Patent ID: 7285716

Claim:
An automated player for playing an unmodified stringed instrument comprising: at least one plucking mechanism operable to selectively and releaseably contact and displace a corresponding instrument string such that the instrument string vibrates and produces a sound, and wherein said plucking mechanism further comprises a string-contacting portion rotationally mounted relative to said corresponding instrument string and having a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to said corresponding instrument string, a first drive member in mechanical communication with said string-contacting portion and capable of creating relative motion between said string-contacting portion and said corresponding instrument string, a surface in communication with said string-contacting portion, said surface operably engaging said string-contacting portion, creating relative movement between said drive member and said string-contacting portion whereby said string-contacting portion is selectively extendable to vary the displacement of said string during rotation of said first drive member.