Interchangeable guitar

A guitar having a shell body and a main body. The main body and/or a portion of the main body is detachably connected to the shell body. A neck is connected to the main body and/or the shell body. A bridge is connected to the main body. The neck includes a headstock and a fret control that at least partially raises and/or lowers at least one fret on the neck.

 

1. A stringed instrument having a shell body, a main body and a neck, a headstock and a plurality of strings, said main body detachably connected to the shell body, said main body connected to a bridge, said neck connected to said shell body, said main body, or combinations thereof, said plurality of strings connected to said headstock and said main body, said headstock removably connected to said neck, said headstock including sliding pins that are connectable to at least one string.

2. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said shell body and main body are components of a guitar.

3. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said main body includes at least one electronic component, said at least one electric component including a pickup box.

4. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said neck is connected to said shell body.

5. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 4, wherein said neck is hingably connected to said shell body.

6. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 4, wherein said neck is detachably connected to said shell body.

7. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said neck is connected to said main body.

8. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 7, wherein said neck is hingably connected to said main body.

9. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 7, wherein said neck is detachably connected to said main body.

10. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said neck includes a fret control to at least partially raise and lower at least one fret on said neck.

11. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 1, including a connector that detachably connects said shell body to said main body.

12. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 11, wherein said connector includes a mechanism selected from the group consisting of VELCRO, a latch, a clamp, a lock, a slider, a tension wheel, and combinations thereof.

13. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 1, including a headstock protector that at least partially shields pins, pegs or combinations thereof on said headstock.

14. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said main body includes a mounting box for at least one electronic pickup, said mounting box releasably connected to said main body.

15. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 1, wherein said main body includes a string tensioner connected to said bridge to increase and reduce tension on a plurality of strings connected to said bridge to tune said strings.

16. A stringed instrument having a shell body, a main body, neck, and a humidity tuner, said main body detachably connected to the shell body, said main body connected to a bridge, said neck connected to said shell body, said main body, or combinations thereof, said humidity tuner at least partially positioned on said neck.

17. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 16, wherein said humidity tuner is at least partially positioned between said headstock and said neck.

18. A stringed instrument having a shell body, a main body and a neck, said main body, said neck, or combinations thereof connected to said shell body, said main body detachably connected to said shell body, said main body connected to a bridge, said neck is connected to a headstock, at least a portion of said bridge is detachably connected to said main body by a connection mechanism that includes a mechanism selected from the group consisting of a latch, a clamp, a lock, a slider, a tension wheel or combinations thereof, said headstock detachably connected to said neck, said headstock including sliding pins that are connectable to at least one string.

19. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 18, wherein said neck is hingably connected to said shell body.

20. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 18, wherein said neck is detachably connected to said shell body.

21. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 18, wherein said shell body and main body are components of a guitar.

22. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 18, wherein said main body includes at least one electronic component, said at least one electric component including a pickup box.

23. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 18, wherein said neck includes a fret control to at least partially raise and lower at least one fret on said neck.

24. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 18, including a connector that detachably connects said shell body to said main body.

25. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 24, wherein said connector includes a mechanism selected from the group consisting of VELCRO, a latch, a clamp, a lock, a slider, a tension wheel, and combinations thereof.

26. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 18, including a headstock protector, that at least partially shields pins, pegs or combinations thereof on said headstock.

27. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 18, wherein said main body includes a mounting box for at least one electronic pickup, said mounting box releasably connected to said main body.

28. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 18, wherein said main body includes a string tensioner connected to said bridge to increase and reduce tension on a plurality of strings connected to said bridge to tune said strings.

29. A stringed instrument having a shell body, a main body and a neck, said main body and neck connected to said shell body, said main body detachably connected to said shell body, said main body connected tea bridge, said neck connected to a headstock, at least a portion of said bridge detachably, connected to said main body, said headstock detachably connected to said neck, said neck including a humidity tuner.

30. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 29, wherein said humidity tuner is at least partially positioned between said headstock and said neck.

31. A stringed instrument having a shell body, a main body, a neck, a string tensioner, and a humidity tuner, said main body connected to a bridge, said neck connected to said shell body, said main body, or combinations thereof, said neck connected to a headstock, at least one string connected between said headstock and said bridge, said humidity tuner connected between said neck and said headstock to adjust the tension of said at least one string to compensate for humidity and/or temperature changes, said string tensioner connected to said bridge to increase and reduce tension on at least one of said strings connected between said bridge and said headstock.

32. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 31, wherein said shell body, said main body, and said neck are components of a guitar.

33. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 31, wherein said main body includes at least one electronic component.

34. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 31, wherein said neck is connected to said shell body.

35. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 34, wherein said neck is detachably connected to said shell body.

36. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 34, wherein said neck is hingably connected to said shell body.

37. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 31, wherein said neck is connected to said main body.

38. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 37, wherein said neck is hingably connected to said main body.

39. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 37, wherein said neck is detachably connected to said main body.

40. The headstock as defined in claim 38, wherein said connector includes at least one opening.

41. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 31, wherein said bridge is detachably connected to said main body.

42. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 31, wherein said humidity tuner is at least partially located between said headstock and said neck.

43. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 31, wherein said humidity tuner includes a tuning wheel used to adjust the tension on at least one of said strings.

44. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 31, wherein headstock includes at least one guide arrangement to at least partially guide the movement of said headstock relative to said neck during the use of said humidity tuner.

45. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 31, wherein said neck includes a fret control to at least partially raise and lower at least one fret on said neck.

46. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 31, wherein said string tensioner includes a tension wheel used to adjust the tension on at least one of said strings connected to said bridge.

47. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 31, including a headstock protector.

48. The stringed instrument as defined in claim 31, wherein said main body includes a mounting box for at least one pickup, said mounting box releasably connected to said main body.

49. A headstock adapted for use on a stringed instrument, said headstock including at least one sliding pin adapted to be connected to at least one string.

50. The headstock as defined in claim 49, including a releasably secure mechanism to secure said sliding pin in at least one position.

51. The headstock as defined in claim 49, including at least one connector adapted to releasably connect said headstock to a neck of a stringed instrument.

52. A neck adapted for use with a stringed instrument, said neck including at least one fret opening in an upper face of said neck, a fret positioned in the fret opening, and a fret control that at least partially raises and/or lowers the fret in the fret opening.

53. The neck as defined in claim 52, wherein said neck includes at least one support structure that extends at least partially the longitudinal length of said neck to provide structural support to said neck.

54. The neck as defined in claim 52, wherein said fret control includes a fret control bar, said fret control bar at least partially moveable relative to said neck to at least partially cause said fret to move.

55. The neck as defined in claim 52, wherein said fret control includes a fret control handle adapted to facilitate in the movement of said fret control bar.

56. A headstock protector that is releasably connected to a headstock of a stringed instrument, said headstock protector including a body that at least partially covers and at least partially shields pins, pegs or combinations thereof on said headstock, said body including a top component and a bottom component, said top and bottom components designed to at least partially encapsulate said headstock when said top and bottom components are connected to said headstock, said top and bottom components are hingably connected together.

57. The head stock protector as defined in claim 56, wherein said top and bottom components include a plurality of slots that are designed to receive said pins, said pegs or combinations thereof when said top and bottom components are connected to said headstock.

The present invention relates to musical instruments, and more particularly to stringed instruments, and even more particularly to modular stringed instruments.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

