If you’re a musician looking for a versatile instrument that brings together the best of both worlds, we’ve recently tried out the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar in Black Matte, and it did not disappoint! This exceptional MIDI-capable electric guitar is perfect for producers, guitarists, and songwriters looking for a seamless way to compose, transcribe, and create music.
Imagine being able to plug-and-play the Jamstik Studio just like a MIDI keyboard and immediately start playing on your favorite DAW. This sleek 24-fret headless design guitar with a full 25.5” scale length and dual humbuckers offers a delightful experience in a compact and travel-friendly size.
We especially loved using the included Jamstik Creator software which offers over 100 custom instrument presets and also allows you to create your own on Mac or PC. Not only does it come with USB C-A and 3.5mm TRS-MIDI connectivity options, but you can also use the optional Bluetooth wireless connectivity for greater flexibility in your setup.
Yet, there’s more: besides its MIDI capabilities, it still shines as an electric guitar with standard 1/4” output, allowing you to switch between MIDI functionalities and the traditional guitar playing experience seamlessly.
Bottom Line
The Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar is a brilliant choice for musicians who want a versatile, powerful, and innovative instrument that merges the worlds of MIDI controllers and electric guitars.
Why choose between a guitar and a MIDI controller when you can have both in a single, compact, and sleek design?
Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar (Black Matte) Overview
We recently had the chance to experience the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar in Black Matte. This classy-looking instrument is specifically designed for producers, guitarists, and songwriters who need a versatile and reliable MIDI controller. It functions as both a genuine electric guitar and a MIDI controller, offering seamless integration with DAWs like Pro Tools, Ableton, and Logic Pro X.
What sets it apart from other MIDI guitars is the unique 24-fret headless design, accompanied by a 3/4 body size and full 25.5” scale length. This clever setup makes it convenient and compact for travel or conserving studio space, without sacrificing playability.
The Jamstik comes with dual humbuckers, coil tap, and a 3-way switch which provides a great analog signal when plugged into an amplifier using the standard 1/4” output. Additionally, there are several options for MIDI connectivity, including USB C-A for MIDI-Out and Charging, 3.5mm TRS-MIDI Out for connecting to 5-Pin MIDI hardware, and optional Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity.
This MIDI guitar package also includes the Jamstik Creator software with 100 custom instrument presets, compatible with both Mac and PC. Lastly, a custom padded gig bag, cables, and guitar pick were included to round out the whole experience.
Overall, we found the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar breathes fresh life into MIDI music production, offering a compact and versatile solution for guitarists and producers alike.
MIDI Capability and Compatibility
We really enjoyed the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar’s versatility in this area. The compatibility with various devices – iOS, Mac, and PC – makes it a breeze to connect and start jamming. The connectivity options are plentiful, featuring USB-C-A, 3.5mm TRS-MIDI, and our favorite – Bluetooth MIDI Wireless. This allows you to ditch the cords and focus on the music.
The MIDI capability is, in our opinion, one of the best aspects of this guitar. It works seamlessly with popular DAWs like Ableton, Logic Pro X, and Pro Tools, as well as hundreds of other VSTs and music apps that accept MIDI input. The integration with Jamstik Creator makes it even more accessible, offering endless creative possibilities.
On the downside, the weight of the guitar at 0.05 kg could turn off some potential users, however, this really is a minor drawback considering all the other positives.
Jamstik Creator VST/Plugin Software
Diving into the world of MIDI music production with the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar was a breeze, thanks to the in-house built Jamstik Creator VST/Plugin software. The software, compatible with both Mac and PC, allowed us to compose, transcribe, and create music just as we would with a MIDI keyboard. There were over 100 custom instrument presets we could play around with, but the option to create our own was where the real fun began!
The seamless hardware configuration impressed us with how easy it allowed for plug-and-play capabilities on popular DAWs like Ableton, Logic Pro X, and Pro Tools. Connections like USB C-A for MIDI-Out and charging, 3.5mm TRS-MIDI Out for 5-Pin MIDI hardware, or optional Bluetooth wireless connectivity made the entire setup process hassle-free. Overall, the Jamstik Creator software enhanced our experience with the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar and played a big part in making music creation enjoyable and efficient.
