Video: Manson MB-1 guitar sports X-Y midi controller, tons of 'tude

We're generally downright Ludditic when it comes to our music (we like it loud and bratty -- and no backing tapes, please) but one can't help but get a little giddy when confronted with a guitar that does, you know, other stuff. Matt Bellamy's Manson MB-1 signature is not only a respectable ax in its own right, but it also features an X-Y controller (think Korg Kaoss Pad) for two dimensional control of damn near any FX plug-in you can get your hands on. Available in "Matt Black" and "Red Sparkle," this bad boy starts at £2,999 (that's almost $4,400, folks). But what do you expect for what Music Radar has termed "easily the most technologically advanced signature guitar on the planet?" Or you could just buy a Kaoss Pad and shove it in your Les Paul. But we wouldn't recommend that. Make sure you check out the stunning video demonstration after the break.

[Via Music Radar]

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 11:27AM]

I'll happily turn gay for Matt Bellamy!

[nsdcx Posted Apr 24th 2009 11:35AM]

I don't know why I'm doing this, but +1 to you.

[stubby boardman Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:01PM]

matt bellamy is god

[Magnulus Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:14PM]

Let me know when it goes down, we'll have a threesome!

[Rocketboy Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:46PM]

"turn" gay?

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 4:42PM]

I got a man-crush on him myself...

I loves me the Muse...

[arash Posted Apr 24th 2009 4:46PM]

he is the sexiest guitarist alive and he even plays sexy. i love all of their works specialy origin of symmetry and plug in baby.

[Edmunn Posted Apr 24th 2009 5:25PM]

You're so right. :P
That video clip is from New Born at Wembley by the way.
I buy my guitars from Mansons in Exeter, most recent purchase was an Ibanez s470, no modifications though.

[Edmunn Posted Apr 24th 2009 5:28PM]

Actually, that ain't Wembley, he wore a red suit, I was there, should know better. :P

[somekindarobit Posted Apr 24th 2009 7:22PM]

10thed on the man crush. I've also wanted his red "Glitterati" Manson since I first laid eyes one it. I will sell everything I have to own it.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:22PM]

the most technologically advanced signature guitar on the planet is quite obviously the Adrian Belew signature Fly.

[sostereo Posted Apr 24th 2009 11:36AM]

Can you say old news?

[Steveorevo Posted Apr 24th 2009 6:07PM]

Yeah, definately. http://www.starrlabs.com definately makes nice MIDI Guitars and controllers.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 11:38AM]

I thought that was one of the hosts from Chaser's War on Everything for a moment.

[feraligatr8 Posted Apr 25th 2009 8:40PM]

lol yeah, that's exactly what I thought when I saw it.

[Two Black Eyes Posted Apr 24th 2009 11:42AM]

"Matt Black" - ahhh yes, I see what you did there!

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 11:45AM]

The correct term is, "In its own RITE".

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:52PM]

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/in+its+own+right

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 11:57AM]

two words...

recession antidote

[Two Black Eyes Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:01PM]

Lol - yep, deffo a recession antidote

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:13PM]

I see a nomination for the 'Engadget - Worst Presenter of an interesting product ever' award.
errrrmmm..... this is a guitar...... it has flashing lights...... I cant think of a more long winded way of going round its errrrr features so I will just continue spooling out all errrrrr this meaningless information....

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:19PM]

yeah cuz thats all it does flash lights...

[Hexydes Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:20PM]

Wow, so I take it you've never listened to anything by Muse before?

[Raziel66 Posted Apr 24th 2009 2:25PM]

I think somebody needs to listen to the opening of "Invincible" from HAARP to hear what this does... or if anyone can link to a vid of it :) (I'm at work, can't pull up youtube)

[Muddy Posted Apr 24th 2009 3:52PM]

@Richard All I could find was the live version, but don't think I'll get too many complaints.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i4Me_Lz94k
The crowd just stands there in stunned ore of the one lone guitarist. What a way to start a song.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 7:42PM]

I think I haven't quite put across what I was trying to say here.
I was saying about the poor job the guy does demonstrating a flippin hot piece of kit ('Worst presenter of an interesting product')
Not slagging off Muse or the guitar.
I'm a SuperMassive' Muse fan, and have even done a research project into their advanced use of technology in music production.
Matt has used Mason guitars for a good while now, and with an amazing ability.
good clip about him explaining why he uses Mason guitars and has a massive personal input of designing his instruments

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjZEOEKr-DI&feature=PlayList&p=2AA7B18F45EB88FB&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=3

@Richard i agree with you totally about HAARP, one of the best live performances I have ever witnessed!

[Raziel66 Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:15PM]

Yay, Muse on Engadget. *heart*

[DRHouse Posted Apr 24th 2009 1:00PM]

I heart Muse

[Hexydes Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:21PM]

Matt uses some absolutely crazy effects in his guitar riffs. He'll usually stack a bunch of stuff together, including the Korg that's stapled to his guitar, along with things like a whammy pedal, and all the obvious ones. Listen to "Invincible" for some great examples.

[notice Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:23PM]

I'd put a Kaoss pad on the back of my Les Paul, so I could control it with my wang.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:30PM]

Psh, you can add as much effects to your guitar sound as you want but it won't make your music any less boring.

[Hexydes Posted Apr 24th 2009 12:58PM]

Are you kidding me? Muse has some of the most original sound to come to rock music, this side of early-90s alternative.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 1:25PM]

I like computer stuff and electronic music.
However, when it comes to an electric guitar, I rather stay with my Gibson Les Paul and my Petersburg amp, YEAH.

[mattledger Posted Apr 24th 2009 1:49PM]

Matt Bellamy using the guitar on stage - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ienhU2senlc

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 2:18PM]

Ah... Muse.

*Goes off to play Newborn on drums*

That's better.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 2:34PM]

Mehh, I'll stick with my PRS Custom 24; can't beat the tone!

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 24th 2009 6:23PM]

It doesn't look very nice :(

Other than that, seems pretty good! Far more convenient than a mouse on stage, I'd guess.

[SimonRichards Posted Apr 24th 2009 7:13PM]

Fuck. Now every rich fucker is going to have one of these.

I figure you shouldn't be allowed one of these unless you can make it yourself, Matt Bellamy excused of course.

[somekindarobit Posted Apr 24th 2009 7:31PM]

The price makes me cry... well... back to my project guitar I guess... His red glitterati is exactly what I have wanted... I can't afford $5000+ though.

[Riley Posted Apr 24th 2009 11:03PM]

Muse=The best band on Earth