New Mobius Megatar Factory is Underway!

[traktor]

Recently, we purchased property for the purpose of building a new and larger factory for the construction of Mobius Megatar instruments.

Our existing shop — the Secret Megatar Laboratory — has just become too small, and we need more space.

This last week, building has begun. Here are some photos –

(1) The site before construction:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/1-newshopgoeshere-400px.jpg


(2) The new shop will go here:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/2-sitebeforebeginning-400px.jpg


(3) Digging the foundation:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/3-diggingfoundation-400px.jpg


(4) Patrick - Shop Foreman

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/4-patrick-shopforeman-400px.jpg


(5) Glenn - Job Foreman

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/5-glenn-jobforeman-400px.jpg


(6) Concrete forms and reinforcing steel:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/6-concreteformsandsteel-400px.jpg


(7) Pouring concrete:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/7-pouringconcrete-400px.jpg


(8) Smoothing the foundation:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/8-smoothingfoundation-400px.jpg


(9) Up Goes the Front Door!

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/9-upgoesthefrontdoor-400px.jpg


All this in just the last few days. I’m plumb tickled!

[More to come. Stay tuned.]

[jamsire]

Congrats!

Amazing accomplishment.

Amazing.

[GaryOpenhill]

Nice, traktor. You really know how to get things happening. And those builders are FAST.

[Tom Drinkwater]

I am happy for all of you at Megatar!!!! :D

[traktor]

Thanks for your kind words.

The guys have the four walls up, and squared. It was kind of fun to walk in the front door, and then walk around the office and the shop, walking around all the machines. Of course, I can only see the machines in my mind. Stop, Traktor! That way madness lies!

OK, I'm better now. And now nothing happens until next weekend, when the roof trusses arrive, apparently on a truck with some kind of crane. I'm quite curious to see how they place the roof trusses into place. This is probably old hat for some of you, but I've never watched it being done before.

More photos as they emerge.

[SteveA]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by traktor
[B]Thanks for your kind words.

I'm quite curious to see how they place the roof trusses into place.



And I assume for the shingles you'll be using Mega Tar?

Rufus Overhead

[rjgoos]

Originally posted by SteveA

And I assume for the shingles you'll be using Mega Tar?




The shingles no doubt carried to the roof employing a Tapladder.

You can all groan now...

[traktor]

Dear Friends,

If only we had never decided to build a new Mobius Factory, you would never have had to hear these puns from Jake Ooze, and from See Vadelsin (on the FBI's most-wanted list for puns against humanity).

I deeply apologize. You were all innocent, innocent, and do not deserve such treatment.

In other news, the roof trusses are up and the roof has been nailed down. The crew were up there yesterday just tapping away.

[Jersey Ray]

Traktor, good luck with your new shop. I look forward to seeing it in person someday

Ray

[SteveA]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by traktor
[B]Dear Friends,

(on the FBI's most-wanted list for puns against humanity).


What about the guy who posted 10 puns hoping to make the moderator laugh. No pun in ten did.

[traktor]

Originally posted by SteveA
What about the guy who posted 10 puns hoping to make the moderator laugh. No pun in ten did. It's just a mystery.

I don't know how he does it.

Call the FBI. I know where he is.

[traktor]

This last week, construction has moved forward.

Now we’ve got walls, trusses, eaves, a roof, shingles, and the beginning of siding going up. Here are some photos –

(1) The spray booth will go here:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/21-spraybooth-400px.jpg

(2) The loading dock goes here:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/22-loadingdock-400px.jpg

(3) The office door goes here:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/23-officedoor-400px.jpg

(4) Roof trusses have been delivered atop the walls:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/24-rooftrussesdelivered-400px.jpg

(5) Upsy-Daisy! Up we go!

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/25-upwego-400px.jpg

(6) Roof trusses all installed:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/26-rooftrussesinstalled-400px.jpg

(7) Glenn and Jess building the eaves:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/27-buildingeaves-400px.jpg

(8) Jess and Glenn laying the roof:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/28-layingtheroof-400px.jpg

(9) By golly! We have a roof!

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/29-gottoroof-400px.jpg

(10) Jess Senior and Tom adjust a thing-gummy:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/30-jesssrandtom-400px.jpg

( ... continued next post ... )

[traktor]

( ... photos continued ... )

(11) The trusses and roof all done:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/31-trussesandroof-400px.jpg

(12) It’s cool under the roof:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/32-coolundertheroof-400px.jpg

(13) Time for a break!

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/33-breaktime-400px.jpg


(14) Jess and his truck. I would kill for this truck. But I wouldn’t take on Jess.

