Jamstik MIDI Guitars - Studio & Classic Deepdive

Рет қаралды 7,129

Күн бұрын

In this video I examine, compare and test out the Jamstik Studio and Jamstik Classic Midi Controller Guitars. While both are cool and unique in their own right, one of them is just better than the other, and maybe is built a bit more reliably. As of this writing, the prices may have shifted a bit. I have put links to both guitars under this description if you are interested in looking into them for yourself.
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CONTENTS:
00:00 Intro
00:07 Whoops
00:50 Quick history of Zivix / Jamstik…
02:23 The Jamstik Studio
02:38 The Jamstik Classic
02:52 Opinion Disclaimer
03:08 The Price
03:44 The Case
05:14 The Look
07:01 The Weight
07:15 The Body
08:51 The Neck
11:00 The Hardware
13:25 The Electronics
14:19 Jamstik Classic Pickup Reading
14:38 Jamstik Studio Funky Coil Split system?
16:15 Jamstik Studio Pickup Reading
18:00 Other Materials
19:55 The Sound
20:08 Quick neckdive test
22:47 Midi Functionality
24:29 The Midi Controller in use
29:49 In Conclusion
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Amazon Links:
Jamstik Classic: amzn.to/3RH2Nzm
Jamstik Studio: amzn.to/3tfjs3y
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Affiliate links for equipment used to make this video. If you use these links to make purchases, I may get a small commission, which does not change the price you pay. All commissions are put directly back into the channel to make more content. Thank you!
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Пікірлер: 70

@mcfingrs 6 ай бұрын

Really appreciate the depth, specifically the MIDI demos and the intonation and other insights on the studio version. No fluff. Well done video.

@CompanyGrip 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for checking it out! I try to get through the information quick and concise because thats my biggest pet peeve when watching a video - the fluff. Cheers!

@Maplefoxx-vl2ew Ай бұрын

@@CompanyGrip bruh read my comment pls.. my mom wants to call jamstik at this point , like after getting another email today where it sounds like they still never sent the replacement battery i need to see if it even works still. you can not buy them on amazon or even any online store in Canada.. the guy is literally giving me a nervous breakdown. he said 3 times he was going to sent it already and today he says something again bout amazon in an email like making me think they still never sent me it.. what the heck . . I literally do not know how to deal with this anymore. I cant even work on my work i'm so upset i'm just going to lay in bed all day now, i'm a member of Vi forums too and a video game composer. this is really not good they got me so depressed right now.

@CompanyGrip Ай бұрын

Sorry to hear that. Calling Jamstik might be the best bet at this point. If anyone has access to their parts, it’s going to be them. Best of luck!

@toddreboul3052 6 ай бұрын

I really appreciate the deep dive. I've watched the development of MIDI guitars for years and have always been disappointed to find disqualifiers in other models. Looks like the Classic finally meets the criteria I've been holding out for. I'm sold!

@CompanyGrip 6 ай бұрын

Thanks for checking out the video! I can only imagine the newer models that Jamstik is releasing are even better!

@BamaGuitar 4 ай бұрын

Big thanks, for me your video is without a doubt the most thorough review I found on the Jamstick and helped me greatly understand the studio model I bought. Kudos!

@CompanyGrip 4 ай бұрын

That’s great to hear! Thank you for letting me know. Cheers!

@duarteestelita7257 3 ай бұрын

I've been following these guitars for YEARS!... and i never saw a solid review online, either video or written article. Finally,.... you! did it ;) So, thank you! Very thorough review. In truth.. the most precious info i took from your video.. was you talking about intonation and the bridge system, on the studio model. I've been looking for a guitar that will help me in the studio, getting ideas down, and in MIDI format, so i can score it easily, and edit easily. Plus, i much prefer carved down necks. But the classic seems to being a much more solid guitar, as well as a much more solid MIDI controller. I am much more a Tele guy, but i had exactly the same thought u did _ i'll get the Classic model, and swap out the HSS PUps. So thanks for clearing that up with footage of the pots pool _ it looks way harder to not mess anything up...than it theoretically suppposed to... hehe. I'll give that a 2nd thought..hehe. Thanks again ;) PS: the Jam Origin 3 software is coming out soon, so i'll give that a go, before i try one these out. PPS: the new Deluxe model features a Swamp Ash body and contoured neck plate. (also includes a case). (Personally, i much prefer an HSS to a HH hardtail Strat. ) Still KD PUps.... :| Have you any idea if the MIDI hardware is a 3rd Gen, or the same 2nd Gen as in the Classic model ?

