Gibson Introduces the "Robot Guitar"

BY Dave SynyardPublished Nov 14, 2007

Novice guitar players may have encountered problems when trying to recreate the magic of their guitar gods but Gibson Guitars have devised a solution to this problem with their limited edition Les Paul Robot Guitar — the world’s first robotic guitar. After 15 years of conducting research, this piece of technological genius will keep itself in tune even after changing strings and allow guitarists to use six nonstandard tunings with the push of one button.

"Professional guitar players use a lot of different tuning and people who listen to the stars wonder why they can't reproduce the same sound themselves… and allow the average player to access some very sophisticated tunings," commented Gibson Guitar Chief Executive Henry Juszkiewicz.

The six preset tunings were used on songs as famous as "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” by Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin’s "Going to California” and the Rolling Stones’ "Honky Tonk Women.” The purpose of this technologically gifted instrument is for amateurs who have trouble keeping their axe in tune and for pros that use technicians during concerts to keep numerous guitars tuned to different keys.

So when can you test one out or forget that, how about buy one? Gibson is to release 4,000 limited edition, blue silverburst Les Gibson Robot Guitars worldwide on December 7 for $2,500 U.S., just in time for the holidays. A standard robot edition will follow in January 2008.

Thanks to Reuters for the lead.

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