The Instrument 1 was heavily prototyped before its release. It was announced in 2013, following teaser images uploaded of a prototype design in December 2012. The third prototype designed was exhibited at the CES and NAMM shows the same year. This prototype of the Intrument 1 was hand-built from bamboo and various African hardwoods in partnership with a local firm, Cumberland Architectural Millwork. This design featured a dedicated dock for the iPhone 5 or iPod Touch. The speakers of this design were commented on by testers, including James True of Engadget, who liked their "impressive 30W onboard sound". This prototype was the subject of a beta test in February 2014, with priority given to local testers around Nashville. Artiphon's announcement calling for beta testers read:
