Abstract: A doorbell is in electrical communication with a trigger which is in further electrical communication with the audio alert. The audio alert is fashioned as a pipe organ or any pitch or octave.

Abstract: An apparatus for upmixing a downmix audio signal describing one or more downmix audio channels into an upmixed audio signal describing a plurality of upmixed audio channels includes an upmixer and a parameter determinator. The upmixer is configured to apply temporally variable upmix parameters to upmix the downmix audio signal in order to obtain the upmixed audio signal, wherein the temporally variable upmix parameters include temporally variable smoothened phase values. The parameter determinator is configured to obtain one or more temporally smoothened upmix parameters for usage by the upmixer on the basis of a quantized upmix parameter input information. The parameter determinator is configured to combine a scaled version of a previous smoothened phase value with a scaled version of an input phase information using a phase change limitation algorithm, to determine a current smoothened phase value on the basis of the previous smoothened phase value and the phase input information.

Abstract: The musical instrument includes: a pickup that acquires an electric sound signal corresponding to a sound performed on the musical instrument; effector circuitry that imparts an effect to the acquired electric sound signal; a vibrator that produces mechanical vibration corresponding to the effect-imparted sound signal; and a transmission device that transmits the mechanical vibration, produced by the vibrator, to the body of the musical instrument with a characteristic having a fundamental frequency region of the musical instrument suppressed. The electric sound signal corresponding to the performed sound is imparted with an effect, the vibrator is driven by the effect-imparted sound signal, and a mechanical vibration sound is generated from the body of the musical instrument. The thus-generated mechanical vibration sound is audibly generated from the body as a vibration sound additional to the performed sound, which allows a user to experience a performance feeling that has never existed before.

Abstract: A ukulele includes a ukulele main body and a circuit board. The ukulele main body includes a head, strings, a fret board, and a body. A front surface of the body is provided with a saddle and a bridge. The circuit board is disposed in the body. The circuit board includes a power supply module, a Bluetooth audio input module, a pickup module, a mixing module, and an audio output module. The ukulele can be played in conjunction with a smart phone accompaniment and ensure the timbre of playing.

Abstract: An apparatus for upmixing a downmix audio signal describing one or more downmix audio channels into an upmixed audio signal describing a plurality of upmixed audio channels includes an upmixer and a parameter determinator. The upmixer is configured to apply temporally variable upmix parameters to upmix the downmix audio signal in order to obtain the upmixed audio signal, wherein the temporally variable upmix parameters include temporally variable smoothened phase values. The parameter determinator is configured to obtain one or more temporally smoothened upmix parameters for usage by the upmixer on the basis of a quantized upmix parameter input information. The parameter determinator is configured to combine a scaled version of a previous smoothened phase value with a scaled version of an input phase information using a phase change limitation algorithm, to determine a current smoothened phase value on the basis of the previous smoothened phase value and the phase input information.

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: An apparatus for upmixing a downmix audio signal describing one or more downmix audio channels into an upmixed audio signal describing a plurality of upmixed audio channels includes an upmixer and a parameter determinator. The upmixer is configured to apply temporally variable upmix parameters to upmix the downmix audio signal in order to obtain the upmixed audio signal, wherein the temporally variable upmix parameters include temporally variable smoothened phase values. The parameter determinator is configured to obtain one or more temporally smoothened upmix parameters for usage by the upmixer on the basis of a quantized upmix parameter input information. The parameter determinator is configured to combine a scaled version of a previous smoothened phase value with a scaled version of an input phase information using a phase change limitation algorithm, to determine a current smoothened phase value on the basis of the previous smoothened phase value and the phase input information.

Abstract: A system and method that quantifies a sound into dynamic pitch-based graphs that correlate to the pitch frequencies of the sound. The system records a sound, such as musical notes. A pitch detection algorithm identifies and quantifies the pitch frequencies of the notes. The algorithm analyzes the pitch frequencies, and graphically displays the pitch frequency and notes in real time as fluctuating circles, rectangular bars, and lines that represent variances in pitch. The algorithm comprises a modified Type 2 Normalized Square Difference Function that transforms the musical notes into the pitch frequencies. The Type 2 Normalized Square Difference Function analyzes the peaks of the pitch frequency to arrive at a precise pitch frequency, such as 440 Hertz. A Lagrangian interpolation enables comparative analysis and teaching of the pitches and notes. The algorithm also performs transformations and heuristic comparisons to generate the real time graphical representation of the pitch frequency.

