Abstract: An installation structure for an acoustic transducer that operates in accordance with an audio signal to thereby vibrating a vibrated body in a first direction for permitting the vibrated body to generate sounds, including: a magnetic-path forming portion fixedly disposed relative to a fixedly supporting portion; a movable unit having an electromagnetic coupling portion electromagnetically coupled to the magnetic-path forming portion and configured to vibrate in the first direction when the electromagnetic coupling portion is driven by the magnetic-path forming portion in response to a drive signal based on the audio signal; a connector fixed to the vibrated body and connecting the movable unit to the vibrated body for transmitting vibration of the movable unit to the vibrated body; and at least two restricting mechanisms fixedly disposed relative to the fixedly supporting portion for restricting a movement of the movable unit in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

Abstract: An installation structure for an acoustic transducer that operates in accordance with an audio signal to vibrate a vibrated body in a first direction for permitting the vibrated body to generate sounds, including: a magnetic-path forming portion; a vibrating unit configured to vibrate in the first direction; a connecting member disposed between: a part of the vibrated body or a fixed portion fixed to the vibrated body; and the vibrating unit, for transmitting vibration of the vibrating unit to the vibrated body; a first joint portion that connects a first end portion of the connecting member to the vibrating unit for enabling the connecting member to be inclined with respect to an axis extending in the first direction; and a second joint portion that connects a second end portion of the connecting member to the fixed portion for enabling the connecting member to be inclined with respect to the axis.

Abstract: An installation structure for an acoustic transducer configured to push and pull a vibrated body and having a magnetic-path forming portion; a vibrating unit; and a connector having at least one joint portion configured to connect two members such that axes of the two members are inclined relative to each other by bending at the at least one joint portion, the at least one joint portion having an urging portion configured to generate an urging force by which a pushing-side driving portion of a first member connected to one side of the at least one joint portion urges a pushing-side driven portion of a second member connected on another side of the at least one joint portion in a pushing direction and an urging force by which a pulling-side driving portion of the first member urges a pulling-side driven portion of the second member in a pulling direction.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for producing vocal accompaniment with sound producing musical instruments. A hand operated unit may have a programmable processor, a display, a plurality of control switches and a control device. The hand operated unit may have a selection of human voiced letters in selected pitch and pronunciation characteristics stored in the programmable processor. An identification parameter correlated to a signal from a musical instrument that represents a sound produced by the use of the musical instrument may be stored with each selected human voice letter. When a selected human voice letter is activated, the hand operated unit may output a signal to a sound producing device. The hand operated unit may be connected to a foot operated unit that has multiple two-position foot switches and a pedal for use in control of pitch and sound level characteristics as well as selection of a human voice letter to be sound output.

Abstract: A synthetic guitar includes a body, a neck extending from the body, and at least one touch sensor at the neck for indicating finger position of a user. The body has a receptacle for removably securing a tablet computer to the body. The tablet computer has a touch screen for indicating finger position of the user. A processor of the tablet computer is programmed to receive input signals from the touch sensor and the touch screen and to produce an output signal based at least partially on the input signals. The software can enable the synthetic guitar to be used as a music synthesizer or to be used as a video game controller. Synthetic guitar can also include a retainer for removably securing a portable media player to be used as an additional video display while playing the guitar.

Abstract: An audio coupling device is disclosed that includes a connector for an electric musical instrument, a connector for a handheld computing device, and a connector for headphones. The device may also include electrical decoupling and shielding mechanisms.