Incorporated herein by reference are U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,657,462; 4,132,143; 4,297,936; 4,377,962; 4,408,515; 4,433,603; 4,491,051; 4,686,882; 4,872,386; 4,915,003; 4,915,004; 5,058,479; 5,315,910; 5,347,904; 5,353,672; 5,383,385; 5,421,233; 5,631,432; 5,637,823; 5,929,362; 5,442,986; 5,945,614; 5,952,593; 5,994,633; 6,005,173; 6,028,255; 6,037,532; 6,046,393; 6,111,184; 6,137,039; 6,156,961; 6,188,005; 6,194,644; 6,198,030; 6,262,353; 6,274,800; 6,300,550 and 6,376,756; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/353,500 filed Jan. 31, 2002 and 10/078,899 filed Feb. 19, 2002 (U.S. Pub. No. 20020152659); and the web pages of Chrysalis Guitar Company to illustrate various prior art guitars and/or guitar components. Many of the features disclosed in these publications can be used in the present invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of guitars are used by musicians when composing and/or performing songs. The guitar style used to compose and/or play a particular song can be dictated by the style of music and/or the chords needed to play the song. For instance, the shape and/or style of a guitar used to perform rock music is typically different from a guitar style used to perform country music, blues music, and the like. Typically each style of music requires the use of a commonly accepted guitar style and shape that the fans and musicians alike are accustomed to seeing and playing. In addition, some types of music require the guitar to have a certain number of strings (e.g. 4, 5, 6, 12, etc.) in order to properly perform the song. Furthermore, some songs require a fretless guitar to be played, thereby requiring a special guitar for this technique. The guitarist may want or need to play a guitar having a particular shape and/or graphic display during certain events. As a result, a guitarist typically must have several different guitars to perform a variety of songs for a particular style of music and/or at a particular event. If the guitarist performs more than one style of music, the guitarist must also have a complete set of guitars acceptable for playing these other styles of music. The expense associated with owning and/or obtaining these various types of guitars can become cost prohibitive for a guitarist. As such, many guitarists must select one or two guitars that can perform as many forms of music as possible. Furthermore, the storage requirements for multiple guitars, especially when traveling, can become very inconvenient and costly. The time necessary to pack, unpack, and transport all these types of guitars can also become very time consuming and inconvenient.

In view of the present state of art for guitars, there is a need for a guitar that can be used to compose and/or perform different styles of music. In addition, there is a need for a guitar that is more convenient to store and/or transport. Furthermore, there is a need for a guitar that can have a variety of designs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to stringed instruments, and more particularly to guitars, such as electric and acoustic guitars, and will be described with particular reference thereto; however, the invention has broader applications, and can be applied to many other types of stringed instruments. The guitar of the present invention is design to address many of the problems associated with guitar design, guitar storage, and/or guitar versatility.

