To a generation that has grown up with touchscreen computer devices within reach, the idea of putting one in an acoustic guitar might seem pretty logical. The rest of us may wonder if the guitar is a problem that needs to be fixed in that way. But the idea of combining apps to help you learn, sounds and beats to inspire you and an acoustic travel-size guitar has certainly got us intrigued about whether this could be a bit of a game-changer for beginners and older hands alike. And now Chinese ‘smart guitar’ leaders Lava Music are making the prospect more accessibly priced with the Blue Lava. We want to know if the whole package is successful.
It certainly looks distinct; a kind of clean, futuristic, somewhat toy-like vision of a classical guitar. And it’ll gladly hang around your lounge furnishings without offending anyone too; ours matches a matte Ice Blue top and back with Ocean Blue sides, and then there’s the unusual soundhole placement. While Lava’s ME 3 smart guitar is made of carbon fiber, the Blue Lava brings down the cost by using high-pressure laminate.
This story is from the January 2023 edition of Total Guitar.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2023 edition of Total Guitar.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Ihsahn – "Extreme music lends itself well to experimental arrangements"
In an extraordinary double album, former Emperor guitarist Ihsahn delivers new material in two contrasting versions: metal and orchestral. "It was a perfect match," he says, “because my guitar had the same tuning as the cellos!"
Rosie Frater Taylor – "I Love Guitarists That Started in Jazz but Moved Into Pop"
It's a bold claim, but one that we're prepared to make: there is no other guitarist in the UK right now who sounds quite like Rosie Frater-Taylor.
DIRTY SOUND MAGNET
Swiss psychedelic trio Dirty Sound Magnet have created a unique racket that's both thrillingly expansive and potently evocative.
ELECTRO-HARMONIX PICO POG
You should be familiar with the Electro-Harmonix POG- it's the Polyphonic Octave Generator that set the standard for multistring, multi-octave layering and has graced the pedalboards of legends ranging from Jack White to Joe Satriani.
BOSS KATANA AIR EX
More Air, vicar? Boss pump up their popular wireless desktop amp
FGN BOUNDARY ILIAD BIL2MHS
With Japanese quality and top tones, could this be your next T-style?
THE 2024 GUITAR WORKOUT
Smash your new year guitar goals with our 30-day technical workout
"TAPPING IS THE MOST-USED WEAPON IN MY ARSENAL!"
Jon Gomm's tips for getting more out of your acoustic guitar
"THE BEST GUITAR SOLO IS A SONG WITHIN A SONG"
Ace Frehley: the guitar hero of KISS, and an influence for Tom Morello, Dimebag and many more
"THE SIMPLE PARTS ARE THE HARDEST TO GET RIGHT”
Lzzy Hale's recipe for meaty arena rock and killer tone