At the Consumer Electronics Convention, Mike Butera, founder of Artiphon, demonstrated the new Artiphon Instrument 1.

The Artiphon Instrument 1 explores the idea of a iPhone MIDI controller, executed as a professional instrument.

Like other iOS MIDI controllers, it’s compatible with CoreMIDI iOS apps. But the body of the Instrument 1 is inspired by the forms of traditional stringed instruments and constructed of fine hardwood. The Instrument 1 can be held in multiple positions–from guitar and fiddle to lap steel and upright bass.

In the video, Butera talks with TechCrunch’s John Biggs.

The Artiphon Instrument 1 is expected to be priced at about $800. See the Artiphon site for more info.

Check it out and let us know what you think of it!