The principal aspect of the present invention is related to a novel guitar that can be easily modified for a variety of applications without the need to maintain an inventory of multiple guitars of varying types. In essence, the guitar of the present invention enables a guitarist to easily modify a single guitar to emulate a variety of different guitars. In one embodiment of the invention, the shell body of the guitar is separable from the main body of the guitar so that various shell body configurations can be secured to a single main body. For an electric guitar, the main body generally includes pickups and a string bridge and/or string bridge connector. For an acoustic guitar, the main body generally includes a string bridge and/or string bridge connector. The neck of guitar can be connected to the shell body and/or the main body. The shell body is designed to at least partially receive the main body of the guitar and to be detachably connected to the main body. In one aspect of this embodiment, the shell body of the guitar is a one piece that includes a cavity that receives the main body. In another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the shell body is formed of multiple pieces that connect to the main body. In one non-limiting design, the shell body includes two pieces that at least partially sandwich the main body. The sandwiching of the main body at least partially between two or more pieces of the shell body has some aesthetic advantages over a single piece shell body. The sandwiching of the main body can at least partially hide one or more connectors used to connect the main body to the shell body, and/or at least partially hide the cavity of the shell body that is designed to at least partially receive the main body. As such, the surface of the shell body can be smoother and/or can be made to be more aesthetically pleasing to the user. In both of these aspects set forth above, the shell bodies of the guitar can have variable external styles, shapes and/or sizes. As a result, only multiple shell bodies are needed to acquire an inventory of various guitar shapes and styles. Such styles can include, but are not limited to, rock guitars, country guitars, and standard style guitars. The shell body can also be designed to hold one or more main bodies. As can be appreciated, any style of guitar can be used with the main body so long as the shell body incorporates the proper size opening and connector for the main body. In addition, the shell body can be removed from the main body and the main body can be played as a guitar without a shell body. The modular guitar of the present invention significantly reduces the costs associated with having multiple guitar styles. One main body can be used with multiple shell bodies or without a shell body. The modular guitar of the present invention also allows individuals to make their own shell body designs, and/or allows famous musicians to promote one or more shell body designs. The modular guitar of the present invention also has significant advantages for left-handed guitarists. In the past, left-handed guitarists have had fewer guitar design selections. The modular guitar of the present invention enables a left-handed guitarist to need only one main body, and the main body can be fitted into all types of shell body designs. The modular guitar of the present invention has the added advantage of having only to tune one main body, instead of tuning each separate guitar prior to playing a new guitar. For instance, a guitarist, while playing at a concert, uses a standard guitar style during the concert. During the concert, the musician decides to play a rock song and wants to use a guitar having a different shape. In such a situation, the guitarist simply removes the main body from the standard style shell body and inserts the main body into a shell body having the desired shape, and can then immediately begin to play. Since the strings on the main body are already tuned, the strings do not have to be retuned when the main body is switched to another shell body design. This advantage reduces the amount of disruption that can occur when guitar styles need to be changed during a concert or at any other type of performance. Another advantage of this design is that the shell body can be easily replaced without having to replace the main body. During the use of the guitar, the shell body is typically the part of the guitar that gets the most scratches, nicks, and/or other types of damage. In the past, the whole guitar had to be disposed of when the shell body was overly damaged or disfigured. When using the modular guitar of the present invention, the main body can be retained while the damaged or disfigured shell body is discarded, and only a new shell body needs to be purchased. The cost savings associated with the modular guitar of the present invention to a guitarist can be substantial. Another advantage is that the amount of storage space for a single main body and multiple shell bodies will be less than the storage space for multiple guitars. In another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the main body is detachably connected to the shell body by a connection mechanism. Such connection mechanism can include, but is not limited to VELCRO, screws, bolts, latches, clamps, pins, locks, cables, and/or the like. In one aspect of this embodiment, the connector allows the guitarist to quickly disconnect the main body from one shell body and to connect the main body to another shell body without any tools, or with very few tools. In still another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the main body and/or shell body includes one or more electronic components. Such electronic components include, but are not limited to, volume controls, tone controls, special effect controls, output jacks, electrical connectors, pickups, etc. In one aspect of this embodiment, the main body includes a plurality of electronic components. In one non-limiting design, the main body includes at least one pickup, and at least one electrical connector. In another and/or alternative non-limiting design, the main body includes at least one volume control, at least one tone control, and/or at least one special effect control. As can be appreciated, the volume control, tone control and/or special effect control can be combined into a single control knob. As can also be appreciated, a single control knob can be used to control the volume and/or tone of one or more pickups. In one non-limiting example, one control knob is used to control the volume and/or tone of the bass pickup, another control knob is used to control the volume and/or tone of the midrange pickup, and another control knob is used to control the volume and/or tone of the treble pickup. In still another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the shell body includes a plurality of electronic components. In one non-limiting design, the shell body includes at least one electrical connector and at least one output jack. In another and/or alternative non-limiting design, the shell body includes at least one volume control, at least one tone control, and/or at least one special effect control. As can be appreciated, the volume control, tone control and/or special effect control can be combined into a single control knob. As can also be appreciated, a single control knob can be used to control the volume and/or tone of one or more pickups. In one non-limiting example, one control knob is used to control the volume and/or tone of the bass pickup, another control knob is used to control the volume and/or tone of the midrange pickup, and another control knob is used to control the volume and/or tone of the treble pickup. In yet another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the shell body includes at least one storage area. The storage area can be used to store one or more graphic clips that are attachable to the guitar, picks, capos, etc. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least one storage area is positioned in the central cavity of the shell body, which central cavity at least partially receives the main body. In another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, at least one storage area includes a connection arrangement to at least partially secure one or more accessories in the storage area. In still another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, at least one storage area includes a door and/or cover used to at least partially secure one or more accessories in the storage area.

