For some, being able to play multiple instruments just isn’t enough – they want to be able to play all of them at the same time. Dream Theater keyboard maestro Jordan Rudess is one such greedy groover, who recently revealed he’s creating a Heath Robinson hybrid that features both a 49-note MIDI controller and a electric guitar.
Designed in conjunction with Druzkowski Guitars, it may not be the most elegant solution, but it does allow Rudess to realize his dream of being able to play guitar and keyboard pretty much simultaneously. It’s very much a prototype at the moment, with bits seemingly held together with gaffer tape, but as Rudess reveals in the video above, it’s already playable.
It seems the idea for the instrument originated when Rudess posted a video of himself attempting to play guitar and keyboard simultaneously about a year ago. A commentator on the clip, Jedi Council, responded, saying, “Brother. I just had a crazy idea. We need a twin neck, guit-synth. A mini neck keyboard, another neck guitar. Load it up with effects and call it The Wizards Ax [sic]”.
Whether that’s what Rudess’ finished creation will be called remains to be seen, but he’s clearly excited about the prospect of building it.
“I’m very excited,” says Rudess (told you), “because today I got to see the very first prototype of a new instrument that I’m designing with Przemek Druzkowski, the master luthier. is the first prototype and “I’m blown away because I didn’t expect to see it today. You can see that everything is one piece. It’s totally a prototype and I’m sharing it with you guys so you can get excited about it too.”
Although it looks a bit heavy and bulky, Rudess later reassures his viewers, “It weighs about as much as a Les Paul…It’s going to be awesome.” It will feature one of Przemek’s guitar models and it will have a MIDI keyboard below.”
Reports that Version 2 of the product will feature a foot-operated, rear-mounted bass drum and a harmonica on a neck strap are yet to be confirmed.