Guitar Wing 

Photograph by Ralph Smith

Mixing synthetic effects with traditional guitar work can make for groundbreaking music, but even with musical instrument digital interface (MIDI)—which helps coordinate multiple electronic instruments—guitarists often hunch over and fiddle with gear during a set. “The floor is a long ways away,” says Peter McCullough, a composer at NYU who works with guitarists. “Every time they have to bend down to change something, a part of me dies.”

To untether frustrated guitarists, a group of musicians invented a low-profile and wireless MIDI controller called Guitar Wing. It clamps onto any guitar in seconds for near-effortless control over effects, software, digital audio workstations, and even stage lights between strums. Jay Smith and his colleagues recently redesigned the buttons for better ergonomics and response in a new version, which will hit the market this spring for $199. 

TAPPING:

Pressure-sensitive pads transform tapping into sound effects; for example, dynamic percussion.

SLIDING:

Three sliders enable the player to pan audio, bend notes, dim stage lights, and much more.

MOTION:

A three-axis accelerometer permits control over devices simply by moving the guitar around

Cost: $100,000

By Jay Smith

WOW ! !! !!! A great guitar is here. Another award winning musical instrument is here again.