Patent Publication Number: US-9424824-B2

Title: System and method for sound augmentation of acoustic musical instruments

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This continuation-in-part patent application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/178,148, which application was filed on Feb. 11, 2014, which application is currently pending, and which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of acoustics and more specifically relates to systems and methods for creating enhanced sound profiles for acoustical instruments. 
     2. Background Art 
     Music and musical instruments are an important part of most societies and stringed instruments, such as guitars, are popular throughout the world. Many variations of musical instruments exist, both acoustic and electrical, in many forms, shapes, and sizes. Often, depending on the venue and the style of the music, different types of sounds and sound effects may be desired in order to present the music to the audience in the most artistic fashion. In many cases, the sound level of an instrument will be boosted by the use of electronic devices such as amplifiers and speakers. This is especially the case for acoustical instruments when the acoustical instrument is being used in conjunction with electric instruments and when acoustical instruments are being played in venues that require some form of amplification due to the size of the venue and/or the audience. 
     In addition to controlling the volume of the sound produced by an instrument, it is fairly common to use digital signal processing equipment and techniques to modify or enhance the sound produced by a musical instrument. While sound amplification and augmentation are common activities, they generally require the use of large, bulky, and expensive equipment. Additionally, this equipment is electronic and requires ready access to a power source in order to function properly. However, in many cases, a musician will not have access to a power source and will not have the time, space and/or money required to amplify and augment the sound of their instrument using conventional devices and methods. Once again, this is especially problematic for acoustical instruments since these instruments generally have no readily available sound amplification or augmentation capabilities. 
     Accordingly, without improvements in the current systems and methods for creating enhanced acoustical profiles for acoustical instruments, particularly guitars, violins, and other stringed instruments, the ability to effectively and efficiently provide musicians with enhanced mobility and freedom for musical performances will continue to be sub-optimal. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A novel electronic system provides for augmentation of the sound produced by one or more acoustical instruments. While particularly well adapted for acoustical guitars and other acoustic stringed instruments (e.g., banjos, violins, violas, etc.), the system can be adapted to a wide variety of acoustic instruments. A sound capture device is affixed to an acoustic instrument to capture the natural sound output of the instrument. The captured sound signal is routed to an electronic sound augmentation system that is configured to augment the captured sound with spatial sound effects such as reverb, echo, delay, etc. The processed and augmented sound is then reproduced via a vibrating driver that has been affixed to the body of the acoustic instrument. This creates a situation where the body of the musical instrument, responding to a series of vibrations produced by the vibrating driver, acts as a speaker component, reproducing a rich augmented sound output that comprises the sum of the sound produced by the original sound production capabilities of the acoustical instrument plus the added augmented or enhanced sound effects. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The preferred embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements, and: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a guitar that has been provided with a sound augmentation system in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of a guitar that has been provided with a sound augmentation system in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of the front of a housing used in conjunction with a sound augmentation system in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the housing of  FIG. 3  affixed to a surface of a guitar for use in conjunction with a sound augmentation system in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of the major components of a sound augmentation system in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of a sound augmentation system affixed to a surface of a musical instrument in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram of a sound augmentation system affixed to a surface of a guitar in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a sound augmentation system in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic representations of a sound augmentation system affixed to a surface of a musical instrument using a magnetic pad in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic representation of a sound augmentation system affixed to a surface of a musical instrument in accordance with an alternative preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of a sound augmentation system affixed to a surface of a guitar using a reusable adhesive in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12 ,  FIG. 13 , and  FIG. 14  provide a schematic representation of a sound augmentation system affixed to a surface of a musical instrument using a clamping unit in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic representation of a guitar with a sound augmentation system configured to be installed inside a musical instrument in accordance with an alternative preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic representation of a guitar with a sound augmentation system installed on the exterior surface of the guitar in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted; and 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic representation of a guitar with a sound augmentation system installed inside the guitar in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The system and method of the present invention provides for augmentation of the sound generated by musical instruments, particularly acoustic instruments. While most suitable for acoustic stringed instruments, the system can be adapted to a wide variety of acoustical instruments. An audio capture device such as a magnetic, optic, or piezo-electric pickup is attached to an acoustic instrument to capture the sound output of the instrument. The various preferred embodiments of the present invention provide for augmentation of the sound produced by the acoustic instrument. While particularly well adapted for acoustical guitars and other acoustic stringed instruments (e.g., banjos, violins, violas, etc.), the system can be adapted to a wide variety of acoustic instruments. 