Abstract: A standard electronic module for an electric stringed musical instrument is provided. The standard electronic module is mounted within the main body of the electric stringed musical instrument in a module cavity in the back of the electric stringed musical instrument. The standard electronic module comprises two printed circuit boards, a main printed circuit board and a connector circuit board, wherein the standard electronic module provides rapid exchange of the main printed circuit board without changing the wiring harness of the electric stringed musical instrument, which is directly connected to the connector printed circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention extends to practice devices and systems for practicing to play stringed instruments. An electronic stringed instrument practice device can be configured to perform one or more of the following: detect when finger positions and/or string to fret contact on a finger or fret board forms an appropriate musical note or musical chord, visually indicate appropriate positions on a finger or fret board for forming a musical note or musical chord, and detect when strings have been selected (e.g., strummed). The electronic stringed instrument practice device can emit sound in the form of musical notes and chords. The electronic stringed instrument practice device can include communication modules for communicating with other computing devices, including mobile phones and tablets. The electronic stringed instrument practice device can interact with applications on other computing devices to further assist users in learning how to play a stringed musical instrument.

Abstract: A musical instrument comprising buttons for playing notes is disclosed, wherein the buttons are arranged in an isomorphic layout consisting of rows and columns, characterized by means for choosing between a diatonic and a chromatic layout of the buttons and by means for choosing between different keys and scales. The buttons can be velocity and/or pressure sensitive, they can be backlit in different colors and they can have a dynamic note information thereon. When the layout is diatonic, the scales are arranged horizontally in rows, the rows being vertically spaced in relative fourths: when the layout is chromatic, the buttons corresponding to the scale notes of the selected key are lit in way different from the other keys.

Abstract: A customizable electronic musical instrument comprising a mounting frame for securing a plurality of user-installable electronic musical modules of various types including a type for generating at least one real-time control signal responsive to user operation, a type for generating audio signals, responsive to a real-time control signal, and a for processing audio signals responsive to at least one of a real-time control signal. The instrument can transmit electrical signals to an external system and can include internal sound amplification. The instrument can include one or more of a keyboard, touchpad, strumpad, impact sensor, slider control, expression wheel, joystick, ribbon controller, button, switch, pressure sensor, multiple-position selector, knob potentiometer, and music synthesizer elements. Signals may be routed among modules by a switch or bus.

Abstract: A synthetic guitar includes a body, a neck extending from the body, and at least one touch sensor at the neck for indicating finger position of a user. The body has a receptacle for removably securing a tablet computer to the body. The tablet computer has a touch screen for indicating finger position of the user. A processor of the tablet computer is programmed to receive input signals from the touch sensor and the touch screen and to produce an output signal based at least partially on the input signals. The software can enable the synthetic guitar to be used as a music synthesizer or to be used as a video game controller. The synthetic guitar can also include a retainer for removably securing a portable media player to be used as an additional video display while playing the guitar.

Abstract: A modular approach to large string array electronic musical instruments such as specialized harps, zithers, sympathetic string arrays, the Harry Partch Kithara, the Harry Partch Harmonic Cannon, and other large string array electronic musical instruments is presented. A mounting frame is used to interchangeably secure a plurality of a plurality of musical instrument modules, each comprising a plurality of strings configured to vibrate and create electronic signals. An electronic interface is configured to transmit electrical signals from the plurality of musical instrument modules to an external system. The electronic interface can be configured to provide a multichannel output. The arrangement can further comprise either or both of at least one audio mixer and at least one signal processor.

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: An electronic keyboard musical instrument, including: a key; a mass body driven by a depressed key for pivotally moving in a movement region between a rest position and an end position; a back check portion to back check the mass body; a position detecting portion to detect a position of the mass body; and a controller for controlling silencing of a tone, such that the currently generated tone is silenced when the mass body reaches a preset tone silencing position in its movement from the end position to the rest position, wherein the controller is configured to change the tone silencing position on the basis of respective times required for the mass body to pass through first and second sub regions of the movement region in the movement of the mass body, the second sub region being located nearer to the rest position than the first sub region.

