iGuitar: An axe that is a peripheral


Until recently, the best way to get your guitar or, for that matter, any other instrument into Mac was to buy an interface card or breakout box. This particular one-time member of the "have guitar, will travel" set uses a M-Audio FastTrack, a USB breakout box that sells for $99 + shipping at OWC or for $130 direct from M-Audio.

Brian Moore Guitars has the taken the guitar in the digital age the next logical step with their iGuitar. Described as "a very powerful and flexible tool when used with your Mac and a program, such as GarageBand 2," this next-step instrument offers built-in midi and synth ports, as well as a traditional quarter-inch out. Further, iGuitars provide direct guitar-synth support without using an external pickup.

iGuitars feature three interfaces:
• Innovative output jack location (ie quarter inch) that's on the back of the guitar
• RMC piezo (via stereo 'Y' cable) for warm, authentic acoustic tone
• 13-pin RMC system for fast tracking access to Roland and compatible 13-pin guitar processors

Currently, OWC offers three Brian Moore iGuitars--learn more here--with prices ranging from $759 to $859.

An extensive write up--penned by noted studio guitarist Roger Adler--about the iGuitar is available in this week's OWC' Tips & Deals newsletter. You can view this week's missive in its entirety in .html format here.

Editor's note: Now that's what I'm talking about! Direct, synth and midi is an axe that retails for under $1,000. That's not too shabby!

Are you a floor-pedal/rack traditionalist or have computers invaded your space? What's the shape of your current rig?