Abstract: This invention relates to musical instruments. Its use for mounting a solenoid above a string of stringed instrument for pressing this string to a specific fret of finger-board allows to simplify that mounting and ensure the absence of the knock at a moment of actuating the solenoid. The method is implemented in a stringed instrument bearing, above a finger-board thereof, a common plate having through-holes under each solenoid comprising a coil, within which coil a plunger adapted for axial movement being disposed, the plunger tapering to an output stud thereof for limiting a working travel of the plunger with a stopper ring displaced at a coil edge facing the string, the output stud having thickening at an end with elastic washers at both the side facing the string and reverse side.

Abstract: A string musical instrument comprising an instrument body having a fretboard and a plurality of electrically common and electrically conductive frets spaced along the fretboard. One or more electrically isolated and electrically conductive vibratory strings are laterally disposed on the instrument body and held in tension over and in close proximity to the frets and a picking means for each of the strings. The picking means is an actuating assembly with a power supply. The actuating assembly is electrically connected to the one or more electrically isolated and electrically conductive vibratory strings.

Abstract: An automated player for stringed instruments having a plucking mechanism and a fretting mechanism. The plucking mechanism includes a string contacting portion rotationally mounted relative to a corresponding instrument string with a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the string, a first drive member for creating relative motion between the string and the string contacting portion. The fretting mechanism includes a carriage in depressive contact with the instrument string and a second drive member selectively positioning the carriage creating relative movement between the carriage and the string. The plucking mechanism and the fretting mechanism are attached to a frame which is attached to the instrument. The player includes an electronic control circuit that controls operation of the plucking and fretting mechanisms.

Abstract: A modular automated assistive guitar is described comprising a base assembly, a pick assembly, a strumming mechanism and a fretting mechanism which, in combination with a standard guitar or similar stringed musical instrument (e.g., banjo, steel guitar, ukulele), forms a musical device that can be played by an individual with a range of independence, cognitive and physical abilities. The base assembly accepts, positions, and secures a standard guitar. The pick assembly includes quick attach and spring-loaded features for attaching and detaching picks, in addition to flexibility for smooth interaction with the guitar strings. The strumming mechanism provides cyclic motion and speed control to create pleasant and variable rhythm from the mounted guitar. The fretting mechanism allows a user to change chords and tone. An unmodified, traditional guitar is preferably used in the musical device. The guitar is easily interchangeable with another guitar or other stringed instrument, at the convenience of the user.

Abstract: A musical instrument includes a plurality of strings and a plurality of pluckers. The strings are tuned in an ascending sequence, such as a chromatic sequence. The pluckers are associated with a different one of the plurality of strings and are adapted to pluck the string at a range of plucking frequencies. Control means enable selective control of the frequency with which the pluckers pluck the strings.

Abstract: A musical stringed instrument including a control circuit that provides a means for playing with one hand. The control circuit is either integral with or external to the musical stringed instrument. One hand operation is accomplished by selectively bringing one or more of the strings into electrical contact with any one or more electrical contacts or frets or by depressing any one or more switches corresponding to each string. A striker pad impacts the chosen string causing it to vibrate. Variation in the notes is accomplished in a manner consistent with two handed operation of the musical stringed instrument.