Patent Publication Number: US-6911590-B2

Title: Interchangeable guitar

Description:
The present invention claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/353,500 filed Jan. 31, 2002. 

   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 invention; and, 
       FIG. 17  is a partial exploded of the interchangeable acoustic guitar of FIG.  16 . 
   

   BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, reference is first had to  FIG. 1  which illustrate an electric guitar  20  which includes a shell body  30 , a main body  130 , a neck  310 , and a headstock  360 . In the fully assembled form, electric guitar  20  has the general appearance of a standard electric guitar. As can be appreciated, the invention is applicable to other types of electric guitars such as, but not limited to, bass guitars, steel guitars, multi-neck guitars (e.g., dual neck guitar, etc.), and the like. Unlike standard electric guitars, main body  130  of the present invention is detachably connected to shell body  30 . This detachability of the main body from the shell body enables a guitarist to play the main body without a body shell or to substitute various other types of shell bodies with the main body to create a different style of guitar. This modular electric guitar significantly reduces the costs associated with having multiple guitar styles. One main body can be used with multiple styled shell bodies. In addition, the modular guitar allows a guitarist to quickly convert from one style of guitar to another style of guitar. As can be appreciated, the modular guitar also can reduce the storage space required for a particular guitar and/or set of different styled guitars. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , several of the modular components of the electric guitar are illustrated. The shell body  30  of the electric guitar includes an upper surface  32 , a side surface  34 , and a central cavity  36 . The shell body can be made from a variety of materials such as, but not limited to, metals, plastics, woods, composite materials, etc. Typically, the shell body is formed from one or more pieces of wood. The upper surface of the shell body can include a variety of finishes and/or designs to obtain a desired look for the modular guitar. The upper surface of the shell body can include a pick guard to protect one or more surfaces of the shell body; however, this is not required. The shape of the shell body can be any one of a number of different shapes. Several examples of these shapes are illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-12K , which will be further described below. Although the shape and design of the shell body can be widely varied, the shape of the central cavity  36  has a standard shape for each type of shell body. This standard shape allows main body  130  to be properly inserted and secured to the shell body. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the shell body includes an output jack  50  which is designed to be connected to an amplifier and/or other types of audio components. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the output jack includes a plug receiver  52 , a plate  54 , and a washer  56  and a nut  58  to secure the plug receiver in the output jack opening  40  of the shell body. Plate  54  can include one or more location indents  60  to be received in indents  42  on shell body  30 . As can be appreciated, location indents  60  can be openings to receive a nail and/or screw to secure plate  54  to the side surface  34  of shell body  30 . The side surface  34  of the shell body also includes two band studs  70 ,  72  which are designed to be hooked to a strap or belt for use in supporting the electric guitar on a user. 
   On the upper surface  32  of the shell body  30 , there is illustrated three knobs  82 ,  86 , and  90 . Knobs  82  and  86  typically control the tone of the electric guitar and knob  90  typically controls the volume of the electric guitar. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , knobs  82 ,  86 , and  90  are connected to controllers  80 ,  84 , and  88 . The tops of the controllers extend through openings  44 ,  46 , and  48  in upper surface  32  of shell body  30 . As can be appreciated, more control knobs or less control knobs can be placed on shell body  30 . For instance, a control knob can be used to control one or more special effects of the electric guitar. Furthermore, one or more control knobs can have multiple functions, wherein the control knob controls both the tone and/or volume of the guitar and/or the tone and/or volume of a particular pickup on a guitar. As can be appreciated, any type of electrical arrangement can be incorporated into the shell body and/or main body of the electric guitar to achieve the desired sound and/or effects of the electric guitar. 
   An electric connector  100  is positioned in central cavity  36  of the shell body  30 . Electrical connector  100  is designed to be electrically connected to an electric connector  170  on main body  130 . The electrical connectors are designed to send and/or receive signals and/or power to various components of the electric guitar. 
   A clip  110  is also positioned in central cavity  36  of shell body  30 . Clip  110  is designed to facilitate in securing main body  130  in central cavity  36 . Clip  110  is designed to be rotatable so as to engage and/or disengage the main body to the shell body. The clip can be rotated from the back surface of the shell body by the hand of the guitarist and/or be the use of a tool. 
