[Announcement] New Instrument Born from 8,000 "NO" Votes! "Strummo" Allows 3 Billion People to Play Music Like a Calculator

InstaChord Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Yuichi Nagata) will launch pre-orders for its new 'calculator-style' electronic instrument, 'Strummo,' on the support purchase service 'Makuake' operated by Makuake, Inc. (Headquarters: Meguro-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ryotaro Nakayama) starting Thursday, May 28, 2026. In conjunction with this, a special product site has been launched today to release partial information. Detailed information will be unveiled on the same site starting Thursday, May 14, 2026.

Screenshot of the special site: Press the F-chord with just one finger. Special Site: https://instachord.com/strummo/

Why did an unknown emerging brand generate enthusiasm worth about 80 million yen? The first electronic instrument developed by InstaChord, 'InstaChord,' is an electronic instrument with a unique interface specialized for chord performance. It achieved 79 million yen in support through domestic crowdfunding in 2020 and garnered significant attention. In 2023, it won the 'iF Design Award 2023' and was selected as a finalist for the 'MIDI Innovation Awards 2023,' gaining international acclaim within about two years of its sales launch.

Are electronic instruments easy? → 'NO' A new proposal from the intersection of 'Calculator x Guitar' for an instrument world where evolution had stalled. With the spread of low-priced electronic instruments, we are in an era where anyone can easily start playing. However, the divide between those who can play and those who cannot remains. In a self-conducted survey, 34% of respondents said they were 'interested in instruments but cannot play' (*1). While the threshold has been lowered, people with a psychological barrier to music still hold the stereotype that 'instruments are difficult' and give up before trying. That's where 'InstaChord,' the instrument for those who can't play, was born. It attracted attention as a new instrument that merges a calculator structure, which anyone can intuitively understand, with music. *1 Reference: 2022 Music Survey (n=8,712 respondents)

Manufacturing started by 'just one person' from the question 'How do I make this?' About 80 million yen gathered for an 'amateur old man' who was repeatedly turned away. It started with zero manufacturing experience, and negotiations with small factories and major manufacturers were a series of rejections. Nevertheless, professionals who sympathized with the vision of 'creating a world where everyone knows the joy of playing' gathered, and a prototype was completed. After being well-received at overseas exhibitions, domestic crowdfunding recorded about 80 million yen in total reservations. Today, it is stocked in many music stores and has gained citizenship as an 'entry-level instrument.'

A new instrument born from the 'NO' of 8,000 people. The challenge of a 'solo president' who listens to voices more than anyone in the world. While it was recognized in the industry and permeated the market, the challenge of 'not fully wiping out the anxiety of beginners' remained. This was because the representative, who has preliminary music knowledge, realized he had been 'making what he himself wanted.' Facing this fact, he decided not only to protect the existing brand but to constantly create new things. By meeting over 8,000 people directly through events and trial sessions, in addition to the 10,000 existing users, he listened to the raw voices of those who made the choice 'not to buy.' Driven by the 'NO' of these 8,000 people, and utilizing the agility of a 'solo president' who handles all processes from development to after-sales follow-up, he will deliver a new electronic instrument.

The developer's thoughts behind the new product. Instruments require effort to play. I wanted to break that common sense. Cumulative 10,000 units. International awards. In terms of numbers, it might be a success. But I realized I was making what I thought was good. The walls in front of people who don't know music were invisible to me because I know music. So, I listened to the words of the 8,000 people who didn't buy. There are 3 billion people in the world who want to play instruments but can't. A new product is born from their voices. 'Music that I only used to listen to has become more fun.' I want to bring that moment to as many people as possible. Please wait a little longer for the announcement of details. Music for everyone. Everyone for music. Toward a world where everyone can play an instrument. Yuichi