Jamstik™ is a brand of portable, app‑connected MIDI guitars developed and marketed by Zivix, a music‑technology company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. The instruments are designed in Minneapolis and manufactured by a contract manufacturer in South Dakota. Jamstik guitars function as MIDI controllers, allowing users to trigger virtual instruments and other music‑software applications on computers, tablets, and smartphones via wireless connections (initially Wi‑Fi, later Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI).
History and development
The concept was first demonstrated publicly in January 2013 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on the TechCrunch stage. Although the product was not released until 2014, it received early recognition, being named one of Popular Science’s “most innovative inventions of 2013” and winning the “Best In Show” award at the North American Music Merchants (NAMM) trade show in 2014.
The original Jamstik launched on Indiegogo in 2014, raising over $175 000 from approximately 850 backers. This first model featured six strings, five frets, infrared sensors to detect finger placement, and Wi‑Fi connectivity for use with iOS and macOS devices. It shipped with three companion mobile applications, including JamTutor, an instructional app that teaches basic guitar techniques through interactive games.
In 2015, Zivix introduced the Jamstik+ through a Kickstarter campaign that raised more than $813 000, making it one of Minnesota’s most successful crowdfunding projects. The Jamstik+ replaced Wi‑Fi with Bluetooth LE MIDI, added hammer‑on/pull‑off support, and allowed multiple devices to connect to a single host.
The third‑generation model, Jamstik 7, was launched on Indiegogo in May 2018. Alongside hardware improvements, Zivix pledged charitable contributions: 2 % of the campaign’s total funds were donated to the NAMM Foundation’s Bill Collings Memorial Fund, and 1 % of future retail sales were earmarked for ongoing support of the foundation.
Product line
- Jamstik (original Wi‑Fi edition) – 6 strings, 5 frets, infrared finger‑position sensors; Wi‑Fi connectivity; compatible with iPad, iPhone, and Mac.
- Jamstik+ (Bluetooth version) – Bluetooth LE MIDI, hammer‑on/pull‑off capability, multi‑device pairing.
- Jamstik 7 – Further refined hardware and software integration; continues support for Bluetooth LE MIDI and the Jamstik app ecosystem.
Reception and usage
Jamstik guitars have been highlighted in technology and music publications for combining the tactile feel of a real guitar with digital versatility. They are used by educators, hobbyists, and professional musicians seeking an affordable, portable solution for MIDI‑based performance and composition.
References
- Wikipedia article “Jamstik” (accessed 2024).
- TechCrunch coverage of CES 2013 demonstration.
- Popular Science “2013 Invention Awards”.
- NAMM “Best In Show” award listing, 2014.
- Indiegogo and Kickstarter campaign pages for Jamstik, Jamstik+, and Jamstik 7.