Portable Design and Build
We recently had the pleasure of trying out the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar in Black Matte, and one of the standout features is its portability. This headless 24-fret guitar has a 3/4 body size and a full 25.5” scale length, making it a convenient and compact option for travel or for those with limited studio space.
The build quality doesn’t disappoint either. Dual humbuckers with coil tap and a 3-way switch power the analog signal with a standard 1/4” output. Additionally, USB-C-A and 3.5mm TRS-MIDI ports allow for ease of connection to your preferred DAW or MIDI hardware, and there’s even an optional Bluetooth wireless connectivity feature.
One thing we love is that the Jamstik comes with a custom padded gig bag, which not only offers added protection but also makes it simple to bring along to any gig or recording session. The package also includes necessary cables and a guitar pick.
In summary, the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar delivers on both portability and build quality, making it a solid choice for guitarists and producers on-the-go.
Connectivity Options
We recently had the opportunity to test out the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar in Black Matte, and one aspect that really impressed us was the variety of connectivity options available. The guitar easily connects to a range of devices such as iOS, Mac, and PC using the provided USB-C-A cable. For those who prefer a seamless setup, the Bluetooth MIDI Wireless feature stands out as a fantastic convenience.
In terms of software compatibility, we were thrilled to discover that this MIDI guitar works harmoniously with popular programs like Ableton, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, and hundreds of other DAWs, VSTs, and music apps. Just plug it into any MIDI supporting app and you’ll be set to go. Moreover, a 3.5mm TRS-MIDI connector adds versatility to the connectivity options, catering to different user preferences.
While exploring the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar, our team truly appreciated the array of connectivity choices that allowed us to make the most of this product, without any hassle.
What’s in the Box
In our experience with the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar in Black Matte, we were pleased to find that the package includes everything you need to get started right away. Along with the sleek and stylish guitar, you receive a case for protection during transport and storage. The connectivity options are well catered for, as the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar supports USB-C-A, 3.5mm TRS-MIDI, and Bluetooth MIDI Wireless technologies. This means you can easily connect it with your iOS, Mac, or PC devices.
As for the compatibility with software, the MIDI guitar works wonderfully with Jamstik Creator, as well as other popular music production software such as Ableton, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, and hundreds of DAWs, VSTs, and music apps that accept MIDI input. This ensures a versatile and productive experience for musicians of all levels, regardless of their preferred software platform. Overall, the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar package offers a great foundation to begin exploring the world of MIDI-enabled instruments.
Pros and Cons
Pros
We found the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar to be an impressive and versatile instrument. Its MIDI tracking capabilities proved to be accurate and reliable, often outperforming similar devices like the Fishman TriplePlay. This guitar is also MPE-enabled, giving you more control and variety when composing music.
One of the standout features of this guitar is its compact and portable design. The 24-fret headless 3/4 body size coupled with a full 25.5” scale length makes it an excellent choice for travel or small studio spaces. Despite its smaller size, the guitar still has a solid and authentic feel, avoiding the toy-like quality some MIDI guitars can have.
Playing the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar is generally a comfortable experience, thanks to the large fingerboard radius. Furthermore, the dual humbuckers with coil tap and 3-way switch provide a range of analog sound options, and the guitar remains well-tuned.
The included Jamstik Creator VST/Plugin software offers a seamless integration with your favorite DAW, giving you even greater versatility in music production. You can choose from over 100 custom instrument presets or create your own on Mac or PC.
Cons
While the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar has many positive features, there are a few drawbacks. Some users found MIDI setup to be slightly cumbersome and reported occasional missed notes. However, these issues appeared to be minimal and manageable.
The tuning process can be somewhat tricky, as it requires a specialized wrench. This may cause frustration for beginners or those unfamiliar with tuning a headless guitar.
