Looking into Tapping as a new Musical Journey

[Kirklandish]

Hi Everyone!

My name is James and I a new member of Tappistry. I am currently a drummer/ percussionist of 7 years. I am musically restless and I have always wanted to learn to play a melodic instrument, so I wanted to play Vibraphone or Marimba, but the price is out of my reach. Also they are not transportable at all, which is an important factor for me, b/c I am away from home often. I have been aware of touch-style instruments for years and have always enjoyed percussive string intruments.

I was looking at the Megatar or Chapman Stick as musical alternative to learning the keyboard or guitar. Like a keyboard or guitar I like the fact that you can get a full and complete sound with one instrument.

I was looking at the Megatar b/c of the good price. I was wondering which string configuration people feel is the best. Megatar comes with bass strings at the top or in the middle(like a Chapman Stick).

If you strum the strings do these instruments produce a good sound?

I was wondering since the majority of tap player are former guitarists or bass players, are these good instruments for learning the fundamentals of music theory. I know the fundamentals translate to any instrument, and I have a basic knowledge of melodic and harmonic theory. I have a good sense of rhythm and coordination between the hands, but I know there will a good learning curve in learning this particular instrument.

James

[Tom Drinkwater]

Welcom aboard Kirk!!!!
There is another instrument that you may be interested in.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=206698905

Take a look, it has a percussion pickup inside. Cool, huh?

[TheEclectic]

Hello,

Here is a link to a site that discusses tunings for tap instruments:

http://www.clicmusic.be/index.php?page=tunings-tg.php

I think that this site is a good way to to learn about the different approaches to playing.

As a guitar player, I have my Megatar tuned similar to the Bass Bottom tuning, but with both necks set to guitar intervals - a tuning which seems to be unique to me.

[Kirklandish]

Thank you for the input. I am deciding on whether I want the layout with the bass strings on top or in the middle. It seems like having the bass strings in the middle is more versatile, but it could just be preference.

Those Jacobson Touch Guitars are beautiful!

James:)

[Tom Drinkwater]

What kind of music are going to be playing?

[Kirklandish]

All kinds of music.....

I am influenced by melodic rock, indie rock, funk, fusion, classical music, jazz, progressive/art rock, classic rock, Middle Eastern music, Indian classical, and Indonesian Gamelan music.

So it is hard to say exactly what kind of music I will be playing b/c I like so many kinds music and this is a new territory for me.

I will probally end up playing melodic rock music influenced by Radiohead, Slint, King Crimson, Tool, Opeth, and U2.

[K Rex]

James,

Welcome to the forum. Do a great deal of research and shopping before you do anything... believe me, it pays. Each instrument has their pros and cons. Talk to the guys in the forum and they will most likely share their opinions with you. Some play more than one or two tappers, so they might be helpful in your decision-making process.

I play a Warr Phalanx, and used to play Stick. Both are fine instruments IMO, and each can make sounds that the other cannot.

I would suggest going for a used instrument... they are everywhere on Ebay, especially Sticks. Quality is high, and good ones are not hard to find. Warr is a bit more rare on ebay, but not uncommon. Megatar can ship a new one to you in a matter of a few days to a week, I hear. I've never played one, so I can't vouch for the quality, but a number of forum members here swear by them.

Jamsire keeps his Toneweaver in a golden safe atop an altar ;)

Kev

[arsacane]

Originally posted by K Rex
Jamsire keeps his Toneweaver in a golden safe atop an altar ;)


:D :D :D

I have the impression that he does the same with the majority of his instrument ;)

[rpmartino]

I think dedicated tapping instruments are ideal for applying theory, because unlike standard guitar or piano, tunings are generally uniform (all fourths, or 4ths and 5ths which are closely related), so all relative relationships are exactly the same in any key.... no having to learn different patterns based on what key you're in or string you're on. It think it makes it easier to apply universal kinds of concepts harmonically and melodically... I always cringe when I see books of guitar chords, which seems to be the opposite end of the spectrum (learning by brute force and memorization rather than concepts).

[Kirklandish]

I have been talking to Tracktor at Megatar. I am really impressed with his knowledge of the instrument and passion for it. He also answers all my questions from the obvious to the esoteric :) .

They also seem to be really high quality and the price is awesome for what you get. I like the fact that the whole instrument is tuned in fourths, which makes sense for easy learning.

There are some other options I am considering but I need to leave now and will throw more questions at you all later.


Thank you all for the input and I will talking to you soon.

:D

[jamsire]

Originally posted by arsacane
:D :D :D

I have the impression that he does the same with the majority of his instrument ;)

Well ok - I do.

But all of my babies are so sweet.

I will admit that I was rockin' the original Megatar Midi this past weekend. Super fun. And I was re-groovin' my Max Tapper as well.

But as of late I've been getting into my digital mixer - the Tascam 4800, so I can make some great recordings. All in good time.

You guys know me so well.:D

[Tom Drinkwater]

"They also seem to be really high quality and the price is awesome for what you get. I like the fact that the whole instrument is tuned in fourths, which makes sense for easy learning."


I have one of the early CNC'd neck through models from early 2007 or late 2006 and I really like it. The build quality is awesome. It is very solid feeling and easy playing. Living up here in Maine I have to adjust most of my instruments seasonally because we go from 2 or 3% relative humidity in the winter to 90% in the summer. The truss rods work perfectly everytime. The tone at least with the Bartolinis is fantastic. The finish is great. It looks cool. It has the Buzz Feiten intonation. The strap system is great. Now you can get custom finishes too if I'm not mistaken. There is no downside to buying a Megatar, they aren't a compromise in any way. Don't think of it as an alternative to a Stick or Warr. It's really it's own thing. It's like having two guitars on one neck. The bass bottom tuning is logical and works for a lot of people. You can always change later though if you want to.

I thought about buying an instrument for 2 years before I finally got the Megatar. Glad I did too because I got the neck thru model.