   A graphic storage  120  is positioned in central cavity  36 . Graphic storage  120  is designed to secure one or more headstock graphic strips, which can be secured to headstock  360  to alter the style and look of the electric guitar as desired. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 2 , main body  130  includes a top surface  136 , a side surface  138 , a pickup box cavity  132 , and a bridge cavity  150 . The shape of the main body  130  is standardized so that a single main body can be properly fitted and connected to a standardized sized central cavity of a variety of different shell bodies. The top surface of the main body can have a variety of finishes and/or designs to achieve the desired look for the electric guitar. One or more regions of the top surface may also include a pickup guard to protect the top surface of the main body during use of the electric guitar. The front of the main body has a front lip  134  that is designed to be connected to neck  310  of the electric guitar. When the main body  130  is releasably secured into the central cavity of shell body  30  by use of clip  110  and/or some other arrangement, a portion of the bottom surface of front lip  134  engages front lip  38  of shell body  30 . The side surface of the main body includes a jack opening  140  that supports a jack  180 . Jack  180  is designed to receive a plug to an amplifier, speaker, mixer, and/or other electric device. In some instances, the guitarist may desire to play the main body of the guitar without the shell body. Jack  180  allows for such play. As can be appreciated, the main body can also include one or more control knobs to control the volume and/or tone of the guitar in this configuration. Jack  180  is electrically connected to electric connector  170  positioned in pickup box cavity  132  and/or one or more other electrical components in the main body. As can be appreciated, output jack  180  is not used when electrical connector  170  is directly connected to electric connector  100  in shell body  130  while the main body is connected to the shell body. 
   The rear side surface of the main body includes a knob cavity  160  and a knob opening  162 . Knob opening  162  is designed to receive a threaded end  192  of a bridge clamping knob  190 . Knob opening  162  opens up into bridge cavity  150  and is designed to extend at least partially into clamping slot  152 . Clamping slot  152  is designed to partially guide a bridge clamping lock  200  which is secured to the end of threaded end  192  of bridge clamping knob  190  through a threaded opening  202  in the bridge clamping lock. Bridge mounting plate  210  is secured in the top portion of bridge cavity  152  by inserting one or more screws, nails, etc., through mount openings  216  in the bridge mounting plate. Bridge mounting plate  210  includes two plate slots  212 ,  214 . The two slots each have a wide portion and a narrow portion that are designed to secure bridge plate  230  to bridge mounting plate  210 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , a pickup box  270  is designed to be inserted into pickup box cavity of main body  30 . Pickup box  270  includes five box slots  272 ,  274 ,  276 ,  278 , and  280 , which are designed to receive five pickups  290 ,  292 ,  294 ,  296 , and  298 . The pickups include pickup flanges  300  having flange openings  302  which are designed to be connected to the pickup box, thereby securing the pickups within the box slots of the pickup box. The bottom of the pickup box includes an electrical connector, not shown, which is designed to connect to electrical connector  170  in pickup box cavity  132  of main body  130 . The electrical connection allows for signals and/or power to be sent to and/or from one or more pickups on the pickup box. Pickup box  270  can be secured in pickup cavity  132  in a variety of ways. Typically, the pickup box is releasably connected to the main body such as by, but not limited to, clamps, screws, friction fit, etc. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the pickup box cavity  132  includes a clip  172  that can be used to releasably secure the pickup box to the pickup box cavity. Clip  172  can be rotatable so as to lock and unlock the pickup box in the pickup box cavity. The clip can be rotated from the bottom surface of the main body by a hand and/or a tool. As can be appreciated, the clip can be designed to be rotated by other arrangements. As can be appreciated, the pickup box can be permanently secured in the main body by various arrangements such as, but not limited to, adhesive, nails, etc. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 11 , there are illustrated two configurations of a pickup box  270 A,  270 B, having different numbered and configured box slots. Pickup box  270 A includes two box slots  272 ,  274  which are arranged close together. Pickup box  270  includes three box slots  272 ,  274 ,  276  which are arranged in a more spaced-apart configuration. These two pickup box configurations illustrate that a wide variety of different pickup box configurations can be used to obtain the desired pickup configuration on the main body of the guitar. The pickup boxes illustrated in  FIG. 11  are designed to be releasably connected within pickup box cavity  132  of main body  130  so that a variety of different pickup boxes can be substituted within the main body to obtain the desired sound and/or tonal quality of the electric guitar during a particular use. As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the shape of pickup boxes  270 A,  270 b are substantially the same so as to properly be fitted within pickup box cavity  132 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , neck  310  is illustrated as being connected to front lip  134  of main body  130  by a neck hinge  250 . Neck hinge  250  includes a top component  254  having two openings  252  and a bottom component  256 . The top component is adapted to be secured to the front bottom surface of neck  310  by inserting screws, nails, and/or the like through openings  252  and into the bottom surface of neck  310 . Bottom component  256  is designed to be secured to front lip  134 . The bottom component can be secured to the front lip is a variety of manners such as, but not limited to, being positioned in a slot in the lip, screwed to the lip, nailed to the lip, adhesively connected to the lip, and the like. A hinge  258  hingably connects the top component and bottom component together. 