Abstract: An input apparatus including: a first operation detecting section provided on a first operating section which detects acceleration and angular speed based on movement of the first operating section; a second operation detecting section provided on a second operating section which detects acceleration and angular speed based on movement of the second operating section; a judging section which judges whether or not the first and second operating sections have been held together, based on the accelerations and the angular speeds detected by the first and second operation detecting sections; a detecting section which detects a change operation based on the accelerations and the angular speeds detected by the first and second operation detecting sections, when the judging section judges that the first and second operating sections have been held together; and a changing section which changes a predetermined parameter in accordance with the change operation detected by the detecting section.

Abstract: A speaker unit used for a musical instrument and configured to generate music sounds based on a performance operation in a main body of the musical instrument, including: an electrostatic speaker; and a stationary portion which is a portion fixed to the main body of the musical instrument or which is a member attachable to the main body of the musical instrument, wherein the electrostatic speaker is supported by the stationary portion such that at least one of a position and a posture of the electrostatic speaker with respect to the stationary portion is variable.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a portable media player has the form of a wearable button and includes a body that has a front face and a rear face. The media player also has a means for detachably attaching the body to an article of clothing, such as a shirt or jacket. The player has a memory that contains at least one audio file and also includes means for converting the audio file into an analogue sound signal, wherein the content of the memory is factory programmed and cannot be changed by the user. Playback controls are provided to permit playing of the audio file stored in memory. In accordance with the present invention, artist indicia are fixedly disposed on the front face of the body. The indicia correspond to the content of the audio file. For example, the indicia can include the name of the artist and/or the name of the song and/or contain graphics that are associated with the artist of the audio file content.

Abstract: An invention for an interactive musical game is presented that does not require the user to mentally map musical notation to instrument keys. More specifically, the invention comprises methods, apparatuses, and systems for entertainment using at least one electronic piano keyboard within a computer gaming system or module, wherein graphical game elements corresponding to note pitch, timing, duration, and/or rhythm align with and substantially correspond to the width of the keys.

Abstract: A music playing device for symphonic compositions allows a user to selective locate one or more musical instrument playing pieces within an orchestral pit and to listen to the series of notes of those instruments placed into the pit. The additive and subtractive benefits of musical instruments are thus appreciated. The device comprises a main base and individual, preferably, three dimensional musical instruments as playing pieces. Multiple symphonic musical compositions are available to be played with only the notes of those instruments being heard if and when placed into the pit area.

Abstract: A customizable electronic musical instrument comprising a mounting frame for securing a plurality of user-installable electronic musical modules of various types including a type for generating at least one real-time control signal responsive to user operation, a type for generating audio signals, responsive to a real-time control signal, and a for processing audio signals responsive to at least one of a real-time control signal. The instrument can transmit electrical signals to an external system and can include internal sound amplification. The instrument can include one or more of a keyboard, touchpad, strumpad, impact sensor, slider control, expression wheel, joystick, ribbon controller, button, switch, pressure sensor, multiple-position selector, knob potentiometer, and music synthesizer elements. Signals may be routed among modules by a switch or bus.

Abstract: A sound shoe having multiplicity of musical instruments, said instruments being one or more of a tambourine, jingles, Djembe shakers, a spoke to play a guiro, cymbals or cowbells, a bell, claps, wooden clackers generate. The shoe being able to mix sound generated by the shoe with other musical sounds and record them at the same time. This shoe allows for adjusting, amplifying and controlling of the music and audio generated within the shoe. The shoe performing equalization, reverberation and editing of the waveforms and MIDI sounds.

