My friend Mick Taylor (editor at the British mag Guitarist, not the ex-Stones guitarist) demonstrates the Manson MB-1 & Parker MIDI, asking the question, “Are they the future?.” Since he asked the question in 2010, I think we can safely say, “Not yet.” But, with the new Fishman Triple Play betting on an increase of interest in synth guitar, that particular approach can’t be counted out as yet. As for the onboard x/y pad, I am still praying for a more affordable version soon. What do you think?
You can buy some midi gadgets and the kaoss pad in Crimson Guitars, even with installation.
http://crimsonguitars.com/shop/xy-MIDIpad-kaoss-pad-guitar-controllers
183 Dollars
1Pound Sterling (GBP):1,66 Dollars: 1,2 €
I’ve seen this. Thought the same thing – need the price to come down. It’s just too much. Plus, Parker is VERY iffy as a company.
From the Manson website it looks like you could order one of their regular guitars and add the sustainer and x/y pad as options of much less money – I will check that out