Lava Music, known for its high-tech carbon fiber guitars, has taken a unique turn with the launch of the Lava Genie on Kickstarter, a string-free digital instrument designed for instant music creation. Founded in 2013, Lava Music introduced its first guitar in 2015, but it was the Lava Me series, launched a few years later, that established the brand in the music tech world. The Lava Genie, however, is a complete departure from traditional guitars. Shaped like a guitar but lacking strings, the Genie resembles a futuristic controller with a touch-enabled fingerboard and multiple control zones.
The Genie is built as a “sampler guitar,” enabling anyone to make music within moments. A five-pad illuminated controller on the body allows users to trigger sequences, sounds, and beats by tapping, while a six-dot strum zone generates arpeggios. The fingerboard is divided into zones that can accommodate up to seven chords, offering a surprisingly rich range of play. Designed to work independently, the Genie also pairs with a mobile app, giving users access to thousands of songs and hundreds of sounds. An AI-powered tool in the Lava+ app transposes user creations, enhancing guided play. Some app features may require a monthly subscription, though the Genie is fully functional on its own.
The lower body houses a 12-W dual driver and a 20-W bass speaker for quality sound, with an option to connect to external amplifiers. The Genie also comes with a six-hour rechargeable battery, charged via USB-C, and it’s easily portable, breaking down into two pieces to fit into a travel case or backpack.
Priced from $349, including three months of free Lava+ membership, the Genie offers beginner-friendly exploration and versatility. Already backed on Kickstarter, shipments are expected to begin in December, making it a promising tool for both new musicians and seasoned creators looking for a fresh musical experience.