Frequently Asked Questions About Our Custom MIDI Controllers
I’m overwhelmed by the different models and options. Which Ztar is best?
Consider your budget as a starting point:
- The GoTar:This is your essential, budget-friendly option. It’s our smallest instrument with a simplified feature set and user interface, perfect for those just starting their journey or looking for simplicity without sacrificing quality. The compact size is travel-friendly and the weight is under two pounds.
- The Z6-DLX:Our flagship model is customize-able with a variety of onboard knobs, pads and other sensors, as well as an LED-lit fingerboard. If you’re seeking versatility and love experimenting with sound,or are working in a music-production environment this instrument is your perfect match.
These two examples cover the range of pricing, but there are other models with mid-range features and pricing. If you give us a call we can find the model that suits your needs at a price that suits your budget.
A few other helpful guidelines:
- Our Z6 series has a Strat-styled body.
- The Z7 is a compact Steinberger-like shape.
- The MiniZ is only as long as the fingerboard itself. Specially suited for tapping players.
Custom options are available. Want extra rotary knobs on a ZBASS? A ribbon controller on Z6? Contact us for more details.
Should I get a Ztar with strings or no strings?
It depends on your playing style and what you want to accomplish. This document further explains the benefits of each.
Do you do repairs should something go wrong in the future?
Yes. Repairs are rarely needed, but we are always available for repairs and upgrades. These instruments have proven to be remarkably durable with many instruments 20 years old and still playing well. If there are any problems we will take care of them to your complete satisfaction and sometimes a quick phone call or Zoom call can resolve the issue.
Is financing available?
Yes with an additional service charge. We are a small company and funded by our sales so we recommend that you finance using other means, and we can’t deliver the instrument until it’s fully paid.
Are there color options?
Is this made of plastic?
The Z6 series has a Maple body and Maple neck.
The Z7 series is a thick-walled polyurethane casting. Yes, plastic, but hefty, super-strong and durable. The neck is Maple.
The GoTar has a lightweight plastic shell and a Maple neck.
Is there latency on the string triggers?
Do Ztars use MIDI pickups like the Roland synth guitars or similar?
Not exactly. Ztars with strings do have a sensitive 6-position pickup and use a preamp that simply detects which strings are plucked and with what force. There is no pitch-to-MIDI conversion and no time is lost in such a process. Likewise, pressing a note on the fretboard is similar to pressing a note on a keyboard, giving you the best of guitar and keyboard technology combined–or even better because you have the option of playing multiple notes per string on a Ztar, which is impossible on guitar.
Do your instruments come with built-in sounds?
Do you offer left-handed Ztars?
We have the Z6 series available Left-handed, and the MiniZ can be fabricated as a Lefty. The diamond-shaped instruments (not shown here) are symmetrical and can serve as a Lefty. The GoTar shell can be 3D printed as a Lefty. All of these are available for a small upcharge.
Bear in mind that the Ztars can be programmed to any tuning, and left-handed tuning is a simple switch in the menu system on every right-handed Ztar.