Abstract: A signal distribution system for a customizable aggregated musical instrument is described. The signal distribution system interfaces with a plurality of individual musical modules secured in a mounting frame having a plurality of mounting locations, each mounting location adapted to receive an individual musical module, and includes at least one instrument interface adapted to transmit interface signals to an external system and a signal routing infrastructure. Outgoing instrument interface signals include at least one of an outgoing audio signal, MIDI control signal, computer data signal, and video signal. Incoming instrument interface signals include at least one of an audio signal, MIDI control signal, computer data signal, and video signal. The musical instrument also includes at least one of an audio signal processing element, audio signal mixing element, audio sound production element, control signal processing element, control signal merging element, and controllable audio signal synthesizer element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thin karaoke machine, in which a display device, an amplifier and a karaoke machine are integrated into a single body. The thin karaoke system includes a front cover having an opening formed in a center thereof. A back cover is bent backwards to form an inner space in combination with the front cover, and has a plurality of heat radiation holes. A display panel is arranged on a back surface of the front cover and adapted to form a display part on a front surface. A display board is arranged on a first portion of the back surface of the display panel and has a plurality of electronic parts and PCBs. A karaoke board is arranged on a second portion of the back surface of the display panel and has a plurality of electronic parts and PCBs.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard musical instrument which is placed on a supporting surface when it is used, includes an instrument main unit which includes a keyboard having a plurality of keys and which generates electrical signals in response to depressions of the keys, a speaker which has a front side and a rear side and which produces sounds corresponding to the electrical signals from the instrument main unit, and an instrument main unit supporting member which is placed on the supporting surface. The instrument main unit supporting member includes an outer surface facing an external space, an internal space surrounded by the outer surface and housing the instrument main unit at a position apart upward from the supporting surface, and an opening formed in the outer surface and communicating the internal space with the external space. The speaker is attached to the outer surface with the front side facing the opening.

Abstract: Casing structure for a mixer apparatus includes a box-shaped casing that comprises an upper surface section, a bottom surface section and a side surface section. The upper surface section, having a generally obtuse-angled “V” shape, includes: a flat operation panel having operating members; a boundary section located adjacent to the rear end edge of the operation panel; and a flat, inclined display panel extending rearwardly and upwardly from the boundary section at a greater inclination angle than the operation panel. Within the casing, a partition member is provided on the bottom surface section to extend vertically upward to the boundary section, and it has openings to permit communication between front and rear accommodating sections. The partition member supports the boundary section from below to reinforce the upper surface section.

Abstract: An embodiment of a device for generating a note signal upon a manual input includes an operator to enable a user of the same as an input to define one or several points as an input signal, and a controller which is implemented to receive the input signal and to generate a note signal based on the input signal and an allocation function. The allocation function allocates one single or no tone to each point of a two-dimensional definition amount with a tone quality axis and a frequency axis. The definition amount has a plurality of base points. Here, exactly one tone is allocated to each of the base points.

Abstract: A control unit for a musical instrument having a keypad and/or touch pad areas for controlling a signal processing unit. The control unit is preferably formed in a thin and elastic layered structure whereby touching electrode surfaces of the structure generates a charge, voltage or capacitance that is subsequently processed. The control unit includes a surface element, whereby settings and values of the signal processing unit can be changed and controlled by a user applying physical contact to the surface element. A user control device is further coupled to the control unit, and is operable under at least two forms of operation, and wherein the user control device is configured to (1) select an acoustic parameters and (2) adjust the selected acoustic parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining input signals produced by a plurality of electric musical devices includes a plurality of audio buses and a plurality of segments. Each segment includes input circuitry configured to receive at least one input signal from at least one electric musical device and to deliver the at least one input signal to one of the plurality of audio buses; a plurality of variable adjustment devices each associated with a corresponding one of the audio buses and each configured to change at least one property of an input signal received by another of the plurality of segments and carried on the corresponding one of the audio buses independent from input signals carried on other of the plurality of audio buses; and a mixer configured to combine the input signals carried on each of the plurality of audio buses into an output signal.

Abstract: An electronic percussion musical instrument comprises a plurality of playing pads for playing music by striking the face of each pad. The pads are configured to provide ungrouped pad zones, each constituted by an individual playing pad and grouped pad zones, each constituted by combining plural playing pads into a grouped pad zone to work as an integral pad zone. Timbres of musical tones are allocated to the respective pad zones. A sequence of pad zones, each designating the allocated timbre, is set for a pad zone to represent a pad chain performance, so that plural music playing strikes on the same pad zone cause the generation of musical tones in the timbres allocated not only to the struck pad zone but also to the other pad zones in the order designated in the sequence for the pad chain performance on the struck pad zone.

