Razemark has worldwide patents pending and trademarks for a tactile finger indicator system that is set to change the way that the guitar and other stringed instruments are learned and played all over the world. It has already received strong support from the music industry as well as endorsements from Australian and international musicians.
Razemark Director and Inventor, Shane Hoy, says that the system was derived from finding a solution to what is a very common problem for musicians.
"The guitar is a very traditional instrument and its design has changed little in the last two centuries. Some guitars currently have fret markers on the side and top of the neck that indicate the locations of the 3rd, 5th, 9th, 12th and 15th frets. But it can take a long time to learn the "feel" of where these marks are.
"All I have done is to take this design and raise the markers. This allows the player to feel the fret position on the neck of the guitar without having to look at the instrument. This makes it quicker to learn, and easier to play."
"The Razemark system is a logical and simple invention that rectifies one of the most basic design flaws of the guitar", he says.
Hoy, a Brisbane musician, initially developed the system to assist a student with a visual impairment, but discovered the benefits were widespread.
"It's very simple to use. The raised markers provide invaluable assistance to beginners and professional performers alike. In essence, players are able to find the frets on the guitar neck faster," says Hoy.
"It's not just a learning tool - it can solve problems for players at all levels.
"Even experienced players find the Razemark system invaluable. There is no hindrance to the action of the neck or the sliding movement of the hand along the neck. Most guitarists perform in darkened venues, and prefer to look at their audience while playing.
"Razemark allows for all of these situations," he says.
Hoy believes that the Razemark system will open up the world of music to many with more players, including those with visual or locomotive impairments, since it makes the instrument user friendly to learn. Apart from blind or visually impaired musicians, the system can assist dyslexics, who relate faster to a physical sign.
Razemark is now available in three ways - factory fitted as standard on an increasing range, fitted to existing and new guitars by music stores and luthiers and now as a DIY retro fit Razemark Installation Kit available from good music stores world wide. Razemark has already attracted industry attention - receiving many licensing inquiries since the worldwide lodgement of its patents and trademark.
Endorsements have come from a wide range of performers, including Darren Middleton (Powderfinger), award-winning country musician Michael Fix, Shihad, Chris Whitley and international legend Slava Grigoryan.
"Everyone we have shown Razemark to has applauded it, " says Hoy.
"Musicians, teachers and professional performers are all finding it to be the ultimate fret marking system."
"This invention will change and speed the way most stringed instruments are taught, " he says.
Razemark is not limited to electric and acoustic guitars, but is also suitable for other stringed instruments with necks, including banjos, mandolins, violins, violas, cellos and double basses.
Razemark Installation Kit
The Razemark DIY Installation Kit comes complete with all necessary kit bits to retrofit two instruments. The two Licence Stickers included entitles the user to register two instruments FREE on the Razemark World Wide Web Instrument Registry which may assist to locate instruments in case of loss or theft. Bonus book Chords and Scales - the Razemark way and 2 bonus picks.
