Artiphon Electronic Multi-Instrument

Product Description

Features

• Play guitar, bass, synth, violin, drum pads, and more, on a revolutionary MIDI controller
• TIME Magazine "Best Invention of the Year," #1 Instrument on Kickstarter, PCMag Editors' Choice
• The first fretted and fretless digital string instrument; low-latency, pressure-sensitive playing
• Ultra Portable: Lightweight and 6-Hour Battery Life; USB & Lightning Cable iOS and Mac Connectivity
• 2 Stereo Speakers & Headphone Jack for creating on your own, or jamming with friends

Top Reviews

A new kind of MIDI controller with an excellent form factor
by SCOTT H. (5 out of 5 stars)
July 26, 2017

As someone who's had an Artiphon for a couple months now, let me weigh in...

Several of the reviews can be summed up as "disappointed that I can't play it as well as I can play guitar/piano/violin" and/or "I didn't read the specs (and didn't realize this is just a MIDI controller)."

The Artiphon is its own thing. I think the marketing IS geared as "play it like a guitar/piano/violin" and thus has built-in a level of expectation on the part of some consumers. However, the Artiphon probably will require some practice and/or tweaking for one to be able to play it effectively. For example, the hammer-on sensitivity may need adjusting for your playing style, or else you'll get lots of unintended notes. Also, it's worth pointing out that the "pluck" and "bow" trigger effects are completely different: to pluck a string, the trigger activates when you release the pad, whereas for "bow" it activates when you press on the pad.

The form factor is incredible: to get access to so many possible pitches in such a compact size is unusual for a midi controller, and the additional sensors of pressing-down-harder for bending, and the "rotate by an angle" for modulation offer the kinds of things that on other controllers you'd need to reach for a separate knob to control.

It is true that you'll need a computer or iPhone to do the signal processing, but this system works with so many apps & programs automatically that it's an excellent interface. If it's not doing what you want, check the presets for your patch -- I was finding that I couldn't get any "slide" effects when it turned out the virtual instrument I was using in Logic was messed up. Artiphon provides a series of pre-made virtual instruments on their website; check those out.

It will take practice. It is not a guitar or a piano. It's indeed odd for a guitar player (like me) to find that all the frets are the same distance; this will take a little getting used to. As will the "pads" that you use for plucking. As will the hammer-on sensitivity, and pitch-bend sensitivity.

All in all, this is a unique opportunity for users to control a compact, highly versatile and responsive multi-instrument.
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Wonderful
by Albert Ferris (5 out of 5 stars)
August 23, 2018

My Grandson loves it !! I bought it for my 11 year old grandson Cole who is totally blind since birth . We thought it would be a wonderful way for him to express himself and not get bored with just one option . His whole body feels every note , every vibration . Thank-you for expanding his world .

A grateful Grandma and Papa

Bet& Shelley Ferris
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I had such high hopes.
by Adam Gaynor (3 out of 5 stars)
January 31, 2018

I have to begin by saying that I think that the concept that led to the creation of the instrument 1 is exceptional. I think that the form and feel of it is equally fantastic. It is in the realization of the concept that the Instrument 1 fell flat, for me.

A bit of back story: Originally looking for a compact travel ukulele that I could pack in a carry-on bag when I travel, I happened upon Artiphon's product. I had previously owned Traveler Guitar's version, and it was fair, but required a luthier to make it the instrument that it should have been; The Uke-Solid, from German manufacturer, Risa, seemed to be very difficult to find (impossible within the US), and more expensive perhaps than I felt it should be; and the Eleuke Peanut received mixed reviews, with several critics panning its quality.

After watching a couple dozen videos showcasing the Instrument 1, I thought that it seemed incredibly cool, versatile, and would still allow me to noodle on the ukulele while also experimenting with other instruments. I ordered one that night. I later realized that I had ordered the white one, and I really wanted the black model. So, I cancelled the order and placed a second one. Unfortunately, I was informed later in the day that it was too late to cancel my initial order, and that I would be receiving two shipments. This ended up being a bit of a blessing in disguise. I had the opportunity to see and try both units.

