With Jamstik a distant memory, Zivix has 2.0’ed there successful Kickstarter product with the new Jamstik+, improving on the design and technology. For those of you unfamiliar with the line, 
Jamstik and Jamstik+ is a smart guitar, or more accurately, a MIDI controller in the shape of a short-necked, portable guitar complete with frets and strings. By itself, Jamstik is soundless, but when you add an iOS device or Mac, as well as the Jamstik apps and software,you can start to produce musical magic.
Jamstik+ Design
The primary difference with the new Jamstik+ is a hexaphonic magnetic pickup, something the company says gives the strings a more natural feel, and delivers a higher-resolution signal compared to the original’s piezo setup. The second important modification is the move from WiFi to an easier-to-set-up Bluetooth 4.0 wireless connectivity platform, (there’s also a USB connection for connecting and charging). Zivix says this makes Jamstik the first guitar controller to be compatible with apps that support Apple’s Bluetooth LE MIDI implementation.
Setup and Use
Once the Jamstik+ is setup, the free “Jam Tutor” app contains a series of interactive lessons that walk users through everything from chords to freestyle. There’s also a teaching game, somewhat similar to Guitar Hero. If you already know how to play, Jamstik+ makes it easy to play MIDI synths and apps in a way you’re already familiar with, as well as controlling virtual instruments in full-fat music-production software like Logic.
If you’re a beginner, Jamstik+ will have you playing some familiar chords in minutes. We’re not saying that Jamstik+ is easier to play than a regular guitar. It’s not, but the tutorials, lessons and app-based tools will get you to where you want to be much quicker than traditional lessons and experimental strumming due to it’s interactive and fun-based apps and software. Jam Tutor is the half the magic behind the Jamstik+ package.
The strings on the Jamstik feel relatively authentic to the real thing. Additionally, you can loosen or tighten them to alter the sound, and while the Jamstik+ has a short neck, you still have available the full range of notes, and the buttons on the side shift the fret board throughout the scales.
Bottom Line and Where to Buy
With several improvements, including Bluetooth, latency reduction and the addition of the hexaphonic magnetic pickup, Jamstik+ is well worth the upgrade, and it’s portability is a key benefit. The Jamstik+ is hands-down a blast, and you can buy it for $299.99 here.
