Last Updated on February 17, 2024 by Chris
Jamstik guitars are MIDI guitars made by a company called Zivix. Are there any left handed Jamstik guitars available?
Yes!! At the time of writing, there are two left handed Jamstik guitars available.
Manson Guitar Works has its MA EVO MIDI guitar, which features an on-board touchpad for controlling MIDI effects. The Zivix Jamstik MIDI guitars all feature full MIDI capabilities, allowing you to track MIDI using an instrument you’re familiar with!
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Update: Zivix has added three new Jamstik guitar models to their range of MIDI guitars, one of which is available in a left handed option!
Check out the left handed Jamstik guitars here, or read on for more info.
Table of Contents
Who is Zivix?
Zivix is a Minneapolis, Minnesota startup. In 2013, the company raised over $178,000 via a successful Indigogo campaign to fund its portable digital guitar project; Jamstik.
By 2015, Zivix headed to Kickstarter to update the Jamstik, raising over $813,000 to fund the Jamstik+.
2016 saw the company introduce AirJamz, a Bluetooth guitar pick that allows its user to create music while playing air guitar!
In 2018, another Indiegogo campaign raised over $655,000 to refine its Jamstik even further, launching the Jamstik 7, and the planned Jamstik 12, which was unfortunately shelved, but later evolved to a full-sized Jamstik MIDI guitar.
The new Jamstik Studio MIDI guitar was unveiled at the 2020 NAMM show.
Since then Zivix has continued to develop new MIDI guitars.
What Do I Think of Jamstik?
I first heard of Jamstik in 2020, but at the time, I had no interest in a MIDI controller, and no idea what I’d do with one. I still don’t need one, I don’t really do much recording, or play with synth sounds, so I’d say that unless you are specifically looking for a MIDI controller, then you may not really need this either.
I suppose if you’re reading this, however, then you at least have an interest in one!
Even though I don’t need a Jamstik, I do think they’re pretty cool and interesting, and you can definitely do a lot with them.
Different Types of Jamstik Guitars
There are four types of Jamstik guitars; the Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar, the Jamstik Classic MIDI Guitar, the Jamstik Standard MIDI Guitar and the Jamstik Deluxe MIDI Guitar.
Left Handed Jamstik Guitars
Please note: Where lefty guitar or bass images haven’t been provided on the official website, I’ve flipped the right handed image to show what the left handed version might look like.
Good news for left handed guitarists interested in the Jamstiks; two of the right handed Jamstik guitars are available to lefthanders! See below for more details.
Jamstik Classic MIDI Guitar – Lefty
The Jamstik Classic is a 22-fret electric guitar with advanced MIDI capabilities, thanks to its unique signal processing tech and algorithms; it’s an all-in-one solution for MIDI guitar performance.
Key features include an HSS pickup configuration, locking tuners, a 5-position toggle for pickup switching, two tone knobs, and one volume knob. It has a standard 1/4” output and offers various wired MIDI-out options like USB-C to USB-A cable, 3.5mm TRS-MIDI cable, and Bluetooth.
Check out Guitar World‘s review:
$999.99 MSRP, Made in the USA
Specs:
- STRINGS: 6
- WEIGHT: 7.6 lb / 3.45 kg
- BODY: Alder
- SCALE: 25.5” / 648 mm
- NECK: Bolt-On Roasted Maple
- PROFILE: C-Shape
- FINGERBOARD: Roasted Maple with black Dot inlays
- FINGERBOARD RADIUS: 14″ / 356 mm
- FRETS: 22
- NUT WIDTH: 1.65” /42 mm
- NECK PICKUP: KD Single Coil
- MIDDLE PICKUP: KD Single Coil
- BRIDGE PICKUP: KD Humbucker
- MIDI: Hex MIDI Pickup
- CONTROLS: 1x Volume, 2x Tone, 5-Position Toggle
- HARDWARE COLOR: Chrome
- TUNERS: Locking
- FINISH: Gloss – Onyx Black, Vintage Cream
- CONNECTIVITY: Bluetooth, USB-C for MIDI Out & Charging, 3.5mm TRS-MIDI Out Option
- IN THE BOX: Jamstik Creator Software (Mac/PC Download), Padded Gig Bag, USB C to A cable & adapter, 3.5mm TRS-MIDI cable, Strap Locks, Allen Keys, Manual, Pick
Check price/availability at:
Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar – Lefty
The left handed Jamstik Studio MIDI Guitar is both a regular electric guitar and a MIDI controller all in one handy package.
