Getting into tapping

[Kindofblue]

Hi new guy here.
I'm thinking of getting into touch-instruments after playing guitar for many years. So i'm thinking how do the Mobius megatar and the Chapman Stick differ from eachother? As the Stick is a tad more expensive(+taxes you have to pay in Finland) than the Megatar,do i get good for my money.

[rockola]

Hi Kindofblue, welcome to Tappistry.Org.

Depending on your point of view, the two instruments are quite similar, or quite different.

Similarities: playing technique (two-handed tapping), playing position (upright), scale (34" - I'm assuming the Megatar has a 34" scale, couldn't find this info on their website), tuning (melody 4ths, bass inverted 5ths, crossed, although of course both instruments can be tuned any way you like), stereo output, ...

Differences: pickups, body shape (Stick: none, Megatar: funky angular shape), strap system (Stick: belthook/neck strap, Megatar: Slider strap or belthook), string alignment (Stick: straight, Megatar: fanned), number of strings (Stick: 10 or 12, Megatar: always 12), construction (Stick: neck-through, Megatar: bolt-on), neck shape (Stick: beveled, Megatar: rounded), ...

You'd have to pay the same taxes (22% VAT + ~5% customs fee) for both instruments. Ask around, there are some 2nd hand Sticks available from time to time in Finland. To my knowledge there are no Megatars in the country. 2nd hand Sticks tend to be quite expensive, which is both a curse and a blessing, in that you'll have to pay quite a lot for one, but on the other hand you can also get rid of the instrument for a good price if you so desire. I've no idea about the 2nd hand Megatar market and resale value.

I haven't owned a Megatar, but I've played a couple different models on my yearly pilgrimages to Belgium. I played a Stick for six years. Both are fine instruments, and it's not possible for me to say which one you would like better. They feel quite different on you owing to the different construction philosophies, but if you can play one, you can also play the other.

May I also remind you of the other tap guitar choices out there: Warr, Austin Douglas (my current choice), Box (haven't played them, but from what I hear they're fine instruments), Bunker, ...

[Kindofblue]

Thanks for the info, Rockola.
I had been watching some other makers, namely Warr, but their instruments are way too expensive. Austin Douglas seems to make cool instruments for a reasonable price.
But I don't want to get ahead of things since i hoping to get a new instrument as a Matriculation exam present:cool:.

[Jersey Ray]

As a first instrument I would recommend without hesitiation the ADG - best for it's combination of value, tone, and feel. I think it is the most comfortable of them all to play, and I have played just about everything that's out there.

ADG forever!