@CompanyGrip 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for checking out the video and the kind words. I’m glad to help. I was under the impression that as of the making of this video the MIDI electronics/hardware for the new models was the same as the models I reviewed, but it’s possible everything is getting updated constantly as well. Thanks again! Good luck!

@SubOxyde 4 ай бұрын

Magnificent work on this video! Liked and subbed ez!

@CompanyGrip 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words and for subscribing! Cheers!

@bobbyrobmaxey 4 ай бұрын

Great stuff man 👌🏻

@CompanyGrip 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for checking it out!

@FuturisticCaveman 3 ай бұрын

Finally an unbiased in-depth review! Cheers

@CompanyGrip 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words! Cheers!

@theshredguitarist25 4 ай бұрын

Liked and subscribed!! Thanks so much for making such a thorough video!!!!

@CompanyGrip 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for checking out the video and for subscribing! Cheers!

@theshredguitarist25 4 ай бұрын

@@CompanyGrip you’re welcome.

@KordTaylor 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for your video! 👏🏻

@CompanyGrip 3 ай бұрын

Thank you for checking it out!

@wcydiiwii 2 ай бұрын

Great review, very much appreciated. Subbed :)

@CompanyGrip 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for checking it out and for the sub!

@KordTaylor 3 ай бұрын

Really love the realism. Nice to hear a comparison with others Re: tracking sometime as you know that’s a big question. Also with the dedicated Roland stuff having some crucial controllers like filter, mix etc.

@CompanyGrip 3 ай бұрын

I Appreciate the comments! Cheers!

@thecartooncynic 3 ай бұрын

FIANLLY! Just the video I needed to see!

@CompanyGrip 3 ай бұрын

Awesome! Glad it helped!

@thecartooncynic 3 ай бұрын

@@CompanyGrip And I think your video convinced me NOT to buy one. I'll just continue learning piano then get a cheaper guitar for learning :)

@CompanyGrip 3 ай бұрын

Hey! However it helps is the purpose of the video! I’m just trying to get it out there as it is. Cheers!

@donicdawkins9040 5 ай бұрын

Very nice comparison and review. Recently bought the Classic. Yeah not crazy about the pickups… would love to see a video if you decide to change out the default pickups!

@CompanyGrip 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for checking it out! I’ll definitely post it if I do!

@LucasGonze 5 ай бұрын

Man, what a good review. I really appreciate the depth, thoughtfulness, and thoroughness. The USB weirdness is strangely clueless. I think what I'm more likely to do is put a MIDI pickup on a Squier.

@CompanyGrip 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for the kind words and for checking out my video!

@LokeshThakur Ай бұрын

For the Midi issue on the studio version, aren't you able to just raise the pickup height by loosening the screws that hold the pickup instead? And then adjust the sensitivity in the software?

@ickychou 2 ай бұрын

big thanks

@CompanyGrip 2 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@yadrichikchaya8245 5 ай бұрын

Great video! 👍 I had plans to change the bridge and neck on my Jamstik Studio but since I searched using the numbers on the website, I had a really hard time finding anything.😉 If you happen to know of any type of normal 24 fret neck out there that would fit the Studio perfectly, and even some bridge to replace the current one I would be forever greatful. I'm only into playing and not so much the other aspects regarding guitars that you bring up in the video - I basically know nothing. ;) But I'm very happy you brought these things up! What I do know is that I love the Jamstik tech with MIDI MPE Bluetooth but pretty much hate the actual guitar with the tuning bridge and headless neck… 😉 Instead of getting the Classic or Deluxe I might as well just replace the neck and bridge on the Studio. If you happen to know of anything that would fit? I'll order those things ASAP.😁

@CompanyGrip 5 ай бұрын

Thanks for checking out the video! I wish I knew a drop in neck and bridge for the Studio, but I don’t think there are any. Good luck!