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/34-jessjuniorandtruck-400px.jpg

(15) The roof all covered with shingles. And that truck.

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/35-roofshingling-400px.jpg

(16) Shingles and beginning the siding:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/36-shinglesandsiding-400px.jpg

(17) The loading dock:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/37-loadingbay-400px.jpg

We’re now awaiting the delivery of our windows, which has been delayed slightly. After the windows are installed, the rest of the siding can go up. A scattering of doors, and Bongo-Mongo! we have the basics of a building.

Stay tuned. More to follow.

[PhoBucket]

It's ashame you couldn't find somewhere with a view (see picture 16:rolleyes: ) Is that Mt. Shasta? Mt. Fanta? Congrats on the shop.

[traktor]

Yes, that is scenic Mount Shasta volcano.

It's still an active volcano, and I figure that if it blows, we will get a good view.

However, the stats are that during the last 10,000 years, it has erupted on average once every 800 years.

Of course, during the last 3,500 years the volcano has erupted about once every 300 years. The most recent eruption is believed to have occurred in 1786.

So I figure we're good till 2086. Then we'll need a new factory.

Let's see ... how many Megatars can we ship before 2086?

Hmmm.

[rjgoos]

Traktor wrote:

> Let's see ... how many Megatars can we ship before 2086?


Given the size of that loading dock, quite a few.

Congratulations on the new instrument design and new factory!!

[PhoBucket]

How's the shop coming? Have the jacuzzi and wet bar been installed yet?

[traktor]

As I mentioned, the delivery of the windows was delayed for a few days. However, as of yesterday, the windows were installed, and three walls had siding up.

Today I suspect the siding will be finished, and most likely this weekend -- when the work crew is larger -- the doors, and maybe the big door for the loading dock, and they'll be putting trim around all the windows and doors.

I'll try to snag more photos over the weekend.

Thanks for asking.

[traktor]

The windows were installed, so now the walls can go up --

(1) Wrapping Tyvek all around (keeps out the wet):

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/31-wrappingtyvek-400px.jpg

(2) Up goes the siding:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/32-upgoessiding-400px.jpg

(3) Jess trimming and caulking:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/33-jesstrimmingandcaulking-400px.jpg

(4) Trim around windows! Trim around doors!

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/34-trimarounddoorsandwindows-400px.jpg

(5) The back windows:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/35-thebackside-400px.jpg

(6) The view out the back windows:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/36-viewoutthewindow-400px.jpg

(7) Awaiting the big door, and watching out for cats:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/37-watchingoutforcats-400px.jpg

The big door is scheduled for installation in about a week, and the electrical panel is going in soon. Then a visit from the Building Inspector. He's just a fine fellow!

Stay tuned. More to follow.

[traktor]

The roof and walls are done, so now we make it functional --

(1) The Loading Dock door, from outside:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/41-loadingdock-outside-400px.jpg

(2) And from inside:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/42-loadingdock-inside-400px.jpg

(3) Finding the pipes:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/43-searchingforpipes-400px.jpg

(4) Pipes around the corner!

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/44-aroundthecorner-400px.jpg

(5) Bernadette will help!

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/45-bernadette-400px.jpg

(6) Pipes marching toward the shop:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/46-andtotheshop-400px.jpg

(7) Glenn's little shovel:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/47-glennlittleshovel-400px.jpg

(8) Glenn's big shovel:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/48-glennbigshovel-400px.jpg

(9) The artist at work:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/49-artistatwork-400px.jpg

It's fun watching Glenn finesse that big yellow fellow around!

Next week: Electricity.

Stay tuned. More to follow.

[traktor]

The Painting Team has arrived --

(1) Glenn and Jesse on the job:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/51-thesprayteam-400px.jpg

(2) Jesse paints low:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/52-jesssprayslow-400px.jpg

(3) Jesse paints high:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/53-jesssprayshigh-400px.jpg

(4) Ann paints the trim:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/54-annpaintstrim-400px.jpg

(5) Pretty in the front:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/55-paintedinfront-400px.jpg

(6) Pretty at the back:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/56-paintedinback-400px.jpg

(7) Pretty big loading dock:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/57-paintedloadingdock-400px.jpg

(8) Here comes power!

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/58-powercomingin-400px.jpg

(9) Mongo-big new panel:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/59-mongopowerpanel-400px.jpg

(10) Old soldier, cast aside:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/60-oldsoldier-400px.jpg

The outside nears completion.

The inside comes next.

And, soon, Megatars come rolling out!