The instrument one feels great. It looks great. It offers nearly limitless possibilities, when combined with any number of apps on the iPad or iPhone. But I had issues with both of my units. Sadly, it went beyond my inexperience as a musician, or with the Instrument 1. My white unit immediately appeared to have a couple of "strings" wired incorrectly. That was disappointing, but acceptable, as I wanted the black unit anyway. Unfortunately, after experimenting with the other unit for a handful of hours I noticed inconsistencies in the sensitivity and responsiveness of the strings and bridge.

I really wanted the Instrument 1 to work out. It is a brilliant concept, in an inspiring form factor, and may open the door to other such creations, which would seem to work equally well in the studio or on the stage. At this point though, I will be forced to wait for subsequent iterations that hopefully provide a more consistent manufacturing process and result. I will be keeping my eye out for future Artiphon creations, even if this one is not for me.
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Windows users beware.
by Z (2 out of 5 stars)
June 1, 2018

If you don't have a mac, don't bother. Very little support on windows, most programs being unresponsive or relies on heavy editing of the software to make it work.

I have no doubt that if i used apple products i would probably be amazed by this, but it feels very much like a toy. there is about a 1.2 second sound delay on every program i have tried. There is very little give on the fret board and (strums?) leaving you questioning if you just didn't press hard enough or what. It constantly feel's like it is about to break and I feel uncomfortable with it.

this product is not for novice users. I may end up returning this if i don't find compatible software soon that lets me play it with as much ease as the youtube channel lets on.

I hope the creators of this product branch out a little, instead of essentially billing this as a garage band add-on.
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Not Really For PC
by Book Lover (1 out of 5 stars)
December 19, 2018

Instrument is more geared for Apple, Apple i-phone. Regular desktop PC options are complicated and does not work with non-Apple 'Smart Phone' or Android devices. Tech support takes a long time to respond, sometimes up to 3-4 days. Quite difficult to learn to play, not as easy looking as in the video demos. Knowledge of Midi and Midi Controllers and their complexities helpful, not an 'out of the box user friendly' experience, especially if you have a PC and are trying to get sounds. I spent 2 weeks with trying to get 'recommended' Third-Party applications to work and after many hours of downloading and trying to configure, no luck. Went around in circles with Artiphon tech support. Returned item. For me, a very bad experience and total waste of time. NOTE: I am a musician, own many keyboards and also have knowledge of Midi and Controllers and it was still confusing. Probably a lot easier if you have Apple, but learning to play it isn't as simple as it looks. If you are looking for a toy to horse around with its an interesting concept but I can't see it as a serious instrument for recording or live performance, it does not key notes dependably.
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Incredibly overpriced toy W/ no expressive capabilities
by Connor (1 out of 5 stars)
December 8, 2018

Third time I've had to write this review . Keeps getting erased

Received unit broken, with the bridge failing to register notes. What did work felt unresponsive even with the sensitivity settings cranked way up , and in various modes did work there were many mistriggers, seemingly zero velocity / aftertouch sensitivity , and the unit felt like a flimsy toy.

How on earth was this justifying a $400 price tag ?

This is the worst (un)musical experience I think I'vE ever had ? Kudos for the portability , but this thing seems like a $30 toy you'd buy at job lots : not at all interested in mitigating the hardware issues or replacing the unit. I now see why there are so few YouTube videos .

I Am a 15 year music veteran and have been making electronic music on a computer

W a DAW since I was 12.

Worst midi controller I've ever used .

Ugh.
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Please understand that this is not a guitar replacer, ...
by William Phillip (5 out of 5 stars)
April 13, 2018

Please understand that this is not a guitar replacer, it has its own little quirks. That said I have been having a blast with it and my only wish is that I had ordered a strap with it. The neck is fairly wide so think more of a classical guitar fit than an electric. Highly recommended
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Believe the negative reviews.
by Roxy Mehalick (1 out of 5 stars)
February 5, 2019

Ordered directly from amazon for full retail new and recieved a clearly returned item missing important items, like the charger and required connection cables. In my brief time with the unit before the battery died, i can confirm the other negative reviews. The B and E string nubs are insane sensative while E,A,D, and G barely register. Fretboard has deadzones throughout and largely doesnt work on any settings or works entirely too well and random notes are generated.

