For those interested in expanding the normal range of the guitar, this custom 14 string alto from Rodolfo Cucculelli might be what you are looking for. Surely this instrument will open up some new possibilities as far as song writing and composition, but you also have to wonder how possible it is to really use all of those strings. One video I found online with this guitar being played showed that the full range of the instrument was never really explored, but maybe it just takes some time to get people really using it. Add alternate tuning possibilities to the fact that there are fourteen strings and you really have unlimited possibilities. You could even use every two strings to achieve quarter tone abilities, and basically have seven quarter tonal voices by just tuning every two strings a quarter tone apart.
Something to note about instruments like this is that they should not just be seen as expanded performance instruments, but more capable and wide ranging compositional devices. You could use this guitar to write music for large string ensembles and do it in a more real time and hands on fashion than just writing on paper. One advantage the piano has always had that draws composers to it is the fact that there are so many notes available. Alto guitars like this one are closing that gap, and of course, the guitar can do many things a piano can't.
It's great to see new instruments like this one being made, as conventions in tuning and temperament have become way too stale. Electronic music has done a lot, but an increased exploration of new musical tonalities must start with instrument makers providing the tools.
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