In another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, the headstock and bridge of the guitar are designed to be removable with the strings from the neck and main body of the guitar. In one embodiment of the invention, the headstock of the guitar is designed to be removable from the end of the neck. Many different connection configurations can be used to detachably connect the headstock to the neck. In one aspect of this embodiment, one or more pins or truss rods are used to connect the headstock to the neck. The one or more pins or truss rods can extend from the end of the headstock and/or the neck. In one non-limiting design, at least one pin or truss rod extends from the end of the neck and a headstock that includes at least one opening to receives the pin or truss rod. In another and/or alternative non-limiting design, one or more pins or truss rods extend from the headstock and the neck has at least one opening to receive the pin or truss rod. As can further be appreciated, many other pin and/or truss rod configurations can be used, and/or configurations that include connectors other than or addition to pins and/or truss rods can be used. In another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the bridge can be releasably connected to the main body in a number of different manners. Typically, the bridge is designed to be first loosed or detached from the main body when removing the bridge, headstock and strings from the main body, and the last to be secured to the main body when securing the headstock, string and bridge to the main body however, this is not required. In one aspect of this embodiment, the headstock is at least partially connected to the neck and the bridge is positioned on the main body of the guitar so that the strings are loosely aligned on the neck of the guitar. Once the bridge is positioned on the main body, the bridge is secured in position which results in the tensioning of the strings between the bridge and the headstock. In another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, a clamp is used to at least partially move the bridge into a locked and secure position and/or into an unlocked position. When the clamp is moved to a release position, tension on the strings is reduced thereby enabling the bridge to be moved and/or removed from the main body. When the clamp is moved to a locked or secured position, tension on the strings is increased thereby locking bridge onto the main body. In still another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the bridge is at least partially secured to the main body by a slider connector which slides over a portion of the bridge. Once the slider engages the bridge, a tension wheel or other device can be used to cause the slider to move which in turn causes the bridge to move to a tension and/or locked position on the main body, resulting in the strings becoming tensioned. The tension wheel or other device can include a lock or latch to secure the tension wheel or other device in place. A motor can be connected to the tension wheel or other device to facilitate in adjusting and/or maintaining the tension of the strings. The bridge can be later removed by rotating the tension wheel or using another type of device to cause the slider to move to a non-tension or unlocked position thereby enabling the bridge to move to a position where the strings have little or no tension, and thereafter enabling the bridge to be removed from the slider connector and the main body. As can be appreciated, many other connection configurations for connecting the bridge to the main body can be used. In the embodiments set forth above, the guitarist need not repeatedly retune the strings when removing the headstock, bridge and strings from one guitar and then inserting the same headstock, bridge and strings onto another guitar, or when replacing a new headstock, bridge and strings on the guitar. Once the strings are tuned, the headstock, bridge and strings can be removed and later reinserted on the guitar without need of retuning or substantially retuning. Once the headstock, bridge and strings are reinserted, the tension on the strings will be the same as prior to the removal of the headstock, bridge and strings, thus the strings will not have to be retuned or substantially retuned. As can be appreciated, the removable headstock, bridge and strings allows the same guitar to accommodate different designs of a headstock, a bridge and strings such as, but not limited to a headstock, a bridge and strings having 4, 5, 6, 12, etc. string configurations. As a result, a single guitar can be easily transformed into a different type of guitar by simply removing an existing headstock, bridge and strings and inserting a new headstock, bridge and strings on the guitar. The advantages of quick interchangeability, costs of multiple guitars, and storage space concerns as previously discussed are also realized in the modular guitar of the present invention.

In still another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, the headstock of the guitar is designed to minimize inadvertent string tension changes when the headstock is removed or reconnected to the neck of the guitar. The headstock typically includes several pegs that are used to adjust the tension of each string. When the headstock is inserted, removed, laid on a surface, or stored, the pegs can be caused to be inadvertently moved, thereby resulting in the string becoming out of tune. Furthermore, the pegs can be damaged when laid on a surface. Several embodiments of the invention can be used to inhibit or prevent such problems. In one embodiment of the invention, the strings are connected to sliding pins that are locked into position by a nut, screw, or the like. The nut, screw, etc. can be located beneath of the pins or rearwardly of the pins or at some other location on the headstock. In this embodiment, there are no pegs extending from the side of the headstock which can be caused to turn when the headstock is inserted, removed, laid on a surface, and/or stored. As a result, once the strings are tuned, the position of the pins on the headstock can be locked into position, thereby resulting in the strings being in proper tension when the headstock is reinserted onto the neck and/or while the headstock is on the neck of the guitar. The headstock can include one or more pins on a particular sliding platform. Such a design allows for a multitude of string configurations, thereby adding more versatility to the guitar. In another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, a more traditional looking headstock is used that has pins on the side of the headstock. In this design, one or more pins are removable to reduce damage to the pins and/or to reduce the incidence of the inadvertent movement of the pin adversely affecting the tuning of one or more strings. In still another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, another more traditional looking headstock is used which has pins on the side of the headstock, in which one or more pins are locked in position after one or more strings have been properly tuned. In yet another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, a headstock protector is used to at least partially cover the headstock when the guitar is not in use. The headstock protector is designed to inhibit or prevent the pins and/or tuners from being hit or bumped out of tune and/or to prevent damage to such pins and/or tuners. The headstock protector is typically made of a durable material that resists damage such as, but not limited to, plastic, fiberglass, composite material, metal, etc. In one aspect of this embodiment, the headstock protector is a two piece unit that sandwiches at least a portion of the headstock. As can be appreciated, many other configurations of the headstock protector can used. In another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the headstock protector includes a soft and/or compressible material that engages the headstock so as to reduce or prevent damage to the headstock. In this design, the outer shell of the headstock protector is typically made of a more durable material; however, this is not required.

