A musical keyboard interface capable of controlling either a string instrument or synthesizer controller includes a small, consistent keyboard interface that moves with each hand along one or both edges of a stationary ruler. The ruler segments measure the static location of each note in chromatic order. The keys are oriented in length perpendicular to the length of the ruler and each key is as wide as each ruler segment. As the keyboard moves along the ruler and its keys realign with new ruler segments, the keys become able to articulate the notes indicated by their position. The transformation is gradual, smoothly sliding notes and chords in varying magnitudes and directions simultaneously.

A musical keyboard interface capable of controlling either a string instrument or synthesizer controller includes a small, consistent keyboard interface that moves with each hand along one or both edges of a stationary ruler. The ruler segments measure the static location of each note in chromatic order. The keys are oriented in length perpendicular to the length of the ruler and each key is as wide as each ruler segment. As the keyboard moves along the ruler and its keys realign with new ruler segments, the keys become able to articulate the notes indicated by their position. The transformation is gradual, smoothly sliding notes and chords in varying magnitudes and directions simultaneously.

A musical instrument includes a substrate, a transparent fingerboard overlaying the substrate, and a support structure attached to the substrate and configured to support strings in tension above the transparent fingerboard. A pattern of position markers is located between the substrate and the transparent fingerboard and visible through the glass fingerboard. Optionally, the strings are electrically conductive, and one or more electrically conductive frets are located between the nut and the bridge and overlay the substrate perpendicular to the string. An electrical circuit, including the one or more electrically conductive frets, provides a first voltage when a string contacts a fret and a second voltage when the string does not contact a fret. A pre-amplifier circuit amplifies a vibration signal from a string vibration pickup in response to the first voltage and mutes the vibration signal in response to the second voltage.

A musical instrument includes a substrate, a transparent fingerboard overlaying the substrate, and a support structure attached to the substrate and configured to support strings in tension above the transparent fingerboard. A pattern of position markers is located between the substrate and the transparent fingerboard and visible through the glass fingerboard. Optionally, the strings are electrically conductive, and one or more electrically conductive frets are located between the nut and the bridge and overlay the substrate perpendicular to the string. An electrical circuit, including the one or more electrically conductive frets, provides a first voltage when a string contacts a fret and a second voltage when the string does not contact a fret. A pre-amplifier circuit amplifies a vibration signal from a string vibration pickup in response to the first voltage and mutes the vibration signal in response to the second voltage.