Jamstik
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Jamstik™ is a brand of portable, app-connected (MIDI) guitars made by Zivix, a music technology company based in Minneapolis, MN. The guitars are designed in Minneapolis and manufactured by a contract manufacturer based in South Dakota, United States.[1][2][3][4][5]
Media coverage & awards
[edit]One of the earliest public media demonstrations of the Jamstik was in January 2013 on the TechCrunch stage at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas.[6]
Although it was not released until 2014, Jamstik was recognized by Popular Science as one of the most innovative inventions of 2013.[7]
The original Jamstik received a "Best In Show" award from the North American Music Merchants (NAMM) trade show in 2014.[8]
Product variations
[edit]Jamstik (Original WiFi edition)
The original Jamstik was launched in 2014 on Indiegogo,[9] raising over $175,000 from nearly 850 supporters. It connects to an iPad, iPhone, or Mac via WiFi and is primarily used through its compatible apps, Jamstik and JamTutor, although it is also compatible with other music apps like GarageBand, Animoog. The device features 6 strings, 5 frets, weighs 1 lb 9 oz, and includes infrared transmitters that sense the player's finger positions on the fretboard. This feature helps players determine if they are playing the correct notes. Jamstik comes with three free mobile apps, including JamTutor, an instructional app designed to teach the basics of guitar through arcade-like games and challenges.
Jamstik+ (Bluetooth version)
In 2015, Zivix raised over $813,000 on Kickstarter to fund the second generation of the Jamstik, known as the "Jamstik+". This model became the second most successful crowdfunding campaign from Minnesota. The Jamstik+ introduced several upgrades, including Bluetooth LE MIDI support (replacing WiFi), hammer-on/pull-off support, and the ability to connect multiple devices to the same iPad or laptop.[10]
Jamstik 7
In May 2018, Zivix launched the third-generation "Jamstik 7" on Indiegogo.[11]To celebrate the success of its crowdfunding campaign, Zivix announced that it would donate 2% of the total funds raised during the campaign to The NAMM Foundation's Bill Collings Memorial Fund, which supports education for students and guitar teachers. Additionally, Zivix committed to donating 1% of future retail sales from the new products as an ongoing contribution to support the Foundation.[12]
References
[edit]- ^ Grayson, Katharine (19 August 2014). "Apple to sell digital guitar from Minneapolis startup Zivix". Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- ^ Biggs, John (29 September 2014). "For Those About To Rock The Jamstik, We Salute You". techcrunch.com. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- ^ Lai, Richard (11 January 2013). "Jamstik portable MIDI guitar lets you play and learn on the iPad wirelessly". engadget.com. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- ^ St. Anthony, Neil (7 September 2014). "Inventor, investor ready to groove on JamStik guitar". Star Tribune. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- ^ Alexander, Steve (21 June 2014). "With the JamStik, you can make your own iPad music". Star Tribune. Retrieved 18 November 2014.
- ^ Zivix Jamstik MIDI Guitar Demo at CES 2013. techcrunch.
- ^ Schupak, Amanda. "2013 Invention Awards: Digital AX". Popular Science.
- ^ "Zivix's jamstik Wins "Best In Show" From National Association for Musical Merchants (NAMM)".
- ^ "JamStik - Real Strings, Real Frets. Turn your iPad into a Real Instrument". Indiegogo. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ^ "Kickstarter.com".
- ^ "Music Tech Innovator Zivix's Latest Crowdfunding Campaign Generates Over $500K". Twin Cities Business. Retrieved 2018-07-25.
- ^ "Zivix Surpasses Indiegogo Funding Goal for New Jamstiks, Announces New Charitable Partnership with The NAMM Foundation". prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2018-07-24.