     The audio capture device is affixed to an acoustic instrument to capture the natural sound output of the instrument. The captured sound signal is routed to an electronic sound augmentation system that is configured to augment the captured sound with spatial sound effects such as reverb, echo, delay, etc. The processed and augmented sound is then reproduced via a vibrating driver that has been affixed to the body of the acoustic instrument. This creates a situation where the body of the musical instrument, responding to a series of vibrations produced by the vibrating driver, acts as a speaker component, reproducing a rich augmented sound output that comprises the sum of the sound produced by the original sound production capabilities of the acoustical instrument plus the added augmented or enhanced sound effects. 
     Based on the musician&#39;s preferences, a wide variety of sound effects and enhancements can be added to the natural sound output of the acoustic instrument. The various preferred embodiments of the present invention can be used to create rich and complex layered sounds that are added to the natural sound output of an acoustic instrument, thereby creating effects that cannot readily be achieved without much larger and more expensive equipment. 
     By implementing one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, a musician has the ability to quickly add to, manipulate, and/or augment the natural sound of an acoustic musical instrument, essentially making the instrument more versatile and more creative to play. The sound augmentation system described herein is very small, highly portable, and relatively self-contained. The only power source needed to operate the sound augmentation system described herein is a small battery housed within the device. No external speakers, amplifiers, power sources, etc. are necessary. This allows the musician to carry the sound augmentation system in a small kit bag or other carrying case or simply leave the sound augmentation system attached to the instrument. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the sound augmentation system of the present invention provides:
         the ability to enhance the sound and feel of the musical sound produced by an acoustic instrument by extending overtones and harmonic complexity;   the ability to reproduce sound effects such as delay, reverb etc. without an external speaker, using the sound box or chamber of the acoustic instrument, essentially making the instrument more versatile, enjoyable, and creative to play;   the ability to modify the source audio signal produced by the musical instrument without any structural modification to the musical instrument;   the ability for the musician to quickly and easily install and uninstall the sound augmentation system in a matter of minutes, with no special tools or knowledge being required;   the ability to transport the musical instrument with the invention installed on the musical instrument, while retaining the original mobility of the musical instrument while eliminating any dependency on expensive, heavy, cumbersome and power hungry external components.       

     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an acoustic guitar that has been provided with a sound augmentation system in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown in  FIG. 1 , an acoustic guitar  100 , the musician places an audio capture device into the guitar&#39;s sound hole on the front of the guitar. Audio capture device  110  is any device or component capable of capturing the source audio signal produced by the guitar at the sound hole (e.g., microphone, magnetic, optical, or acoustic audio pickup, etc.). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the musician will also attach a sound augmentation system  210  to the backside of the guitar using any non-permanent bonding solution known to those skilled in the art (e.g., reusable adhesive putty, double-sided tape or stickers, one or more suction cups, etc.). Additional information about the various methods used to attach sound augmentation system  210  to a musical instrument is presented below. It should be noted that the guitar or other acoustic instrument will generally comprise a front surface, where the front surface comprises a sound hole with a plurality of strings extending over the sound hole and a back surface positioned substantially parallel to the front surface. When sound augmentation system  210  is affixed to the guitar, sound augmentation system  210  will be on the back surface of the guitar, away from the strings and the sound hole. 
     Audio capture device  110  is then communicatively coupled to sound augmentation system  210  via an electronic cable or some other communication method such as an optional wireless connection. With the sound augmentation system installed, the musician plays the guitar in the normal fashion (e.g., strumming or plucking the strings) and audio capture device  110  captures the original source audio signal produced by the guitar and transfers the original source audio signal to sound augmentation system  210 . At that point, based on the musician&#39;s preferences, sound augmentation system  210  is configured to route the original source audio signal to an internal DSP that has been designed and configured to augment and/or add sound effects (e.g., “delay,” “reverb,” “flanger,” etc.) to the original source audio signal produced by the guitar, thereby producing an augmented audio signal. 
