An “electronic musical instrument comprising …” is a phrase that almost always comes from patent claim language describing the technical components and operation of an electronic instrument such as a synthesizer, rhythm machine, sequencer, or hybrid acoustic‑electronic device.

What the phrase usually means

In patent documents, the phrase “electronic musical instrument comprising” introduces a list of essential hardware and signal‑processing blocks that make up the invention.

Typical elements that follow this phrase include:

  • A keyboard or other performance interface (keys, pads, sensors, microphones, or frames with jingles).
  • Tone generation circuitry (oscillators, digital tone generators, sampling or synthesis engines).
  • Control logic (microprocessors, memory, pattern or track data storage).
  • Signal processing blocks (filters, mixing circuits, effects).
  • Output stages (D/A converters, amplifiers, speakers, or light drivers).

In other words, the phrase marks the start of the formal, structured description of how the electronic instrument is built and functions, rather than being a casual musical term.

Examples from real patents

Here are a few concrete examples of how this phrase is used in granted patents and applications:

  • A phase‑aligned synthesizer:
    An early patent describes “an electronic musical instrument comprising a plurality of tone generators” that all start in substantially the same phase when a key is pressed, giving a specific ensemble sound.
  • Rhythm and melody pattern player:
    Another invention claims “an electronic musical instrument comprising rhythm pattern input means” and “melody pattern input means” plus pattern memory and tone generators to automatically play synchronized rhythm and melody patterns.
  • Multitrack auto‑performance:
    A Yamaha patent starts “an electronic musical instrument comprising” automatic performance data memory divided into tracks, along with one‑touch record/play controls for multi‑track sequencing.
  • Voice‑to‑music converter:
    A Casio patent claims “an electronic musical instrument comprising” detection means for the start and end of a voice, pitch extraction, multiple processing paths, and musical sound production means to turn vocal input into electronic tones.
  • Modular block instrument:
    A Yamaha design claims “an electronic musical instrument comprising at least three component blocks” that mechanically and electrically connect in series to change tone range and function.
  • Electronic idiophone (tambourine) with lights:
    A more recent patent claims “an electronic musical instrument comprising a lower frame member” with apertures, pins, and jingles, plus electronics and lights in what is essentially an illuminated electronic tambourine.
  • Keyboard hooked to a computer keyboard:
    Another patent begins “an electronic musical instrument comprising” a connection terminal and interface so a standard computer keyboard can control the instrument’s settings and operations.

Across these examples, the structure “electronic musical instrument comprising …” is a legal‑technical pattern: it introduces the list of required parts that define the scope of the patent claim.

Why this wording matters

  • “Electronic musical instrument” : anchors the invention in the field of audio/music devices that generate or manipulate tones electronically, as opposed to purely acoustic instruments.
  • “Comprising” : in patent law, this is an open term, meaning “including at least the following elements, but not limited to them”. Additional elements can be present and the claim can still apply.

So when reading “electronic musical instrument comprising …” in a patent, expect it to be followed by a precise breakdown of interfaces (keys, frames, microphones), digital/analog circuitry, control and memory systems, and output/feedback mechanisms that together define that particular musical invention.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.