Abstract: A music score recognition method and a system thereof are provided. In the present method, a music score is detected and at least one measure in the music score is obtained by searching bar lines, so as to plan a recognition order according to the position of each measure in the music score. Next, an image capturing apparatus is controlled to capture one of the measures according to the recognition order, and music information in the captured measure is recognized and outputted immediately. The method follows the recognition order to repeatedly perform the steps of controlling the image apparatus, recognizing the captured measure, and outputting the music information on the other measures until each of the measures has been processed.

Abstract: Stringed instruments, game controllers, and related structures and methods are described. A game controller having one or more strings is described for a computer gaming application. Output signals may be sent from the controller to the gaming application indicative of fingering of the game controller and the time at which the strings of the game controller are struck. Multi-mode apparatus are also described. A stringed apparatus may be used as both a game controller and an instrument. Bracing structures and methods are also described for bracing stringed apparatus, such as stringed game controllers and instruments.

Abstract: Plural key switches are arranged in two dimensions along X- and Y-coordinate axes, and an X-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with tone generation timing while a Y-coordinate position of each of the key switches is associated with a tone pitch. Storage section stores a music piece data set that includes tone generating data having data of tone pitches and tone generation timing associated with the key switches. In a repeat-section setting mode, a repeat-section setting section causes the plural key switches to function as setting operators and sets a repeat section of the music piece data set on the basis of the X-coordinate position of any operated one of the key switches. In reproduction of the stored music piece data set, a reproduction section repetitively reproduces the tone generating data of the music piece data set which are included in the set repeat section.

Abstract: A playback apparatus is provided that includes an operation plane, a detection unit to detect which of contact relationship including first contact relationship, second contact relationship with a higher degree of contact than the first contact relationship and third contact relationship with a higher degree of contact than the second contact relationship the operation plane and an operation object have, a creation unit to create a list screen of content data for selecting content data based on movement of the operation object with respect to the operation plane in the first contact relationship, a playback unit to play back content data, and a playback control unit to cause the playback unit to play back content data selected on the list screen when becoming the second contact relationship from the first contact relationship if contact relationship becomes the third contact relationship from the second contact relationship.

Abstract: Methods and systems for converting digital music scores to Braille, and vice versa and for creating Braille and digital music scores directly from music keyboard entry. The system and methods are embodied in computer programs which can extract note data from a digital score or Midi file, and correlate the note data with Braille cell data in a computer processor. A digital Braille score is created from the Braille cell data, and can be output as an embossed score, as a printed simulated Braille score or on a refreshable Braille display. The computer programs can also create digital scores from input Braille scores. Hardware components can include a music keyboard having a processor, a digital storage device and an integrated refreshable Braille display.

Abstract: Embodiments of the keyboard system that can determine accurate key operation. The system provides immediate processing of the data input streams from various strike sources, the key stroke depth data, the key strike speed data, the key strike acceleration data. The movement state volume V can be calculated using a formula shown below, based on the key strike depth D, the key speed S, the key acceleration A, the coefficient a, b, c, and constant d. V=a*D+b*S+c*A+d. When the volume level exceeds the predetermined level A, the system determines that the key has been pressed. When it is determined that the key has been pressed, the “note-on” information is outputted to the sound source. The velocity value included in the “note-on” information is calculated with reference to the velocity curve based on the key speed when it is determined that the key has been pressed.

Abstract: An electronic musical score display device comprises an electronic display panel displaying at least one page of musical score data; a manipulator that will transmit a page turn signal wirelessly, generated from a pressure contact such as the pressing of a foot; and a microprocessor that controls the divided pages of musical score data being shown on the electronic display panel, which after receiving the page turn signal will perform a page turn action. Therefore, a performer is not required to manually turn pages on the electronic musical score display device by hand, so the performance is not interrupted due to page turning, thereby increase the performance quality.

