For anyone who has ever dreamed of mastering the guitar, LiberLive’s C1, the world’s first stringless smart guitar, promises to turn those aspirations into reality.
Debuting at CES 2025, the C1 offers an alternative to the traditional guitar experience. With a foldable neck, it doesn’t look like a guitar when unboxed, but its innovative design makes it incredibly portable. Instead of fretting over strings, players press buttons on the fretboard to form chords, while the guitar senses strumming motions to produce sound.
At its heart is an intuitive app that doubles as a teacher. The app uses LED lights on the neck to guide players through chords and songs, creating an interactive learning environment. This makes the often-daunting journey of learning an instrument approachable for beginners.
Unlike the synthetic sound of earlier music technology, the C1 delivers rich, authentic tones. Its 180mm bass-boosted wind tunnel, three-inch mid-woofer, and 0.8-inch tweeter combine to mimic the sound of a traditional guitar while providing an enhanced auditory experience.
Though ideal for beginners, the C1 doesn’t stop there. Priced at $799, it’s more than a high-tech replacement for the Guitar Hero controller of yesteryears. It’s a versatile instrument that grows with its user. As players progress, they can customize the 21 buttons on the fretboard to tackle complex chords and explore advanced techniques. For fingerpicking enthusiasts, the guitar offers a pad that simulates traditional strings, providing flexibility for various playing styles.
Additional features elevate the C1 to a creative powerhouse. A built-in drum machine with 100 rhythm styles and a bassline generator transforms the guitar into a self-contained band. The ability to transpose keys with a simple dial makes adapting to different musical settings effortless.
While traditionalists may scoff at the idea of a stringless guitar that doubles as a band, the C1 isn’t aimed at purists. Instead, it’s a celebration of innovation and accessibility, inviting anyone—from beginners to budding musicians—to explore music on their own terms.
When offered at $499, the C1 becomes even more appealing, presenting an opportunity to not only master the basics but also create new musical experiences.
