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Minnesota guitarist's invention strikes a new chord
The device lets guitarists add bass lines or melodies with the palm while keeping normal playing intact, Ranson said.
- Musician Ben Ranson unveiled 'palmfrets,' an invention enabling guitarists to play new bass lines or melodies using their palms, during an Oct. 28, 2026, reveal show at Stella in Fergus Falls.
- Over five years ago, Ranson developed the concept while seeking more bass notes from the guitar through artistic experimentation, including organ-like foot pedals and seven-string guitar exploration.
- Using the pisiform bone in the wrist to depress strings, players can pluck melodies while freeing the fretting hand to move freely. Ranson received a patent for the invention on Oct. 6, 2026.
- Attendee Quam tested the prototype during the show, quickly grasping the technique's utility. Ranson joked, 'I'm doing things that Chet Atkins never did,' as the demonstration proved the invention's appeal.
- Ranson believes the true potential of the invention may not be revealed for many years; 15 years from now, a teenager using the device as a teenager will demonstrate what it can truly do.
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Minnesota guitarist's invention strikes a new chord
Ben Ranson’s "palmfrets" is adding more notes and more possibilities to the guitar. He shared the invention during a recent performance in Fergus Falls.
·Cherokee County, United States
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left0Leaning Right5Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Right
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources lean Right
56% Right
C 44%
R 56%
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