The journey to Infinity continues, and I’m excited to share the latest updates with you. Here’s what’s coming next:
Highlights
- Thor Mark III: Limited production run of 10 guitars, featuring significant improvements over Mark II.
- Valkyrie Mark II: A turn-key solution for Infinity, crafted using standard guitar manufacturing techniques: An open invitation to gauge interest.
- Infinity Mark III System: Shared by both Thor Mark III and Valkyrie Mark II, including the new e-whammy and increased output drive with overdrive.
- Infinity (Polyphonic Sustainer) Kit: Available after the Infinity Mark III upgrade is completed.
Thor Mark III
Thor Mark III will be released in a limited production run of 10 guitars. This lower production limit allows us to focus on crafting these fine instruments in a shorter time frame while incorporating significant improvements over Mark II. We’ve already contacted the waiting list, and Eight (8) instruments are already subscribed. There are two more remaining slots, so act quickly if you’re interested!
Here’s the initial post about Thor: https://www.cycfi.com/2021/12/we-are-ready/
All improvements introduced in Thor Mark III will also be available as upgrades for Mark II customers, reflecting our commitment to your investment.
Note: The image shown is of Thor Mark II. Some changes are expected with Mark III, such as low-profile sliders instead of concentric pots and the much-anticipated e-whammy.
Valkyrie Mark II
Valkyrie Mark II offers a more accessible, and more affordable, turn-key solution for Infinity. Designed using standard guitar manufacturing techniques with wood instead of a Carbon Fiber/Wood hybrid, Valkyrie is easier to produce while maintaining the Infinity system’s core capabilities.
Here’s the initial post about Valkyrie: https://www.cycfi.com/2021/07/valkyrie/
Valkyrie Mark II will also feature a limited production run, starting with an open invitation to gauge interest. If you’re excited about experiencing Infinity sooner, Valkyrie is your best option. Send us a message to express your interest.
Note: The image shown is of Valkyrie Mark I. Some changes are expected with Mark II.
Infinity Mark III System
Both Thor Mark III and Valkyrie Mark II will share the Infinity Mark III system and engine. The Infinity system is a polyphonic sustainer. All vibrating strings will keep on sustaining until they are muted. A single sustain potentiometer controls the sustain level.
This latest version introduces exciting new features:
- Unlock new expressive possibilities with the E-Whammy, a responsive, non-mechanical whammy bar. It sends MIDI pitch bend messages to your DAW or outboard gear, delivering precise pitch control without the tuning instabilities of traditional systems. Experience harmonically accurate pitch shifts—hit a G-chord, dive to an E-chord, and keep every note interval perfectly intact. This feature is already very mature.
- Increased Output Drive with Overdrive: Infinity was not originally designed as an aggressive sustainer; The system is designed with a focus on natural, clean sustain. Its primary goal is to deliver a well-behaved, evenly balanced sound output across all strings and at varying volume levels. With Mark III, we’re exploring ways to achieve enhanced sustain levels with overdrive while preserving the balanced output that Infinity is known for. This feature is still in the experimental stage, and your support and endorsement will be instrumental in making it a reality!
Infinity (Polyphonic Sustainer) Kit
At this point, there are 107 of you on the waiting list, surpassing twice our initial goal of 50 interested individuals! There IS interest, and I am extremely pleased!
If you’re anticipating the stand-alone solution, this post will mark the start of the countdown to Infinity. The Infinity (Polyphonic Sustainer) Kit will be available after the completion of the Infinity Mark III upgrade. This ensures the kit meets the highest performance and reliability standards before release. Our immediate priority is achieving the goals for Mark III, with the release of Valkyrie providing crucial data points for further testing and evaluation on a standard electric guitar.
When we reach that point, the plan is to release Infinity Mark III for 6 strings first, ensuring the system has been thoroughly tested. Afterward, I will reach out to interested multiscale guitar builders (feel free to send us a message!) for potential collaborations on building and testing 7- and 8-string (and bass?) versions of Infinity.
Please note, I can only accommodate one or two collaborations. Interested builders must have proficiency in both electronics and guitar construction. Familiarity with the Nu and Nexus system is a must.
Great news! What I like to see (and have) is an Infinity system which allows to toggle the sustainer function on and off for individual strings. For example I’d like to switch on infinite sustain for the top strings, but switch off for the bass strings.
Any news on this particular development?
Working on it. I didn’t add it here to avoid over-promising –a mistake I always commit.