Guitars have always been about expression, both sonically and visually. From Eddie Van Halens red-striped Frankenstrat to Steve Vais neon Ibanez Jem, design has played a crucial role in shaping an artists identity. But at NAMM 2025, the Voltage DaVinci guitar pushed visual expression to a new level, replacing traditional paint jobs with a dynamic, ever-changing E Ink display. Instead of being locked into one aesthetic, players can now shift colors and patterns on demand, creating a performance experience that feels alive and a guitar that feels like its honestly a main character instead of a humble instrument for human creativity.Developed by Cream Guitars in collaboration with E Ink, the Voltage DaVinci features a series of flexible, ultra-thin panels seamlessly integrated into its wooden body. Unlike LED displays, which require constant power and emit light, E Ink technology reflects ambient light, making the visuals appear naturally embedded rather than artificially lit. This means the guitar maintains a sleek, classic silhouette without the bulky look of screens. The color transitions are smooth and fluid, creating an organic, almost living texture across the instruments surface.Designer: Cream GuitarsThe technology behind this isnt entirely newE Ink displays have been seen in concept devices like the Infinix E-Shift Color phone at CES 2024, where the back panel changed hues based on user preference. But this marks the first time the concept has been applied to a musical instrument, blending digital aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship. Instead of a static paint job, musicians can now switch between animated designs at the press of a button. The transition is difficult to capture on static images, but is pretty impressive when seen in real life.Beneath the display, the DaVinci remains a serious instrument. Built by Cream Guitars in collaboration with E Ink, it features an alder body for balanced resonance, a maple neck for crisp articulation, and a set of custom-wound humbuckers that deliver everything from warm jazz tones to high-gain aggression. The display is seamlessly integrated into the wood, preserving the natural feel of a traditional electric guitar while offering something no other model doesa customizable aesthetic that evolves in real-time.The integration of E Ink adds no noticeable weight, preserving the guitars balance and feel. Charging is minimal, thanks to E Inks low power consumptiononce an image is set, it stays until changed, requiring only a brief pulse of electricity to update. This efficiency ensures the technology enhances the experience without becoming a distraction or maintenance burden. Meanwhile, a lithium battery on the inside helps power the experience.The guitar is all about personal expression not just musically but visually too. Users can either have the patterns react to the sound the guitar emits sort of like an equalizer that dances to the intensity of the music, or control the colors and patterns using a display and control center built into the top of the guitar. Theres also the option to have the colors change via an app, or a DMX controller that handles lights at concerts. The technology is a little limited given that the displays only work within the geometric pattern programmed into them, but I do envision a future where the displays are dynamic enough to show icons, emojis, text, or more complex visual data that further enhances the music experience. A metronome or strum-guide for learners? Heck, that could be a great idea too!Availability remains the biggest question. The DaVinci is still in the prototype phase, with Cream Guitars suggesting a limited release later in 2025. Pricing hasnt been confirmed, but considering the cost of high-end electric guitars and the added E Ink technology, its likely to sit in the premium category. For collectors, tech enthusiasts, and forward-thinking musicians, the DaVinci represents a glimpse into the future of guitar designone where sound and sight merge in ways that were never possible before.The post This E-Ink Guitar Lets You Change Its Design AnytimeNo Paint Required first appeared on Yanko Design.