Although the MIDI functionality is the primary focus of this guitar, some users might find the analog sound quality doesn’t quite live up to expectations compared to other traditional electric guitars in a similar price range.
In summary, the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar is a reliable and versatile MIDI-capable electric guitar with impressive tracking capabilities. The portable and stylish design, coupled with the included software, makes it an appealing option for producers, guitarists, and songwriters alike. However, some minor drawbacks in setup and tuning could potentially be a concern for certain users.
Customer Reviews
After using the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar ourselves, we’ve gathered a summary of what customers are saying about it. Many users are impressed with its build quality and functionality as both a guitar and MIDI controller. The matte black finish adds to its good looks, and the device stays tuned well.
The MIDI tracking is considered quite decent, with some finding it even better than rival products like the Fishman TriplePlay. Users appreciate the MPE options and seamless integration into their MIDI workflows. The Jamstik companion app also receives praise for its ease of use.
However, some customers report a slightly cumbersome setup process and occasional missed notes. A few users have also faced minor difficulties in tuning the guitar using the provided wrench, mentioning that it could be better designed.
In summary, the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar is a versatile and affordable MIDI guitar option that remains popular among users for its solid build and seamless integration with DAWs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we believe the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar in Black Matte offers a great blend of functionality and efficiency for those looking to delve into the world of MIDI guitars. Its appealing design and build quality are suitable for a wide variety of users, from beginners to experienced musicians alike. We were pleased with the MIDI tracking and the integration of MPE options, which enhance the overall experience.
While there are some minor drawbacks, such as occasional missed notes and the unconventional tuning wrench, these issues seem to be manageable. The companion app adds to the ease of use and the diverse color options, such as the vibrant orange, cater to personal preferences.
Overall, the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar stands out as an affordable and versatile choice for those looking for a reliable, good-looking, and enjoyable MIDI option for their music production needs. So, if you’re considering investing in a MIDI guitar, this product is worth giving a try!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a MIDI pickup and how does it work on a guitar?
A MIDI pickup is a device that translates the string vibrations from a guitar into digital signals, allowing the guitar to be used as a MIDI controller. With the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar, you can plug and play in your favorite DAW, just like using a MIDI keyboard. It’s perfect for composing, transcribing, and creating music more efficiently.
Can I use the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar for live shows?
Definitely! The Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar has a unique 24-fret headless design with a 3/4 body size and full 25.5″ scale length, which makes it compact and convenient for travel or use on stage. It also features dual humbuckers with coil tap and a 3-way switch, providing a versatile analog signal output with a standard 1/4″ jack, suitable for different live show setups.
How does the Jamstik handle different music styles?
The Jamstik is suitable for various music styles, thanks to its versatile MIDI capabilities and dual-humbucker pickup setup with coil tap. You can easily switch between traditional guitar sounds and MIDI instrument presets within your DAW or music app to adapt to different styles effortlessly. The Jamstik’s versatility offers endless creative possibilities.
What software works best with the Jamstik’s MIDI features?
Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar works seamlessly with popular DAWs and music apps such as Ableton, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, and many more. It also comes with Jamstik Creator, a custom VST/Plugin software built for MIDI music production and hardware configuration. With over 100 preset instrument sounds and the ability to create your own, Jamstik offers limitless options for composing projects.
How long will it take to master the MIDI functions on the Jamstik Studio Guitar?
The learning curve for mastering the MIDI functions on the Jamstik Studio Guitar can vary depending on your familiarity and experience with MIDI technology and guitar playing. If you’re used to playing the guitar and have some experience with MIDI controllers, it shouldn’t take long to learn the ropes. It comes down to practice and exploring the Jamstik’s capabilities.
Is the Jamstik durable enough for regular use during travel?
Yes, the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar is designed with portability and durability in mind. Its compact size and headless design make it suitable for travel or use in limited studio spaces. The Jamstik is shipped with a custom padded gig bag that offers extra protection during transport, ensuring your guitar remains safe and ready for use wherever you go.