JamStik: The Guitar for your iPad

This is one of the best midi devices I have used with my iOS devices. I am primarily using it to control various synths and samplers on my iPhone 6 Plus. The Jamstik is a great solution for guitar players that aren't comfortable using traditional piano-style midi controllers (like myself). You don't have to COMPLETELY change your playing style but there are some changes most guitarists will need to get used to. First, the bends don't feel or sound natural. Second, you can't slide from fret to fret like you would with a normal guitar. It may not be as expressive as a real guitar but the size and versatility makes up for that in my book. I considered a midi pick up (Fishman Triple Play) but didn't want the hassle of installation. In addition, I wanted something small and lightweight that I could comfortably play on the couch, in a jam session with friends, etc. I also considered the YRG but went with the Jamstik because it's wireless, smaller and is really made for iOS. Latency is NOT an issue on my iPhone 6 Plus. For example, I can run Audiobus with two different synths (Sampletank and Animoog) in separate input slots and the Jamstik will control both simultaneously no problem. Then I can layer effects in the effect slots for each (JamUp Pro, AUFX:Dub, Echopad, etc). Even with all of these apps running, latency is not an issue. On my iPad Air (1st Gen) it's a different story..... Latency is noticeable and notes will often not trigger. I tried running several apps at once (same Audiobus setup I listed above for iPhone 6 Plus) and it was impossible to work with. I even ran one synth app at a time and latency was still slightly noticeable. To be clear, this is the fault of the iPad, not the Jamstik. If you want a fun midi controller that feels and plays similar to a guitar, get a Jamstik. If you expect the Jamstik to be a guitar replacement, you will be disappointed.

it's just not playable - first string not works between 2-th and 4th frets, other string are also not responsive sometimes In some cases it gives random delays, in other it gives false positive string pick detection. It's just impossible to use it. i tried to use it with both mac and ipad, with garage band and with their native app store app - it's just not works. So i wait for refund.

The Jamstik is just about the coolest thing ever. I have been playing different sounds, capturing and playing samples, and just having a blast ever since I got it! As a guitar player for 40+ years, the Jamstik has opened up new horizons of playing fun for me! I also travel a lot, so with the Jamstik, my iPhone, and a mini speaker in my backpack, I can play anywhere. I liked it so much, that I upgraded to the Jamstik+ soon after buying. And their website is full of great videos and advice, too. The folks at Jamstik were great at helping me to get the unit set up to my playing preference, and getting the most out of it. they have a great list of apps that you can use with it (I recommend that you get SampleTank, and buy the whole set of instuments!). Too much fun and utility! I own lots of guitars, and this has become one of my favorites! Very cool. Thanks, Jamstik!

Would be better if they had Android version.

Since I travel for a living an have an obsession for guitars, I thought this would be the perfect thing to take with me on my trips, since I don't like to carry a guitar around. I have been playing 40 years. I opened the box, charged it up, hooked it up to the wifi, and immediately I thought I had a problem. It just wasn't responsive. It was slow, missed notes I was playing, and if you finger pick it, it can't keep up with trills and little nuances. It does accept a bend, but try to bend it a full step or get some vibrato out of it, no way. As a MIDI controller, I guess it's ok, but I am looking for something to replace my guitar. If you play quickly like I do like hammer on or slide up a few frets, it doesn't follow what you're doing. Having only 5 frets in the range is very limiting. I would say unless you're a C, G, F, and Am kind of person looking to accompany via strumming, you're okay. If you are a full on guitar person that moves all over and plays quickly, you'll think it's just a toy. I tinkered with the picking sensitivity, the tunings, the capo, etc. It just isn't for me. I think I'm going to have to find a small travel sized guitar. I really wanted to like it, it's just not for me.

It works flawlessly on my iMac and I can trigger any sound I can load in Logic Pro the only problem with this unit is that you cannot slide notes, hammer on or do anything complicated you would do on a guitar. In fact nothing sounds unless it is picked so legato pieces with a violin plugin sound staccato. I had high hopes for this unit but I am putting it in my closet with all of the other failed midi devices and sticking to my Roland Keyboard for doing Orchestral work.

Read some negative reviews. Turns out Bluetooth was never made to transmit this much info. Used a wired connection and no delay. Sensitivity to the instrument seems better the more I play. Also, I'm thinking the more I play, the better I learn what it takes to play this instrument. Great lessons on apps. Only one app I've had a problem with. I like that I can take it with me on my motorcycle and so little space is taken up.

What a great little instrument. I use it to practice my guitar when I'm away from home or in my bed at night. I just plug in my headphones and play.