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Yamaha's artsy, 21st-century musical instrument Tenori-on is finally available in the United States...for only about $1,200.

One of the little known ironies of the music world is that that largest maker of musical instruments on the planet isn't a name like Fender, Gibson, or Martin—although those names certainly command a lot of brand recognition. No: it's Japan's Yamaha—its logo with three tuning forks!—the same people who make motorcycles, golf carts, jet skis, and powerboats. And a lot of those instruments—and audio gear—command the respect of industry pros.

Last year, Yamaha partnered with Japanese media artist Toshio Iwai to create the Tenori-on, billed as a 21-st century musical instrument for the iPhone generation. The hand-held device boasts a matrix of 256 LED buttons that illuminate as users press them, enabling access to different sounds and textures over a constantly evolving sequence of notes and sounds. Users literally draw "sound images" on the Tenori-on's 16 × 16 matrix. The system sports Mac and PC voice managers so users can assign and add sounds, and is intended both as a gateway instrument for folks who don't have any music background as well as a tool for advanced musicians.

When introduced, Yamaha said it planned to "selectively market" the Tenori-on as cutting edge technology, and develop more products over time using the fundamental technology. Now, Yamaha has made good on its promise to offer the Tenori-on in the United States: the price? Just $1,200.

If you think that's a lot of money…consider what Gibson's asking for its various "robot guitars."