Chapman Stick
Many people have never seen a Stick played, but once you get to know the nuances, you can pick one out easily by ear (though some fretless guitars and basses sound similar, and, ironically, most Sticks are fretted!).
Stick sounds: Sticks, as i said can be fretted (rods or rails) , unfretted, OR half and half, either the melody or bass fretlees while the other is fretted-though usually the bass side is the unfretted one for obvious reasons. Sticks also can be modified with MIDI-you can imagine the possibilities. . . . . .
"Chapman Stick Demo 2" Greg Howard video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=KHq-eAk-qrQ
New Sticks: A new non-midi Stick from Emmett will run: 10 string base model-$1900 with a wait of 6-8 months depending on mods, here is the link to SE: http://www.stick.com/prices/
Used Sticks: Used buying tips/resources
- eBay (i bought my 2 here-caveat emptor)- i have tips to buying used - http://www.stickist.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewforum&f=4&sid=976f0c72aef255135cf613a272357ef5 - craigslist.org - stick.com
1. Sticks come in 8, 10, and 12 string models--don't be overwhelmed by the number of strings, if you know your fingering, you just continue the scale pattern across http://stick.com/instruments/
3. there is a collaboration with Ned Steinberger for the NS Stick and NS Cello. http://www.stick.com/instruments/ns/ also of interest is the NS Cello http://www.nedsteinberger.com/files/celloinstr.html
4. strings are light, med, heavy gauge, to change gauges, you will obviously have to make some adjustments. Emmett partnered with D'Addario to make custom Stick strings--note, i have used long bass/guitar strings on mine, but the custom strings from SE work best (NOTE: i restring both of mine, one string at a time with patience, no need to have a pro setup if you know what you are doing) http://stick.com/accessories/strings/ Setup: http://www.stickist.com/modules.php?set_albumName=setup&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php
5. Used pricing: generally, you will pay between 800 to 1800 for a used 8-10 string Stick with an average price of 1200 - http://www.stickist.com/index.php?name=PNphpBB2&file=viewforum&f=4-eBay.com - http://www.craigslist.org - http://www.stick.com (refurbed beautifully)
6. wood Sticks have truss rods, polycarbs do not
7. wood has a warmer sound
8. wood, generally, is lighter than poly
9. depending on the year of manufacture, you can have different accessories, ask the seller what the mods/upgrades are before purchasing-you will also want to check with Stick Enterprises about what upgrades are possible for your model number if you are seeking a specific config http://stick.com/instruments/
10. ask the seller how many owners, and approximate playing time, as well as climate history
11. early model hard cases have foam denegration, it's no biggie, you just cut and fit new foam
12. many sellers will post 'RARE, UNIQUE, ONE OF A KIND" don't be fooled, the Stick is not a common instrument, but few are actually rare
13. if you are short/short waisted, you will want a Stick with an adjustable belt hook, or a model that will allow this mod--note to make it easier on your back if you play often, get a weight belt, it offers more back support as well as raising the 12th fret to your elbow height where, generally, it should be
14. wood models will need fretwork on occasion, don't shy away from a well-used but well loved Stick, SE refurbishes them beautifully
15. generally, you want to send your new purchase to SE for a tune-up once every few years depending on your play time
16. read the posting boards, talk to other Stickists, PLAY the instrument before you buy it/one, most sellers have become disillusioned with it after a relatively short amount of time, the Stick takes work and perserverence and PATIENCE. . . . .2 hands working independently/dependently is HARD. . . . . .you need to relax and you'll get it eventually. . . .you won't be Tony Levin in 2 weeks!!!. . . ..you just gotta love it in order to get past the learning curve--i am still a novice, btw
17. when you find a Stick you want to buy, send SE an email with the serial number and construction and someone will send you back the specs on mfgr year applicable mods, etc--VERY USEFUL, only trust the seller as far as you can throw them, many have no clue
ADDED INTEREST: CHapman Stick: AcouStick, gorgeous acoustic version!! http://www.stick.com/videoscds/culbertson.html
OTHER TOUCHSTYLE INSTRUMENTS: WARR: beautiful instrument-second only to Stick http://www.warrguitars.com/ Megatar: http://www.megatar.com/english/ Solene: http://home.flash.net/~solene/ Box Guitar http://www.bme.com.au/ Bunker Guitar http://www.bunker-guitars.com/touch.html Bear Guitars http://www.geocities.com/bearguitars/ Klein http://interjazz.com/scottstenten/ Doolin http://www.doolinguitars.com/custom.html Novax-related http://www.novaxguitars.com/ Starr-related http://www.starrlabs.com/
STICK RESOURCES: http://www.stick.com http://stick.com/links/ http://www.stickist.com http://www.tappistry.org/ http://www.nsstickist.com/ http://www.cafepress.com/stickwire/ http://lists.squnqwerx.net/mailman/listinfo/stickwire http://stickist.textamerica.com/
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