The Fingerist aims to bring some realism to iPhone guitar apps

There are a huge number of apps available for the iPhone and iPod Touch which make the most of the sensitive touchscreen display to mimic the playing of various musical instruments. Useful for learning, rehearsing and for just showing off to your mates, such things all suffer from the same problem - an awkward user experience. The Fingerist from EVENNO could change all that by allowing players to place an Apple smartphone or media player into the cradle of its guitar-shaped body, strap it around their neck, and then blast out some power chords using the built-in speaker.

Playing music instrument apps on an iPhone and iPod Touch can be a rewarding learning experience, or just an opportunity to show off your mastery of Van Halen's "Eruption" solo. But the palm-sized, rectangular shape of the smartphone/media player interface could turn an otherwise smooth performance into a fingers and thumbs nightmare. While some might argue that if folks want a realistic guitar experience then they should pick up a real six-stringed instrument, Japan's EVENNO has created a guitar-shaped device cradle to serve those who prefer a digital solution.

The Fingerist music adapter for iPhone and iPod Touch has a built-in speaker with a maximum output of 3W sitting in the guitar "body" and a line-out socket to allow players to plug into a bigger amplifier. There's also a volume control and fold out dock connector. This in turn leads to the "neck" positioned digital device bay where the Apple device is housed and locked into place. At either end of the adapter is a guitar strap pin for attaching the included strap.

Round the back of the 16.85 x 5.9 x 1.73 inch adapter there's space for three AA size batteries, which should give the would-be guitarist around six hours of continuous use. For the hefty US$150 price tag, though, you could just pop down to your local music emporium and pick up a cheap guitar and amp package