Gibson’s Self-Tuning Guitar (Powertune System)
For all those musicians out there who are looking for a magical guitar which actually tunes itself and doesn't suck, Gibson has your answer!
The Powertune System ($900 and can be added to any of their guitars) is a fully automated tuning system which does some complex things. First of all, the guitar itself looks no different than any of Gibson's beautiful lines. Manufacturer's tell me that the Powertune system adds little weight to the overall guitar as well.
Next, an internal set of pickups analyzes each string and a signal in the tuning pegs either tightens or loosen the strings accordingly. What you are left with is perfectly tuned strings 100% of the time. This product seems destined to be hit or miss by many, as more traditional guitarists will surely make fun of this device as a beginners toy.
However, I can see practical value to the Powertune system. In a live setting, a Gibson equipped with Powertune will allow a player to stay in perfect tune, switch between various tunings on the fly, and race through a set without distracting lags between songs. If you can afford this luxury, I say go for it. For others, this system is like a Lexus car that parallel parks itself: Bloated techno-boasting!
If i could afford this I would definitely have it. This thing is a guitarists wet dream. Not having to worry about being out of tune, and being able to go to a different tunning in seconds. That is great. But then again, with this little tasty treat, you can never have the excuse of being out of tune to fly for your horrible set!