Abstract: An improved drumstick of the type having a drumstick body having a butt end and a tipped end; an undercoating applied to the wall of at least a portion of the stick body to greatly enhance the foil layer adhering to the drumstick, a hot stamp foil layer applied against the undercoating so at least the tip end and the butt end of the drumstick remaining uncovered by the foil layer, the improved drumstick made from the process of providing the wooden drumstick; coating at least a portion of the wooden drumstick with a dye stain; the dye stained portion of the drumstick is treated with a lacquer undercoat; the dye stained portion of the drumstick is covered with a hot stamp foil, including the tapered portion of the drumsticks; and providing a clear protective topcoat to the entire drumstick. The butt end and tip ends of the drumstick are maintained natural. Further there is provided a compressed portion of the drumstick for providing greater striking strength.

Abstract: The present invention is a percussion accessory for attachment to a percussion tool, such as a drum stick. The percussion tool has an attachment region, and the percussion accessory is provided for creating musical sounds through the use of percussion tool by a user. The percussion accessory has a attachment means for attaching the percussion accessory to the attachment area of the percussion tool; a support attached to and extending from the attachment means; and, a sound device, such as a jingle, moveably attached to the support, wherein the sound device will move to create the musical sounds when the user uses the percussion tool. The percussion accessory also has a muffle device. The muffle device has a muffle and a lever. A muffling material is attached to the top of the muffle for engaging the sound device. The muffle device is pivotally attached to the support, wherein when the user presses the lever, the muffling material will engage the sound device for muffling the sound device.

Abstract: A musical shaker instrument has a shaped shell and pellets enclosed therein. The shell has two parts. A first large shell part (24) includes an exterior surface forming a first end portion and a central portion. The first part truncates at a second end portion of the shell and includes an opening (26) in the truncated end portion. The second small shell part (30) has a cap member (32) for closing opening in the first large shell part. The first and second shell parts are joined together by an internal joint which is not exposed to the external surface of the shell. In a second embodiment, the second shell part forms a handle.

Abstract: A novel apparatus for holding a plectrum in graspable relation to a hand is taught which comprises a hand engaging portion, a resilient member, fastening elements, and a plectrum. The hand engaging portion is adapted to engage a portion of the musician's hand, and to be fastened to a proximal end of the resilient member. A distal end of the resilient member is fastened to the plectrum. Preferably, the proximal end of the resilient member is fastened to the hand engaging portion so that the resilient member projects outwardly from the hand, with the distal end of the resilient member positioned in spaced-relation to the hand. The distal end of the resilient member is fastened to the plectrum so that the plectrum is held (i) in graspable relation to the musician's fingers, and (ii) in a preferred orientation relative to the musician's fingers. A novel method of playing a stringed instrument is also taught.

Abstract: A marching rack for percussion instruments includes a bow-shaped horizontal frame member having spaced instrument mounting brackets. The frame member is connected to an outer end of a support member having upper and lower arms. The support member is arranged to be connected to a support harness to be worn by a percussionist.

Abstract: An egg shaped musical shaker instrument has an egg shaped shell and pellets enclosed therein. The shell has two parts. A first large shell part includes an exterior surface forming a large end portion and a central portion. The first part truncates at a small end portion of the shell and includes an opening in the truncated small end portion. The second small shell part has a cap member for closing the opening in the first large shell part. The first and second shell parts are joined together by an internal joint which is not exposed to the external surface of the shell. In a second embodiment, a handle, which replaces the second small shell part, is attached to the first large shell part.