Dr. Mike Butera, a Belmont alumnus and adjunct instructor of sociology, has received widespread attention for his new instrument, the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1. The instrument has been covered by TechCrunch, The Tennessean, PC Magazine and Engadget, among many others.
The wood-body instrument, which is hand-built in Tennessee, is powered by an iPhone and can simulate a number of different instruments. The ergonomically designed body allows for it to be held like a guitar, violin, mandolin or upright bass. It also includes a virtual fret board and strumming pad.
Speakers are built into the portable device, which is powered by a lithium ion battery. The device is compatible with most music software, including Garageband, Pro Tools and Traktor.
The instrument, Butera’s brainchild, has been in development for the past two years, and will finally be released this summer. Reservations for the first wave of shipments can be made exclusively at artiphon.com.