     After any desired augmentation effects have been added, the augmented audio signal is transferred to a vibrating driver contained within or affixed to sound augmentation system  210 , providing vibrations from the vibrating driver to the surface area on the back of the guitar where the sound augmentation system  210  has been affixed. In this fashion, the back surface of the guitar acts as a speaker diaphragm to produce additional vibrational sounds within the sound chamber of the guitar. These new vibrations are added to or layered over the natural vibrations occurred by the vibration of the mechanical strings, and together creates a new augmented sound, which is then naturally amplified by the instrument&#39;s acoustic sound box. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a schematic representation of the front of a housing used in conjunction with a sound augmentation system  210  in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the most preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a series of components that, in concert, provide the functionality of the sound augmentation system of the present invention. Sound augmentation system  210  comprises: a USB port  302 ; an auxiliary out port  320 ; an auxiliary input port  322 ; an external DSP output port  324 ; and an instrument in port  326 . Additionally, the following components are contained within the housing for sound augmentation system  210 : a signal router  312 ; a DSP  314 ; a memory  316 ; a battery  318 ; an amplifier  380 ; and a vibrating driver  390 . Additional information about these various components is presented below. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a side view of the housing of  FIG. 3  affixed to a surface of a guitar for use in conjunction with a sound augmentation system in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown in  FIG. 4 , sound augmentation system  210  is affixed to a surface  410  of an acoustical musical instrument where vibrating driver  390  may contact surface  410  to induce vibrations. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a block diagram of the major components for a sound augmentation system in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the most preferred embodiments of the sound augmentation system of the present invention comprises: a universal serial bus (USB) connection  302 ; a battery  550 ; one or more auxiliary output connectors  514 ; an audio signal router  520 ; an internal DSP  530 ; a memory  540 ; input source connections  510 ; an amplifier  560 ; and a vibrating driver  570 . 
     USB port  302  is a standard connection used to couple the sound augmentation system to various other devices. For example, a computer could be coupled to USB port  302  and used to transfer one or more data files to memory  540 , thereby providing a musician with the capability of loading custom sound files into memory  540 . USB port  302  is a standard USB port and may be connected to any compatible device. USB port  302  may also provide a means for recharging battery  550  of the sound augmentation system. Additionally, firmware for operating DSP  530  and various DSP presets may be loaded via USB port  302 . 
     Input source connection  510  comprises one or more standard connectors (e.g., RCA jacks, mini-plug jack, etc.) that can put used to provide an input signal to audio signal router  520 . 
     Auxiliary output connectors  514 ; comprise any type of connector that would allow the sound augmentation system to be connected to various external devices for additional sound output options (e.g., amplifiers and speakers, receivers, mixers, etc.). 
     Signal router  520  is used to route the digital audio signal to the desired location. It will generally be used to route the digital audio signal from input source connections  510  to internal DSP  530 . However, as shown in  FIG. 5 , signal router  520  may also be used to route the digital audio signal to external connections  512  so that the digital audio signal may first be processed by some external device prior to being returned to audio signal router  520  for routing to internal DSP  560 . 
     Battery  550  provides a power source for the other components of the for sound augmentation system and, given the relatively low level of power consumption required, the exact battery capacity will depend on the specific application but can be selected from the group of generally available batteries known to those skilled in the art for powering portable electronic devices. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, battery  550  will be a rechargeable battery that can be recharged via USB port  302 . 
     Internal DSP  530  is configured to provide real-time sound effect processing of the original source audio signal captured by the audio capture device which is then provided as the input to amplifier  560 . 
     In the most preferred embodiments of the present invention, the optional external DSP comprises a third party sound effect processor or a mobile computing device such as a smart phone, a tablet, etc. could be connected to connector  512 . It should be noted that the use of the external DSP is optional but will, in general, provide for a wider variety of optional sounds to be added to the original source signal generated by the musical instrument to which the sound augmentation system is affixed. 
     Memory  540  is any conventional computer memory known to those skilled in the art and is configured to store DSP settings or audio files (e.g., pre-selected sound effects, loops, etc.). The information stored in the memory may be transferred to the memory by using USB port  302 . This allows the musician to store and readily access various sound effects without the need of creating them using an external DSP. 
     Amplifier  560  is used to amplify the augmented audio signal to the level necessary to drive vibrating driver  570  that, in turn, creates the vibration of the back surface of the musical instrument to which the sound augmentation system is attached. 
     Vibrating driver  570 , (sometimes known as an “exciter”), is essentially a “diaphragm-less” speaker and is attached to the back surface of a musical instrument where it contacts the back surface of the musical instrument and transmits vibrations from the augmented audio signal, which is added to or layered with the source audio signal produced by the musical instrument. To reduce the weight and to keep vibrating driver  570  in a firm but flexible to vibrate position, the amplifier is typically housed in a mold, which can be partially or mostly made of foam or other similar substance. 
