Music

Leave the amp at home: Twin-speaker guitar throws out authentic tones

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The play anywhere ElectroPhonic Innovations Model One electric guitar
String action is caught in the act by a humbucker bridge pickup and a choice of P90, mini humbucker or single coil neck pickup
A control panel to the stop of the instrument is used to dial in effects
The play anywhere ElectroPhonic Innovations Model One electric guitar
An analog preamp and digital amplifer pump out authentic tones through two paper cone speakers
Traditional hardwood construction, patented acoustic technology and proprietary electronics make up the Model One guitar
Li-ion batteries make for portable power
In addition to the speakers, players can also output to headphones or to an external amp
Traditional hardwood construction, patented acoustic technology and proprietary electronics make up the Model One guitar
The Model One is being offered exclusively through a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign
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Showing off your shred skills to your friends can be less than satisfying using an electric guitar on its own. But lugging amps, effects and cables to the beach or campsite ain't exactly practical. And finding sockets nearby to power your fretboard athletics – forget it. Which is where guitars packing built-in speakers and effects come in handy. The latest to join the likes of the Fusion Guitar in bringing a modern twist to the play anywhere electric six string design is the Model One from ElectroPhonic Innovations, which is said to boast tube-like vintage tone and dial-in effects.

The ElectroPhonic Innovations Model One guitar features patented acoustic technology combined with a FET-based preamp and 8-watt Class D amplifier that can be shaped into American, British or high-gain amp sounds pumped out through two paper cone speakers – one behind the bridge and one in the upper horn. A control panel to the top of the instrument is used to dial in effects like delay, reverb, chorus and flange, and Li-ion batteries make for portable power (though there's no mention of how long you can expect to noodle away between charges).

In addition to the speakers, players can also output to headphones or to an external amp, and there's a line input to feed in backing tracks. Though oddly plastic-looking at first glance, the makers say that traditional hardwood is used throughout. The 22-fret, 24.75-inch scale bolt-on maple neck sports a dual action truss rod for stability.

An analog preamp and digital amplifer pump out authentic tones through two paper cone speakers

String action is caught in the act by a humbucker bridge pickup and a choice of P90, mini humbucker or single coil neck pickup, with selection made using a three position toggle switch and volume adjusted using a dedicated knob. The two other knobs under the bridge are for amp gain and master volume.

In development since 2006, the project is currently raising funds on Kickstarter to make the jump into production. Pledges start at US$699 and, if all goes to plan, delivery is estimated to start in February 2017. You can rock the pitch video below.

Sources: ElectroPhonic Innovations, Kickstarter

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3 comments
sidmehta
Yes great tones, but the sound is heavily distorted and harsh.
DanielMiddleman
Not bad, but I don't see it getting anything like the tone you get out of a 12 inch celestion speaker. It sounds like it gets some nice Fenderish tones though.
epgtr.com
Obviously not the same as 12" celestions. But you can get some killer tones right from the guitar without the amp. If you need stage levels, just plug into your amp or p.a... Here's an impromptu duet. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q85jxNHXO5U