The guitar is a relatively primitive instrument that has undergone few (significant) modifications in the past half century! CURVO is a new concept in the world of guitars with bendable and adjustable necks. The ability to modify the shape and increase range of motion significantly reduces the strain on muscles and can prevent future injury.

Studies have shown that a high percentage of guitarists suffer from muscular strain during playing, and incorrect or unsupported playing can cause harm (guitar teachers instruct learners of proper positioning) 

Guitar strings require that the instrument have a flat plane to which musicians must adjust themselves. Removing the strings means no limitations and many new possibilities. With an adjustable neck, guitars adjust to the musician instead of the reverse. This personalization is a great benefit in that it lessens strain on wrists and shoulders.

Initially in the project the models were very conservative and only after understanding the range of motion musicians are required to have did I come up with the idea of a digital guitar. The first model focused on positioning the neck along an axis to provide players a range of positions. It was important to maintain the tactile sensation of a regular guitar so that musicians can use it naturally. This is why several models were a collaboration with professional musicians to fine tune the frets and strings.

Having made the neck adjustable, the rest of the guitar body is designed conservatively to make it more familiar and ease the innovation of use, as no one has ever played this kind of instrument before.

Pressure sensors are installed along the guitar neck to produce digital sounds. Between the sound hole and the bridge there are string-like filaments with velocity switches designed to receive the strength of strumming – stronger force will produce louder sounds. Further long the simulated strings there are pressure sensors with which musicians can mute the sound, just like a regular guitar. The guitar body is made of carbon fiber especially developed by LAVA MUSIC for this model. The neck is comprised of several spines and operated by a 2-engine worm gear. The engines pull and release rods inside the neck that control the tuning. They also set in place when cut of from electricity and set the positioning of the guitar neck.

In addition to developing the guitar body, I developed an app that during playing tracks several parameters, such as blood pressure, pace, body orientation, and more. When playing stops, the app presents visual analysis of the measurements, just like a fitness or running app. Analysis reveals unhealthy habits that allows musicians to keep improving their playing.