Support

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does the gTar work with the iPhone 5? What about future models?

  Yes, the gTar is fully compatible with iPhone 5. The dock in the gTar is a modular piece that can be easily removed and replaced with different inserts to support different phones, including future models. Due to shortages of Lightning components, the gTar currently ships with a 30-pin dock. Sign up for our e-mail list to be the first to find out when the Lightning compatible dock is shipping (Anticipated 2014).

• When will there be Android compatibility?

  The gTar is a class-compliant USB-MIDI device, so it's compatible with any compatible hardware that supports USB-MIDI, including many Android devices. However, the Android audio environment doesn't yet fully support the performance demands of real-time audio applications for the gTar. We're working on it and hope to have a solution available soon.

• What is a SmartPick?

  The SmartPick is a conductive pick that plugs into the gTar and acts as a sort of stylus. It bypasses the smart sensors in the strings, giving you an even faster, more responsive control over your playing. The SmartPick also has a built-in accelerometer that can eventually be used to control effects like vibrato and pitch bends.

• Can I plug it into an amp, headphones, or computer speakers?

  Yes; the gTar has a 1/4" line output that can plug into nearly any audio source. The gTar also comes with a 1/8" headphone adapter.

• Do I need to tune the strings?

  The gTar's strings are not intended to resonant, so tuning them is not necessary. However, we recommend tensioning the strings roughly to standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e) in order to keep the smart sensors functioning optimally.

• Will there be a left-handed version of the gTar?

  When we initially launched, we had intended to offer a left-handed model immediately; however, building a left-handed version of the gTar proved to be more complicated than we initially thought, requiring a complete redesign of the electronics and assembly process. While we look forward to offering a left-handed model in the future, we are not able to offer one at this time.

• Will there be other instruments?

  We're a small team trying to focus our efforts on one thing at a time; however, the gTar software and content platform is instrument-agnostic, making it possible to add other instruments into the same ecosystem. We are actively looking into offering other instruments with the same high standards of hardware design and accessibility. If you'd like to be the first to find out about new product developments, please sign up for our mailing list!

• What about a bass gTar?

  While the gTar's hardware technology could be applied to a bass guitar, we are still limited by the resources of a small startup and are not building a bass at this time. However, the gTar in its current state can be used to play bass sounds over USB-MIDI. The first four strings have the same intonation as a four-string bass, they're just raised an octave. To get the same result with your favorite VST, you can either tune the oscillators down an octave or use a simple pitch-shifter to change the input of the gTar to fit the exact intonation of a bass guitar.

• Can I try the gTar in person before I buy it?

  We don't have a brick-and-mortar location for you to try the gTar yet, but we're working on it. In the meantime, check us out at events like Maker Faire, TechCrunch Disrupt, and many others. Tune into our Facebook and Twitter feeds to hear about this stuff first!

Can't find the answer to your question or report a bug? and we'll do our best to help!