The world of music gear has seen an increasing level of electronic sophistication in recent years. From pedals that emulate amps and cabinets , like the Strymon Iridium and UAFX Enigmatic Overdrive ’82 Special, to Positive Grid’s Spark smart amp and Lava Music’s smart guitars, electric guitar gear is moving beyond the traditional.
Now comes the latest innovation: the Circle Guitar, from Circle Instruments.
After four years in development, it’s almost ready for launch.
But what is it?
Unlike a conventional electric guitar, the Circle Guitar uses a motorized rotating wheel studded with removable picks to strum the strings and create — in the words of Circle’s creator — “rhythms impossible to replicate by hand.” Up to 16 of the specially designed magnetic picks can be inserted for use.
So what do you do with your picking hand now that it's free?
Circle Guitar’s semi-automation frees your hand to interact with the instrument in new ways, such as muting strings to create unusual timbres, or devising new chord shapes that use two hands.
Where the Circle Guitar really comes to life is in combination with your DAW or a MIDI controller. Both the wheel’s movement and the volume of each string can be controlled by drawing notes in a DAW’s note grid or by using a MIDI controller. This allows the Circle to play in sync with other MIDI gear.
The guitar features a host of MIDI-enabled buttons and knobs that are customizable and can be used to control not only its sound but also the behavior of external MIDI devices.
The Circle guitar has attracted the attention of Radiohead’s Ed O’Brien, who was the first artist to place an order for one.
“I think it's one of those instruments that, as a musician, you're sort of longing to find,” O’Brien says in Circle’s promotional video, “because it's about finding new sounds, and it's about finding new ways of making sounds.
“It's almost like playing a different instrument. You know, there's a familiarity with the left hand, but the right hand is freed up. It's like learning a new language, really.
“And it makes you play differently, which is great.”
The Circle features one pickup with a separate output for each string, which allows a level of sonic control you can’t get from an ordinary guitar. Each string’s volume can be adjusted via sliders on the guitar, and its output can be gated to produce staccato or sustained response.
The guitar is built on a 25.5-inch scale and has an alder body, a maple neck with reinforced titanium rods, and a Richlite fretboard.
In addition to the customizable controls, Circle Instruments can spray the instrument in the finish you desire.
But if you are inclined to purchase the Circle Guitar, take note: The guitar is still being tested, and there is a waiting list, with the first batch expected to ship in July 2025.
“We’ve had inquiries from all corners of the globe from musicians working in rock, electronic dance, punk metal, and country music,” Circle Instruments states.. “We have provisional orders from some of the greatest guitars on the planet.”
Last, but certainly not least, is the price: £7,995 or roughly $10,000.
Visit Circle Instruments for more information.
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