     Additionally, various input and output jacks or ports may also be included to allow the musician to connect the sound augmentation system to one or more auxiliary devices (e.g., mixing boards, external speakers, etc.). In this fashion, the original source audio signal and/or the augmented audio signal can be transferred to and from the sound augmentation system to provide for additional flexibility in various applications and environments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a schematic representation of a sound augmentation system  210  in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown in  FIG. 6 , a case is used for sound augmentation system  210  comprises: an instrument input  610 ; one or more control knobs  620 ; an electronic board comprising components such as a pre-amp, amplifier, DSP, battery, etc.; soft padding material  640  surrounding a vibrating driver  650 ; one or more external device connectors  660 ; and a plurality of support legs  670 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a side view of sound augmentation system  210  attached to a guitar  100  in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown in  FIG. 7 , instrument input  610  is located at the end of the guitar. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a top view of sound augmentation system  210  of  FIG. 6  is depicted. The same components include an instrument input  610 ; one or more control knobs  620 ; an electronic board comprising components such as a pre-amp, amplifier, DSP, battery, etc.; soft padding material  640  surrounding a vibrating driver  650 ; one or more external device connectors  660 ; and a plurality of support legs  670 . 
     There are a number of ways to attach sound augmentation system  210  to an acoustic instrument. Several non-limiting examples of attachment methods and attachment mechanisms are described below in the following figures. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a schematic representation of a sound augmentation system affixed to a surface of a musical instrument using a magnetic pad connection as an attachment mechanism in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown in  FIG. 9 , a magnetic pad  920  is affixed to a surface  910  of musical instrument. Magnetic pad  920  may be affixed using any type of adhesive but for most embodiments, a non-aggressive adhesive that can be applied and removed without damaging instrument surface  910  will be selected. 
     For this embodiment, sound augmentation system  210  will be manufactured with a plurality of magnetic legs  930  that are sized to fit into cooperating recesses formed in magnetic pad  920 . When magnetic legs  930  are positioned in close proximity to magnetic pad  920 , magnetic legs  930  will “snap” into place and be “locked” into the cooperating recesses formed in magnetic pad  920 , thereby securing sound augmentation system  210  in the proper position relative to instrument surface  910 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this embodiment of the invention allows for sound augmentation system  210  to be quickly and easily removed from an instrument. Additionally, if a musician owns multiple instruments, they could purchase multiple magnetic pads  920  and switch a single sound augmentation system between multiple instruments. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a schematic representation of a sound augmentation system affixed to a surface of a musical instrument using one or more adhesive compounds as an attachment mechanism in accordance with an alternative preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown in  FIG. 10 , sound augmentation system  210  comprises a plurality of legs  1010  that comprise an adhesive capability that will allow the musician to securely yet removably affix sound augmentation system  210  to the surface of an instrument. 
     For example, in this embodiment, the musician has the option of attaching the sound augmentation system directly to the instrument backside. The legs and/or an associated cavity may host different options of reusable non-destructive attachment mechanisms such as nano-suction pads, standard suction cups, reusable putty or other type of reusable adhesive. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a schematic representation of sound augmentation system  210  affixed to guitar  100  with adhesive legs  1010  in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 ,  FIG. 13 , and  FIG. 14 , a schematic representation of a clamping system for attaching a sound augmentation system to a musical instrument in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The embodiment is provided for musicians for prefer a sound augmentation system that can be quickly and easily removed from the instrument without leaving any trace of the sound augmentation system behind. As shown in  FIG. 12 , sound augmentation system  210  can be affixed to an adjustable clamping unit  1210  (using adhesives, screws, etc.) and then the combination unit can be clamped onto a surface of an instrument body  1220 . As previously mentioned, one or more support legs  1230  may also be included to provide the proper offset of sound augmentation system  210  from instrument body  1220 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 13 , a schematic representation of clamping unit  1210  attached to guitar  100  is depicted. Clamping unit  1210  will most preferably be coated with a protective or rubberized finish for all surfaces that may contact the body of the musical instrument so as to ensure the body of the musical instrument is not damaged. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 14 , a schematic representation of the adjustment function for a adjustable clamping unit  1210   a  for use in conjunction with a sound augmentation system in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown in  FIG. 14 , adjustable clamping unit  1210  comprises to interlocking and sliding pieces  1411  and  1412 . Sliding piece  1411  is sized so as to slide into sliding piece  1412  and lock in place, thereby securing adjustable clamping unit  1210  to secure adjustable clamping unit  1210  to the body of an instrument such as a guitar. 