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , hinge  250  allows the neck to be pivotally moved relative to the main body  130 . As shown in  FIG. 10A , neck  310  is positioned in an extended position wherein top component  254  rests on the top surface of front lip  134  of main body  130 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10B , the neck is positioned in the folded position wherein the bottom surface of main body  130  is positioned substantially parallel with the bottom surface of the neck. In the folded position, the length of the connected main body and neck is reduced to thereby facilitate in the convenient storage and/or transport of the modular guitar. A hinge lock  260  is used to secure neck  310  in an extended position. The hinge lock  260  can also be used to secure the neck on a folded position. Hinge lock  260  can include a threaded end which is inserted into an opening  262  in top component  254  and threaded into an opening in the end of front lip  134 , not shown, to thereby maintain neck  310  in an extended position. As can be appreciated, hinge lock  260  can be connected to the neck in other manners and/or take many other forms. In addition, neck hinge  250  can be secured in an extended and/or folded position in a number of different arrangements. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , neck  310  includes a fret cavity  312  extending centrally along the longitudinal length of the neck. The shape of the fret cavity is such so as to secure a substantially cylindrically shaped fret control bar  320  within the neck cavity. Neck  310  also includes two truss openings  314 ,  316  which at least partially extend along the longitudinal length of the neck. The two truss openings are designed to receive truss rods  330 ,  332  which are used to provide strength and rigidity to neck  310 . Typically, the truss rods are made of a strong and rigid material such as metal, plastic, composite materials, and the like; however, other materials can be used. Positioned on the top surface of neck  310  is a fingerboard  340 . Fingerboard  340  can be releasably or permanently secured to the top of the neck in a variety of manners. Fingerboard  340  includes several fret slots  342  having openings  346  therethrough to receive frets  350 . Fingerboard  340  also includes several fret markers or position markers  344  along the length of the fingerboard. The positioning and use of these fret markers are well known in the art, thus will not be further described. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 4A , the bottom portion of frets  350  are designed to be inserted through fret openings  346  of fret slots  342 . The bottom portion of the frets include a fret node  352  that is designed to be positioned within bar slots  324  in fret control bar  320 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7 , fret control bar  320  is designed to control the position of the frets relative to the top surface of the fingerboard. As illustrated in  FIG. 5A , fret control bar  320  is shown to be rotated to a load position to load fret node  352  into bar slots  324  in fret control bar  320 . Once the fret nodes of each of the fret is loaded into slots  324 , the fret control bar is rotated to the fully raised position by fret control knob  322  as illustrated in FIG.  5 B. Typically, the fret control bar is not allowed to be repositioned in the position shown in  FIG. 5A  once the fret nodes are loaded into the bar slots. As illustrated in  FIGS. 5B and 7 , the top surface of fret  350  is positioned in a fully raised position. As illustrated in  FIGS. 5C and 6 , when the fret control bar is rotated about a half-turn by fret control rod  322 , the top surface of fret  350  becomes planar with or is positioned slightly below the top surface of fingerboard  340 . When the frets are in this position, the electric guitar is converted into a fretless guitar. The movement of the frets relative to the top surface of the fingerboard is accomplished by the interaction between the nodes  352  on frets  350  and the slots within control bar  320 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , slot  324  is configured so as to start at or near the outer surface of the fret control bar and move toward the center of the fret control bar along the length of the slot. Fret nodes  352  are positioned within the slot and thus move within the slot as the fret control bar is rotated. Consequently, the user of the guitar can control the position of the frets relative to the fingerboard by the mere use of moving the fret control knob  322  at any time while playing the guitar. As can be appreciated, the fret control bar  320  can be rotated at a position between the fully raised position and the fretless position. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , a headstock  360  is connected to the rear end of neck  310 . Headstock  360  includes a graphic slot  362  on the upper surface of the headstock which is designed to receive a headstock graphic, not shown. As can be appreciated, the graphic slot can be eliminated from the headstock. Headstock  360  also includes several tuner openings  364  which are designed to receive pins  392  of tuners  390 . The front end of headstock  360  also includes two truss openings  314 ,  316  which are designed to receive the ends of truss rods  330 ,  332 , respectively. Headstock  360  is designed to be releasably connected to the end of neck  310 ; however, it can be appreciated that headstock  360  can be connected in a non-releasable manner. Pins  392  of tuners  390  are designed to be each connected to a string  400 . Pegs  394  on the tuners are designed to cause the pins to rotate, thereby increasing or decreasing the tension on a particular string in order to tune a particular string. