The Gibson Les Paul is one of the world’s most recognized and popular guitars and now it is also one of the most technologically advanced, as well. On December 7, Gibson will release its first Les Paul that utilizes robotics to assist users in tuning and intonation.
While simply tuning a guitar may not be an issue for many guitarists, the Gibson Robot Les Paul goes beyond tuning the guitar. It also allows the player to easily change tunings to one of six alternate tunings.
The guitar supports Open E, Dropped D, DADGAD, Open G, Hendrix Tuning, Double Dropped D, or any of your own custom tunings that you program into the system.
To tune the guitar you choose which tuning you want on the control knob located by the volume and tone knobs, remove your fingers from the frets and strum — the guitar automatically tunes itself moving the tuning keys using the robotics. The strings carry the control signal and the power supply from the Data-Transmitting Tailpiece to the Neck CPU operating each of the Powerhead Locking Tuners individually.
The guitar consists of several components that make it all work including the Tune-Control Bridge, Tune Core-Controller, Data-Transmitting Tailpiece, Neck CPU and the Master Control Knob. The Powerhead-Locking tuners are constructed with a lightweight alloy housing and are not heavier than common tuning keys, according to Gibson. Each Powerhead has a motorized high-performance gearbox controlled by signals from the Neck CPU mounted on the back of the headstock.
Gibson will begin selling a limited edition model of the Gibson Robot Les Paul on December 7, 2007. The regular model of the guitar will go on sale in late 2008. Pricing was not immediately available.
Note: When you purchase something after clicking links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. Read our affiliate link policy for more details.