Vintage 80's Stepp DGX midi guitar Synthesizer

via this auction

"In 1986 this was one of the most EXPENSIVE and advanced midi controllers money could buy. The possibilities are pretty endless with this controller. Each string can be assigned to its own midi channel/function. There is a switch on the front that allows you to disengage the strum strings and tap/"hammer on" only. If you are into programming you will be surprised how much control you have over every function of this machine. The only real alternative to this is the Synthaxe which was an even more expensive instrument and a little awkward to play (but also an amazing instrument in its own way). I still like them both, but prefer the Stepp. I remember reading an interview in Electronic Musician in the 80's where David Torn preferred the Stepp because it was more like playing an electric guitar. Even the whammy bar has a fantastic realistic action. David said in an interview that the Stepp was the first guitar synth on which he did not have to compromise his playing. He said with the Roland stuff he felt he had to compromise too much and did not take the plunge into guitar synths until the Stepp."