We are using a hex 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.

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.

The Jamstik MIDI Guitars are compatible with any apps and DAWs that accept MIDI-input. You can use Logic Pro's built-in tablature settings to record in real-time, or score in notation programs like Guitar Pro by entering notes step by step.

In general, whatever physical tuning the guitar is at will dictate the MIDI pitch, so you can set any tuning you like. However, at very low tunings there may be some performance degradation. With 24 frets available, there shouldn't be a great need to octave up or down, but you can always play in standard tuning and transpose using the Creator application.

The Jamstik was built as an MPE-capable controller, which helps immensely with achieving realistic guitar performance expression.

In MPE mode, each string of the Jamstik controls a different MIDI channel—including MIDI notes, pitch bend, and importantly, expression information. Paired with a compatible sound generator, this means that the performance on one string does not affect the others, allowing for greater control over the sound and a more natural response from the sound generator.

The Jamstik also tracks the intensity of each string's vibration over time. This can be used to control the loudness and/or brightness of the synth voices so they decay along with your guitar strings. It's a more natural playing experience catering to the guitar controller, and also enables styles like palm mute to be recognized and synthesized in a way that makes sense and feels natural.

While a growing number of software developers are implementing the MPE protocol, for the programs that were built with a keyboard or pad controller in mind, the Jamstik can swap into single-channel MIDI mode, which behaves more like a simple keyboard.

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.

The hex pickup is really just one small part of the equation—the true performance capabilities come from the technology and processing power packed into the guitar itself. Our signal processing is done onboard the guitar with a dedicated processor, driven by proprietary algorithms written for accuracy, speed, and broad coverage of the variety of guitar playing techniques desired — i.e. bends, slides, hammer-ons, tapping, etc.

Since the processing is on the guitar, there's also no need to use a computer or external pitch to MIDI converter/13-pin to MIDI converter box (like the Gi-2, for example). You can plug the Jamstik in to control a hardware synthesizer using the 3.5mm TRS-MIDI output.

Further, our MIDI guitar is a class-compliant MIDI controller and works plug-n-play with any DAW, plugin, app, or notation software that accepts MIDI input. Connection is via USB, Bluetooth, or TRS-MIDI, so there's no need for special cables or accompanying floor modules.

The hex pickup in the Jamstik allows it to track with greater accuracy compared to a mono signal—this is especially apparent when tracking half-step intervals on neighboring strings. The hex pickup also allows the Jamstik to input tablature seamlessly since it captures the specific string channel/corresponding MIDI channel that each MIDI note comes through on.