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a humidity tuner  480  is positioned between the back end of neck  310  and the front end of headstock  360 . Humidity tuner  480  is designed to adjust the tension on strings  400  in response to changes in humidity and/or temperature in a particular environment. The humidity tuner includes a guide flange  382  which is secured to the rear end of neck  310 . Guide flange  382  is designed to provide some guidance to the headstock as it is moved relative to the end of neck  310 . Humidity tuner  480  also includes a control knob  384  having a threaded end  386 . Threaded end  386  is designed to enter opening  370  on headstock  360 . Control knob  384  is rotatably mounted on guide flange  382 . In operation, control knob  384  is rotated to cause the end of headstock  360  to approach or recede from the end of neck  310 , thereby causing the strings to reduce or increase in tension, respectively, thus providing quick and convenient tuning adjustment of the guitar in a various number of environments. As can be appreciated, humidity tuner  480  is an optional feature of the modular guitar, thus can be eliminated from the guitar. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , strings  400  are illustrated as being connected between headstock  360  and bridge plate  230 . Bridge plate  230  includes a back flange having one or more openings, not shown, which are used to secure a plurality of intonation sliders  240  to the bridge plate. The intonation sliders are used to connect one end of a string  400 . Bridge plate  230  also includes two plate openings  232 ,  234  which are designed to receive bridge pins  220 ,  222 . The heads of the two bridge pins are spaced from the bottom surface of the bridge plate and are designed to be inserted into the large width portion of plate slots  212 ,  214  in bridge mounting plate  210  and to be locked onto the bridge mounting plate when moved rearwardly to the narrow portion of the plate slots. The spacing of strings  400  from one another is maintained by the spacing of the intonation sliders and the nut  372  on headstock  360 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , six strings are mounted between headstock  360  and bridge plate  330 . As can be appreciated, more or fewer strings can be used to obtain a specific configuration for the electric guitar. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8A , one particular arrangement is disclosed for securing and/or releasing bridge plate  230  from bridge mounting plate  210 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8A , bridge clamping lock  200  is designed to engage one end of bridge plate  230  and to cause the bridge plate to move relative to bridge mounting plate  210  as bridge clamping knob  190  is rotated. The rotation of bridge clamping knob in one direction will cause bridge clamping lock  200  to move toward the bridge clamping knob, thereby causing bridge plate  230  to move rearwardly. The rearward movement of bridge plate  230  results in the tensioning of strings  400  and further results in bridge pins  220 ,  222  moving into and/or further within the narrow portion of plate slots  212 ,  214  of bridge mounting plate  210 . The movement of the bridge pins  220 ,  222  into the narrow portion of plate slots  212 ,  214  results in the locking of bridge plate  230  to bridge mounting plate  210 . The rotation of bridge clamping knob  190  in the opposite direction causes bridge clamping lock  200  to recede from bridge clamping knob  190 , thereby resulting in the bridge plate  230  retracting from the end of main body  130 . When bridge clamping lock  200  has moved to a sufficiently retracted position, bridge pins  220 ,  222  on bridge plate  230  move to or can be moved to the wider slot opening of plate slots  212 ,  214 , thereby allowing bridge plate  230  to be removed from bridge mounting plate  210 . As can be appreciated, when this particular mounting/dismounting arrangement for the bridge plate on the bridge mounting plate is used, a humidity tuner as illustrated in  FIG. 9  can be eliminated, since the slight rotation of the bridge clamping knob  190  can facilitate in adjusting the tension of the strings as necessary. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8B , another particular arrangement is disclosed for securing and/or releasing a bridge plate from the main body. As illustrated in  FIG. 8B , a clamp  520  is used to secure and/or release bridge plate  540  on main body  130 . Clamp  520  includes a lever arm  522  that is pivotably connected to cam or crank arrangement  530 . A tension rod  524  is also connected to the cam or crank arrangement  530  at one end of the tension rod. The other end of the tension rod is connected to a rod hook  544  positioned on the base  542  of bridge plate  540 . As previously illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , intonation sliders are secured to the bridge plate and the strings are secured to the intonation sliders. The clamp is designed to be positioned in and secured to the bridge cavity; however, this is not required. The lever arm of the clamp is used to move the bridge plate into a locked tension position or into a release position.  FIG. 8B  illustrates the clamp in a locked or tensioned position on main body  130 . The lever arm is positioned in the down or locked position and the bridge plate is in a locked tension position. The bridge plate is released from the main body by simply lifting lever arm  522  to move the lever arm into an unlocked position. The upward movement of the lever arm results in the cam or crank arrangement  530  causing the tension arm to move rearwardly which in turn results in the bridge plate also moving rearwardly into an non-tensioned position. The rod hook on the base plate can then be disengaged from the tension rod thereby allowing the bridge plate to be removed from the main body. When the bridge plate is to be secured to the main body, the tension rod of the clamp is positioned in the rod hook of the bridge plate. The clamp arm is then pressed downwardly until the lever arm engages or is positioned near the top surface of the bridge cavity. The pushing of the clamp lever downwardly causes the tension rod to move toward the front end of the main body which in turn also causes the bridge plate to move toward the front of the main body and into a tensioned position. The tension of the strings connected to the bridge plate can be adjusted by nuts  526 ,  528  which are threaded on tension rod  524 . As can be appreciated, the bridge plate securing arrangements illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 8B  are only two of many securing arrangements that can be used to secure the bridge plate to the main body of the guitar. 
