A sensing fretboard for stringed instruments is described herein with respect to a guitar. The present invention includes custom frets and a modular sensing array that can be incorporated into a fretboard and coupled to the guitar. By measuring the dynamic forces applied by the players on the frets and strings of the guitar, musicians can be warned in real time during practice, when their grip is too strong, and to help musicians learn and recover from injuries.

A sensing fretboard for stringed instruments is described herein with respect to a guitar. The present invention includes custom frets and a modular sensing array that can be incorporated into a fretboard and coupled to the guitar. By measuring the dynamic forces applied by the players on the frets and strings of the guitar, musicians can be warned in real time during practice, when their grip is too strong, and to help musicians learn and recover from injuries.

A foldable stringed instrument having a neck and/or body that may assume a reduced profile by folding an upper neck portion away from the playing position through the use of a translating bridge assembly and a translating truss assembly, wherein the foldable stringed instrument is capable of housing or otherwise being coupled to any of a variety of electronics or electrical components (e.g. a smart phone or tablet computer) having one or more applications (apps) for driving the operation, functionality and/or effects associated with the foldable stringed instrument.

A foldable stringed instrument having a neck and/or body that may assume a reduced profile by folding an upper neck portion away from the playing position through the use of a translating bridge assembly and a translating truss assembly, wherein the foldable stringed instrument is capable of housing or otherwise being coupled to any of a variety of electronics or electrical components (e.g. a smart phone or tablet computer) having one or more applications (apps) for driving the operation, functionality and/or effects associated with the foldable stringed instrument.

Systems and methods for translating strings of a stringed instruments as well as providing for adjustable tensioning. In embodiments, a stringed instrument, may include an instrument body having a front side and a back side wherein, as with most stringed instruments, the strings are disposed on the front side of the body for playing. Different from conventional stringed instruments though, at least a portion of at least one string may be disposed on the backside of the body as well. Thus, a first set of string anchor points are disposed on front side and a second set of string anchor points are disposed on the back side. That is, the strings are translated form the front side to the back side by passing the one or more translated strings through an aperture in the body called a through-bridge. Further, embodiments may include additional versatility by having adjustable tensioning systems.

Systems and methods for translating strings of a stringed instruments as well as providing for adjustable tensioning. In embodiments, a stringed instrument, may include an instrument body having a front side and a back side wherein, as with most stringed instruments, the strings are disposed on the front side of the body for playing. Different from conventional stringed instruments though, at least a portion of at least one string may be disposed on the backside of the body as well. Thus, a first set of string anchor points are disposed on front side and a second set of string anchor points are disposed on the back side. That is, the strings are translated form the front side to the back side by passing the one or more translated strings through an aperture in the body called a through-bridge. Further, embodiments may include additional versatility by having adjustable tensioning systems.

A system, method, and apparatus for shaping frets can comprise a fret tool, the fret tool further comprising a fret tool body configured with at least one edge, the at least one edge further comprising a groove with a filing surface therein. The groove can be selected to have an incomplete radial shape on each side, with the respective radial walls of the groove being moved toward one another to form a point or crease at the center of the groove.

A system, method, and apparatus for shaping frets can comprise a fret tool, the fret tool further comprising a fret tool body configured with at least one edge, the at least one edge further comprising a groove with a filing surface therein. The groove can be selected to have an incomplete radial shape on each side, with the respective radial walls of the groove being moved toward one another to form a point or crease at the center of the groove.

A device and method for converting a fretted musical instrument into a fretless instrument is provided. The device is manufactured to the dimensions of the musical instrument and configured to fit between the frets and the strings of the musical instrument. The resulting fretless instrument is easily convertible back to a fretted instrument.

A device and method for converting a fretted musical instrument into a fretless instrument is provided. The device is manufactured to the dimensions of the musical instrument and configured to fit between the frets and the strings of the musical instrument. The resulting fretless instrument is easily convertible back to a fretted instrument.