Gibson plugs in self-tuning roboguitar
Tuning fork industry beware
Legendary guitar manufacturer Gibson is reporting plenty of interest in its self-tuning Robot Guitar.
The technical details of how the axe keeps the strings nicely in tune - via pitch-monitoring bridge, CPU, and servo-motored machine heads - is available here.
All the guitarists among you need to know is that it boasts six preset tunings and the ability to tune a new string within seconds. Inventor Chris Adams explains: "The only thing you have to do to start is pull the knob, strum the strings, and when everything on the display is blue, you are done."
The Robot Guitar is available in a limited edition from Friday for $2,499 (list of dealers worldwide here).
According to the Telegraph, anyone wanting to get their hands on one had better move quick, since Gibson Guitar chairman Henry Juszkiewicz has said: "We expect it to sell out within hours on Friday, and have been taking reservations for orders as fast as we can answer the phone lines." ®
COMMENTS
I got one
Went to the launch for this and was really impressed. Did a load of research and decided to get one and couldn't be happier.
The auto tuning thing is great...it really is reliable and works well and has already saved loads of time in the studio.
But, way beyond any of that is the guitar itself. It's a beautiful guitar. Really great tone...plays so sweetly...its an ebony fretboard with a late 50's style neck...about 12-inch radius. The alnico2 and alnico5 humbuckers really do sound great and there's no crackle or hum.
I normally play a Strat...and I'm used to spending time tuning properly. It's not a big deal except for live between songs. But this baby really rocks. And what's amazed me is in just a couple of days playing the robot guitar I'm already more keenly aware of when the guitar goes out of tune. I now tune after each solo or take when recording because it really is noticeable that it's slightly out.
This is a great instrument. It's not cheap and it was a major investment for me to buy it. But on balance I'm very happy and as I type this I'm rushing because I want to get back to playing it!.
Great stuff
Saw this on Gibson's site ages ago and it's been discussed on must music forums. GIbson *have* adopted the tech from Transperformance, I believe. It's a great idea since it allows you to change tuning on the fly and not worry about temp changes mid set. Beats having a bunch of spare guitars with alternate tunings. MInd you, a backup is always a good idea in case of string breakage.
If I was looking for another guitar this would be on my list.
I don't care if it's lazy
it's a shiny guitar gadget...
I want one!
Mind, I'd like a Les Paul standard anyway... or an old Explorer (preferably white)... maybe a Parker Fly... or an Eggle Berlin Pro... ad nauseum.
Digital Guitar
Gibson did produce a digital guitar in 2006 - http://www.gibson.com/DigitalGuitarNew/gibsonDigital.html
A snip at $4000!