Stay tuned. More to follow.

[traktor]

The walls have been begging for attention, and so ...

(1) Insulation guys check the work order:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/61-insulationguys-400px.jpg

(2) Insulation installation ... all tidy!

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/62-alltidy-400px.jpg

(3) Shiny stuff to keep the roof real cool, man:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/63-shinyroofinsulation-400px.jpg
(4) Whoah! Mongo insulation!

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/64-mongoinsulation-400px.jpg

(5) Walls covered, Jesse Senior and Bob put stuff away:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/65-sheathingcrew-400px.jpg

(6) A toast to the new walls:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/66-toastingthesheathing-400px.jpg

(7) And watching out for cats:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/67-watchingforcats-400px.jpg

It begins to resemble a shop.

Stay tuned. More to follow.

[traktor]

(These photos from October 20, 2007)

We've been wanting more walls, and so ...

(1) Creating the Computer-Cutting Room:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/71-computercuttingroom-400px.jpg

(2) The Communications Office, down there at the far end ...

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/72-officebeyond-400px.jpg

(3) Glenn and Jesse measure twice, cut once:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/73-measureandfasten-400px.jpg

(4) The Big Room -- Where the Megatars get built.

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/74-thebigroom-400px.jpg

(5) Peeking into the Communications Office from the Big Room:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/75-peekintooffice-400px.jpg

(6) Jesse builds a Spray Booth ...

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/76-buildingspraybooth-400px.jpg

(7) Jesse measuring and cutting:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/77-measureandcut-400px.jpg

(8) and still ... watching out for cats:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/78-watchoutforcats-400px.jpg

It's got rooms now, so painting them will be next.

Stay tuned. More to follow.

[traktor]

Although there is a blizzard outside, we've got the walls complete, and painted.

Now it's time to start putting Megatar-Building stuff in the shop ...

(1) The Big Room -- Where Megatars will get built:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/81-thebigroom-400px.jpg

(2) Beginning to set things up -- the Shipping Station:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/82-begintosetup-400px.jpg

(3) Spray Booth, with Exhaust Filters:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/83-sprayboothfilters-400px.jpg

(4) The Computer Cutting Room -- It's Alive!

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/84-thecncroom-400px.jpg

(5) Computer-Cutting Machine #1:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/85-windowintocncroom-400px.jpg

(6) Megatars emerge from the wood ...

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/86-megsinprogress-400px.jpg

(7) Mission Control (the Communications Office):

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/87-missioncontrol-400px.jpg

The Communications Office is functional, computers and network online.

The spray booth is tested and working, and giving us better finishes than ever before, and we've been able to use an environmentally-friendly finish with less toxic fumes (for us and for you!).

The first computer-cutting machine is installed and making new Megatars already.

We've got lots of work yet to do installing more lighting, building more shelving, and tweaking the workspace. But first ...

Next week, tons of tools and parts and assembly benches show up.

Stay tuned. More to follow.

[jamsire]

AWESOME!!!

[traktor]

We're back in full production, faster and better than ever before!

Finally the big move day came, and we were ready to box up and move all the assembly stations, all the parts, all the shop tools, and supplies and the hundreds of jigs and special devices that go to make Mobius Megatar instruments, so you can make music!

(1) The Big (empty) Assembly Room -- before move-in day:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/901-emptyshop-400px.jpg

... and after moving in ...

(2) The fretboard tools, where we cut fretboards to precise size before they get assembled onto the instruments:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/902-fretboardtools-400px.jpg


(3) After computer-cutting machine #1 (Bobby) has cut the fretboards, he cuts out the 3D neck, and then cuts out the instruments. Just like paper dolls, only much, much louder!

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/903-robotcutsoutmegs-400px.jpg


(4) The pickups-array jig tools, where we make the pickguards to be loaded with pickups, electronics, active circuit preamps, piezo and midi circuit boards, tone/volume knobs, and stereo outjacks ...

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/904-pickguardtools-400px.jpg


(5) The sanding station, where sanding and rasping prepare the cut-out Megatars for the finishing booth:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/905-sandingstation-400px.jpg


(6) The finish station, where we mix our finishes and sand the instruments between coats ...

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/906-finishstation-400px.jpg


(7) Parts Store A, where we keep about a third of the small parts that go into the making of a Mobius Megatar instrument ...

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/907-partsstorea-400px.jpg

[ ... CONTINUED NEXT POST ...]

[traktor]

[ ... CONTINUED FROM LAST POST ...]

