Gibson Robot Guitar

The Gibson Robot Guitar is a sub-model of the famous Les Paul style guitar from Gibson. [http://www.gibson.com/robotguitar/index.html Gibson Robot Guitar ] ] Currently, there are 4 different models available: The Robot Les Paul Studio, [ [http://www.gibson.com/en-us/divisions/gibson%20usa/products/lespaul/robotlpstudioltd/ Robot Les Paul Studio ] ] and Robot SG, [ [http://www.gibson.com/en-us/divisions/gibson%20usa/products/sg/robotsgspecialltd/ Robot SG ] ] Robot Flying V, and Explorer as well as the first production limited edition model. Developed by Chris Adams, its most notable feature is that it uses an onboard computer to automatically tune itself without the need for an electronic tuner. This is not the first guitar to be able to tune itself, [ [http://transperformance.com/index2.htm Transperformance ] ] but it is regarded as the most modern, unique, and un-invasive self-tuning model available, because it does not employ cams or cantilevers throughout the body of the guitar. [http://www.guitarplayer.com/article/gibson-robot-guitar/Feb-08/33503 Blackett, Matt. "Gibson Robot Guitar." "Guitar Player", February 2008 ] ] The non-limited edition SG and LP Studio are available in a variety of finishes. The Flying V and Explorer are only available in metallic red. The price can range from about $1,000-$3,000 or more for custom options.

Technical Information

The tuning system used on the Gibson Robot Guitar is based on the aftermarket Powertune system, which was developed by the [http://www.tronical.com/ Tronical] Company of Germany. The Gibson system uses the standard Tune-o-matic style bridge typical on their guitars, but modifications were made to have individual piezo saddles that transmit each string's pitch to the microprocessor. The computer analyzes the signal, and then controls each of the Powerhead Locking Tuners. Each tuner is run by a small servo motor that works in sync with the bridge to bring the string up to pitch by altering the string's tension until it is within a desired tolerance. The entire system is powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery housed in the control cavity of the guitar. [Gibson Guitar Corporation]

Features and Functionality

The Robot Guitar has the standard four knobs for individual pickup volume and tone controls; however, in place of the bridge pickup tone knob, there is the Master Control Knob (MCK) [Gibson Guitar Corporation] . The control functions like a “push-pull” knob: when in the down position, it functions like a standard control. When in the up position, however, the MCK is what coordinates the automatic tuning for the guitar. [Gibson Guitar Corporation]

Tuning

Users can choose from seven factory presets for tunings, six of which are editable:
*DADGAD
*Open E
*Open G
*Dropped D
*Double Dropped D (Drop C)
*Eb

Each tuning can be returned to "standard" tuning of A (440Hz) by simply pulling up on the MCK knob, and strumming the strings lightly.

Out of the box, the guitar is calibrated to use a .10 gauge set of strings, and will tune up within a tolerance of one cent. The calibration can be changed to heavier or lighter strings, and the tolerance can be changed as well. The greater tolerance the user is willing bear, the faster the Robot Guitar will tune itself. On the fastest setting, Gibson claims that the guitar will tune up in about 15 seconds with a tolerance of 2.5 cents. The onboard computer allows for each of the preset tunings to be overridden by user inputs, but the factory presets can be restored by resetting the computer.

According to company press releases, the system allows for 200 tunings before the battery has to be recharged. [Gibson Guitar Corporation] This is accomplished with a standard ¼” patch cable connected into a provided AC adaptor, and takes about 90 minutes for a full charge.

It is important to note that the system is able to be disabled and tuned just like a regular guitar. To do this, it requires the user to disengage the tuning button, making the adjustment manually, and re-engaging the system once the adjustment is complete.

imilar Systems

While Gibson advertised the guitar heavily in America as a “world first”, similar systems developed by Transperformance have been in use for decades. Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin) currently uses a “Goldtop” Les Paul with the Transperformance system in it, and the company is also endorsed by Graham Nash (The Hollies, CSN) as well as Ed Roland (Collective Soul). [ [http://www.tronical.com/home/artists Tronical. "Tronical Artists" (15 March 2008) ] ] The drawback to the Transperformance system is that it requires heavy modification to the instrument including routing and installing multiple cams and cantilevers to make it work. [ [http://www.gizmag.com/go/4951/ Gizmag. "The Transperformance self-tuning guitar." (15 March 2008) ] ] The system was introduced almost 20 years ago however, and despite the numerous celebrity endorsements, greater versatility and speed, many consider the technology to be outdated, probably due mainly to its greater cost, more complex design and significant change in the look & weight of the instrument.

References

External links

* [http://www.gibson.com/ Gibson Guitar Corporation]
* [http://www.transperformance.com/ Transperformance]
* [http://www.guitarplayer.com/ Guitar Player Magazine]