate polymer. The container is held within the body of the instrument by being mounted onto the strings of the instrument. The container is filled with water by an opening that is sealed with a cap. The water absorbent material can hold water without dripping, but will allow the water to evaporate.

Abstract: Cases for the protection of stringed musical instruments having a bottom, a sidewall of a predetermined height extending from the bottom and a cover which is hingedly connected to the sidewall and which can be closed and secured with an appropriate fastener are described herein. The cases include a semi-rigid neck-brace having a height approximately the same as the inner height of the sidewall and being affixed to the bottom. The cases further include at least one retaining band that may be used to releasably secure the instrument neck to the neck-brace. Instrument damage may be prevented in the event of a sideways or backward fall, in at least part, because the neck-brace suspends the headstock between the bottom, sidewall and cover of the case and thereby prevents it from making contact.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided for a musical instrument, particularly for a guitar. The enclosure has a flexible rear panel having a laterally enlarged lower portion to cover the back side of the guitar. The enclosure further includes a flexible front side being substantially of the same size and shape as the rear side of the enclosure. A side panel, which is substantially continuous, interconnects the rear side and the front side of the enclosure. Preferably, the front side is clear or transparent so that the guitar may be viewed from outside the enclosure. An opening is provided in the bottom of the side wall and the opening is sized and shaped to allow the passage of the guitar in and out of the enclosure.

Abstract: A universal music stand slip-cover combination pocket folder keeps music, papers, books and accessories securely on a music stand. One embodiment has a durable, sturdy yet pliant slip-cover (20) with an attached pocket folder (22) that fits onto a standard flat desk music stand. The slip-cover combination pocket folder has a stabilizer (16) sandwiched within the embodiment to help it maintain its shape. The front pocket folder (22) of the universal music stand slip-cover makes the placement of music, papers, books, and accessories on a music stand very convenient, so a transfer of loose music from book bag to music stand and back is unnecessary. The retaining straps (26a, 26b) attached to the pocket folder (22) keep viewable music on the stand. The slip-cover (20) has a tab flap (34) on the back panel (14) that allows it to adapt to any folding music stand design thus making it universal.

Abstract: A battery tester determines a remaining level of charge of a battery mounted within a separate electronic device having an audio jack. The battery tester includes a plug and a circuit having a high impedance input amplifier. At least one electrical contact of the plug is electrically coupled to an input of the high impedance input amplifier. The plug is removably insertable within the audio jack such that the battery of the separate electronic device is electrically connected to the input of the high impedance input amplifier. When electrically coupled to the battery, an output of the high impedance input amplifier provides a signal proportional to the remaining level of charge of the battery, whereby the remaining level of charge of the battery is obtainable by the battery tester without having to remove the battery from the electronic device.

Abstract: A saxophone having a body, a neck including a plurality of keys mounted thereon, each of said keys including an actuating surface and a bell including a valve protector, the improvement comprising a system for controlling the tension and travel of a saxophone player's fingers of both hands with a right hand device and a left hand device. The right hand device has an anchorage assembly mounted to the valve protector and a travel stopper elongated portion integrally extending from the anchorage assembly and kept at a substantially parallel and spaced apart relationship with respect to an actuating surface's plurality of keys thereby limiting the extension movement of a user's fingers as he or she actuates the keys. The left hand device includes an elongate stopper member with anchorage assemblies at its ends. The left hand device is rotatably mounted to facilitate its storage in storage cases.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a first support, a first cleaning material coupled to a first side of the first support, a second support rotatably coupled to the first support at a first edge of the second support, the second support defining a first opening disposed adjacent to a second edge of the second support opposite the first edge, a second cleaning material coupled to a first side of the second support, and a latch coupled to the first support, the latch to engage the first opening of the second support to maintain the first side of the first support in a substantially fixed relationship with respect to the first side of the second support.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for artificially aging a musical instrument is provided. The apparatus and method include oscillating the sound board of the instrument by an energy source at specific frequencies over the playing frequency range of the instrument.

Abstract: Wind musical instrument moisture drying devices are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the drying device comprises a fan unit containing a fan mounted on a motor housed in an enclosure having opposite first and second ends, the fan is located within the enclosure near the first end and is configured for drawing air flow from the second end toward the first end while in operation, an electric energy source coupled to the fan unit via a cable, and an adjustable adapter radially coupled to outer perimeter of the enclosure of the fan unit, the adjustable adapter is so configured to be fit over an opening of the wind musical instrument's tubular body, where moistures accumulated inside the wind musical instrument are desired to be dried by the moisture drying device, which is deployed into the tubular body by inserting the fan unit into the opening.

Abstract: A sound deadening tool and a sound deadening musical performance tool have a high sound deadening effect on stringed instruments while various senses of discomfort during a musical performance, such as a musical pitch, expressive power, and a touch feeling are suppressed to a minimum level, and the sound deadening tool can easily and securely be used and attached. A vibration suppressor 10 of the sound deadening tool includes a pair of metallic weights 11 and 12 that is fixed while side faces of a saddle are sandwiched therebetween, and the pair of metallic weights 11 and 12 have a substantially identical mass.

Abstract: This invention is a humidifier used to increase and maintain the humidity of a musical instrument, such as a guitar. The humidifier is a container made of a water vapor permeable material that contains a water absorbent material such as acrylate polymer. The container is held within the body of the instrument by being mounted onto the strings of the instrument. The container is filled with water by an opening that is sealed with a cap. The water absorbent material can hold water without dripping, but will allow the water to evaporate.

