Hi folks, I'm considering purchasing a tapping instrument, but have never played one. I like the sound and the range. Is there anyone within an hour/hour and a half of the Boston area that would be willing to let me try out their instrument for an hour or so?

Greetings,

I plan to purchase a stick three years from now, currently I have an electric guitar and a small keyboard, is there any material I should put aside some time to study or other methods that would accelerate my learning when I get one?

Thanks

Edit: Spelling

I’ve recently been interested in the Chapman Stick after seeing Tony Levin use it with King Crimson and Liquid Tension Experiment. My main question is how does it hook up to an amp? Is it the same as any guitar and bass or is there a different way since I’ve seen people hook up two different amps for the low and high end strings respectfully. I apologize if I sound ignorant about the stick, I’ve never played or seen one in person.

Hello, Long time lurker who finally just got a tapping instrument. I found a Sonorus (Skeletone) 10 string tapping instrument for a good deal on Reverb. Wanted to get a feel for this type of instrument before going all in on a Chapman Railboard or something. I've played guitar and bass for 30 years, Piano for 15 and have a degree in music. What are your suggestions for a beginner? which tuning would you suggest to start with? I'm trying to look at this as a whole new instrument and not just "tappy guitar plus" what do you wish you had done when you first started playing Stick?

Hey y'all,

Just wanted to share my latest track for the Stick:
https://soundcloud.com/phenoxydisk/bartimaeus

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Hope you enjoy it!

I haven't seen it mentioned here, so in case you weren't already aware, Stick virtuoso Greg Howard passed away yesterday. Greg was a legendary player, instructor, mentor, advocate, and friend. His absence in this plane of existence leaves a huge hole.

Recently learned of this and really enjoying the YouTube videos. I'd love to see one in person. I'm near Sacramento, CA. I tried emailing the website but did not get any response. Appreciate it!

I have a background in violin, but I've had an interest in learning the Stick for a long time. I'm thinking of finally giving it a go, although I'm still unsure which model would be the best fit for me.

I've heard that the Railboard is lighter and cheaper, so possibly a better choice for beginners, but are there upsides to the regular Stick that make it more worthwhile? Is there a clear difference in timbre/ease of play between the two?

I'd appreciate opinions from people who already own either Stick or Railboard/know a bit more than me on the subject!

Hey friends,

I got my first Stick this past November. I've been tinkering and learning how to play it since and it's been so awesome. Just wanted to share this piece I just finished: https://soundcloud.com/phenoxydisk/silence

I hope you guys enjoy it!

Been wanting to get into chapman sticks but I have no idea where to find one and have zero idea how they are tuned.

I mainly play guitar, but love to look outside for new ideas. There’s a guitarist I’ve learned a lot from & recently saw a comment in one of his videos saying that what he was doing - “dribbling” - is something that’s well known in the stick world. So I figured I’d ask what you all have that you can share.

Thanks

I really want a chapman stick but I also want to try out something similar to it to make sure I like it before buying. Is there such a thing that is similar to a chapman stick but costs under 500$? An alternative would be a place I could go to try something similar to a chapman stick or try out the real thing.

Which is better and why?

Does anyone know where online to buy Warr Guitar Strings?

This instrument fascinates me and I really want one but I need some info on it.

1: I've only been playing guitar and bass for a year, will this instrument be hard to learn for my skill level.

2: What kind of music is it good for, I love prog rock bands such as Rush, Pink Floyd, and King Crimson. Tony Levin inspired me to think about getting one.

3: Is it expensive to maintain?

4: How do I learn to play it?

A response to each numbered question would be great, thanks!

The musician, inventor of the Free Hands two-handed tapping method and The Chapman Stick, and founder of Stick Enterprises, died at his home on Monday, November 1, after a long battle with cancer. The funeral will be held on Friday, November 12. Specific arrangements will be announced shortly.

Almost a year ago I put in an order for a railboard. You can actually still see my post, it's like the 7th post down (very slow subreddit here). I still haven't heard any word since I checked in with them around March or so.

I've heard from different people this past 6 months that orders are taking anywhere from 6-8 months up to 9-12 months. I was wondering if that was still the case? I'd feel kinda jipped if everyone says 9-12 months and it goes past the one year mark and I still don't hear anything.

If I had my stick with B0 in the middle, would I be able to reach B0 somehow or would I have to go up to C1 as the lowest note? I ask this because of it's nature as a tapping instrument. Am I going to be able to get the full range of the tuning or are the open notes not reachable?

I'm new to the stick but they fascinate me a lot. Hoping to get one for Christmas.

I've been playing music for a while, and ever since I got into 80s era King Crimson, Tony Levin's Chapman Stick has caught my eye and more importantly my ears.

I've looked into getting a Stick but I find that there are so many different types. Is there one that pops out to most people as a definitive (such as your Jazz bass or Precision bass for bassists)? Or even one that is better for beginners?

i’m looking for a (possibly) used railboard. if anyone could help me at all i will be happy. thanks!