Preferred body style

[dcrosby]

Hi folks, I was wondering if there were any opinions on the best body style for a touchstyle instrument. The first tapper I saw was a Chapman Stick. The lack of a body seemed to make a lot of sense because the instrument is held vertically. There is no need for the traditional curve of a guitar body because it doesn't rest on the players leg. Plus the minimal design should cut down on the weight. To me, the Stick and the Megatar "bodies" indicate that this is a new, and modern instrument. The body styles emphasize the vertical nature of the instrument and work better visually.

A lot of people like the Box or Warr style though, and I wonder if I'm missing something. Especially since I've yet to actually play one. I've seen some people play sitting with their Warr guitar resting on their leg. It's held at an angle between the Stick and a traditional guitar. Is that ergonomic? They seem to be a bit hunched over that way. The instrument body also seems like it would be more cumbersome if you were standing up. Does the body help or hinder the balance in specific ways? On the other hand does the Stick tend to rotate at all, without a body to keep it face forward? Is it playable at all without a strap?

Just a few questions and observations.
Peace

[HylerTouchstyle]

Both our Model II (bodyless) and our new AltoBass (bodied) are intended to be played the same way. Even though they physically appear to be very different, the concept is still the same, a strap connecting the heel of the headstock and the body of the instrument pull the instrument into the player at an angle with the headstock on the left side of the player (or right if they order a left handed instrument) and the middle of the base or body at the center of the player near their waist.

Of course it's all just a matter of preference, I feel the 'mostly vertical, yet slightly angled off to the side' keeps the traditional touchstyle position while also keeping the physical aspects of the instrument simple.

[dcrosby]

So from the players perspective the extra weight and size doesn't make much difference?

[rjgoos]

So from the players perspective the extra weight and size doesn't make much difference?

I play in a band with a bunch of accordion players. My Megatar is probably half as heavy as the lightest accordion in the band.

I like the body design of the ADG and Megatar in that the strap buttons can be used to attach a lap bar (I almost always play seated).

http://tappistry.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2277

But yeah, for playing standing, weight would be more of an issue. Slider-type straps help.

[Noobie]

A lot of people like the Box or Warr style though, and I wonder if I'm missing something.

I've known a few Warr players in the past, and I recall some of them using the Warr guitar for both touchstyle and standard playing. I don't know specifically about the Box players.

From my own perspective, I use an Agile Intrepid Pro 8-string guitar and an ESP LTD FM-408 eight string guitar for tapping and for normal playing. I wouldn't be able to play straight ahead funk rhythm guitar if the guitar was held vertically like an unbodied Stick, or to pop and slap like on a normal bass guitar.

It's possible you're seeing the legacy of guitar playing also, in terms of it being natural to hold a guitar-shaped instrument in a particular way....

[lactose]

Since I mostly play while sitting, I need the body or lap bar to help me out a little. Or I supposed you could make a stand.

[dcrosby]

@ rjgoos
That's some good info. I hadn't thought about using a lap bar. I'd certainly want the option of playing comfortably while seated. I'm not familiar with ADG instruments though, I'll have to look them up.

@Noobie
I.LIKE.TO.FUNK. But I guess I'd have to tune like a standard guitar and I'm looking forward to trying a consistant fourths or fifths tuning. That Agile 8-string sounds interesting. Looks like you can pick one up for a decent price too.

[Paul Edwards]

Hi,

I have a Warr and feel there is more sustain and better tone from the Warr compared to the Stick. That's why I switched years ago and have been happy with it.

Best,

Paul

[teknoman]

I am about 5 ft 6 inch,and sling around a Warr Phalanx.. I believe you grow into it,whatever instrument you desire to use.I chose the Warr after seeing Trey Gunn use it in King Crimson here in vegas in 2003. I,ll admit the weight was a first an issue,but isn,t that part of the excitement of learning a new instrument? The challenge?