TOKYO — Musicians of the world are getting a new kind of artistic freedom with technology that eliminates the chore of tuning.
Robotics technology developed by German company Tronical Gmbh in partnership with Gibson Guitar Corp. enables Gibson’s newest Les Paul model to tune itself in about two seconds.
For users who purchase the add-on technology, the guitar recognizes pitch. Then, its processor directs motors on its six tuning pegs to tighten or loosen the strings accordingly. Tronical has offered its “Powertune System” online and through retailers in Germany since March.
The Gibson Les Paul guitar model goes on sale globally on Friday.
Nashville, Tenn., guitar maker Gibson and Tronical said Powertune is the world’s first self-tuning technology, and Gibson says it is particularly useful for beginners, who tend to find tuning a headache.
Musician Ichiro Tanaka, who tuned and played a sample guitar at Gibson’s Tokyo office Monday, said the technology is handy for professionals too. If they use special tuning for just part of a concert, as he often does, it means they don’t have to lug around an extra guitar with the second tuning ready.
“It’s more than just convenience,” said Tanaka, of Japan. “It’s a feature I really appreciate.”
The Les Paul Silverburst model is to cost about $2,780 in Japan and $2,499 in the U.S., with self-tuning offered for $900 extra.
Powertune can be installed on many different models of electric guitars.
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