Jamstik just released their Classic MIDI Guitar – a 22-fret electric guitar with full MIDI capabilities. Powered by Jamstik signal processing technology & proprietary algorithms, the Jamstik MIDI guitar line represents state-of-the-art MIDI guitar performance built into a convenient all-in-one solution. As an electric guitar, the Jamstik Classic has everything you need. It features an HSS pickup configuration, 5-position toggle pickup switching, 2 tone knobs, 1 volume knob, and a standard 1/4” out. Wired MIDI-out options include a USB-C to USB-A cable or a 3.5mm TRS-MIDI cable. You can also connect wirelessly via Bluetooth.

Creating a MIDI guitar presents a unique set of challenges due to the fundamental differences between guitars and traditional MIDI controllers like keyboards. One significant hurdle is accurately capturing the nuances of guitar playing, such as string bending, vibrato, and palm muting, and translating them into MIDI data. Guitars produce sound through physical vibrations of strings, while MIDI controllers generate electronic signals, requiring sophisticated sensors and algorithms to interpret the guitarist’s movements accurately. Moreover, the wide variety of playing techniques and styles adds complexity, as the MIDI guitar must accommodate the diverse preferences of musicians, from shredding electric guitar solos to intricate fingerstyle patterns on acoustic guitars.

Another challenge lies in achieving reliable tracking of notes and chords in real-time. Unlike keyboards, where each key triggers a discrete note, guitars allow for polyphonic playing, where multiple notes can sound simultaneously. This requires robust detection algorithms capable of distinguishing between individual notes and chords amidst the complex interplay of strings. Additionally, latency becomes a critical concern, as any delay between the guitarist’s actions and the MIDI output can disrupt the flow of performance. Achieving low latency necessitates optimized hardware and software integration, as well as efficient signal processing techniques to ensure instantaneous response to the guitarist’s input. Despite these challenges, advancements in technology continue to push the boundaries of MIDI guitar innovation, offering new possibilities for musicians to explore and express themselves creatively.