This was bound to happen. Even so, the i-Tab is a great idea, and Audiotechnews can’t wait to try one!

The insanely cool looking i-tab offers guitarists a pocket sized unit that scrolls chords and lyrics in perfect time. The unit allows users to download backing tracks and video cover lessons from a massive library of fully legal tabs, tracks and lessons from the official website.

Once downloaded, the i-tab sits conveniently at the end of your guitar and acts as the ultimate prompt giving you a seamless clear display of chords and lyrics at the tempo of your choice. Now you can take your tab library with you wherever you go and this really will be your best friend on your guitar.

Ideal for players of every level, the i-tab will help you learn songs, remember lyrics whilst storing 100’s of tabs, backing tracks and reels of video. A 4GB memory gives you plenty of room to organise your songs into handy playlists and build your own song library. If you are learning to play you can also download i-tabs free tuition video modules to help you along. Funky video cover lessons will help build your portfolio of cool songs for gigs and parties.

The i-tab unit has a 5” touch screen, in-built speaker and comes with headphones, stylus, USB connector, power charger, soft carry pouch and weighs in at only 0.14kg. The i-tab comes with 30 free song tabs including U2 (Beautiful Day), Oasis (Wonderwall) and The Rolling Stones (Jumping Jack Flash). It also includes TV out leads so you can play synchronized chords, lyrics and backing tracks through the player or through your TV and everyone can sing along!

The unit is available to purchase now for £129 (EU€149, US$199). The first units are shipping mid-March and will hit the streets worldwide from early April 2010. The backing tracks and songs (including the chords and lyrics) can be purchased from the website at a price of 25 pence for the tabs and 50 pence for backing tracks.

In more NAMM 08 news, US guitar giants Gibson have merged with the Danes, TC Group. TC Group produces amplifiers, speakers, digital processors, guitar pedals and other pro audio and MI products.

“This merger will revolutionize the music industry for many years to come,” said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. “The synergy between the two companies will allow us an enormous advantage in the development of new audio technologies and brings together two of the world’s most powerful brands.”

“The opportunities ahead are very exciting for us,” said Anders Fauerskov, Chief Executive Officer of TC Group. “This merger will create exciting new opportunities for all employees within TC Group and Gibson, and in particular, fantasticnew tools for our markets and customers . This partnership will allow us to expand our leadership position in the marketplace.”

Nice one TC, it’s another string to your bow.