Full Studio MIDI Guitar FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the new Studio MIDI Guitar available left-handed?

We're thrilled to share that the left-handed version is now available on jamstik.com and in the UK at Gear4Music. 

There are already synth modules and pedals out there, why do I need this?

While there are many great options for instrument effects and modulation in analog live or recording environments, this MIDI Guitar can control a vast variety of MIDI instruments and record note data digitally; so it can be later modified, edited, and assigned to different instrument patches.

Why is it called the Studio MIDI Guitar? 

On top of its groundbreaking versatility, the Studio's compact size makes it a great fit for maneuvering around the ever-cluttered studio desktop and production space. The name 'Studio' implies the place where an artist creates their gifts to the world, be it art, sculpture, music, or other. It is our hope that our creation, the Jamstik Studio Guitar, is embraced by musicians and inspires them to further excel in their art form.

Who is the target audience? 

The Studio MIDI Guitar was built with a specific audience in mind, but the use-cases are limitless. Those who will gain the most benefit from the product are guitarists familiar with or interested in digital music production, producers, songwriters & travelers in need of a compact and versatile guitar for the road.

There are many use cases for this product, and at Jamstik, we aim to have plenty of them covered with video examples, tutorials, and more to help users make the most of their product.

Example Use Cases:
—Tracking MIDI with a guitar format.
—Writing Music
—Tracking Percussion
—Tracking Rhythm
—Tracking Leads / Melodies
—Producing Full Tracks
—Writing Tablature
—Composing Film Scores
—Performing with MIDI Instruments
—Performing with Simultaneous MIDI & Analog Output
—Recording Simultaneous MIDI & Analog Output
—Utilizing the Guitar for Travel
—Providing a Tool for Session Guitarists

Are there onboard sounds? 

No, there are no onboard sounds or effects built-in to the guitar. Just like most MIDI keyboards, you'll have to connect your Jamstik to a device (smartphone, tablet, laptop/desktop computer) running either our software or third-party software to generate the sound. There is also a standard 1/4" guitar output, so you can utilize amps, pedals, and interfaces as usual.

Can I use a Bluetooth speaker or wireless headphones? 

No, you'll want to use a wired connection (aux cord) instead of a Bluetooth speaker or wireless headphones to avoid unwanted latency.

MIDI & Tech-Related Questions

What outputs are included? How does it connect to my computer? 

MIDI-Out can be handled in a variety of ways, either wired through USB-C or 3.5mm TRS-MIDI, or wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Is it working on pitch recognition or contact sensors? 

We are using a special MIDI pickup for pitch recognition paired with our own unique onboard algorithmic processing to ensure this job is done as quickly and accurately as possible—all while retaining genuine guitar playability.

How long does pitch conversion take? Can you share latency numbers? 

The time it takes the pitch conversion to process the information into MIDI data over USB or TRS averages to 10ms. The typical range is from 6ms-15ms. The final amount of latency will vary depending on the hardware specifications and task management of the paired device. Other measures can be taken to adjust latency by using the buffer rate settings of your DAW.

Can it be used for tabbing with software like Guitar Pro? 

The Studio MIDI Guitar is compatible with any apps and DAWs that accept MIDI-input. It works great for scoring in Guitar Pro by entering notes step by step, however, you will need to add things like hammer-on, slides, bends & other articulations manually after the note information has been entered since the software does not currently support real-time MIDI implementation.

Will it be able to transpose MIDI to different octaves or alternate tunings? 

In general, whatever physical tuning the guitar is at will dictate the MIDI pitch. You can play in alternate tunings by tuning your guitar and changing your settings to match. However, at very low tunings there may be some performance degradation.
You can also transpose by semitones in a range from -3 octaves to +3 octaves through the Jamstik device settings in the Jamstik Creator software.

Will the software require a DAW? 

While the Studio MIDI guitar will work right out of the box with all MIDI-capable DAWs and plugins, the guitar does not require a DAW. The compatible Jamstik VST/AU Plugin can run as a standalone app on Mac and Windows and includes a curated library of specifically designed sounds for the Studio guitar. Additionally, we'll be supporting many of the existing leading third-party DAWs with custom, downloadable Jamstik preset packs. 

Does it utilize MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression?  

Yes! The Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar sends pitch bend and CC expression or Channel Pressure messages on multiple channels. In our case this allows expressive pitch and volume tracking per string to allow for unique, guitar-like expression through MIDI. The Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar can also be put into non-MPE single-channel and multi-channel MIDI modes for best compatibility with non-MPE synths and software. Learn more at jamstik.com/mpe. 

Guitar & Spec Questions 

See full specs here.

Do you have to use special strings? 

Any metal strings will work just fine—The MIDI pickup is magnetic, so the guitar requires you to use metal strings rather than nylon. We'd recommend following standard .010–.046 gauges, but slightly below or above this range should be fine, though may require some sensitivity adjustments.

How many frets and at what scale length? 

24 Frets, Standard 25.5'' Scale Length

What is the fretboard radius? 

13.7"/ 350mm

What is the size of the Jamstik Studio MIDI guitar? 

Overall Length: 32.5'' Body Width: 10.125'' Weight: 5.5LBS

Can I use an amp or pedals with it? 

Yep! There's a standard 1/4'' Guitar Output to connect to amps, pedals and interfaces as usual.  

Is it the ALP Leaf guitar body? 

It sure is! We've partnered with the amazing craftsmen at ALP who have been building guitars for the past 20 years. Doing what we each do best has allowed us to come together for a completely unique product offering and we look forward to what else we may build in the future.