It may resemble something from a galaxy far, far away, but the brand new performance instrument from Eigenlabs is already creating enough of a stir to be popping up on mainstream sites like the BBC and Engadget. In fact, after spending eight years researching and developing, the Devon-based company are claiming that their Eigenharp is the "most revolutionary new musical instrument of the last 60 years."

There are two models in the range: the flagship Eigenharp Alpha (£3950) and the more-affordable but stripped-back Eigenharp Pico (£349). The Alpha has 133 hyper-sensitive keys. We say "hyper-sensitive" because each key can detect finger placement to within less than one micron (about the size of a single bacteria), respond to up and down movements (for controlling pitch bends and vibrato, etc) and side to side movements for, say, the opening and closing of a filter. In addition, there is a breath pipe near the 'headstock' and two strip controllers along the 'neck'. And if that wasn't enough, two optional foot controllers can be connected to the included basestation, and the instrument has sockets for a microphone and headphones. The included sounds contain a modelled cello, clarinet and synth, some 1500 drum loops, as well as Piano, Rhodes and Wurlitzer multis from Sampletekk. Of course, you can control a multitude of plug-in instruments and effects via the USB connection, too, although both instruments are currently Mac-only – PC compatibility is promised in the future. Check out Eigenlabs website for more details and the exact specifications of each model. And be sure to watch the video below to see the Eigenharp Alpha in action.