   The disassembly and reassembly of the modular electric guitar disclosed in  FIGS. 1 and 2  will now be briefly described. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , modular electric guitar  20  is in its fully assembled form. The electric guitar as assembled has a six string configuration and five pickups. The modular electric guitar is designed such that the pickup arrangement can be quickly changed, the string arrangement of the electric guitar can be quickly changed, and/or the shell body can be quickly changed. Main body  130  is connected to shell body  30  by inserting main body  130  into central cavity  36  and then rotating clip  110  to lock main body  130  into central cavity  36 . Typically, a key or other device is used to rotate clip  110  from the bottom surface of shell body  30 . As can be appreciated, main body  130  can be releasably connected to shell body  30  in many other arrangements. When the main body needs to be removed from shell body  30 , clip  110  is rotated and main body  130  is lifted from central cavity  36 . A new shell body  30  can be then connected to main body  130  if desired. Several examples of shell bodies are disclosed in  FIGS. 12A-12K .  FIGS. 12A-12H  illustrate several different shaped shell bodies with the main body connected thereto.  FIGS. 12I-12J  illustrate two additional shapes for the shell body without the main body connected to the shell body.  FIG. 12K  illustrates a shell body that can be connected to two main bodies to form a dual neck guitar. As illustrated in  FIGS. 12A-12K , all the central cavities of the various shell bodies have substantially the same shape, thus a single main body can be fitted into each one of the illustrated shell bodies. As can be appreciated, many other styles of shell bodies can be designed and connected to main body  130 . 
   The string configuration and/or pickup configuration can also be easily and conveniently changed. When needed, the string configuration can be changed while the main body is secured in the shell body, or can be changed while the main body is detached from the shell body. When changing the string configuration, bridge clamping knob  190  is rotated to thereby cause bridge clamping lock  200  to retract from bridge clamping knob  190  until bridge plate  230  can be removed from bridge mounting plate  210 . Once bridge plate  230  is removed from bridge mounting plate  210 , headstock  360  is slid off of the ends of truss rods  230 ,  232 , thereby removing the headstock, bridge plate, and strings from the guitar. A new string configuration which includes a headstock for such configuration and a bridge plate for such configuration can then be easily and quickly reconnected to the guitar. This is accomplished by first sliding the new headstock  360  onto the end of truss rods  330 ,  332  and then positioning bridge plate  230  onto bridge mounting plate  210  such that the bridge pins  220 ,  222  are inserted into plate slots  212 ,  214 , respectively. Bridge clamping knob  190  is then rotated to cause bridge clamping lock  200  to move toward bridge clamping knob  190 , thereby causing the bridge pins  220 ,  222  to move into the narrow width portions of plate slots  212 ,  214 , thus causing bridge plate  230  to be locked into bridge mounting plate  210 . The bridge clamping knob  190  continues to be rotated until the desired tension of strings  400  is obtained. Pegs  394  on tuners  390  are then adjusted until the desired tension of each string is obtained, thus completing the replacement of a new string configuration on the guitar. A different pickup arrangement can also be replaced on the main body of the guitar while the bridge plate  230  is disengaged from bridge mounting plate  210 . To remove pickup box  270  from pickup box cavity  132  on main body  130 , clip  172  is rotated with the use of a key or other device located on the back side of main body  130 . As can be appreciated, pickup box  270  can be secured in pickup box cavity  132  in a variety of other manners such as, but not limited to, pressure fit, bolts, clamps, etc. When clip  172  is rotated to the released position, pickup box  270  can then be removed and a differently configured pickup box can be reinserted and locked into place by re-rotating clip  172 . After the new pickup box  270  is inserted into pickup box cavity  132 , bridge plate  230  can then be secured to bridge mounting plate  210  as described above. 
