Palmfrets, Minnesota guitarist's invention, strikes a new chord

Minnesota guitarist Ben Ranson invented "palmfrets," a device that allows musicians to play additional bass lines and melodies using their palm on special frets, expanding the musical possibilities of the guitar. Ranson developed the invention over five years through experimentation and prototyping with engineers, unveiling it publicly at a performance in Fergus Falls in October 2026. The innovation grew from Ranson's artistic goal to access more notes, particularly bass notes, on the guitar.