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Yes—but “plays like a piano” describes the Kelstone’s layout and technique, not a piano-like sound. This Belgian-developed, nine-string electric instrument lies horizontally on a stand, letting the player look down at the strings and use both hands across the frets. The result is practical two-handed bass, chord, rhythm and melody work while retaining guitar techniques such as picking, strumming, bends, slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs and tapping.
What the Kelstone actually is
The Kelstone is a fretted electric string instrument developed in Belgium. Unlike a conventional guitar, it is not held against the body with one hand on a neck. It is mounted horizontally and tilted toward the player, with the strings facing upward. Both hands can therefore reach the fretboard from above.
Its design sits between a tapped string instrument and an expanded guitar. You can fret and tap notes with either hand, but you can also strum, pick, bend, slide, hammer on and pull off as you would on a guitar.
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The physical layout
A keyboard stand supports the instrument, allowing the player to adjust its height and angle for a clear view of the fretboard. Looking down rather than along a neck is the key ergonomic change: the left and right hands are not assigned to separate jobs in the way they normally are on a guitar.
What the piano comparison means
A piano lets two hands work independently over a broad pitch range. The Kelstone creates a similar access pattern on strings: one hand can outline low notes or chords while the other plays a melody, counterline or tapped figure. It does not produce an acoustic-piano tone or use piano hammers and keys.
Jan Van Kelst described the benefit this way: if you know, for instance, the fingering of a major chord, you can use this form anywhere on the arm, regardless of the position or note you start with.
That movable-shape idea is especially useful with the instrument’s regular fourths tuning.
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Kelstone specifications
| Feature | Reported specification | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Strings | 9 | Kelstone descriptions report a nine-string configuration. |
| Tuning | B–E–A–D–G–C–F–B♭–E♭ | Strings are tuned in fourths. |
| Frets | 26 | Reported by New Atlas and contemporary Kelstone descriptions. |
| Range | Just over five octaves | Reported range; the exact acoustic span depends on the instrument’s setup. |
| Length | 108 cm (42.5 in) | Reported instrument size. |
| Weight | 8.3 kg (18.29 lb) | Reported instrument weight. |
| Pickup | One passive single-coil pickup | Listed for the standard configuration; a used-market listing also identifies one passive pickup. |
Kelstone tuning and range
The nine-string tuning
From the lowest string upward, the reported tuning is B, E, A, D, G, C, F, B♭, E♭. Every adjacent pair is a perfect fourth. That regular spacing makes movable scale and chord forms predictable: a shape learned in one position can be shifted to another starting note.
The low B reaches into bass territory, while the upper strings extend through baritone and guitar-like registers. Across 26 frets, the instrument is reported to cover slightly more than five octaves.
Why fourths matter for two hands
On a horizontally viewed fretboard, consistent fourths reduce the need to redesign a fingering every time you move across strings. A player can divide the register between the hands, keep a repeated chord shape under one hand and add a melody or bass line with the other.
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How players use both hands
Combining bass, chords and melody
The broad fretboard can support several roles at once. One hand may hold or articulate a chord while the other taps a higher phrase; alternatively, one hand can supply a bass pulse while the other handles lead notes. The technique is not limited to tapping: strumming and picking remain available when a passage calls for them.
Controlling unwanted ringing
With nine strings exposed and both hands moving, sympathetic ringing can quickly cloud a part. The Kelstone’s pedal-based dynamic mute is intended to control those unused strings. Muting is therefore part of the instrument’s practical technique, not an optional studio trick.
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Replacement strings
Contemporary descriptions say the Kelstone uses ordinary bass and guitar strings in light, medium, heavy and super-heavy gauges. Buy replacements by matching the gauge already fitted to your particular instrument; changing gauge can alter tension, intonation and playing feel.
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Stand and mounting hardware
New Atlas reported that the instrument was supplied with a universal adapter for keyboard stands. A stable stand is essential because the Kelstone is played horizontally rather than supported by a shoulder strap. Confirm that an adapter is included, or budget for compatible hardware, before arranging a purchase.
Muting and transport accessories
Historical accessory options included a dynamic muter pedal, a polyethylene tube, a reinforced gigbag and a hard case. The tube and case options relate to transport and protection; the muter addresses performance control.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Kelstone versus a conventional guitar
| Playing factor | Kelstone | Conventional guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Hand position | Both hands approach a fretboard lying horizontally on a stand. | One hand normally frets a neck while the other picks or strums over the body. |
| Two-hand note access | Both hands can move along the strings, making simultaneous bass-and-melody parts practical. | Two-hand tapping is possible, but the standard layout assigns different jobs to the hands. |
| Tuning and range | Nine strings in fourths, B through E♭, with 26 frets and just over five octaves reported. | Varies by guitar, string count and tuning; no single range applies. |
| Techniques | Strumming, picking, hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, bends and tapping are all retained. | Those techniques are standard guitar techniques, with the familiar neck-and-body posture. |
| Support and transport | Requires a keyboard-style stand or compatible adapter and benefits from dedicated muting hardware. | Usually supported by the player, a strap or a conventional guitar stand. |
| Electronics | Standard configuration reported with one passive single-coil pickup. | Pickup arrangements vary widely by model. |
Price and availability
What the historical price tells you
New Atlas reported a standard Kelstone price of €915 in 2011. In the same report, the dynamic muter pedal was €85, keyboard-stand hardware €35, and cases ranged from €60 to €210. These are launch-era figures, not current prices, and should not be used as a 2026 quote.
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Best Value
- Used on electric and acoustic guitars, banjos and mandolins but, not classical guitars
Where a buyer may encounter one
A Reverb listing documents a used Kelstone 9 String Tap Guitar, model KELSTONETAPPER, with nine strings, one passive pickup and keyboard-stand compatibility. Inventory can change, and a verified current manufacturer storefront or 2026 production statement has not been established.
Checks to make before buying a used instrument
- Confirm that all nine strings are present and identify the gauges currently installed.
- Check the passive pickup, output jack and controls for noise or intermittent signal.
- Verify that the keyboard-stand adapter or other mounting hardware is included.
- Ask whether the dynamic muter pedal is included and test its response.
- Inspect the frets, bridge, string height and neck or fretboard surface for wear or damage.
- Price shipping and a suitable case separately if the listing includes neither.
Who is likely to benefit from the design?
The Kelstone is most distinctive for players who want one instrument to cover low accompaniment and high melodic work without switching between bass and guitar. It also suits guitarists interested in two-handed tapping who prefer to see the entire fretboard from above. The trade-off is a heavier, stand-dependent instrument with a less familiar physical setup and a smaller, harder-to-verify used market than ordinary guitars.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