So you can use this just like a regular electric guitar, using its two humbuckers (with coil tap) and 3-way switch, plugged into your usual amplifiers, pedals, or interfaces using a standard 1/4″ output.
It can also be used as a MIDI controller, using its onboard Hex Pickup, so guitarists interested in producing digital music can use this for tracking or performing with MIDI instruments live or recording into your favorite MIDI-capable Digital Audio Workstation, without having to learn how to play piano/keys.
It was created to be a portable all-in-one performance and recording solution and comes bundled with the Jamstik Creator Plugin, a VST with more than 125 customizable presets and high-quality audio samples, including everything from pianos and synths to strings and bass sounds.
Note: there are no onboard sounds or effects.
Check out GuitarZero2Hero‘s demo:
$799.99 MSRP, Made in the USA
Specs:
- STRINGS: 6
- WEIGHT: 5.5lb / 2.5kg
- BODY: Mahogany
- SCALE: 25.5” / 648mm
- NECK: Bolt-On Maple
- PROFILE: C-Shape
- FINGERBOARD: Rosewood with Mother of Pearl Dot inlays
- FINGERBOARD RADIUS: 13.78″ / 350mm
- FRETS: 24
- NUT WIDTH: 1.57” / 40mm
- NECK PICKUP: LIGHTNING LH-N Humbucker
- BRIDGE PICKUP: LIGHTNING LH-B Humbucker
- CONTROLS: Volume Knob with Coil Tap, 3-Position Toggle
- HARDWARE COLOR: Black
- FINISH: Matte Black, Matte White, Matte Orange
- CONNECTIVITY: Bluetooth, USB-C for MIDI Out & Charging, 3.5mm TRS-MIDI Out Option
- IN THE BOX: Jamstik Creator Software (Mac/PC), Padded Gig Bag, USB C to A cable & adapter, 3.5mm TRS-MIDI cable, 1/4″ guitar cable, Strap Locks, Allen Keys, Manual, Pick
Check price/availability at:
Left Handed Jamstik Bass Guitars
At the time of writing, there are no left handed Jamstik bass guitars available. In fact, they don’t make right handed ones either.
Final Thoughts
I think it’s fantastic that Jamstik guitars available to lefthanders, even if there are only two different models!
If I had to complain, then I guess it’d be that lefties don’t get any of the other MIDI Guitars, as there are only 4 models total, so the disparity between left and right in this case is much less than with other companies.
If you’re in the market for a left handed MIDI guitar, then these could be for you!
What are your thoughts on the Jamstik guitars? Ever try one? Let us know in the comments below.
Photo credits: jamstik.com
I have been trying to get an answer from Jamstik and Zivix support and sales how to get a LEFT HANDED replacement PCB board for my guitar. Non one replies after many emails. I’m guessing you can’t get one and the company is afraid to say so? Why else no answer to 4 different email addresses and 10 emails over 2 weeks.? What I need is attached. Thank you
Hi Bob,
I filled in the online form to enquire about the pcb and got a reply.
This is what Zivix support wrote:
“It won’t work (right handed pcb). They are custom and very few were built. What was your original order number?”
I suggest you try again with the online support form, including your order number if you have one.
Otherwise I’m not sure what else you can do, other than checking the used market to see if there are any lefty Jamstik boards or guitars going cheap.
Hope you can get this resolved.
All the best,
Chris
I hope you can assist. I own a left handed Jamstik Studio Classic guitar and I need the PCB board. I’ve been trying for over 1 week to get an answer from jamtik and zivix support with about 6 emails and no reply from anyone. I have a Jamstik Studio Classic left handed, see image. I need this replacement board and I need to order it. How can I do that? The Jamstik website order page does not give a choice for the left handed board shown in image. You can only order a board for the right handed guitar. Thank you.
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your comment. I’m sure this situation is really frustrating for you, especially after reaching out to Jamstik / Zivix with no luck. I’ve also sent them a message through online support. I’ll let you know if I get a response.
I’m assuming the PCB in question is this one: https://jamstik.com/products/replacement-jamstik-pcb
As I don’t own a Jamstik, I can’t see what the board needed is like. Is it possible that the PCB for left handed and right handed Jamstik guitars are the same since they don’t list different options on their site? Have you looked inside your guitar and confirmed it’s different from the right handed version? Without a clear answer from Jamstik themselves, it’s difficult to say for sure.
Since you’re having trouble getting in touch with them directly, I’d suggest checking out the Jamstik Facebook Community: Jamstik Facebook Group. There may be some folks in there who might be able to help out or have some advice.
Hope this helps, and good luck getting your Jamstik sorted!
Cheers,
Chris