The Circle Guitar is a unique electric guitar that uses a motorized wheel with picks to strum the strings. This design lets you play rhythms that are hard to do by hand. The wheel can spin up to 250 beats per minute, creating fast and precise strumming patterns. circleinstruments.com
Each string has its own output, so you can control and process their sounds separately. This feature allows for detailed sound customization. guitarworld.com
As of now, the Circle Guitar is a working prototype. Its unique features and innovative design may make it more expensive than regular electric guitars.
When blues guitarist Marcus first saw a vintage National Resophonic guitar, he hesitated. The $3,500 price tag felt steep for what seemed like a metal cone in a wooden box. But after borrowing one for a gig, he realized its piercing, metallic tone cut through the mix like nothing else.
Meanwhile, his friend Liam splurged on a $5,000 Circle Guitar with a striking geometric design, only to find it sounded indistinguishable from his $800 Yamaha.
The difference? Marcus paid for function. Liam paid for art.
- 43% of guitarists admit to overspending on instruments that don’t meet their needs (NAMM 2023 Survey).
- Specialty guitars (resonators, custom shapes) can cost 2–5x more than standard models but not all justify the price.
Why “All Unique Guitars Are Overpriced” Is Costing You Money
The Truth About Circular Soundholes and ‘Toanwood’
- The Myth: Many believe that larger or uniquely placed soundholes like Ovation’s offset design automatically improve sound quality.
- The Reality: While soundhole size affects resonance, most tonal characteristics come from bracing, wood aging, and body shape. A study by Acoustic Guitar Magazine found no significant difference in volume between circular and oval soundholes during blind tests.
- Case Study: Clara’s $2,500 “Circle Soundhole Limited Edition” vs. Her $900 Seagull S6
Despite the fancier design, her audience couldn’t tell the difference between the two in a live recording.
How Boutique Hype Is Inflating Prices
- The Trend: Small builders like Circle Guitar (featured in Wired) market “ergonomic” designs at $4,000+, often targeting collectors rather than everyday musicians.
- The Data:
- Resale value for art-style guitars drops 30–50% after purchase.
- Functional models like National Resophonic retain 80%+ of their value (Reverb Price Guide).
In 2017, a limited-edition PRS Private Stock guitar sold for $12,000 due to its exotic wood and inlays. Three years later, the resale value dropped below $6,000. Meanwhile, a well-maintained Fender Custom Shop Telecaster retained nearly 90% of its original price over the same period.
Historical Insight: The 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, once considered overpriced at $250, became a legendary collectible due to sound quality and historical significance. In contrast, many expensive “art guitars” today lack lasting musical impact, making them financial risks.
Key Features of the Circle Guitar:
- Rotary Sequencing Mechanism – Uses a motorized wheel to continuously strike the strings, creating an evolving sound.
- MIDI Integration – Works with Ableton Live, enabling real-time sequencing and automation.
- Two Modes:
- Producer Mode: Controlled via MIDI and Ableton.
- Player Mode: Standalone operation with tap tempo control.
- Multi-Channel Pickup – Each string has its own output, allowing for complex audio processing.
- Custom Controls & Faders – Adjustable volume per string, plus MIDI-mappable buttons.
- Innovative Sound Manipulation – Users can control speed, mute patterns, and switch between swing and straight rhythms.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Circle Guitar Wisely
Step 1: Audit Your Playing Style (Not Your Dreams)
- Ask:
- “Do I need a resonator’s volume for slide blues, or is this for coffeehouse fingerpicking?”
- “Will a circular body design cause discomfort during long sessions?”
- Tools:
- Use Sweetwater’s Guitar Finder to filter by tonewood, body shape, and price.
- Watch YouTube comparisons like “National Style 0 vs. Recording King Resonator.”
Step 2: Decode the Jargon Luthiers Use to Upsell You
| Term | What It Means | Worth the Cost? |
|---|---|---|
| Aged Adirondack Spruce | 20+ year-old spruce for brighter highs | Yes, for recording musicians |
| Hand-Hammered Cone | Artisan-made resonator cone for sustain | Maybe compare to stamped steel |
| Offset Soundhole | Non-traditional placement for ergonomics | Only if you play seated often |
- Development and Availability
Anthony Dickens, an inventor and product designer, created the Circle Guitar. He spent over two years developing it at Makerversity in London. Right now, the Circle Guitar is a working prototype. There is no information yet about when it will be available to buy or how much it will cost. guitar.com
- Considerations Before Buying
The Circle Guitar offers new ways to play and can inspire creativity. However, because it is a unique and complex instrument, it may be more expensive than regular electric guitars. If you are looking for more affordable options, brands like Gibson, Fender, Yamaha, Ibanez, and PRS offer a range of electric guitars at different prices.
Conclusion
The Circle Guitar is an exciting new instrument that changes how you can play music. Its motorized strumming system and customizable features offer new possibilities for musicians. However, its unique design and potential cost may not be suitable for everyone. It’s important to think about your musical goals and budget before deciding if the Circle Guitar is the right choice for you.