In yet another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, a humidity tuner is positioned on the neck to uniformly adjust the tension on all the strings due to temperature and/or humidity changes. Typically, the humidity tuner is at least partially positioned between the neck and the headstock; however, the humidity tuner can be positioned in other locations on the neck. The tension of the strings can change in different environments. Temperature and/or humidity levels in a particular environment can cause such changes in string tension. The humidity tuner is designed to adjust the string tension to account for such temperature and/or humidity changes. The humidity tuner uniformly causes all the strings to be increased or reduced in tension to substantially the same degree so as to adjust changes in temperature and/or humidity. As can be appreciated, the humidity tuner can cause one or more strings to be increased or reduced in tension more than one or more other strings. In one embodiment of the invention, the humidity tuner includes one or more knobs or wheels to cause the headstock to move relative to the neck. In this embodiment, the humidity tuner is designed to move the headstock farther from or closer to the end of the neck as needed to adjust for such temperature and/or humidity changes. In one aspect of this embodiment, a guide arm can be used to limit the direction of movement of the headstock. As can be appreciated, many other arrangements can be used to move the headstock relative to the neck. In another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the humidity tuner can be alternatively or additionally located at the bridge connection on the main body. In one aspect of this embodiment, a tension wheel or other device is used to adjust the position of the bridge on the main body to adjust the string tension due to changes in temperature and/or humidity. In another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the humidity tuner can include one or more locks and/or latches to secure the humidity in position. In another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the humidity tuner can include one or more motors to facilitate in the adjustment of the humidity tuner. In one aspect of this embodiment, the humidity tuner is manually and/or automatically adjustable.

In still yet another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, the guitar includes a neck that can be repositioned relative to the shell body. In one embodiment of the invention, the neck is connected to the main body, which in turn is detachably connected to the shell body. As can be appreciated, many types of connection arrangements can be used. As such, when the main body is removed from the shell body, the neck is also removed from the shell body. In one aspect of this embodiment, the neck is rigidly connected to the main body. In another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the neck is detachably connected to the main body. The detachability of the neck from the main body can result in additional compact packing of the modular guitar. Additionally and/or alternatively, the detachability of the neck from the main body allows for different sized, shaped and/or styled necks to be connected to the main body. For instance, it may be desirable to shorten the length of the neck when converting the guitar from an electric bass guitar configuration to a standard electric guitar configuration or vice versa. In still another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the neck is hingably connected to the main body. As can be appreciated, many types of hinges can be used. In one non-limiting arrangement, the hinge is a disconnectable hinge to allow the neck to be separated from the main body if desired. In another and/or alternative non-limiting arrangement, a lock and/or latch mechanism is be used to secure the neck in the extended and/or folded position. As can be appreciated, many types of locks and/or latches can be used. The ability to fold back the neck results in a substantial reduction in the length of the guitar. This reduction in length allows for more compact storage of the guitar. When the guitar is unpacked, the neck is simply pivoted into its extended position. Once the neck is repositioned in the extended position, the headstock can be connected to the end of the neck as discussed above, and/or the bridge can be secured to the main body of the guitar as discussed above. In another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the neck is connected to the shell body. In one aspect of this embodiment, the neck is detachably connected to the shell body. The detachability of the neck from the shell body can result in additional compact packing of the modular guitar. Additionally and/or alternatively, the detachability of the neck from the shell body allows for different sized, shaped and/or styled necks to be connected to the shell body. For instance, it may be desirable to shorten the length of the neck when converting the guitar from a bass guitar configuration to an electric guitar configuration or vice versa. In another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the neck is hingably connected to the shell body. As can be appreciated, many types of hinges can be used. In one non-limiting arrangement, the hinge is a disconnectable hinge to allow the neck to be separated from the shell body if desired. In another and/or alternative non-limiting arrangement, a lock and/or latch mechanism is used to secure the neck in the extended and/or folded position. As can be appreciated, many types of locks and/or latches can be used. In still another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, one end of the shell body includes a ledge wherein the neck rests when the neck is in the fully extended position. When the headstock is removed from the one end of the neck and/or the bridge is released from the main body, the neck can be pivoted about the hinge that is connected to the shell body and the neck. The ability to fold back the neck results in a substantial reduction in the length of the guitar. This reduction in length allows for more compact storage of the guitar. When the guitar is unpacked, the neck is simply pivoted into its extended position. Once the neck is repositioned in the extended position, the headstock can be connected to the end of the neck as discussed above, and/or the bridge can be secured to the main body of the guitar as discussed above.