Abstract: An audio or visual system may include an encoder to encode electrical signals generated by an instrument such as a stringed instrument to music control message data such as MIDI data. A first wireless transceiver coupled to the encoder may transmit the MIDI data to a second wireless transceiver. A processor, coupled to the second wireless transceiver, may produce media signals based on the MIDI data.

Abstract: A guitar having a compartment for a portable computing device, said compartment comprising of a rectangular opening being embedded on said guitar body to fit said portable computing device, a built-in recharger and an adaptor or a guitar interface; a cover being connected to said bottom of said opening pivotally coupled to said opening and being adjusted by a user, said cover having an inner surface and outer surface; a case being connected to said inner surface of said cover to receive said portable computing device; and a securing means to secure said cover to said opening in a specific angle; wherein by placing said portable computing device on said cover, the user can adjust the angle of said cover to see said portable computing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for upmixing a downmix audio signal describing one or more downmix audio channels into an upmixed audio signal describing a plurality of upmixed audio channels includes an upmixer and a parameter determinator. The upmixer is configured to apply temporally variable upmix parameters to upmix the downmix audio signal in order to obtain the upmixed audio signal, wherein the temporally variable upmix parameters include temporally variable smoothened phase values. The parameter determinator is configured to obtain one or more temporally smoothened upmix parameters for usage by the upmixer on the basis of a quantized upmix parameter input information. The parameter determinator is configured to combine a scaled version of a previous smoothened phase value with a scaled version of an input phase information using a phase change limitation algorithm, to determine a current smoothened phase value on the basis of the previous smoothened phase value and the phase input information.

Abstract: This method of converting a displacement of a magnetic object into a signal directly perceptible by a human being, comprises: —the acquisition (32) of a temporal succession of measurements of a magnetic field modified by the displacements of the object during a sliding time window of predetermined duration, —the construction (34) on the basis of this acquired temporal succession of measurements of several signals each representing a characteristic of the measured magnetic field dependent on a corresponding characteristic of the displacement of the object, and —the adjustment (50) of several parameters of the directly perceptible signal as a function of the signals so as to render these characteristics directly perceptible.

Abstract: An audio effect control pedal for musicians has, in one embodiment, a first input connection (30), a second input connection (36), a first output connection (38), a second output connection (34), and a mixing circuit (32). The mixing circuit inputs are connected to the first (30) and second (36) input connections, and the output of the mixing circuit is connected to the first output connection (38). The mixing circuit creates an output signal that is a combination of the signals present on the first and second input connections. A treadle (46) is mechanically linked to a potentiometer (P1) that is part of the mixing circuit. Moving the treadle rotates the potentiometer and changes the proportion of signals from the first and second input connections. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: An electronic drum set is provided, which allows a user to give a performance, feeling as if the user is playing acoustic drums. The electronic drum set DS is provided with a foot board, a potentiometer, and CPU. The foot board is pressed down by the user. When the user presses the foot board down, the potentiometer mounted on the foot board obtains an angular rate and angular acceleration of the foot board. CPU determines based on the obtained angular acceleration, a timing, at which an instruction of generating a musical tone is given. Further, CPU controls based on the obtained angular rate, a generating state of a musical tone, the generation of which is instructed.

Abstract: A hand controlled volume potentiometer knob has a knob body for coupling with a potentiometer shaft on the body of a guitar and at least one arm extending from the knob body and angled to place a distal end of the arm proximate a playing area of the guitar. The arm allows a user to control guitar volume without removing his hand from a playing area of the guitar, by actuating the arm with a finger to turn the knob and thereby rotate the potentiometer shaft.

