At E Ink, we’re driven by a commitment to push the boundaries of electronic paper display technology. From eReaders to digital signage, we’ve helped innovate industries by offering energy-efficient, paper-like displays that deliver crisp visuals in a variety of form factors. Now, we’re venturing into a brand-new realm—music. We recently announced our collaboration with Cream Guitars to bring musicians the world’s first color-changing guitar. This project opens up a whole new dimension of creative expression, merging state-of-the-art display technology with the art of music-making.
Source: E Ink
A Match Made in Innovation
When Cream Guitars first approached us with their idea for a guitar that could change its visual appearance on the fly, we saw an exciting opportunity to demonstrate E Ink’s versatility in a context that goes well beyond reading devices. Guitar aficionados and music enthusiasts alike understand that performance isn’t just about the sound—it’s also about the aesthetic and the energy on stage.
By pairing Cream Guitars’ reputation for crafting high-quality instruments with E Ink’s low-power, color ePaper display technology, we’re empowering musicians to customize their instrument’s appearance in real time—without sacrificing the guitar’s tone, playability, or balance.
How It Works
The guitar’s body features a thin, durable Prism 3 ePaper display that seamlessly wraps around its surface. Our latest color ePaper technology has been engineered to deliver bright, vibrant visuals and handle the wear-and-tear of performances, practices, and travel (see our ongoing BMW partnership).
Unlike traditional display technologies, E Ink doesn’t require a constant power source to maintain an image or color. The ePaper only uses energy when refreshing its display. That means you can rock out for hours on stage without draining your guitar’s battery, and the guitar’s color or design can stay locked in place when you power down.
Source: E Ink
Redefining Visual Expression in Music
This collaboration goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about offering artists another layer of storytelling power. From color-coding your set list to visually marking different segments in a song’s progression, the color-changing guitar ushers in a new wave of stage presence and performance interplay.
Imagine walking on stage to dramatic red and black swirls that shift to a serene blue as your band transitions into a melodic chorus—or showcasing your band’s logo on your guitar during critical solos. This technology represents a bold step in how performers can connect with audiences on a visual level, turning every set into a full-spectrum experience.
Sustainability Matters
At E Ink, sustainability is a key part of our corporate ethos. Our ePaper solutions inherently offer energy efficiency, and this color-changing guitar is no exception. Each image “locked” on the display requires no additional power, significantly reducing battery usage. This thoughtful approach to power consumption helps ensure that the guitar’s ecological footprint remains small—something both E Ink and Cream Guitars share as a priority.
Looking Ahead
Our partnership with Cream Guitars marks a milestone in how E Ink technology can break free from the confines of traditional use cases. Whether in art, retail, transportation, or now music, E Ink strives to inspire innovation.
We’re excited to see how musicians—and their audiences—will embrace this new generation of color-changing instruments. It’s more than just a guitar; it’s a statement of innovation that opens the door to dynamic creativity and thrilling performances.