(8) The assembly table, with new-cut instrument far right, and instruments nearing completion with finish and frets and pickups on the left:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/908-assemblytable-400px.jpg


(9) The 'Almost Ready' stock of completed and boxed instrument bodies ready for fast assembly into the custom instrument of your specification:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/909-almostready-400px.jpg


(10) The shipping station, with two Megatars boxed (on right) and ready for shipping around the world:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/910-shippingmegsready-400px.jpg


(11) Patrick (shop foreman) working on a fretboard ...

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/911-patrickprepsfretboard-400px.jpg


(12) Traktor testing the Feiten Intonation System on an instrument that's ready to ship out:

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/912-traktorfeitens-400px.jpg


(14) Shop dog Charlie, who will watch out for cats ...

http://megatar.com/megablog/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/914-shopdogcharlie-400px.jpg

We're just delighted with the new shop. Triple the space, and more work stations, to keep the jobs flowing smoothly.

While the computer-cutting machinery was disassembled for moving, we upgraded the electronics, to get even greater precision than before (though your eye will not see it), and faster production as well!

Now that we have our own spray booth on premises, we're getting better finishes than ever before, and it eliminates the production delay of sending instruments out.

We still need more shelving for parts storage and more lighting, but all essential functions are reconstructed, and working better than ever before, to deliver Megatar instruments faster and better (and prettier) than ever before.

Everybody wins.

We like it. Even shop dog Charlie (and shop dog Daisy) like the new digs. And we think you'll enjoy your new Mobius Megatar instrument, made better and delivered to your door more quickly than ever before.

Our voyage is complete. Thanks for coming along with us.

-- Traktor Topaz, US Manager for Mobius Megatar

[rjgoos]

Originally posted by traktor
...to deliver Megatar instruments faster and better (and prettier) than ever before.

Everybody wins.



Jim Wright said at the Baltimore Seminar, "The best Warr Guitars that have ever been made, are being made now." It seems apparent to me that the same claim could, with abundant justification, be made for the Chapman Stick and Mobius Megatar.

Indeed. Everybody wins.

[K Rex]

Impressive indeed, Traktor.

I am playing an old graphite Stick which doesn't hold up to other tappers out there. The new Sticks are really nice, though. I like the half-fretless NS... killer. I'd like to try an NS.

I also believe Jim's assessment of Warr's increasing quality. My only regret is that I wasn't able to buy a new Phalanx, having to "settle" for a used one instead. Must... have... more... laminates...

I think this is all highly reflective of tapping instruments emerging from their old "novelty" status into mainstream validation.

Hooray for all the manufacturers, and hooray for me (I play the Phalanx, the Rolls Royce of tappers... even used...)

Kev

[PhoBucket]

Go Traktor Go! Thanks for the tour of the new shop. Do Charlie and Daisy where ear protection? It looks like the IntonationStation will make a LapTapper out of Traktor yet.

[dhrupad77]

very cool thread.

[tapmeister]

Originally posted by K Rex
Impressive indeed, Traktor.

I am playing an old graphite Stick which doesn't hold up to other tappers out there. The new Sticks are really nice, though. I like the half-fretless NS... killer. I'd like to try an NS.

I also believe Jim's assessment of Warr's increasing quality. My only regret is that I wasn't able to buy a new Phalanx, having to "settle" for a used one instead. Must... have... more... laminates...

I think this is all highly reflective of tapping instruments emerging from their old "novelty" status into mainstream validation.

Hooray for all the manufacturers, and hooray for me (I play the Phalanx, the Rolls Royce of tappers... even used...)

Kev
I'd like to let this slide but...having played for many years on a polycarbonate (not graphite) Stick (made several CDs on one and played a few hundred gigs), I must say it was a great instrument, and in my opinion played better than any non-Stick tapping instrument I've tried since (not that I've tried them all, I haven't), but I've never had one in my hands that was as easy to play as my old poly was.

Cides still plays a poly.

If everyone's instruments are getting better, that's a good thing. Certainly with all the adjustable hardware (bridge: height since 1975, fully-intonatable since '91, nut: since '82, truss: since '89) it's easier to keep a Stick in good setup than on instruments without those features. I've played several reconditioned Sticks, even ones without all the latest adjustable hardware, that played every bit as well as my new bamboo Grand does.

Not trying to be argumentative, and it's just my opinion, and I'm sure there are many of you here who have a contrary opinion, etc, etc...

but Kevin, you don't live that far away, why don't you get your butt in your car and come up here for a lesson sometime? I'll check out the setup on your Stick in the process.