Abstract: A performance apparatus 11 extends in its longitudinal direction to be held by a player with his or her hand. The performance apparatus is provided with a geomagnetic sensor 22 and an acceleration sensor 23 in its extending portion. CPU 21 gives an instruction to an electronic musical instrument 19 to generate a musical tone of a tone color at a timing when a position of the performance apparatus obtained by the geomagnetic sensor and acceleration sensor passes through a sound generation area defined in space, wherein the tone color of the musical tone corresponds to the sound generation area. The sound generation areas and corresponding tone colors are stored in an area/tone color table in RAM 26. Upon receipt of an instruction, the electronic musical instrument generates a musical tone having a tone color corresponding to the sound generation area.

Abstract: Provided is a program for musical performance which causes a computer of a musical performance apparatus to function as a posture variation acquisition unit 101 for acquiring the posture variation of a controller 5 per frame based on the angular velocity with respect to the posture or movement of the controller 5, a volume parameter setting unit 102 for setting a volume parameter for deciding the volume according to the posture variation, and a sound signal output unit 106 for outputting a sound signal of the volume according to the volume parameter.

Abstract: An electronic drum set is provided, which allows a user to give a performance, feeling as if the user is playing acoustic drums. The electronic drum set DS is provided with a foot board, a potentiometer, and CPU. The foot board is pressed down by the user. When the user presses the foot board down, the potentiometer mounted on the foot board obtains an angular rate and angular acceleration of the foot board. CPU determines based on the obtained angular acceleration, a timing, at which an instruction of generating a musical tone is given. Further, CPU controls based on the obtained angular rate, a generating state of a musical tone, the generation of which is instructed.

Abstract: A performance apparatus 11 extends in its longitudinal direction to be held by a player with his or her hand, and is provided with an acceleration sensor 23 for detecting an acceleration sensor value and an angular rate sensor 22 for detecting an angular rate of rotation of the apparatus 11 about its longitudinal axis. CPU 21 detects a sound-generation timing based on the acceleration sensor value. Using the angular rate, CPU 21 calculates a rotation angle of the performance apparatus 11 made about its longitudinal axis in a period from a first and a second timing, wherein the first and second timing correspond to starting and finishing of swinging motion of the performance apparatus, respectively. CPU 21 determines to increase or decrease a sound volume level, in accordance with the direction and amount of the calculated rotation angle, thereby adjusting a sound volume level of musical tone.

Abstract: The disclosed volume-adjustment circuit sets the volume of each pickup setting in a topology-setting switch independent of other pickup topology settings in the switch. The volume-adjustment circuit has three parts: (1) a pickup topology selection switch that selects separate pickup-topologies, (2) separate and independent signal paths for chosen pickup-topologies, and (3) separate volume adjustment circuits in electrically separate and independent signal paths. Thus, the disclosure provides separate volume adjustment for selected pickup topologies of the pickup topology selection switch.

Abstract: A removable inline signal interrupter having a male/female combination plug, the male portion of the plug insertable into an electric guitar output receptacle, the female portion of the male/female plug having an internal negative-negative connection and an internal positive-positive connection, the positive-positive connection extending externally from the female portion of the male/female plug, and having an inline minimum volume dial and spring loaded on/off switch incorporated into the circuitry, the female portion of the male/female plug serving as a receptacle for the insertion of a male plug from the amplifier, the spring-loaded on/off lever switch allowing the guitarist to selectively interrupt the signal from the guitar to the amplifier.

Abstract: An apparatus is to assist an unskilled player in playing a musical instrument by detecting the quantity of the player's manipulation against the instrument, modifying the detected manipulation quantity with reference to a recommended manipulation to a degree according to a given assistance coefficient, and actuating the instrument with the modified manipulation quantity. For a brass instrument, the apparatus comprises an embouchure sensor and a breath pressure sensor to detect the embouchure and the breath pressure of the player as he/she plays the brass instrument. The detected embouchure and breath pressure are then modified with reference to a recommended embouchure and breath pressure weighted by a given assistance coefficient. The apparatus actuates the brass instrument based on the modified embouchure and breath pressure.

