Jamstik MIDI Guitar Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Jamstik not powering on?
Plug in the Jamstik using a USB-C to USB-A cable to wake up a new Jamstik MIDI Guitar out of the box or after resetting the battery. If the Jamstik shuts off when unplugging the cable charge it via a USB A wall charger for 45-60 mins to adequately charge the battery.
Note: USB-C to USB-C cables (and some USB hubs) are not compatible with the Jamstik MIDI Guitars, you must use a USB-C to USB-A cable.
Battery reset procedure
If the charging LED on your Jamstik is green, (indicating the battery is fully charged) but it does not power on unless it's plugged in via USB cable, you may need to reset the battery level.
To reset the battery level, remove the USB cable from the guitar, open the backplate on the guitar, and remove and re-install the battery.
Then, close the guitar back up and plug it into a standard USB wall charger. This will reset the battery percentage level and allow the battery to charge.
Once charged, make sure to use the Jamstik Control app for iOS or a Chrome browser on a desktop or laptop at play.jamstik.com to check for a firmware update, if an update is available you will be prompted to update, if not then your firmware is already up to date.
Not playing open notes on Jamstik MIDI Guitar?
Make sure to tune up to the set tuning, which is E standard by default. Any pitch below the tuning set in the device settings will be ignored to minimize latency.
Why isn't the Low E string triggering MIDI?
First, make sure the guitar is tuned to the tuning set in the devices settings menu (E standard by default) Any pitch below the tuning set in the device settings will be ignored to minimize latency.
Additionally, If the Jamstik is set to MPE mode while using a non-MPE compatible software or plug-in, it may seem as though the low E string isn't registering. It is actually still sending MIDI, just sending it on a different MIDI channel since the Jamstik Studio sends strings 1-6 on channels 2-7 while in MPE mode.
Switching to single or multi-channel MIDI mode will resolve this issue, also, ensure that the plug-in or 3rd party software is looking on the correct MIDI channels. For example, most 3rd party plug-ins default to MIDI channel 1. While some may utilize omni or all MIDI channels for multi-channel applications.
Why are MIDI notes showing on only one string?
Multiple channels are required for the fret display to sync up with what you are playing. If the Jamstik is set to Single channel MIDI mode it will only show up on one string in the Jamstik Creator or Jamstik Control fret display. Switch the MIDI mode to Multi-Channel in either the Jamstik Creator or Jamstik Control software in the device settings to resolve this issue.
If you are still having issues, confirm that you are in the right mode for the paired software and ensure the Jamstik is in tune (E standard by default)
Why is the audio buffering when using the Jamstik Studio in my DAW?
If you are using MPE mode in a non-MPE compatible software or plug-in then you may experience audio buffering, switch to single-channel or multi-channel MIDI mode to resolve this issue.
I'm hearing noise from the analog output when connected via USB.
You can use a USB noise isolator when connecting via USB and into an interface at the same time.
Note: We have used isolators from Geeekpi and DSD from Amazon with successful results.
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase anything through the Amazon link above, Jamstik may earn a commission in return.
Not able to update Firmware on play.jamstik.com?
First, use a Google Chrome or MIDI-Compatible browser and select "Allow" MIDI devices when prompted.
If you are still having connection issues and have multiple MIDI devices connected try disconnecting any other MIDI devices that could be conflicting with the Jamstik's connection to the Learning Portal site and refresh to try the connection again.
Note: If you are using a Windows device, close out of any other MIDI applications running in the background that could be causing a conflict with the connection to the Learning Portal site.
Bluetooth keeps disconnecting using Logic Pro
If you are experiencing Bluetooth dropouts while connected to Logic Pro, disabling "automatic installation" in the control surface setup will allow you to stay connected over Bluetooth while using Logic Pro.
On the top bar select "Logic Pro" > Control Surfaces > Setup > New > Then disable automatic installation.
Ensure that "Automatic Installation" is disabled by deselecting it (it is enabled by default).
Once disabled, you will be able to connect to Logic Pro over Bluetooth.
Additional Quick Tips:
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If using a third-party USB cable for connection, please ensure the USB cable is USB-C to USB-A and data-enabled. For example, a Mac USB-C charging cable will not transfer MIDI data. Here's an option from Amazon we've tested for compatibility. The Jamstik MIDI Guitars do not support USB-C to USB-C cables.
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Wireless headphones & speakers cause a delay. Always use wired audio output from your connected device for the best playing experience.
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Lower the Buffer Rate in your DAW - Latency is one of the biggest barriers in getting MIDI devices to perform the way you want them to. Make sure that your device and software are set to the most responsive settings. You should also close any other software programs on your device that may be running in the background.
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The Jamstik is able to accept alternate tunings as low as C Standard tuning (C-F-A#-D#-G-C) just make sure to set the alternate tuning in the Creator software before tuning your guitar. Tuning below C Standard may degrade MIDI performance.
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The 3.5mm jack on your guitar is for TRS-MIDI messages only and will not output audio into speakers or headphones.
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: If you purchase anything through the Amazon link above, Jamstik may earn a commission in return.
Comments
4 comments
Hello. It would be helpful to provide some information on a properly calibrated JS Studio guitar to compare to. Otherwise it's difficult to know what would be optimal or at least something to help confirm you're doing the right thing, outside of the basic info provided. Right now, I have tried to use Jamstik Creator, calibrate tool, to have the string velocities be fairly even tempered (staying in the green zone, on average). However, another thought is that you'd want to be able to hit MIDI velocity 127, otherwise you won't be able to utilize various sound patches with full articulation.The videos on this page are so fast, they're not very helpful. I'm guessing the thought is that, customers can re-watch as many times as needed, but that falls short, because you want to be able to see (not to mention, would be nice to hear a narration) with more detail which isn't possible at the speed they're played at. Otherwise, you would need to export the vid to a utility or other player where it can be slowed down. My feedback here is to help you understand the customer's position (one whom is not an employee who's too close to the product to be properly objective). Would be great to have a video of someone showing how a properly calibrated Jamstik Studio looks like in Creator /calibration meter and what's optimal and other related tips to watch out for. -- That said, and for myself and other's alike, I've had Roland MIDI guitars back before the VS series and onward with models using the GK-2 pickup, but clearly your company describes the Jamstik Studio as revolutionary technology, so I can't assume from past experience with Roland, for sure on what should be done here. Best Regards.
Can't seem to get Creator to recognize the 12. Followed the instructions, in order, but the software still says "No Jamstik connected." Anybody have any ideas? 8/17 at 7:40pm CDT.
If you've been able to connect through Chrome successfully, then make sure close out any tabs in Chrome where you were using the Jamstik or it will conflict with Creator. Hope that helps
Hi ,
is there a way to send program changes through the midi output.
Is there a volume control for the midi output .
What does the 3 way toggle switch do ?
My intention would to plug this directly int o a Muse Receptor ,the problem for live performance is being able to change patches on the fly . I have been able to do this in using the switches on a GK pickup( or inbuilt in a Godin guitar) , routed through an Axon midi controller then midi out to Receptor.
It would good to be able to ditch the intermediary device .
Rick
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