@yadrichikchaya8245 5 ай бұрын

@@CompanyGrip Thank you! :) I already had plans to sell it since with MG3 by Jam Origin one can use ANY guitar, no special pickups, tons of features (even has MPE just like the Jamstik): kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ib5gncd4srmrk40.html 👍😁 The beta testing is starting this month for Mac, WIN a little later and finally there will be an iOS version. Time to ditch the Jamstik. ;) (As soon as I've actually tried MG3 myself, 😉which will be very soon - just to compare)

@harleyestrada6476 4 ай бұрын

Does anyone know when the deluxe version will be available in music stores?

@aaronauclair 4 ай бұрын

Great video, I will be back k for more. Thank you. What is your favorite? Do you know if a left handed version is available?

@CompanyGrip 4 ай бұрын

Thank you! I like the classic so far. I’m not sure if it’s available in the left hand version yet. I’m sure if enough people ask for it, it will become available. Thanks for checking out the video! Cheers!

@jordandeiss 5 ай бұрын

Please let me know how it goes swapping out your pickups. I would like to do the same.

@williamking7420 3 ай бұрын

BTW...Just like any other electric guitar you can replace the pickups without touching the control cavity.

@rproctor83 6 ай бұрын

In regards to midi, is it any better than installing a normal midi pickup? Does it capture polyphonic notes accurately? What is the current best solution for automatic transcription of guitar through midi or otherwise?

@CompanyGrip 6 ай бұрын

For me, it’s a good solution for note to note transcription. Chords are ok too if you are playing them specifically to transcribe. I would never rely on this system to play a song through at speed for transcription. I don’t think it’s there yet. Regarding other hexaphonic pickups and their midi transcription, this is the best I’ve used. However, I have a Fishman Tripleplay I’ll be testing out soon that I’ve heard good things about. Thanks for checking out the video!

@myhapylife 5 ай бұрын

What did you use for the dirty sounds in neck dive/sound part?

@CompanyGrip 4 ай бұрын

I’m having a difficult time remembering now, but I believe it was a Klon copycat pedal through perhaps a Mesa amp sim? Thanks for checking it out!

@gyasirossmusic 3 ай бұрын

What are your thoughts on the Midi Guitar 2

@CompanyGrip 3 ай бұрын

I need to give it some more time, but it looks very promising. Thanks for checking it out!

@waltdokken2120 6 ай бұрын

Have you used Jamstik 🎸creator software or just midi direct plug without Jamstik software. Do you need to install Jamstik creator software at all or it works direct into DAW as Midi device. What midi interface have you used goin to yr laptop.🔌💻 Did you record midi notes 🎵🎶direct into DAW as Vst instrument or you need to record midi notes to Jamstik creator software first to create Midi file. Which route tracks midi notes better Jamstik creator or DAW. Waiting🤔 4 full midi review Part II 😆 *** Otherwise as analog string guitar instrument seems to be far below🕳 professional standards of todays EVH, PRS, ESP, Washburn, Ibanez, Gibson, Fender, Godin guitars sound n' craftsmanship💯. Thanks to yr detailed analog Part I review. 👍

@CompanyGrip 6 ай бұрын

Thank you for checking it out! I actually went to a Jamstik seminar over the weekend to get to have some questions answered. So, to answer your questions, you do need to install the creator software as that is how you will update the firmware in the Jamstik and also to change setting within the Jamstik(note bend on/off, standard MIDI or MPE modes, which MIDI channel to use, etc. After you have set up the Jamstik to your specifications, you can use it as a normal MIDI device WITHOUT the creator software. For me, I was plugging the Jamstik into a Deepmind 12, and that is where the sound was generated. The Deepmind 12 was outputting MIDI to my DAW, Presonus Studio One. I could also plug the Jamstik straight into my DAW and record the midi notes directly into a VST through the Jamstik. I use a presonus 1824 interface for the MIDI input. As far as which app tracks better, the Jamstik Creator and Jamstik patches probably work a little bit better because the patches are designed to take advantage of the limitations of MIDI Guitar and give you the best result. Lastly, yes - the analog guitar functionality isn’t the best. But with a pickup swap it would be greatly improved! Cheers!