   When the modular guitar is to be packed in a compact carrier, main body  130  is released from shell body  30  as described above. In addition, bridge plate  230  is disengaged from bridge mounting plate  210  and headstock  260  is disengaged from the end of neck  310  as described above. Neck  310  is then positioned in the folded position by removing hinge lock  260  and rotating neck  310  about hinge  258  so as to place the neck and main body in a more compact configuration. The pickup box  270  on main body  130  can remain on the main body or can be removed if so desired. The components of the modular guitar can then be packaged in a significantly smaller carrier for convenient storage and/or transport. 
   When the modular guitar has been assembled for playing, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the user of the guitar can connect the guitar to a shoulder band, not shown, by use of band studs  70 ,  72  on shell body  30 . While playing the guitar, the user can adjust the volume and/or tone and/or other effects of the electric guitar by the use of knobs  82 ,  86 , and  90 . The user can also tune the strings of the guitar by applying a universal tension using the bridge clamping knob  190  and/or by individually tuning the strings by use of tuners  390  on headstock  360 . The user can also adjust the fret position on the neck of the guitar by the use of fret control knob  322 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 13A and 13B , two configurations of a headstock protector  420  are illustrated. The headstock protectors in both  FIGS. 13A and 13B  include a top component  426  and a bottom component  428  which are hingably secured together by a flexible material or hinge  422 . The top and bottom component  428  also includes slots  424  which are designed to receive pins  392  of tuners  390  and/or pegs  394  of tuners  390 . Headstock protector  420  is typically made of a durable material designed to protect the components of the headstock and thereby reduce the tendency of the strings connected to the headstock from becoming untuned by the inadvertent bumping of the pins and/or pegs on the headstock during packaging and/or reassembly of the guitar. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 14 , an alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated. As shown in  FIG. 14 , all the components of the modular guitar are the same as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , except that the shell body is divided into two components and the pickup box is integrated with one of the components of the shell body. The shell body illustrated in  FIG. 14  includes a top shell body  500  and a bottom shell body  510 . Top shell body  500  includes an output jack  550  and its various components, control knobs  82 ,  86 , and  90 , and band studs  70  and  72 , which components all are similar those disclosed with respect to  FIGS. 1-3 . Top shell body  500  also includes a bridge cavity opening  502  and a clamping slot  504 . Positioned rearwardly of the bridge cavity is a knob slot  506 . The orientation of bridge cavity  502  and clamp slot  504  are such to allow bridge plate  230  to be connected to bridge mounting plate  210  when top shell body  500  is positioned over main body  130  and secured to bottom shell body  510 . In addition, knob slot  506  is oriented to allow access to bridge clamping knob  190  when top shell body  500  is placed over main body  130  and secured to bottom shell body  510 . Although not shown; pickup box  270  is secured to the bottom surface of top shell body  500 . Top shell body  500  also includes several openings for pickups  290 .  292 ,  294 ,  296 ,  298 . Top shell body  500  also includes a front slot  508  which is sized to fit around a portion of fingerboard  340  and neck  310  when top shell body  500  is placed over main body  130  and secured to bottom shell body  510 . Bottom shell body  510  includes an electrical connector  100  and a graphic storage area  120  similar to such components as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . Bottom shell body  510  also includes several connector openings  512  which are used to secure bottom shell body  510  to top shell body  500 . As can be appreciated, screws, bolts, and/or other connectors can be used to secure the top shell body and bottom shell body together. Bottom shell body  510  also includes a central cavity  516  and a front lip  514  which function similarly to central cavity  36  and front lip  38  of shell body  30  as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . Bottom shell body  510  also includes a jack groove  518  which is designed to receive a portion of jack  50  which is secured to top shell body  500 . 