Abstract: Automatic playing and recording apparatuses for an acoustic/electric guitar allow a user to play in concert along with music of other musical instruments outputted by an automatic playing apparatus by adding the automatic playing apparatus to an acoustic/electric guitar, or to record/process user's guitar music or ensemble music and then reproduce/output the guitar music or the ensemble music according to user's need by adding a recording apparatus to an acoustic/electric guitar.

Abstract: System and method expanding and generalizing string selection aspects of an autoharp and applying to general forms of string arrays. String vibration may be sympathetic or induced by strumming, plucking, and/or electrical drive transducers. Volume of individual vibrating strings within arrays of strings may be mechanically or electronically controlled by chord buttons or a music keyboard. Electronic control can also be made with foot switches or incoming MIDI control signals. These controls may be used individually or in combination. Keyboard keys may be provided with key-travel sensors, key-surface sensors, or other sensors for continuously controlling volumes and octave mixings of subgroups of individual strings. Incoming MIDI control signals may also be used for controlling volumes and octave mixings of subgroups of individual strings.

Abstract: The keys in a reproducing piano are actuated by a plurality of solenoids, one for each key to be played. The solenoids are arranged along the width of the keyboard and deviated from each other in the front-back direction of the keys in a staggered manner. A consequence of this arrangement is that the mechanical lever advantage of some solenoids is greater than the mechanical lever advantage of others, and as a result, some keys are played more loudly than others. In order to correct this problem, the drive applied to a solenoid is adjusted to compensate for the mechanical lever advantage, thereby allowing a performance to be accurately reproduced.

Abstract: An apparatus is to assist an unskilled player in playing a musical instrument by detecting the quantity of the player's manipulation against the instrument, modifying the detected manipulation quantity with reference to a recommended manipulation to a degree according to a given assistance coefficient, and actuating the instrument with the modified manipulation quantity. For a brass instrument, the apparatus comprises an embouchure sensor and a breath pressure sensor to detect the embouchure and the breath pressure of the player as he/she plays the brass instrument. The detected embouchure and breath pressure are then modified with reference to a recommended embouchure and breath pressure weighted by a given assistance coefficient. The apparatus actuates the brass instrument based on the modified embouchure and breath pressure.

Abstract: In an apparatus for assisting play of a wind instrument, an actuator is attached to the wind instrument for vibrating a portion of the wind instrument so as to assist play of the wind instrument. A microphone receives a vibration of a sound generated by the wind instrument and generates a vibration signal representing the vibration of the sound. A breath pressure sensor detects a pressure of a breath that is blown into the wind instrument during the play thereof, and generates a breath pressure signal corresponding to the detected pressure of the breath. A controller generates a control signal corresponding to the product of an inverse value of an envelope of the vibration signal and a value of the breath pressure signal. A variable gain amplifier amplifies the vibration signal with a variable gain which varies in response to the control signal so that an output signal of the variable gain amplifier is provided to enable the excitation part to vibrate the portion of the wind instrument.

Abstract: Automatic playing and recording apparatuses for an acoustic/electric guitar allow a user to play in concert along with music of other musical instruments outputted by an automatic playing apparatus by adding the automatic playing apparatus to an acoustic/electric guitar, or to record/process user's guitar music or ensemble music and then reproduce/output the guitar music or the ensemble music according to user's need by adding a recording apparatus to an acoustic/electric guitar.

Abstract: A preamp for use with a musical instrument includes a processing circuit that processes an electrical signal and an output device that outputs the electrical signal to an external device. The preamp also includes a battery that supplies electric power to the processing circuit. A switch switches in those cases where a voltage of the battery has dropped below a specific voltage, such that the electrical signal is output from the output device instead of an output of the processing circuit.

Abstract: An automatic playing system is independent of acoustic pianos, and is designed to perform music tunes expressed by sets of MIDI music data codes on the acoustic pianos; since the acoustic pianos have their own individualities, control parameter table, which were prepared through experiments on a standard piano, are not optimum for most of the acoustic pianos due to the individualities: the automatic playing system can tailor the control parameter tables defining relation between the magnitude of driving signal and the MIDI velocity and relation between the magnitude of driving signal and time lag from the supply of the driving signal and the collision between the hammers and the strings for each sort of acoustic pianos before the automatic playing so that the automatic playing system reproduces the music tunes at high fidelity regardless of the sort of acoustic pianos.