In a further and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, the neck of the guitar is modified to allow a guitarist to play the guitar in a fretted or fretless configuration. In one embodiment of the invention, the neck includes a mechanism that can raise and/or lower the frets on the upper face of the neck. In one aspect of this embodiment, the neck includes a cam mechanism to raise and/or lower the frets. As can be appreciated, other mechanisms can be used to raise and/or lower the frets. In another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the neck includes one or more truss rods to provide some structural integrity to the neck. As can be appreciated additional and/or alternative structures can be used to provided some structural integrity to the neck. In one aspect of this embodiment, the neck includes a fret control bar. The bar can have a substantially circular cross-section shape; however, other cross-sectional shapes can be used. The substantially circular cross-sectional shape of the fret control bar allows the fret control bar to be at least partially rotated in the neck. In another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the fret control bar and/or truss rods are typically embedded in the neck; however, other configurations can be used. In still another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the fret control bar can extend substantially the full length of the neck; however, the fret control bar can be designed to be shorter. In yet another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the fret control bar can cause all the frets on the neck to be raised and/or lowered; however, the fret control bar can be designed to raise and/or lower only a portion of the frets on the neck. In still yet another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the fret control bar can cause all the frets on the neck to be raised and/or lowered the substantially same distance; however, the fret control bar can be designed to raise and/or lower one or more frets in different amounts than one or more other frets. In a further and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the fret can have a substantially T-shape cross-sectional shape; however, other shapes can be used. In still a further and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the bottom end of the fret has a rounded end to facilitate the contact movement of the fret control rod and the bottom of the fret; however, other shapes can be used. In yet a further and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the bottom of the fret can be reinforced to resist wear. Such reinforcement can include, but is not limited to, higher strength materials, metal or polymer bearings, and the like. In yet another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, a fret control bar passes through or about the bottom of the fret. The fret control bar facilitates in the movement of the frets. The fret control bar can be made of the same or different material than the fret. In one aspect of this embodiment, the fret control bar can a cylindrical configuration; however, other configurations can be used. In another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the fret control bar engages one or more fret to at least partially control the movement of one or more frets. In one non-limiting design, the fret control bar includes one or more slot that engage a portion of one or more frets to cause the frets to raise and/or lower when the fret control bar is moved. In still yet another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the fret control bar can be positioned such that one or more frets are in a fully upward position. When the guitarist desires to play the guitar in a fretless manner, the fret control bar can be moved to a fretless position. In this position, the frets move to a position that is substantially flush with the upper face of the neck or below the surface of the upper face of the neck. In a further and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the fret control bar is designed to only move between selected positions. In one aspect of this embodiment, a fret control handle is used to cause the fret control bar to rotate to one or more positions. The fret control handle allows the guitarist to easily control the fret position on the neck. In another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the fret control handle can be moved by the guitarist while playing the guitar, thus allowing fret or fretless playing without having to pause or stop during the playing of a song. As can be appreciated, other mechanisms can be used to cause the fret control bar to rotate to one or more positions. In still a further and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the fret control handle and/or fret control bar includes visual and/or tactile indicators to inform the guitarist of the landing, fret and/or fretless position. In yet a further and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the fret control handle and/or fret control bar include locking mechanisms, frictional mechanisms, or the like to facilitate in retaining the fret control bar in a desired position.