   Top shell body  500  and bottom shell body  510  are designed to clamp main body  130  between the two shell bodies. In this configuration, the face of the modular guitar can more closely emulate standard electric guitars. The modular guitar disclosed in  FIGS. 1-3  slightly displays the profile of the main body when it is inserted into shell body  30 . The use of the top shell body  500  and bottom shell body  510  as illustrated in  FIG. 14  does not display the profile of the main body since the main body is sandwiched between the two shell bodies. As can be appreciated, the design and configuration of the top shell body and bottom shell body can be made to have various designs, which designs can be similar to those disclosed in  FIGS. 12A-12K . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 15 , a modified headstock is illustrated. Headstock  550  includes two truss openings  558 , 560  that are designed to receive the end portions of truss rods  330 ,  332  on neck  310 . The attachment and detachment of headstock  550  from neck  310  is similar to that of headstock  360  which is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . Headstock  550  includes several pin slots  554  on the top surface  552  of the headstock. The pin slots are designed to receive slidable tuners  556 . Each slidable tuner  556  includes one or more pins  562  connected to a pin base  564 . The pin is designed to be connected to one end of a string. The string connected to the pin is tuned by sliding the slidable tuner along a pin slot  554  until the string is tuned. Thereafter, the slidable tuner is secured in position by a screw, bolt, etc. positioned on the back side of the headstock. As can be appreciated, many other arrangements can be used to secure and release the slidable tuner on the headstock. The used of this headstock arrangement has the advantage of reducing the incidence of one or more strings becoming inadvertently untuned when the headstock comes in contact with another surface. Classic headstocks include tuners having a configuration similar to tuners  390  that are illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 . These standard tuners include pegs  394  that are used to tune the strings. When the headstock encounters a surface, one or more pegs on the headstock may engage such surface and cause the peg to move, thereby altering the tuning of a string. The headstock illustrated in  FIG. 15  has no pegs, thus is less susceptible to one or more strings becoming out of tune when the headstock encounter a surface. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , there is illustrated a modular acoustic guitar such as a standard acoustic guitar or a classic guitar. As can be appreciated, other modular arrangements can be applied to various other types of acoustic instruments such as, but not limited to, a balalaika, a banjo, a cello, a double bass, flamenco guitar, a lyre, a mandolin, a twelve-string acoustic guitar, a viola, a violin, etc. As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , a fully assembled acoustic guitar  600  is disclosed. The acoustic guitar includes a shell body  610  which has a top surface  612  and a side surface or rib  614 . The top surface includes a sound hole  616  and a rose  618  which encircles the sound hole. A pick guard  620  is positioned closely adjacent to the sound hole. As best illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the shell body also includes a neck slot  622  positioned at the front end of the shell body and a bridge cavity  624  positioned rearwardly of the sound hole. Positioned in the back end of the shell body is an end opening  626 . The shell body of the acoustic guitar is typically made of wood such as, but not limited to, red fir, cedar, redwood, laminated woods, and the like. The materials that make the top surface, the back surface, and/or more one or more side surfaces of the acoustic guitar may be made of the same material or different materials. The top surface of the acoustic guitar can have many types of designs, finishes, and/or the like. The interior of the shell body typically includes one or more reinforcing strips (i.e. radials) to provide structural strength to the shell body. The basic construction and structure of the shell body is well known in the art, and thus will not be further described. 
   Acoustic guitar  600  also includes a main body  650  which is designed to be inserted into and secured to shell body  610 . Main body  650  includes a mount groove  660  at the base of the main body which is designed to be received by a groove in the interior of shell body  610 . The mount grooves on main body  650  and in shell body  610  are designed to properly guide main body  650  in the interior of shell body  610  and to at least partially secure main body  650  in place relative to the shell body. At the end of main body  650  is an end opening  662  which is designed to receive a threaded end  642  of bridge clamping knob  640 . Main body  650  also includes a central cavity  664  and a bridge cavity  666  which has a clamping slot  668 . Positioned on the front of the main body is a front lip  670  to which neck  700  is connected to main body  650 . 
   A bridge mounting plate  680  is at least partially mounted over bridge cavity  666 . Bridge mounting plate  680  includes two plate slots  682 ,  684  which include a wide portion and a narrow portion. Mounting pins  686  are used to secure bridge mounting plate  680  to main body  650 . A bridge clamping lock  690  having a threaded opening  692  is positioned in clamping slot  668 . Threaded opening  692  is designed to receive threaded end  642  of bridge clamping knob  640 . 
   Neck  700  is hingably connected to the end of main body  650  by a hinge  750 . A hinge lock  752  is used to lock the neck in an extended and/or folded position. Hinge lock  752  typically includes a threaded end which is threaded into an opening in a bottom surface of the neck and into an opening in the back end of main body  650 . 
   Neck  700  includes a fret cavity  712  designed to receive a cylindrically shaped fret bar  714 . Fret bar  714  includes several bar slots which are adapted to receive fret nodes  742  of frets  740 . A fret control knob  718  is used to rotate fret control bar  714  to cause the frets to be raised and/or lowered with respect to the upper surface of fingerboard  730 , which is positioned on the top surface of neck  700 . Two truss rods  720 ,  722  are positioned in neck  700  to provide structural support and rigidity to neck  700 . The two truss rods have a length such that the ends of the two truss rods extend outwardly from the end of neck  700  after being fully placed within the neck. 
