See how the Performer works

Jimmy Page

The Performer™ is a computerized mechanical tuning system that adjusts the tensions of the strings, making it possible to keep your guitar in tune and change tuning while you play. It only adjusts string tension; nothing in the system comes between you and your amplifier. The system is an extremely complex integration of robotics and mathematics. We find that explaining “how it works” is best understood if we start with “how it doesn't’t work”. Most assume the system works by continually sensing the strings (while comparing the string frequencies against a set of reference frequencies) and making real time adjustments until they are equal. It doesn't’t work this way. If it worked this way, the system would try to correct if the strings were bent or fretted, and you couldn't’t change tuning while you play.

Touch Up is used for “Touching up” your tunings and as an aid during string replacement. It is accessed by the TCH button on the keypad. Whether you hear a sour string or just want to be confident that you are in perfect pitch, the Touch Up process is quick and easy.

How Does Touch Up Work?

Press the Touch Up button, give the strings a single strum, wait 3-4 seconds while the system reads the string frequencies, and lastly, a quick motor move corrects all six strings at once. It’s that simple – fast and painless! The system continually learns from each Touch Up and applies what it has learned to all future Touch Ups. As a result, each successive Touch Up causes the strings to converge on the exact note and cent value. In a sense, the Performer™ is artificially intelligent as it applies historical data to future events.

How often is Touch Up needed?

Your ear is always the best judge, and since Touch Up takes only a few seconds, some choose to Touch Up before every song while others may only Touch Up once per set.

Touch Up @ STD

Touch Up at STD includes a special feature designed to keep every tuning in the guitar in-tune with a single strum. The system accomplishes this by forcing STD tuning to be the “reference tuning” for all alternate tunings stored in the guitar. To make STD tuning the reference tuning, the system forces the user to keep STD in-tune at all times through a couple simple rules. Following system power up, and after exiting and re-entering a tuning Library, the system forces a Touch Up at STD tuning. As a result, every tuning that is relative to STD is corrected every time the system is Touched Up at STD tuning. This is particularly useful if the ambient temperature changes, for example, during an outdoor performance or while under stage lights, because every tuning in the guitar is fixed with a single Touch Up strum at STD tuning.

Tension Adjust Mode

During Touch Up the system’s alignment is tested by the tension adjust mode. The LCD prompts the user to perform a Tension Adjust if any string(s) frequency is found to be outside of its tolerance with respect to its tension. If the system determines your strings need adjustment, the system invokes the Tension Adjust mode and the LCD prompts you to adjust the tension(s) using the machine heads. The Tension Adjust mode ensures your system is properly maintained and is made quick and easy with LCD prompts and the On-Screen-Tuner (OST).

One Touch Tuning Changes

With the press of a single button; the computer commands the motors to move to new positions. The motors change the tension of the strings and they stop accurately on the new tuning. It’s simple, fast and accurate. The motors are timed to start and stop at the same time creating a proportional droning as it changes tuning. It’s able to hit the new tuning right-on because the system compensates for string stretch and changes in the shape of the neck as the strings change tension.

Does it tune the strings all of the time?

No, the guitar does not constantly tune the strings. The only time it tunes is during Touch-up.

The Performer™ is comprised of the following components: Computer, Mechanical, LCD, Push Buttons, Roller Bridge, String Lock and Power Supply. These components are shown in the photo album below.

The system is powered from either the power supply or the battery. The power supply has a 22 foot cord that goes into the guitar. The battery is an accessory and is sold separate from the tuning system. The battery is held in a wireless transmitter type pouch that can be hung on the guitar strap or hung on your belt. The full accessory kit is $250

String Align is a software routine found in the Maintenance Menu that keeps the mechanical system properly aligned and running virtually problem free. Proper use of the String Alignment procedure, using the correct strings, and correctly installing the strings is about all that is necessary to keep your Performer™ operating trouble-free. String Align is recommended prior to recording or performing live, after replacing string(s), following long periods of inactivity or storage, after shipping, and to reset the system if needed. It is O. K. to perform a String Align as often as you like. There is a certain feeling of security in knowing that you have just executed a String Align and your Performer™ is optimally aligned.

How often is String Align needed?
We recommend doing String Align at least once per month and as a rule before shows, prior to recording, following travel and after long storage periods

Performer™ is accurate to within 2 cents over the entire tuning range, but typically it is spot on. The system can change tuning twenty or more times and stay accurate within a few cents.

The chart below shows the half step range of each string on our 9,10,11 and 12 gage string sets. With this incredible range, a total of 229,376 tunings are possible.