Abstract: A guitar sound hole guard comprising of a body of a suitable durable material to resist pick impacts and having a lip and at least one flange; the lip further having two side edges; each flange connects to a respective side edge to be oriented perpendicular to the lip and descending away from the lip, an open channel being formed by the lip and flange; an attachment means to hold the guard in place upon a soundboard of a guitar, wherein the body receives within its open channel at least a portion of a lower sound hole edge of the sound board allowing the lip to rest upon and conform concentrically to at least the portion of the lower sound hole edge.

Abstract: Improvements in a microphone system for a musical instrument and more particularly for a marimba or similar musical instrument. The microphone system includes a vibration isolation system. A horizontal tracking system bridges across the vertical supports of a marimba in a horizontal tracking system. One or more microphones are supported on the first bridging structure. The microphone(s) are positionally secured on the horizontal tracking system. Both the microphones and the horizontal tracking system provide vibration isolation to all of the microphones. A cable management system is also disclosed to reduce mechanical vibration and eliminate transmission of undesirable sounds.

Abstract: A combining housing has first, second and third connectors. A music player has a first line adapted to be coupled to the first connector. A special effects box has a second line adapted to be coupled to the second connector. Earphones have a third line adapted to be coupled to the third connector. A musical instrument has a supplemental line adapted to be coupled to the special effects box. Positive, negative and ground wires are within each of the lines and continue within the combining housing. An electrical assembly includes the positive, negative and ground wires. The positive lines are coupled together within the combining housing forming a first junction. The negative wires are coupled together within the combining housing forming a second junction. The ground wires are coupled together within the housing forming a third junction.

Abstract: A wearable instrument supporting means comprising: an instrument mountable support (10) having a surface (11); and a wearable support (1) having at least one region (4) that has a non-slip relationship with said surface (11) of the instrument mountable support (10); and wherein said at least one region (4) is positioned to contactably align with the surface (11) of the instrument mountable support (10) when the instrument (15) is in normal use.

Abstract: A method of instructing an audience to spontaneously create music at an entertainment event is disclosed. The method comprises providing noisemakers to groups of participants, the noisemakers being distinguishable between the plurality of types and each noisemaker sounding a single note. A dynamic display comprising a screen and a notice period shows instructions to the participants. The instructions direct the participants to sound their respective noisemakers at different times. The combined sound from the various noisemakers thereby produces a musical score.

Abstract: An accessory pack for a musical instrument case comprises a sleeve dimensioned to fit on the exterior of the musical instrument case body first and second openings at either end of the sleeve through which the case is inserted, and a third opening defined in the wall of the sleeve. Additionally, one or more pockets can be located on the outer surface of said sleeve.

Abstract: Protective, slip-on, two component cover system made of soft, absorbent material and adapted to protect the body and neck of a guitar or a bass guitar. It is preferred that the components are made of a natural, soft fiber such as cotton flannel. The body component has front, side and back sheets which are sewn together to correspond generally to the shape of a guitar or bass guitar. The body cover component has an open area to allow installation and removal of the cover with respect to a guitar or bass guitar body. The body cover component has a guitar or bass guitar pick or plectrum storage pocket. It is preferred that the neck cover component is made of the same natural, soft fiber cotton flannel and has a long sheet and, depending on the neck construction, a cap or wrap around belt which are sewn together to correspond generally to the shape of the guitar or bass guitar neck and its headstock.

Abstract: An equipment support stand comprises an upright member having an upper shaft, a lower shaft having an engaging structure located thereon, and an adjusting clutch connecting the upper shaft and the lower shaft. The stand also comprises means for locating equipment on an upper end of the upper shaft and a base assembly located on a lower end of the lower shaft. The base assembly comprises a support housing and receiving structure for cooperating with the engaging structure located on the lower shaft. The receiving structure is copperative with the engaging structure on the lower shaft to prevent the rotation of the lower shaft relative to the base assembly.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a conductor centric electronic music stand system (1) comprising a master electronic music stand (10) and one or more slave electronic music stands (50). An interactive user interface (100) for use in at 1 electronic music stand (10 or 50) and a computer-readable storage medium containing a set of instructions (SI) are also provided. The conductor centric electronic music stand system (I), the interactive user interface (100) and the computer-readable storage medium containing a set of instructions (SI). The instructions (SI) enable the transmission of annotations and or changes to the sheet music between the master electronic music stand (10) and slave electronic music stands (50); and to enable the master electronic music stand (10) to transmit sheet music retrieved from its storage medium (12) to one or more slave electronic music stands (50).

Abstract: The present invention specifically relates to a SELF-CLOSING HOODED COVER FOR A STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENT that is specifically designed to protect a stringed musical instrument from the deleterious effects of dust and debris in addition to providing protection to the instrument's finish from scratches and minor low velocity impacts. The self-closing hooded cover for a stringed instrument may comprise a fabric panel having a contour that loosely approximates the given musical instrument of symmetrical construction, which has a hood and a body element having a self-closing closure about the front midline and bottom. The invention further provides additional protection from the damaging effects of exposure from sunlight, and exposure to harsh environmental elements wherein instances for such exposure may exist. In another embodiment the self-closing hooded cover may be converted to a bag or case cover. Additional embodiments providing differing arrangements of the primary elements are also disclosed.