Abstract: One embodiment of the Touch sensitive impact controlled signal transfer device invention whereas the invention is used as a musical glove device that sends electrical signals to a sound module when areas of the glove containing piezoelectric discs are tapped or otherwise impacted on a surface and where the force applied by impact to the piezoelectric disc or discs is interpreted by the sound module and said module produces a sound at a volume level directly related to the force of impact on the piezoelectric discs and where multiple piezoelectric disks are located in each glove allowing a plurality of sounds by tapping different areas of the glove, such as the palm, thumb and fingers.

Abstract: A hybrid wind musical instrument is a combination between an alto saxophone and an electronic system so that a player can perform a music tune selectively through acoustic tones and electronic tones; although various parts and accessories are assembled into the alto saxophone, a bell brace makes it possible to sustain a control unit of the electronic system without damage of alto saxophone and undesirable influence on acoustic characteristics of the tubular instrument body.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument includes a keyboard having a plurality of keys, a top board located in the rear of the keyboard and having a space for placing external equipment, a music stand that is erected on the top board, and a plurality of connection terminals that are located in the rear of the music stand and on a top surface of the top board, and that are freely connected with and disconnected from the external equipment.

Abstract: A signal distribution system for a customizable aggregated musical instrument is described. The signal distribution system interfaces with a plurality of individual musical modules secured in a mounting frame having a plurality of mounting locations, each mounting location adapted to receive an individual musical module, and includes at least one instrument interface adapted to transmit interface signals to an external system and a signal routing infrastructure. Outgoing instrument interface signals include at least one of an outgoing audio signal, MIDI control signal, computer data signal, and video signal. Incoming instrument interface signals include at least one of an audio signal, MIDI control signal, computer data signal, and video signal. The musical instrument also includes at least one of an audio signal processing element, audio signal mixing element, audio sound production element, control signal processing element, control signal merging element, and controllable audio signal synthesizer element.

Abstract: A keyboard unit (10) comprising a plurality of keys (12) surrounding a centre (14) and operable singly and chordally by a single finger (or thumb). Preferred arrangements consist of three, four or seven surrounding keys (12), particularly for playing musical notes of an octave. A keyboard (16) may comprise a plurality of spaced apart units (10) in groups (18) operable by respective fingers. The different units (10) may operate different instrumental sounds. Variations include shift functions, operation of lights, e.g. in mixed sequence with notes, operation of alphanumeric characters, e.g. to produce up to a 10-character word or grouping simultaneously. The keyboard (16) may be on the back of a guitar neck (30) or arranged to correspond to the keys on a piano. Logical circuitry and mosaic and adapted QWERTY keyboards are described, also a piano keyboard with phantom black notes.

Abstract: Rack mountable, user-programmable electronic modules are disclosed that may be used separately, or combined into an integrated system, to analyze, display, troubleshoot, or perform signal conversion on contents or a Musical Instrument Data Interface (MIDI) data stream. Signal conversion capabilities include conversion from a standard MIDI unbalanced current-driven signal format to other electronic forms, such as a balanced differential voltage format, or optical fiber or wireless media formats, that are more suitable for longer distance transmission, and include conversion from a format suitable for long distance back to a standard MIDI format.

