These photographs show the initial breadboards that were used to prove that a vibrating optical fiber could generate a musical sound on a guitar. Then, an inexpensive stock guitar was carved to house the various optical and electrical components involved. Photos of the final prototype and shots of various documents complete the presentation.
The viewer is reminded that this prototype guitar shown here is a hybrid model - meaning that there is a mix of electrical and optical components in this particular model to power the internally mounted laser diode light sources and photodiode receivers on the ends of the fiber strings.
The intended configuration is for the guitar to be completely optical, with its inputs and outputs completely non-electric. Such electrical components would be outboard; thus leaving the guitar totally insulated from electrical means.
Diagram used to show a guitar pickup's vunerability to electrical noise and hum.
Shows fiber core (light tranmission) and surrounding cladding
Light propogation through an optical fiber core
Diagram showing a fiber microbending process - basis of the guitar
Snell's law showing why light propogates through a fiber core
Fiber Optic Musical Instruments Patent Cover
Basic fiber optic path thru the guitar
Diagram in Patent showing overall guitar concept
Device used to stretch initial fiber and create sound
Original breadboard used to test the optical string concept
Body before mounting optical and hybrid electrical components
Carved out back of guitar during construction
Shows holes for hybrid connectors.
Channel carved in neck and head for hybrid diode and laser wiring
Power supply for the hybrid guitar (see text)
Overall view of the completed guitar
Completed guitar body
Completed guitar head showing fiber string terminations
AES Paper on Audiooptics
AES Paper on the Fiber Optic Guitar
Magazine cover featuring Audiooptics
My enclosed article on a next generation optical recording studio
Magazine cover featuring the Fiber Optic Guitar
Magazine cover featuring the Fiber Optic Guitar