Maybe this will even interest you:

http://www.stick.com/articles/ericsstickretrofit/

Happy Tapping,
greg
http://www.myspace.com/gregplaysthestick
http://www.youtube.com/gregplaysthestick

[K Rex]

Greg,

I think you're probably correct, and you've played FAR more Sticks than I have played so you would know... I've heard that the new Sticks don't sound like the early ones. I think the instrument is begging for a proper setup.

If my stepson chooses to attend UVA in the fall (it's looking that way) I'll be in C'ville fairly regularly... perhaps we could meet then? I'd love a lesson. You could test-drive my Phalanx, too.

Kev

[Padauk]

Originally posted by tapmeister
I'd like to let this slide but...having played for many years on a polycarbonate (not graphite) Stick (made several CDs on one and played a few hundred gigs), I must say it was a great instrument, and in my opinion played better than any non-Stick tapping instrument I've tried since (not that I've tried them all, I haven't), but I've never had one in my hands that was as easy to play as my old poly was.

Cides still plays a poly.

If everyone's instruments are getting better, that's a good thing. Certainly with all the adjustable hardware (bridge: height since 1975, fully-intonatable since '91, nut: since '82, truss: since '89) it's easier to keep a Stick in good setup than on instruments without those features. I've played several reconditioned Sticks, even ones without all the latest adjustable hardware, that played every bit as well as my new bamboo Grand does.

Not trying to be argumentative, and it's just my opinion, and I'm sure there are many of you here who have a contrary opinion, etc, etc...

but Kevin, you don't live that far away, why don't you get your butt in your car and come up here for a lesson sometime? I'll check out the setup on your Stick in the process.

Maybe this will even interest you:

http://www.stick.com/articles/ericsstickretrofit/

Happy Tapping,
greg
http://www.myspace.com/gregplaysthestick
http://www.youtube.com/gregplaysthestick

Leave it to Greg to try to steer the attention away from Traktor and bring the Stick into it.
If you'd like to let it slide, LET IT SLIDE, and save the sales pitch. This is Traktor's thread.

[tapmeister]

Originally posted by K Rex
Greg,

I think you're probably correct, and you've played FAR more Sticks than I have played so you would know... I've heard that the new Sticks don't sound like the early ones. I think the instrument is begging for a proper setup.

If my stepson chooses to attend UVA in the fall (it's looking that way) I'll be in C'ville fairly regularly... perhaps we could meet then? I'd love a lesson. You could test-drive my Phalanx, too.

Kev
That would be cool Kev.
I'd love to have a chance to check both instruments out.

As far as the sound of old vs. new sticks goes, the pickup is still the main determining factor, but other things like frets, string gauges and construction do have an influence.

U. Va.'s a great school. If your stepson's so inclined, he can even study the Stick for academic credit with yours truly. Does he play an instrument?

Thanks also for your open-minded response to my post.

Now back to your regularly scheduled love fest...

Happy Tapping,
greg
http://www.youtube.com/gregplaysthestick
http://www.myspace.com/gregplaysthestick

[arsacane]

Originally posted by Padauk
Leave it to Greg to try to steer the attention away from Traktor and bring the Stick into it.
If you'd like to let it slide, LET IT SLIDE, and save the sales pitch. This is Traktor's thread.

We were having a nice and constructive chat here.
After several nasty threads, things have settled down, please leave it like this.
Regarding to the 'thread hijack'; if Traktor feels that it is case, I'm sure that he would let Greg know and settle the problem privately.
If you have a personal problem with Greg or any other member I believe that you should handle it via 'pm'.

Regards, Daniel.

[K Rex]

Paduak,

With respect, I don't believe the thread was hijacked... I made a response to RJgoos' assertion that the quality of all instruments was improving and made a comparison between older model Sticks and newer ones, and Greg merely expanded on that comparison. This is not a deviation from the thread, although it is tangential as most threads tend to be after a while.

And hell, if I made instruments for a living I'd probably use this forum to drum up business just as Traktor, Greg and Kevin (Krappy) have all done. Nothing wrong with it at all. In fact, I appreciate the bulletins posted by Traktor just as I appreciate the various event announcements and brand links posted by Greg Howard. Keeps me up-to-date, don't you see...

Greg, my son is a guitarist with (so far) no interest in the Stick. I will definitely send him your way when he arrives, though... at least to watch one of your gigs. He loves the Stick (and tappers in general) but hasn't expressed any interest in playing one. Maybe that could change, I don't know... Does UVA have a large music department?

Hell, I'm a full-time student... I wish I could study Stick for credit in my area. I'd never do anything else!!

Kev