Artiphon Instrument 1

$386.92 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (2)

2 Critic Reviews

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Page last updated Jun 30, 2026

Pricing and availability

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4.0 (4)

$386.92 1 available Used

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Average Price: $387

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, Artiphon Instrument 1 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The Artiphon Instrument 1 is a versatile and innovative MIDI Keyboard Controller designed for musicians seeking a fresh approach to music creation. This unique instrument seamlessly blends the worlds of guitar, violin, piano, and drum pad into one intuitive device. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a curious beginner, the Instrument 1 opens up new possibilities for expression and creativity.

Featuring a sleek, ergonomic design, the Instrument 1 can be played in various positions, including guitar-style, violin-style, piano-style, and more. Its patented multi-instrument technology allows you to switch between modes effortlessly, offering a variety of playing techniques to suit any musical genre. The device is compatible with numerous digital audio workstations (DAWs), making it a perfect companion for music production on both Mac and PC.

The Instrument 1 is also equipped with pressure-sensitive fingerboard technology, providing real-time tactile feedback and nuanced control over dynamics and expression. With its versatile connectivity options, including USB and Bluetooth MIDI, you can easily integrate it into your existing setup or use it on the go with your mobile devices. Plus, the Instrument 1 comes with a companion app that offers customization options, allowing you to tailor the instrument's response to your unique style.

Key Features:

Multi-instrument capabilities: play guitar, violin, piano, and more
Pressure-sensitive fingerboard for expressive playing
USB and Bluetooth MIDI connectivity
Compatible with major DAWs on Mac and PC
Ergonomic design for versatile playing positions
Companion app for customization and extended functionality

Product specs

Brand	Artiphon
Model	Instrument 1
Finish	White
Year	2010s
Categories	Keytar MIDI Controllers
MIDI I/O	USB MIDI

FAQs

What types of instruments can the Artiphon Instrument 1 emulate?: The Artiphon Instrument 1 can emulate a wide range of instruments including guitar, violin, piano, and drums, allowing for versatile performance and composition capabilities.
Is the Artiphon Instrument 1 compatible with popular DAWs?: Yes, the Artiphon Instrument 1 is compatible with most popular DAWs such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and GarageBand, thanks to its USB MIDI functionality.
How does the Artiphon Instrument 1 connect to a computer?: The Artiphon Instrument 1 connects to a computer via USB MIDI, providing seamless integration with digital audio workstations and music production software.
Can the Artiphon Instrument 1 be used for live performances?: Yes, the Artiphon Instrument 1 is designed for both studio use and live performances, offering a versatile platform for musicians to express their creativity on stage.
What are the main features of the Artiphon Instrument 1?: The Artiphon Instrument 1 features multi-instrument capability, USB MIDI connectivity, and a user-friendly interface, making it a versatile tool for both beginners and advanced musicians.

Videos

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Red Means Recording

The Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1

Red Means Recording

Artiphon Instrument 1 - Should you buy it? Artiphon Instrument 1 Review

Sanjay C

Best Midi Guitars, let's compare... [Jamstik Studio, Artiphon Instrument 1, Jammy]

Patrick Breen

Introducing the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1

Artiphon

How I Make Music With The Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1

TAETRO

Meet the Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1

Artiphon

The Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1: Four-minute Overview

Artiphon

Artiphon Instrument 1 - the most unique MIDI controller ever?

Pete Johns - Studio Live Today

Artiphon Instrument 1 | the Ultimate MIDI Controller? (kind of MIDI Guitar)

Lutfican Umut

ARTIPHON INSTRUMENT 1 MIDI Controller Review & Demo

Moonrunner Music

Reviews

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PROS

Innovative guitar-like design for MIDI control
Direct plug-and-play with iOS devices via lightning connection
Versatile functions (e.g., drum pad, legato fretboard)
Easy recording into GarageBand on Mac/iOS

CONS

Difficult adaptation for traditional guitar and bass players
Fretboard emulation and tracking could be more sensitive
Chording is challenging compared to a real guitar
Size and shape require a strap for comfortable playing
Suboptimal for translating precise guitar playing into MIDI
Connection and setup with PC/Ableton can be cumbersome

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Artiphon Instrument 1.

Build quality

0 0

The fret spacing on the Instrument 1 is evenly distributed, which can feel unnatural compared to a real guitar.
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0 0

Owners report the strap attachment feels awkward due to the Instrument 1's small size, making it challenging to use comfortably when standing.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

The neck is considered awkwardly thick, making it challenging to hold chords without triggering off notes.
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User experience

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Some owners find the sensitivity and action bizarre, necessitating a dedicated learning curve to accommodate its unique playing style.
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Some units have been reported with rugged pads and rubber components that fall off after minimal use.
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0 0

The fingerboard is prone to perishing over time, and the battery is non-replaceable, which could lead to longevity concerns.
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Comparisons

0 0

A Fishman TriplePlay is noted for better latency and fewer issues, despite occasional stuttering, compared to the Instrument 1.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The built-in speaker is described as low quality, impacting the overall sound experience when not connected to external sources.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

The Artiphon app is noted for being more tailored to iOS, lacking a dedicated Android app, which can limit its usability for some users.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Some users regret the purchase, viewing it more as a toy than a serious instrument, especially when considering the non-existent customer support.
Source

Critic Reviews

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

Artiphon's Instrument 1 is a revolutionary MIDI controller that transcends traditional boundaries, combining diverse play styles like guitar, fretless, and grid-based control in one compact device. Its MPE capabilities and built-in audio interface make it a versatile tool for musicians seeking expressiveness and mobility. While the placement of the power button may lead to unintended activations, the Instrument 1's innovative design and functionality justify its price for those looking for a unique musical experience.

positive

Full Review

Artiphon Instrument 1 Review | PCMag

pcmag.com

The Artiphon Instrument 1 shines as a versatile, innovative music creation tool that caters to all skill levels. Its ability to mimic multiple instruments, like guitar and violin, makes it a standout MIDI controller. While its $399 price tag and lack of an Android app may deter casual users, musicians will appreciate its robust build and seamless integration with MIDI software. However, the keyboard mode lacks the tactile feel of a real keyboard, limiting its appeal for pianists. Overall, it’s a unique, powerful device that bridges music creation and performance, earning an Editors' Choice nod.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

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Giorgia Angiuli

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Verified via YouTube

At 1:20 she plays with an Artiphon Instrument 1

Sarah, The !llstrumentalist

Music Producer

Verified via Native Instruments Blog

Mentioned in this March 11, 2019 Native Instruments blog interview.

You’ve actually acquired quite a lot of gear, albeit using MASCHINE as a focal point for your productions?

I have a bedroom studio and there’s quite a lot of equipment now. I use the MASCHINE. on a daily basis and other hardware like my Roland SP-404SX sampler, a Moog Sub Phatty and something called an Artiphon INSTRUMENT 1, which is a MIDI guitar with a keyboard. I also have a Critter & Guitar Organelle, which is a really cool synthesizer with a whole bunch of sounds you can preload into it.

I have two MIDI keyboards by M-Audio – one has 61 keys and the other 32, and the KOMPLETE KONTROL A25. For recording, I use a MacBook Pro with a Scarlett Focusrite audio interface.