- Jamstik MIDI Guitars (Standard, Deluxe, Core, Classic)
- Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar
- .strandberg* x Jamstik MIDI Guitar
How to Set String Height & MIDI Pickup for Best Performance (Standard, Deluxe, Core, Classic)
The ideal Jamstik string height is approximately 1-2mm from the MIDI pickup to the string.
If you notice that a majority of the strings appear to be higher than 3mm, try raising the MIDI pickup using the height adjustment screws (tighten to lower, loosen to raise) rather than adjusting each string individually.
Note: If you are experiencing missed open notes and fretted notes are being detected, make sure to tune your guitar to E standard before making any adjustments to the string height or the MIDI pickup.
When to adjust string height:
Missed notes and/or low velocities: String is too far away from the MIDI pickup; string needs to be lowered or MIDI pickup raised. (Note: missed notes could also be caused by the guitar being out of tune, so make sure to tune it up to E standard first).
High velocities and increased artifacts: String is too close to the MIDI pickup; string needs to be raised or MIDI pickup needs to be lowered.
Tools Needed:
Small Allen Key (Provided in Gig Bag)
1mm Guitar Pick (Provided in Gig Bag)
Calibrating The MIDI Pickup
1. Check Current Height Measure the distance between the middle two strings and pickup with the included 1mm pick laid flat.
2. Adjust MIDI Pickup Height (Global Adjustment) If all strings need an adjustment, you can adjust the MIDI pickup height itself using a small screwdriver on the pickup mounting screws.
3. Adjust Individual String Height (Saddle Adjustment) If specific strings need adjustment, use the provided Allen key to set the string saddle height to approximately a 1-2mm gap between the string and pickup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Loosen String Tension Using the tuning keys at the headstock, slightly loosen the tension on the string you intend to adjust. This prevents damage to the saddle screws and makes turning them easier.
2. Locate Saddle Height Screws On the bridge, each string sits on a "saddle." Each saddle has two small hex screws on top.
3. Adjust Height Using the provided Allen key, adjust the two screws to change the height of the saddle:
Turn Clockwise: Raises the string (moves it away from the pickup).
Turn Counter-Clockwise: Lowers the string (moves it closer to the pickup).
Tip: Ensure you turn both screws equally so the saddle stays level and parallel to the bridge plate.
4. Retune and Check Retune the string to pitch using the headstock tuners. Check the string-to-pickup height again using the 1mm guitar pick. The string should be approximately 1-2mm from the MIDI pickup.
How to Set String Height & MIDI Pickup for Best Performance (Jamstik Studio)
The ideal Jamstik string height is approximately 1-2mm from the MIDI pickup to the string.
If you notice that a majority of the strings appear to be higher than 3mm, try raising the MIDI pickup using a small flathead screwdriver (tighten to lower, loosen to raise) rather than adjust each string individually.
Note: If you are experiencing missed open notes and fretted notes are being detected, make sure to tune your guitar to E standard before making any adjustments to the string height or the MIDI pickup.
A few example signs of when it's warranted to adjust string height:
- Missed notes and or low velocities = String is too far away from the MIDI pickup; string needs to be lowered or MIDI pickup raised (note: missed notes could be caused by the guitar being out of tune so make sure to tune it up to E standard)
- High velocities and increased artifacts = String is too close to the MIDI pickup, string needs to be raised or MIDI pickup needs to be lowered
Tools Needed:
-Allen Key (Provided in Gig Bag)
-1mm Guitar Pick (Provided in Gig Bag)
Calibrating The MIDI Pickup
- Measure the distance between the string and pickup with the included 1mm pick laid flat as shown below
- Adjust each string as needed using the provided Allen key to set the string saddle height to approximately a 1-2mm gap between the string and pickup. Alternatively, if all strings need an adjustment you can adjust the MIDI pickup height by using a small flat-head screwdriver (tighten to lower, loosen to raise)
Video Instructions:
1. Loosen String Tension (using the tuning key)
2. Loosen the screw on the left as needed
3. Adjust the screw on the right until the string is at the desired height
4. Tighten the string and check the string to pickup height using the 1mm guitar pick, the string should be approx 1-2mm from the MIDI pickup.
How to Set String Height & MIDI Pickup for Best Performance (.strandberg* x Jamstik)
MIDI Pickup and String Height
For best MIDI performance there should be a gap of approximately 1-2mm between the center strings and the Hexaphonic MIDI pickup.
It may be best to adjust string height before adjusting the MIDI pickup height itself.
Visit .strandberg*'s support for when and how to adjust string height and other hardware adjustment issues.
Calibrating The MIDI Pickup
1. Check Current Height Measure the distance between the middle two strings and pickup with the included 1mm pick laid flat.
2. Adjust MIDI Pickup Height (Global Adjustment) If all strings need an adjustment, you can adjust the MIDI pickup height itself using a small screwdriver on the pickup mounting screws.
3. Adjust Individual String Height (Saddle Adjustment) If specific strings need adjustment, use the provided Allen key to set the string saddle height to approximately a 1-2mm gap between the string and pickup.
Calibration in the Jamstik Creator
In the calibration menu found on the top menu bar, you can tune your guitar as well as check the velocities of your MIDI data.
String Velocity
String velocity shows the MIDI velocity that is being sent from each input. You can use this to check your velocities for each playing style and it can also be a helpful tool for use while physically adjusting your guitar for best performance. Make sure your Device Settings are set to MPE Mode and Pitch Bend Send is active. When you play loudly, the notes should register in the red. When you play quietly, the notes should register at the bottom of the yellow. The "green" zone does not indicate anything specific for end users and is used for factory calibration with a mechanical strum tester.
NOTE: The sensitivity option in Device Settings does not change these velocities and instead affects the threshold for a note to be picked up by the Jamstik. If the sensitivity is too low, softer notes may not show up at all. If the sensitivity is high and you are seeing 2 new low and high velocities after picking a note, the Jamstik on high sensitivity is likely detecting "ghost notes" and you may need to lower the sensitivity.
If there are vast discrepancies in string velocities across strings when played with the same level of force, you may want to ensure that your string heights are not difference across the different strings.
Tuner
To tune your guitar, make sure your Device Settings are set to MPE Mode and Pitch Bend Send is active. Then strum your guitar and tune with the provided tuner visual feedback. The tuner for that string will show if you are flat or sharp, and approximately how many cents. For more information on tuning see our full article on tuning.
Comments
1 comment
The bounding box on each of the String Sensitivity controls is off. The box is actually mapped under the graphic sliders. Probably could use to be a larger bounding box in general, as it's difficult to grab them in the right place.
Article is closed for comments.