Abstract: A removable inline signal interrupter having a male/female combination plug, the male portion of the plug insertable into an electric guitar output receptacle, the female portion of the male/female plug having an internal negative-negative connection and an internal positive-positive connection, the positive-positive connection extending externally from the female portion of the male/female plug, and having an inline minimum volume dial and spring loaded on/off switch incorporated into the circuitry, the female portion of the male/female plug serving as a receptacle for the insertion of a male plug from the amplifier, the spring-loaded on/off lever switch allowing the guitarist to selectively interrupt the signal from the guitar to the amplifier.

Abstract: An electronic system, which serves as a recorder and an automatic player, is installed in an automatic player piano, and hammer sensors, which are implemented by photo couplers, report current hammer positions through analog signals to a data processor so that the data processor analyzes pieces of hammer data for recording the performance in a set of music codes; the analog signals are amplified through an operational amplifier and, thereafter, converted to discrete values of digital hammer signals so that an offset voltage is unavoidably introduced into the analog signals; when the photo couplers vary the light-to-photocurrent converting characteristics due to the aged deterioration, the data processor takes the offset voltage into account, and calibrates the hammer sensors, thereby making the digital hammer signals correctly express the current hammer positions.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing electrical power to signal conditioner circuitry inside a musical instrument having a signal output jack mounted thereon to carry a conditioned music signal via a signal cable to a remote location. The power source is a battery mounted inside a housing that is part of a signal plug on the signal cable plugged into the signal output jack. The battery powers the signal conditioner circuitry while the signal plug is in the jack. The housing provides access to the battery. Alternatively, a rechargeable power source is mounted inside or otherwise on the instrument and is connected to the jack. A power supply first plug is inserted into the signal output jack to charge the rechargeable power source. After charging the power source, the first plug is unplugged and a second plug of a signal cable is plugged into the jack to carry the conditioned signal to the remote location.

Abstract: A high technology acoustic piano includes a piano body. A musical keyboard is mounted on the piano body. Keys are connected to the action for operating the hammers to strike strings. Strings adjacent to the hammers are arranged in different groups according to frequency, pitch, and ranges. A soundboard is mounted to the piano body and is spaced under the strings. Four or more pickups (located between the groups of strings and the soundboard) transmit frequencies, overtones and beats to onboard computers and to each pickup's separately controlled amplifier. An onboard computer mounts on the piano body near the musical keyboard and stores musical scores, written/drawn materials, and word processing text, and records music from the strings, pickups, modules, and amplifiers associated with the musical keyboard. A scanner slides from beneath the keyboard to copy printed/written/drawn materials and word processing text into the computer.

Abstract: A joystick control (20) mounted on the body (12) of an electric guitar (11) adjacent to the customarily picked section of the strings (16) provides convenient simultaneous independent gain control of two pickup signals. A pick may be held between the thumb and first finger of the picking hand while the joystick handle assembly (23) is manipulated by any free finger or fingers of that hand. This system allows smooth, quick, easy manual selection of two independent instrument voices, alternately or simultaneously in any proportion, with minimal disturbance to the player's picking. Picking strings while varying the signals' volume levels can produce desirable timbre changes, swells, and tremolo. A waveform polarity switch (19) optionally reverses the polarity of one pickup signal. When the signals are out of phase, the change in tone of their combined voice as the joystick travels is complex.

Abstract: A pivoting electromagnetic pickup device is provided. The invention generally is comprised of an elongated support structure, an electromagnetic pickup, a pivoting means, and an angular position locking means. The extremity of the elongated support structure is pivotally attached to the front face of an electric guitar or electric base body, between the front face and the strings, restricting its movement to a curvilinear path substantially normal to the axis of rotation and substantially parallel to the plane of the strings. The pickup is mounted to the elongated support structure, between the elongated support structure and the strings. Attaching the elongated support structure to the guitar body in a pivotal relationship is the pivoting means. The angular position locking means can be engaged to continuously vary the resistance to angular motion, from no resistance to maximum resistance, where the elongated support structure is substantially locked to a chosen angular position.

