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Rob Instigator · 12.04.2007, 04:57 PM

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...bsonguitar1204

New Gibson guitar uses robotics technology to tune itself

YURI KAGEYAMA
Associated Press
December 4, 2007 at 12:19 AM EST

TOKYO — Musicians of the world are getting a new kind of artistic freedom with technology that eliminates the challenging 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, according to the company's website.
The Gibson Les Paul guitar model with Blue Silverburst finish goes on sale globally this Friday.

Enlarge Image Mike Peters of British rock group The Alarm' demonstrates the new Gibson robot Les Paul guitar in London on Monday. (Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images)

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 (U.S.) in Japan and $2,499 in the U.S., with self-tuning offered for $900 extra.

12.04.2007, 04:57 PM	#1
Rob Instigator invito al cielo Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: In the land of the Instigator Posts: 28,025	http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servl...bsonguitar1204 New Gibson guitar uses robotics technology to tune itself YURI KAGEYAMA Associated Press December 4, 2007 at 12:19 AM EST TOKYO — Musicians of the world are getting a new kind of artistic freedom with technology that eliminates the challenging 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, according to the company's website. The Gibson Les Paul guitar model with Blue Silverburst finish goes on sale globally this Friday. Enlarge Image Mike Peters of British rock group The Alarm' demonstrates the new Gibson robot Les Paul guitar in London on Monday. (Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images) 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 (U.S.) in Japan and $2,499 in the U.S., with self-tuning offered for $900 extra. __________________ RXTT's Intellectual Journey - my new blog where I talk about all the books I read.
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