     Additionally, adjustable clamping unit  1210  further comprises an aperture  1420  which is configured to accept a standard guitar strap mounting peg. Adjustable clamping unit  1210  can be positioned over a standard guitar strap mounting peg and the mounting peg will protrude through aperture  1420 , allowing the musician to attach a guitar strap to the guitar while adjustable clamping unit  1210  remains attached to the guitar. Further, a plurality of adjustable clamping unit  1210  may be provided so as to ensure that adjustable clamping unit  1210  can be used on various sizes of guitar bodies. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , a schematic representation of a sound augmentation system in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown in  FIG. 15 , guitar  100  is presented in both a side view and a top view so as to relate the positioning of the various components of this embodiment of a sound augmentation system. This embodiment of the present invention is designed for musicians who prefer a hidden and more permanent installation of the sound augmentation system. This may also be a preferred embodiment for instrument manufacturers who wish to include the sound augmentation system as a factory built option. 
     In this embodiment, the sound augmentation system is divided to two main components: a master unit  1540  comprising the audio capture and processing elements (e.g., amplifiers, DSP, vibrating driver etc.); and a control unit  1550  that comprises a series of control knobs for controlling the sound augmentation functions by providing at least one of a series of pre-configured sound augmentation signals (e.g., volume, reverb, echo effects, etc.). that alter the original sound from the instrument. Control unit  1550  is most preferably positioned near the sound hole of the instrument so that the musician can simply reach inside the sound hole to adjust the sound augmentation functions. This embodiment of the present invention provides a completely hidden system that instrument manufacturers to pre-install into new instruments. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , instrument output  1510  is communicatively coupled to master unit  1540  by a connection  1520 . Similarly, control unit  1550  is communicatively coupled to master unit  1540  by a connection  1530 . The buttons on control unit  1550  may be used to control and modify the sound augmentation. For example, depending on the specific application, one control knob may be provided to control the volume level. Another control knob may be provided to select one of multiple effects with yet another control knob being configured to control the strength, level, and duration of a given sound augmentation effect. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 16 , a schematic representation of a guitar with a sound augmentation system affixed to the exterior of the guitar in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown in  FIG. 16 , system  210  may also be installed externally and connected to a pre-amplifier. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 17 , a schematic representation of a guitar with a sound augmentation system installed inside the guitar in accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted. As shown in  FIG. 17 , system  210  may also be installed internally and connected to a pre-amplifier. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various preferred embodiments of the present invention can be use to digitally augment any acoustic instrument such as the acoustic guitar, and provide the capability to reproduce acoustically an added layer of special spatial effects (e.g., reverb, delay, echo etc.). 
     Additionally, the various preferred embodiments of the present invention provide for enhanced sound augmentation without the need for external amplifiers, effect pedals, speaker cabinets, and with zero modifications to the instrument itself. With the various preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a stand-alone acoustic instrument will have the ability reproduce augmented sound using the body of the acoustical instrument add a layer of beautiful spatial effects in addition to its natural organic sound. 
     The various preferred embodiments of the present invention are suitable for practicing, song writing and traveling, when special effects are desired but that would otherwise not be accessible without bulky and cumbersome outboard equipment. 
     The invention can be installed on the exterior or interior of any existing acoustic guitar (or any other capable acoustic instrument) with similar results and with zero modifications to the instrument itself. 
     The musician can quickly and easily install the various embodiments on an acoustical guitar or other acoustical instrument. No professional help is required and no permanent modifications to the instrument are required in order to use the various preferred embodiments. 
     Although the various preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise a DSP it is also configured to connect with outside DSP devices including digital DSP software programs available via smartphones and tablets. The ability to use both internal DSP coupled with an external DSP provides a powerful combination of a device independence, and a device openness for future possibilities. 
     Additionally, by using one or more of the quick, easy and flexible ways of attaching/detaching the sound augmentation system of the present invention, a single sound augmentation system can be quickly moved and used on many instruments. 
     From the foregoing description, it should be appreciated that the system and method for sound augmentation disclosed herein presents significant benefits that would be apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, the sound augmentation system could be used in conjunction with violins, cellos, etc. Furthermore, while multiple embodiments have been presented in the foregoing description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations in the embodiments exist. For example, even though the sound augmentation system described herein has been described as not being coupled to external speakers, the augmented audio signal may be provided to one or more external speakers and amplified via conventional means, if desired. 
     Lastly, it should be appreciated that these embodiments are preferred exemplary embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description provides those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing one or more preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in the exemplary preferred embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.