Abstract: An apparatus for amplifying the sound of a stringed instrument includes, in its most basic form, a speaker attached to a strap that is adapted to be draped around a musician with each end thereof detachably-attachable to the stringed instrument. An amplifier circuit, according to a first embodiment, is connected to the speaker and attached to the strap along with a battery. A pickup wire is attached to an input of the amplifier circuit and to an electrical jack on the musical instrument. Portable amplification of the stringed instrument is provided. Other embodiments disclose a remote amplifier circuit and a remote battery that are attached elsewhere to the musician while the amplifier circuit output remains connected to the speaker that is always attached to the strap. A two-piece strap is disclosed as are a variety of different types of speakers that are attached to any preferred version of the strap.

Abstract: The invention is an electronic, voice-controlled musical instrument. It is in essence an electronic kazoo. The player hums into the mouthpiece, and the device imitates the sound of a musical instrument whose pitch and volume change in response to the player's voice. The player is given the impression of playing the actual instrument and controlling it intimately with the fine nuances of his voice. The instrument can in principle be any music-producing sound source: a trumpet, trombone, clarinet, flute, piano, electric guitar, voice, whistle, even a chorus of voices, i.e. virtually any source of sound. In its simplest configuration, the instrument resembles a kind of horn. However, the shape and appearance of the instrument can be fashioned by the manufacture to match the sound of any traditional instrument, if desired; or its shape can be completely novel.

Abstract: A packaged preamp with an integral pickup, a battery holder, an output jack, and a plurality of control mechanisms. The packaged preamp can be mounted on a flat, curved, or variably curved side of an acoustic guitar body, such as a lower side away from the guitar player, while allowing optimal access to the output jack and the controls. The pickup is pre-wired into the preamp and requires only a mechanical attachment within the guitar. The output jack is integral to the preamp's front panel, the battery is accessed through a cover on the front panel, and the controls are accessed through the front panel. Once the pickup is attached inside the guitar, the packaged preamp is attached within a pre-cut opening in the side of the guitar, thereby completing the installation of the preamp.

Abstract: There is provided a musical tone generating apparatus which enables beginners inexperienced in musical performance and like players to play a musical instrument such as an electronic harp without practicing repeatedly. The musical instrument has a plurality of operating elements such as strings to which a plurality of musical tones are assigned, respectively. Musical tones are generated in response to operations of the operating elements. Ones of the musical tones, assigned to ones of said operating elements which are not to be operated are muted.

Abstract: An electronic, voice-controlled musical instrument called the Vocolo, in which the player hums into the mouthpiece, and the device imitates the sound of a musical instrument whose pitch and volume change in response to the player's voice is disclosed. The player is given the impression of playing the actual instrument and controlling it intimately with the fine nuances of his voice. The invention comprises techniques for pitch quantization that provide esthetically pleasing note transitions, mechanisms for song recording that are suited for rhythmic repeated playback and performance evaluation of the player's pitch control, techniques related to expressive control and pitch detection, and techniques for mitigating the effect of pitch detection errors. Embodiments are disclosed for providing finger/hand interaction for expressive control, a microphone enclosure that mitigates audio feedback, and for providing rhythmic feedback to the player through mechanical vibrations induced in the device.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument is equipped with plural series combinations of switches and resistors and a piezoelectric transducer associated with a movable member for producing electric signals representative of player's intentions to music sound to be generated, and a signal processing system processes the signals for generating the music sound; the signal processing system has a voltage discriminator so that the plural series combinations are connected in parallel to the voltage discriminator through a single conductive line; a vibration absorber is inserted between the movable member and the piezoelectric transducer so that the piezoelectric transducer exactly converts the motion of the movable member to the electric signal at each player's manipulation.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit for providing a combined clean and dirty output signal from an electric guitar. The circuit comprises a panning pedal that has two potentiometers attached thereto so that movement of the panning pedal results in two continuously varying ranges of resistances being produced by the potentiometers. The output signal of the guitar is provided to the panning pedal and the resistance values of the potentiometers determine the proportion of the guitar output signal that is to be provided to a clean pre-amp stage and the proportion that is to be provided to a dirty pre-amp stage. The clean pre-amp stage amplifies the output signal substantially without distortion and the dirty pre-amp stage amplifies the signal so as to produce a saturated output signal. The output of the clean pre-amp stage and the dirty pre-amp stage are then combined to produce a single output signal.

