Introducing the Strum Fix Plus 4!
Feedback has been tremendous, thank you so much to everyone!
Update 1/17 - SFP4 is now available on our store!
I’ve been getting questions about the new Strum Fix Plus 4 so I thought I’d share some information about new Strum Fix Plus 4, with the light-up strum bar.
When will it be available?
The Strum Fix Plus 4 will go on sale starting January 17th. Initial quantities will be limited, so I’m setting up a backorder system and way to get a notification when more are in stock.
Production Status
Over the last few weeks we’ve sent pre-production units out to testers to get collect feedback and so far it’s been very positive. This has been the most challenging mechanical design I’ve ever done. Luckily I’ve been able to take advantage of everything I’ve learned about CAD design and 3D printing (both FDM and SLA) over the last few years to make something that’s fairly easy to manufacture and is reliable. I could write a bunch more words about it, but I think pictures will be better, so here they are!
Photos, CAD Renderings
Photo of strum fix plus 4
CAD Rendering of the STrum Fix Plus 4 - in real life, the strum bar is translucent (clear).
Exploded view of the Strum Fix Plus 4, showing most of the parts (screws have been omitted).
Design Notes
There are 4 switches — 2 are used for the strummer, the other two are for activating the LEDs. One LED lights up when you strum down, the other on an up strum. Both LEDs are bright RED.
Having 4 switches really improves the feel of the strummer — it has a light, fast action, but with 4 switches it also quickly returns to center when released without “over strumming”.
The travel is a bit longer than the SFP2, but shorter than the SFP3.
There are two coin cell batteries for powering the LEDs so that it doesn’t have to draw power from the guitar. (There are provisions on the circuit board to connect the LEDs to the guitar’s batteries should you want to, but that requires some soldering).
Battery Replacement
The batteries can be replaced by loosening two screws and removing the strum bar — you don’t need to open up the guitar. How long the batteries last really depends on how much you play and your playing style, but should typically be a few months worth of play time.
The batteries are a common type of coin cell (SR44) that is readily available.
Installation
The Strum Fix Plus 4 uses the same installation procedure as previous Strum Fix Pluses.
Pricing
The price hasn’t been finalized yet, but I expect it to be under $40. It does take a bit longer to put these together, so more labor is required but I’m working on ways to streamline the production before I set the final price.