I was willing to learn how to use this cool idea and play around with settings or what have you but 400$ for a "new" item missing important cables and connections is a huge disappointment
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Almost what I wanted but...almost.
by Eric (2 out of 5 stars)
November 27, 2018

So....I really wanted to like this instrument. Some context:

I'm a guitar player and I play rock/folk/Americana. I got this as a recording tool so I could "fake" certain sounds I can't play on my guitar, such as piano and slide guitar. Here is what I found.

This instrument is GREAT for electronic sounds and electronic musicians. For those of us who are more, eh, traditional, this just won't cut it. If I wanted amazing synth sounds and electronic beats and everything else electronic, this would be amazing. But for those of who ply guitar and are looking to get realistic sounds of other instruments, you'll have to keep looking.

Unfortunately if this doesn't take in a few days, I'll likely return it.
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READ THIS IF YOU ARE A GUITAR PLAYER LOOKING FOR A GUITAR CONTROLLER:
by Mark Wolfe (3 out of 5 stars)
January 17, 2018

Read this if you are experienced with MIDI Guitar controllers & you're considering the Artiphon:

I've used a variety of MIDI Guitar setups. Most available are not true MIDI controllers, they add functionality to a normal electric guitar or bass.

Roland, is one of the more popular types of MIDI systems that add MiDI capability to your existing guitar. You can use just the MIDI out signal but if you want something more than that you have to find a true standalone MIDI controller for a guitar player .. good luck finding one .

When a guitar player decides to shed the real guitar and delve into MIDI without the restrictions of strings that break, require tuning, can't always be reliable for intonation depending on the weather or make that sound you hear other typical MIDI controllers make that keyboard players and drummers have had available to them since the 80s, we have to search very hard to find something for under $400.

Frankly there isn't much that is still being made anymore in that price range.

I bought the Autophon wirhout any misconceptions about what it was capable of and dove right in to using it as soon as it arrived.

I love the design, the build, the feel, pretty much everything about it...

Except for the Operating System and Software.
(And the seeming disinterest of the Tech I talked to when I complained that it didn't fit my Guitar Player needs and went throug a laundry list of reasons why)

Frankly it just doesn't provide me with the capabilities I was searching for and focused far too much on being a wholly OTHER kind of instrument that has never existed . That is great for those looking for something new but not for a guitar player looking to transfer guitar playing over to a controller that will behave as a guitar .

I won't bother going into the ways in which it didn't meet my needs because I admit they are probably obscure for most non-pro players, but if you're reading this and are considering spending the $400 for this, carefully read what it is capable of, after making a list of things you need it to do for you and hopefully the two things will match up.

I had rather long email exchanges with one of the tech people and was almost in an argument over what they claim it does MIDI-wise and what it really does. There are a few things that don't quite work the way I expected based on the language used in the advertisements and manuals.

I am willing to ignore that for this review since it is possible I was just too picky. But I would advise that if $400 is a lot of money to you as it was me, you tread carefully.

Definitely do NOT buy it from their website and use Amazon because they charge a rediculous "restocking" fee while Amazon will fully and promptly return your money when you return the Artiphon should it come to that.

I would have kept it as a unique and beautiful MIDI controller if it was in the $200, maybe even $250 price range but at $400, I needed to return it since it would not do what I was able to get the much cheaper and toy-like "You Rock MIDI Guitar & Game Controller" which is no longer made but can be found on EBay. That controller is surprisingly good, is geared toward guitar players (duh) and offers a patented neck that is in effect if the best guitar controller surfaces I've ever used.

The Artiphon would have beaten that if they would start paying attention to the needs of guitar players but that is not their mission.

You don't play guitar on the Artiphon, you play "The Artiphon". It is in my opinion, the main flaw in not only the instrument but their marketing.

I hope you find this helpful, I am currently saving up for a controller made by Rob O'Rielly Guitars and $400 is barely a downpayment .

One day if i have some extra funds to spend on a fun controller, I'll buy another Artiphon to keep. It is a really beautifully made instrument. I can't be mad at them for following their vision.

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