@JamesWilliams-se3vr 3 ай бұрын

It you record with into your DAW does it always correctly interpret all the the string and fret positions correctly? That’s the fundamental issue for me. Anything else comes after.

@CompanyGrip 3 ай бұрын

It's not bad, but it's definitely not perfect. Id say I've had a over-90% success rate if Im playing something it can interpret (slow-medium pace, and not much articulation)

@1O1O11 4 ай бұрын

My Jamstik Studio works with any of my standard USB C to USB A cables I use for my phone or other devices. I don't have to use the cable I got from Jamstik. But when I tested a USB C to USB C cable it didn't work... I can't speak for the Classic though. I work with a lot of midi libraries on my computer, and I feel like each kind of sound library or synth needs to be approached in a way unique to the sound. Especially when I am using Kontakt or a similar VST to emulate real world instruments. If I want to put a jazz trumpet into a song, I can't just play midi keyboard or Jamstik in the same way I would play a piano or guitar. I have to think like a trumpet player and listen to what the computer is giving me, limitations and all. There are certain synths or sampled instruments that the Jamstik is just horrible at, might as well just pull out the midi keyboard. But certain instruments are great. But I don't strum a guitar tune when I want to make orchestral strings. But if I take an orchestra sound library in Kontakt and finger pick around on the cords I want, I can find something that sounds like what I want. Though I am having issues with the guitar signal being very noisy if I am using the midi at the same time. I actually found your video while I was looking into ideas to fix that. I wanted to add an orchestra midi backing while also recording the guitar for soft background music. Anyways, I totally agree that the bridge on the Studio is a real pain to adjust. I generally have to loosen and tighten the string multiple times to get the little wheel to push forward when adjusting the bridge height. Though I was adjusting the opposite direction as you, as my guitar arrived with crazy high action. I think it is good now. (I am used to playing baritone guitar, so my feel might be off from most guitar players...) Nice video. I'll watch more if you have updates on more midi stuff.

@CompanyGrip 4 ай бұрын

Thank you for checking it out! Interesting about the USB cable thing. Yeah - I couldn’t get the opposite came to work for transmitting midi data. 🤷‍♂️ I should have more updates in the future sometime. Cheers!

@1O1O11 4 ай бұрын

Not all USB cables transfer data at the same speed. @@CompanyGrip

@wealthfinder192 2 ай бұрын

As a lefty, these things don't come just as a new product. Sometimes, like the Variax, they stop making lefty's all together or never start making them to begin with. I found one of these and thought maybe I should get it while it is available. Only the studio model of course. Well for the price as a guitarist, I know it is very gimmicky and might be a waste of money after the initial play around honeymoon period. It would then need to be a decent guitar as well and I have watched a couple of videos but they didn't really do a deep dive into it or some didn't even mention its value as a guitar. I appreciate your play throughs with both guitars and notice there is a definite lack of quality sound coming from the studio model which is unfortunate. Your video gives me much more to work with looking at the intonation etc. But how are the frets? the Neck? Are they playable? Or noticeably bad? I noticed you said you will change out the pickups when you figure out how without breaking something. I can muddle through with my keyboard so am thinking for the price and not having the availability of the classic or any of the newer full size guitars, it may not be worth the $1695 they are asking. I could buy a decent Gibson lefty or PRS or Fender for that.

@CompanyGrip 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for the comment. As a guitar, it would never be my first or even 5th pick amongst a group of my guitars. It’s not horrible, it’s just made to do other things. I’d put it on par with the lowest model squire strat you can get, which is still an ok guitar, but there’s better available. It seems built well enough though and the midi functionality is cool. The neck is pretty nice. Comfortable in my big dumb hands. Haha 😎 Cheers!