In still a further and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, the main body includes one or more interchangeable pickups. The interchangeability of one or more pickups allow the guitarist to customize the guitar for a particular style or use. The pickups facilitate in setting the range of sound of the guitar when played. When the range of sound is needed or desired to be changed, the number of pickups are selected and/or the orientation of one or more pickups is selected on the guitar. In one embodiment of the invention, the main body includes a cavity that is designed to receive a pickup mounting box. The pickup mounting box orients a selected number of pickups in a particular position on the main body. In one aspect of this embodiment, the size of a plurality of pickup boxes is the same so that different pickup boxes can be easily and conveniently interchanged in the cavity of the main body. In another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, the pickup boxes have a particular slot orientation to facilitate in maintaining in position a particular number of pickups in a particular orientation. In another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, a securing arrangement is used to releasably secure the pickup box to the main body. The pickup box can be secured to the cavity of the main body in a number of ways such as, but not limited to, VELCRO, screws, bolts, latches, clamps, pins, locks, cables, and/or the like. In still another and/or alternative embodiment of the invention, a securing arrangement is used to releasably secure one or more pickups to the pickup box. The pickups can be secured to the pickup box in a number of ways such as, but not limited to, VELCRO, screws, bolts, latches, clamps, pins, locks, cables, and/or the like. In one non-limiting design, the pickup box cavity of the main body includes a clip that is designed to releasably connect the pickup to the main body.

In yet a further and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, one or more components of the guitar include interchangeable graphics that can be used to make minor or significant changes to the look of the guitar. In one embodiment of the invention, the headstock includes a graphics slot that is designed to receive a headstock graphic. The headstock graphic can be a colored component, a component having one or more designs, etc. The headstock graphic is designed to be releasably secured to the headstock so that other headstock graphics can be used. If the guitar includes a storage area, the headstock graphic can be stored in such storage area.

In one object of the present invention, a modular guitar is provided in accordance with the present invention.

Another and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that has a main body that is releasably connected to a shell body.

Still another and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that sandwiches a main body between two of more shell bodies.

Yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that has a main body that can be connected to a plurality of shell bodies.

Still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that has a shell body that can be connected to a plurality of main bodies.

A further and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that includes a neck that is hingably connected to another portion of the main body and/or shell body.

Still a further and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that includes a neck that is detachably connected to another portion of the main body and/or shell body.

Yet a further and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that includes a headstock that is detachably connected to a neck portion of the guitar.

Still yet a further and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that includes a headstock having special string tensioners.

Another and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that has a headstock protector.

Still another and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that has a humidity tuner.

Yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that has a string tensioner near the base of the main body.

Still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that controls the position of the frets.

A further and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that has a reinforced neck.

Still a further and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that has interchangeable pickups.

Yet a further and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that can be easily converted into number of different styled and/or shaped guitars.

Still yet a further and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that includes one or more storage areas.

Another and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that includes one or more interchangeable graphics.

Still another and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that is easily transportable.

Yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that can be made compact.

Still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention is the provision of a modular guitar that is cost effective to use and/or own.

These and other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description used to illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate various embodiments that the invention may take in physical form and in certain parts and arrangements of parts wherein;

FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an interchangeable electric guitar in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the interchangeable guitar shown in FIG. 1 which illustrates several of the principal components of the interchangeable guitar;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the interchangeable guitar shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are exploded views of the neck of the interchangeable guitar shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of three different fret positions on the neck of the interchangeable guitar;

FIG. 6 is a top end view of the neck of the interchangeable guitar illustrating the fret setting controller;

FIG. 7 is a bottom end view of the neck of the interchangeable guitar illustrating a fret in a raised position;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are partial side views of the main body of the interchangeable guitar which illustrate two types of tension controllers;

FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the main body of the interchangeable guitar illustrating a humidity tuner connected between the neck and headstock;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are partial side views of the shell body and neck of the interchangeable guitar showing the neck in two positions connected to the main body of the guitar by a hinge;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the pickup box and two types of pickup carriages;

FIGS. 12A-12K are elevation views of various shell body configurations;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are elevation views of two types of headstock protectors;

FIG. 14 is a partial exploded view of another embodiment of the interchangeable electric guitar in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 15 is an elevation view of an alternative design for a headstock;

FIG. 16 is another embodiment of the interchangeable acoustic guitar in accordance with the inven