Noise suppression standby switch for a musical instrument cable

Abstract

A noise suppression standby switch for an instrument cable that connects a musical instrument, such as an electric guitar, to an amplifier system. Also, a method to suppress noise while changing a musical instrument that is connected to the amplifier system. The instrument cable has a ground conductor to ground the musical instrument through the amplifier system and a signal wire to carry an electrical signal from the musical instrument to the amplifier system. The method includes electrically disconnecting the signal wire from the musical instrument, and electrically connecting the signal wire or the input of the amplifier system to ground. The invention includes a switch, such as a double-pole single-throw switch, for disconnecting the signal wire from the musical instrument or from the amplifier system; and connecting the signal wire or the input of the amplifier system to ground. The switch is accessible to a person handling the musical instrument, so that the person handling the musical instrument may choose when to engage and disengage the amplifier system from the musical instrument. The switch may include a resister connected between the switch and ground so that when the signal wire or amplifier input is grounded, the signal will pass through the resister to ground.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.