Abstract: This invention allows for easy field-customization of mainstream and exotic electronic musical instruments with extensive support for the easy creation of aggregated instruments. This invention leverages extensive functional customization of instruments within mainstream accepted instrument modalities as well as opening a wide range of completely new instrument modalities. The invention further facilitates entirely new manufacturing, marketing, and sales paradigms permitting a broad range of open industry development and commerce, thus making an individual musician's creation of new exotic instrument arrangements an economically viable sector for both mass manufacturing and the niche cottage industry. New opportunities are provided for the creation of multiple-vendor standardizations, multiple-vendor manufacturing, multiple-vendor competitive features, etc.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard instrument is assembled on a frame member. A keyboard has a plurality of keys pivotably supported by the frame member. A lower case is formed integrally with or separately from the frame member under the keyboard. An electroacoustic transducer is accommodated in a space between the keyboard and a bottom plate of the lower case, and outputs an acoustic wave. The acoustic wave outputted from the electroacoustic transducer is radiated outwardly through sound passages configured as gaps in the frame member and gaps between the plurality of the keys.

Abstract: An electronic module has an enclosure which is mechanically and electrically compatible with a plurality of receiving devices such as amplifiers, computers, mixer consoles, and musical instruments. The module has a programmable control panel and display on the enclosure and an electronic circuit disposed within the enclosure and receiving user commands from the control panel and displaying configuration information on the display. The electronic circuit performs a variety of functions for each of the receiving devices by way of a digital signal processor, synthesizer for generating a programmable audio signal in response to a data stream, storage device for storing musical information in a digital format, and playback device for retrieval and playback of the stored musical information. An audio output is coupled for transferring the programmable audio signal to or from the receiving device.

Abstract: Key frame has a key support section that pivotably supports thereon a plurality of keys. Hammer structures are pivotably provided in corresponding relation to and below the keys, each of which pivots in interlocked relation to depression operation of a corresponding one of the keys. On a rear portion of the key frame, there is provided an upper stopper that is elongated and extends in a direction where the keys are arranged. The upper stopper defines an upper end limit of pivoting movement of each of the hammer structures. Opening portion is formed between the key support section and the upper stopper. Wiring cable connected to a circuit board, having switches corresponding to the keys, is run below the key support section, then passed through the opening portion and thence drawn upwardly beyond the upper stopper so that it is led out to a region above the upper stopper.

Abstract: An electronic keyboard instrument which enables an instrument frame to be shared by different types of electronic keyboard instruments, and facilitates separate mounting and removal of a keyboard unit and a tone-generating unit. A frame assembly (FAS) has a pair of left and right frame bodies (LFM and RFM) and upper and lower connecting members (20AS and 30AS). The frame assembly is configured such that the two frame bodies are connected together via the connecting members. A pair of keyboard unit-holding parts (16La and 16Ra) are provided respectively on the two frame bodies of the frame assembly. The keyboard unit-holding parts are capable of selectively holding one of a plurality of types of keyboard units (KB). A pair of speaker unit-holding parts (17La and 17Ra) are provided respectively on the two frame bodies, separately from the keyboard unit-holding parts. The speaker unit-holding parts are capable of selectively holding one of a plurality of types of speaker units (SP).

Abstract: A foot-operated programmable transport controller for use in conjunction with a sound and music-editing software application while connecting a musical instrument. The controller comprises a keyboard comprising a plurality of keys; each key for performing at least one function pertaining to the software application. The controller further comprises a user interface for creating, editing, storing, and retrieving different profiles; the profile being a complete set of all functions assigned to all the keys and their combinations. The user interface is provided through a host computer system.

Abstract: A training apparatus for guiding and independently teaching a user to quickly play a guitar by interpreting stored encoded MIDI music data to guide the user's hands by illuminating sequences of desired finger positions on the frets of a guitar to play the music.

Abstract: A mobile device (160) and method (300) for generating wind instrument sounds is provided. The mobile device can include a microphone (102) for capturing an air turbulence in response to a blowing action, a keypad (104) for selecting a virtual valve to associate with the air turbulence, a synthesis engine (106) for synthesizing a musical note in response to the blowing and the virtual valve, and an audio speaker (108) for playing the musical note. One or more keys of the keypad can be depressed during the blowing action on the microphone for synthesizing a musical note of a wind instrument. A display (110) can present a musical notation (800) and a fingering chart (810) for musical notes.