   Fingerboard  730  includes several fret slots  732  having fret openings  734 . The fret openings  734  are designed to receive a bottom portion of fret  740 . Fingerboard  730  also includes several position or fret markers  736 . 
   Releasably connected to the end of neck  700  is a headstock  760 . Headstock  760  includes two truss openings  766  and  768  which are designed to receive a portion of the ends of truss rods  720  and  722 . Headstock  760  can include a graphic slot  762  which is designed to receive. one or more. graphics; however, the use of a graphic slot on a headstock is not required. The headstock also includes several tuner openings  764  which are designed to receive the pins of tuners  770 . The front end of the headstock also includes a nut  768  which is used to guide strings  780  as illustrated in FIG.  16 . 
   The operation of the acoustic guitar as illustrated in  FIGS. 16 and 17  will now be briefly described. Main body  750  is connected to shell body  610  by inserting the front end of main body  650  through an opening in the front end of shell body  610 . Mount groove  660  on main body  650  is oriented to engage a corresponding slot in the interior of shell body  610  so as to guide the main body  650  into the interior of shell body  610 . Once main body  650  is properly positioned in shell body  610 , neck  700  is positioned into the extended position and locked in the extended position if it is not already in such position. Typically, neck  700  is positioned and locked into an extended position prior to the main body being inserted into the shell body  610 . Headstock  760  having a headstock nut  772 , is connected to the end of neck  700  by inserting the ends of truss rod  720 ,  722  into truss openings  766 ,  768  of headstock  760 . Once the headstock is positioned on the end of neck  700 , bridge plate  630  is positioned on bridge mounting plate  680 . The strings connected between bridge pins  634  on bridge plate  630  and the pins on headstock  760  are moved into a tensioned position by rotating bridge clamping knob  640 . The rotation of bridge clamping knob  640  causes bridge clamping lock  690  to move rearwardly toward the end of shell body  610 . This rearward movement also causes bridge plate  630  to move rearwardly, thereby producing tension on strings  780 . The bottom of bridge plate  630  includes two locking pins having heads that are positioned in the wide portion of slots  682 ,  684  of bridge mounting plate  680 . As bridge plate  630  moves rearwardly, the heads of the pins move into the narrow portion of slots  682 ,  684 , thereby locking bridge plate  630  to bridge mounting plate  680 . The turning of bridge clamping knob  640  also results in the clamping knob being threaded at least partially into end opening  662  of main body  650  thereby securing main body  650  to shell body  610 . The final tuning of the strings  780  is accomplished by the use of tuners  770  on headstock  660 . 
   When the acoustic guitar needs to be packed, the main body can be easily disengaged from the shell body by merely rotating bridge clamping knob  640  such that bridge clamping lock  690  moves rearwardly to thereby release bridge plate  630  from bridge mounting plate  680 . The turning of bridge clamping knob  640  also releases the end of main body  650  from shell body  610 ; thus, once bridge plate  630  is disengaged from bridge mounting plate  680 , the headstock can then be removed from the end of neck  700  such that the headstock, strings, and bridge plate can be stored away. Once the bridge plate is removed from the bridge mounting plate, the main body  650  can be slidably removed from shell body  610 . The neck hidgedly connect to the main body can be moved into a collapsed positioned by removing hinge lock  652  to allow the neck to be moved into a collapsed position, thereby reducing the storage area needed for the main body and the neck. As can be appreciated, the neck can be detachably connected to the main body. In certain applications, the strings of the acoustic guitar are only desired to be changed such as changing the strings from metal strings to nylon strings. During such a change, main body  650  can be left within shell body  610  and merely the headstock, strings, and mounting plate are removed from the acoustic guitar and a new set of headstock, strings, and mounting plate are secured to the acoustic guitar. In some applications, different necks of the acoustic guitar are required; thus, in such a situation, the neck and main body of the guitar needs to be removed as discussed above. 
   As stated above, the embodiments disclosed in  FIGS. 1-3 ,  14 ,  16  and  17  allow for multiple modular guitar configurations, thereby significantly expanding the use of the guitar. As can be appreciated, the neck of the guitar can be detachably connected to the main body to substitute one neck for another. For example, the neck of an electric guitar can be substituted so as to change the length of the neck for purposes of changing the electric guitar from a classic electric guitar to a bass guitar. 
   The present invention has been described with reference to a number of different embodiments. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the exact details of construction, operation, exact materials or embodiments shown and described, as obvious modifications and equivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. It is believed that many modifications and alterations to the embodiments disclosed will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the detailed description of the invention. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the present invention.