Gadgets

The Better You Get, the More Fun It Is — the Smart Guitar “LAVA” Is Changing Guitar History

An amazing guitar that handles everything from practice to recording in one instrument: that’s LAVA. It’s an electro-acoustic, so it keeps the acoustic feel while effects and rhythms let you cover all kinds of genres.

For my articles, I sometimes receive products on loan or as samples from companies, within the bounds of Yahoo! News’ rules. However, if a product doesn’t meet my standards for writing about it after actually using it, or if its downsides significantly outweigh its good points, I return it and don’t write about it. I don’t receive any payment from companies.

Why didn’t anyone think of this before?

When you hold it, it’s a bit thinner than a regular acoustic guitar and really easy to grip. The touchscreen is responsive, and there’s a built-in tuner. You can start practicing right away, and there are lessons that start from total beginner.

It even shows which string to tune, so beginners are fine
It even shows which string to tune, so beginners are fine
The thickness is just right — easy to play
The thickness is just right — easy to play
The touchscreen isn’t just fast — the UI is great and intuitive
The touchscreen isn’t just fast — the UI is great and intuitive
## Arpeggio lessons, effects, drum beats — all built in

Guitar has always had a high bar: it’s hard to play, and you need lots of gear. I’m sure plenty of people gave up partway.

Setting up a place to practice used to be a hassle — cables, power, all of it.
Setting up a place to practice used to be a hassle — cables, power, all of it.
With LAVA, you just grab one guitar and you can practice or compose anywhere
With LAVA, you just grab one guitar and you can practice or compose anywhere
With LAVA, everything from getting better to recording happens in one instrument, and you can post your music to social media right away. I hadn’t touched a guitar since junior high, and I was genuinely moved: “Wow, it’s come this far.” **“Anyone can keep at it, get better, and share their music.”** I think that’s the biggest appeal.

Over 100 built-in drum beats
Over 100 built-in drum beats
And even high-quality recording
And even high-quality recording
## Colors and models to match your style

There are two models: the affordable LAVA ME Play and the slightly higher-end, carbon-fiber LAVA ME 4 Carbon, each in lots of colors.

It’s great that you can pick a color that becomes your signature, matching your fashion and playing style.
It’s great that you can pick a color that becomes your signature, matching your fashion and playing style.
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Plenty of accessories

It comes with a dedicated carrying bag, picks, a cleaning cloth, and a Type-C charging cable, so you can take it out and play as soon as it arrives.

The case even has a pocket for a little sheet music
The case even has a pocket for a little sheet music
Manuals and cables fit in the box under the neck
Manuals and cables fit in the box under the neck
## A fresh idea nobody had done before

An all-in-one guitar that oddly didn’t exist until now — that’s LAVA. Whether you’re just starting or already a pro, it’s an instrument worth owning. It works with an app too, so if they let you upload and sell your own songs and loops in the future, that’d be even more motivating. Since it’s fused with tech, I’m excited to see it evolve through firmware updates, not just new models.

Official site: LAVA MUSIC Product site: LAVA ME 4 LAVA ME Play

As an Amazon Associate, Hidenori Kimura earns from qualifying purchases.

This story was originally published (in Japanese) on Yahoo! News Japan Expert.

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