Noob Question....

[bmwgsa]

Hi all,

I'm a Mountain Dulcimer and Hammered Dulcimer player, but I'm thinking about getting a tap-type guitar.

Is there a "beginners" model? Something that doesn't cost in the near $1000 area (I''s hate to drop that much just to find out that tap-guitaring isn't for me).

Maybe something in the $300-$500 range??

Thanks...

[GaryOpenhill]

try http://www.krappyguitars.com/touchstyle.html

Or get a used el-guitar (it's good enough for s. jordan) or a 8 string bass and set it up for tapping. I've seen many of those for a few 100 $ on ebay.

[K Rex]

Hi,

You may want to contact a guy named Kevin Siebold, who owns Krappy Guitars. He builds fine instruments (from what I hear) for the price, which I believe is around 750 clams. The instrument is finished within a month or so (I think). Also, RJ Goos might be able to provide a Tapladder for an economical price. The Tapladder looks cool, and sounds great. Don't know if they are available yet.

For that price, you should forget about the Stick and Warr.

Megatar also makes an affordably priced instrument, which might still be a bit more than your price range.

Kev

[rpmartino]

One thing to consider is that if you invest in a quality instrument, and discover it's not for you, you can easily make back what you paid (oftentimes make a profit actually) by selling it. Precision quality and excellent setup are important for a good tapping experience, so I think that's why "beginner" models aren't as feasible. But demand seems to be high for these, so it's safe to spend some money without fear of losing your investment.

[bmwgsa]

Thanks for all the responses.

So, let's say I head over to the local pawn shop and pick up a cheap electric (sounds like a good place to start) -

(1) What do I have to do to make it a tapper?
(2) Can I string it something like 3 bass and 3 guitar strings? (or just skip that)
(3) What are the gotcha's? (those wonderful things that make you go oops....)

Thanks again!!

[Tom Drinkwater]

I started on a $200 used ibanez 7 string. The best thing about regular guitars is that they use regular strings. Lots of variety. Plus if you get good you can walk into any guitar store, pull any guitar off the wall and make other guitarists feel like running home and locking themselves in the woodshed for a year. Check out Mathias Sorof, Adam Fulara (he played a single neck too), Chris Broderick and Carlos Vamos. After watching these guys I wonder why I bought a dedicated tapping instrument.
Check this out.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=0BvkKzkl7YY&feature=related

[bmwgsa]

Now you've done it, Tom.....

I have CC in hand and ready to go screaming to the local guitar store. Cheapie Electric, HERE I COME!

That video (and some of the others by him) are just amazing!!

[GaryOpenhill]

Head on over to Jordans site and read his article about setting up the guitar for tapping.

http://www.stanleyjordan.com/Technique/starting.html

[Nightmare Music]

i can't vouch for every krappy, but a friend of mine had one and though ugly, it played and sounded great for well under a thousand dollars