Magic Instruments Guitar Replaces Strings with Buttons: "Pick Up and PlayInstantly"
Earlier this month, a company called Magic Instrumentsposted a link to their new product, the MI Guitar, to Facebook.
It was accompanied by the slogan, "A new type of guitar that has guitarists scared."
While we're not sure that's entirely accurate, the MI Guitar is described as "a new type of guitar you can pick up and play instantly. By reinventing the fretboard of a traditional guitar, MI Guitar simplifies playing so anyone can play their favorite songs at first sight, or create their own original music—without musical training."
The website even sports a quote from Muse guitarist/vocalist Matthew Bellamy, who says, "For people who don't have the time to learn the guitar, Magic Instruments is the ultimate shortcut—you’ll be strumming your favorite songs in minutes. For singers and non-guitar playing musicians, it’s also great tool for songwriting."
Like a traditional guitar, the MI Guitar features strings for fingerpicking and strumming. But its fretboard features buttons that play chords with a single touch. It can be paired with the company's companion mobile app, which allows customers to play songs virtually instantly, "rather than having to master awkward finger positions."
Below, you can check out the company's official demo video for the MI Guitar. Be sure to tell us what you think of this item in the comments below or on Facebook.
For more information, visit magicinstruments.com.
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Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.
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