Be A Rock Legend In Your Living Room (No Guitar Required)

By Anita Hamilton

Every kid dreams of being a rock star--or at least a winner on American Idol--but few parents want to endure the cacophony from their very own Sheryl Crow in training. The new HandBand ($90) from KGI Consumer Products offers a cheap alternative. Using nothing more than a high-tech pair of gloves and a portable, wireless receiver, it lets kids play virtual guitar, keyboards or drums at less than earsplitting volume. Each bend of the finger produces a different note; you switch instruments with the push of a button. It's a great idea, but the execution needs work. The sound that emerges from the grapefruit-size speaker is passable but a bit synthetic. And the finger contortions required to play the HandBand are so awkward that they'll discourage all but the most enthusiastic musicians. The air guitar is a lot more fun. --A.H.