Abstract: An electric stringed musical instrument that produces and processes electric signals through an analog circuit has the analog circuit digitally controlled. The digital control is preferably such that it enables desired preset conditions for the analog circuit to be stored and later recalled in a simple, rapid manner by a musician while he or she is playing the instrument. The instrument can additionally, or alternatively, include energy management and string responsiveness features.

Abstract: A musical instrument amplifier system (FIGS. 1 and 2) with a frequency selective crossover circuit (10) using passive band pass filters (36, 44) to separate the amplified signals from the power amplifier (14) of an amplifier system (12) into low frequency signals on an output connector (42) for a specially adapted bass audio speaker (38) while the higher frequency signals are applied to another speaker (46). The crossover circuit (10) is selectively connected with the normal speaker output (24) in lieu of the speaker (38) to add frequency crossover capability to any amplifier system. In another musical instrument amplifying system (88), the crossover circuit (FIG.

Abstract: A guitar pickup switching system has a single-coil treble pickup, a single-coil middle pickup, and a single-coil rhythm pickup for an electric guitar. A switch arrangement allows the guitar player to select outputs of the pickups in any one of the following seven combinations: treble pickup output alone, treble pickup output plus middle pickup output, middle pickup output alone, middle pickup output plus rhythm pickup output, rhythm pickup output alone, treble pickup output plus rhythm pickup output, and treble pickup output plus middle pickup output plus rhythm pickup output. Two volume controls enable the player to vary the blend of treble pickup output and middle and rhythm pickup outputs provided from the switching system.

Abstract: A control circuit for use with a guitar or other musical instrument having an electromechanical pickup for converting natural vibrations of the instrument into electrical signals amplified or otherwise conditioned by a sound system to produce a derivative sound, controls a given parameter, such as the loudness or intensity, of the derivative sound and includes one or more pads of electrically conductive material fixed to the instrument and defining one or more discrete areas on the outer surface of the instrument which are sensitive to such discrete areas being touched by or brought into close proximity to a finger, hand or other body part of the performer, thereby allowing the performer to easily and quickly make changes in the given parameter of the derivative sound.

Abstract: An electric monophonic/stereophonic stringed resonator instrument includes a body, a resonator assembly mounted on the guitar body, and strings connected to the body. A pickup responsive to string movement and a transducer responsive to resonator assembly action provide respective electric signals representing respective sounds. Independent volume control is provided for each signal. A switch connects the signals either to a common output channel as a blended monophonic output or to respective output channels as a stereophonic output.

Abstract: An intonation adjustment system is provided for a stringed instrument. A saddle setup tool has a plurality of selectable, distinctly spaced intonation points so that a preferred one of the selectable, distinctly spaced intonation points can be determined for each string of the instrument. Then a bridge saddle is constructed from a set of prefabricated candidate saddle segments by selecting a group of selected saddle segments making up the instrument saddle and providing the desired combination of intonation points as determined with the saddle setup tool. A pickup for an amplified instrument provides adjustable positioning of individual piezo-electric transducer elements so that relative volume outputs of the strings may also be adjusted.

Abstract: A microphone is provided with sensors to detect pitch and roll of the microphone and pressure applied to the microphone. The sensor signals are mapped by control circuitry to control desired effects such as reverberation, vibrato and tremolo to be applied to the audio signal from the microphone or to control effects or other parameters such as volume and tempo in an accompaniment musical instrument. Both the effect to be imparted and the degree of the effect can be controlled based upon signals from the sensors.