InstaChord IC-31
InstaChord is an electronic instrument for chord-playing, with a revolutionary user interface. Two key features are its ease of learning, and its all-in-one nature. The first point - InstaChord is super easy to learn, because it can be played using a number-based system (Nashville numbers) instead of standard chord symbols. In each set key, the numbered buttons are assigned a single diatonic chord in that key. The user can choose the chord to play, simply by pushing one of the appropriate numbered buttons. In addition, there are also M7, 7th, sus4, etc, and a major/minor swap button, which can be pressed simultaneously with the chord buttons to play more sophisticated chords. Plus, KANTAN Chord, a browser extension app that converts Ultimate-Guitar.com’s chord symbols to Nashville numbers, is available free of charge. Secondly, all-in-one. InstaChord not only has MIDI via USB/Bluetooth output to act as a MIDI controller, but also has a GM sound source and speaker built-in, so it you can play the instrument right out of the box. It has multiple playing styles. Strumming like a guitar, tap the pads like a piano or percussion instrument, or push for tones like strings or woodwinds. With 128 instrument sounds built-in, you are not limited to playing chords - leads, bass, even drums. In addition, a MIDI looper feature is available, allowing for unlimited expression with just this single unit.
There are two points that make this instrument innovative. An interface that even beginners can quickly learn. An analog sensor with a realistic playing feel. 1) We developed the UI from scratch, our goal being creating an instrument that anyone can play. To do this, we set 2 rules: Comply with conventional music theory. Comply with common knowledge that everyone is familiar with. And the result is our revolutionary interface - the Nashville number method applied to the ever-so-common calculator ten-key. We also developed KANTAN Chord, a browser extension app that converts Ultimate-Guitar.com chord sheets into numbered degrees, creating an environment where any song can be played with very little effort. This user interface has been patented internationally. 2) InstaChord is played with six plastic “pads” that resemble guitar strings. The pads can be played by strumming like a guitar, tapping like piano keys, or applying pressure. Whatever the playing method, each pad has sensors detecting the varying force for MIDI velocity control. This internal structure is international patent pending. These two points have given birth to an instrument that allows the player to jump-start to the fun part of playing music, skipping the long painful hours of practice. At the same time, unlike “beginner instruments” which commonly has the player passively chasing blinking lights, InstaChord has a much closer experience to learning and playing a conventional musical instrument.
