how do megatars compare?

[atdi 900]

there basic model is the cheapest by a few hundred bucs, is it worth it for the extra hundred bucs to get an adg or a stick? or is the standard megatar good enough? I don't like how it has those dinky little single coil pups, but what are you all's opinions?

[Godsmonkey]

The following are comments from someone who has researched, but never played a megatar, Warr or ADG (only the Chapman stick)


I think the megatar I a good value instrument. The sound clips I have heard show the instrument to have a nice voice, differrent from other instruments. Customer support seems good, the company is truly interested in making the customers happy.

When purchasing my first touch instrument the deciding factors came down to a combination of ergonomics, price, and resale value. The Megatar was the best price, offering 12 strings new for the price of a used stick. however, I feared resale would be lower, and harder to find a buyer should tapping not been for me. Ergomically I felt the string spacing may be too wide for my hands, so a ten string seemed more logical to me as well. Lastly, I preffer the look of the stick or the Warr to the Megatar.

The Warr is a beautiful instrument, but I didn't care for the traditional frets, the heavy weight, and especially the PRICE. Of the 3, the Warr was the first eliminated from my search.

The ADG seemed interesting. I could get a 10 string model, the price was good, but resale was a concern, and I just didn't like the look of it.

In the end, I chose a used Chapman Stick. IMO it offered the best option for me. Great sound, good ergonimics, expensive, even used, but hold resale value well. (just look at ebay, old ironwood models are going for $1,100 US) and it looks cool.

I guess the bottom line is you need to decide for yourself what your best option is. They all seem to have strong points and weak points, but if you make an informed decision, you won't go wrong.

[rjgoos]

Some sites of people who use the Megatar professionally:

Daniel Schell (www.clicmusic.be)
Myron Edwards (http://freespace.virgin.net/myron.edwards/)
Father (www.zyworld.com/father/artist.htm)
Rev Jones (www.geocities.com/revjonesmail/main.html)

There are also Megatar users on this board, a search of the archives of this forum would bring you to their comments pretty fast.


R. Jay Goos

[vsteele]

I have played a Megatar and a Stick. I am really impressed with the Megatar. It has excellent sound and playability for the money. Do not be deterred by the single coil pick-ups. Traktor goes to great lengths to place the pick-ups for optimal sound. I too wondered how good a single coil would sound on the bass side. My questions were answered as soon as I plugged it into my amp. I play a double bass setup and found that both bass tunings are full with a slight mid-range pop. There is a slight difference in the tonality between the two string sets because the pick-ups are positioned differently. This is easily adjustable with the tone controls if it bothers you.

The biggest difference is the Feiten tuning system. All the notes on both string arrangements are perfectly in tune. I never knew that there was a difference until I played this instrument. You really can tell a difference when you play!!

You could upgrade to the other pick-ups if you think the bass will be too flat but I would at least try the single coils first. I bet the single coils will sound awesome on the melody strings.

The only other suggestion I would have is to get the Megatar in uncrossed tuning if you are coming from another instrument. I have the bad habit of playing the instrument slightly angled which restricts my reach on the top strings (the neck is pretty wide). If you are used to a tap instrument and play it upright, you will not have a problem.

I hope that this has been helpful. If you are limited by budget, I would go for the Megatar. I personally have not regretted my decision for one second.

V

p.s. I never played a Warr or an ADG so someone may want to pipe in on the subject.

[atdi 900]

Originally posted by vsteele
I have played a Megatar and a Stick. I am really impressed with the Megatar. It has excellent sound and playability for the money. Do not be deterred by the single coil pick-ups. Traktor goes to great lengths to place the pick-ups for optimal sound. I too wondered how good a single coil would sound on the bass side. My questions were answered as soon as I plugged it into my amp. I play a double bass setup and found that both bass tunings are full with a slight mid-range pop. There is a slight difference in the tonality between the two string sets because the pick-ups are positioned differently. This is easily adjustable with the tone controls if it bothers you.

The biggest difference is the Feiten tuning system. All the notes on both string arrangements are perfectly in tune. I never knew that there was a difference until I played this instrument. You really can tell a difference when you play!!

You could upgrade to the other pick-ups if you think the bass will be too flat but I would at least try the single coils first. I bet the single coils will sound awesome on the melody strings.

The only other suggestion I would have is to get the Megatar in uncrossed tuning if you are coming from another instrument. I have the bad habit of playing the instrument slightly angled which restricts my reach on the top strings (the neck is pretty wide). If you are used to a tap instrument and play it upright, you will not have a problem.

I hope that this has been helpful. If you are limited by budget, I would go for the Megatar. I personally have not regretted my decision for one second.

V

p.s. I never played a Warr or an ADG so someone may want to pipe in on the subject.


wow, that was a really helpfull response, thanks to all of you for your responses, i think when I gather up the cash ill get a megatar.

[rjgoos]

Personally, I think that the question of tuning is a hundred times more important than equipment. Figure out which TUNING best fits your musical goals, and your equipment decisions become less confusing. I think Daniel Schell's writings on this are the best:

http://www.clicmusic.be/tunings-tg.html

I think Daniel Schell really outlines the pluses and minuses associated with the various tunings pretty well.

For example, I like to play traditional folk melodies on the right hand, and accompanyment on the left. The 4ths/5ths arrangement of my Stick works perfectly for that, and for doing accompanyment while my wife plays her classical guitar. Others really like a 4ths/4ths arrangement for sight reading, or to take more advantage of a prior guitar background.

But all of that said, you really need to know that...it's ALL good. Whether you tap a regular guitar, Stick, ADG, Warr, Box, Solene, or Megatar, you need to keep one thing in perspective...it's ALL a lot of fun.


R. Jay Goos


(I thought the "low end" Megatar comes with twin-blade humbuckers, not single coils)

[vsteele]

I had another thought after my post. Before you buy a Megatar you might give Traktor a call. He really helped me decide how best to outfit my instrument.

Just a suggestion.

V

[atdi 900]

Originally posted by vsteele
I had another thought after my post. Before you buy a Megatar you might give Traktor a call. He really helped me decide how best to outfit my instrument.

Just a suggestion.

V

thanks for the advice. I'll probably do that if I can't find one used once I have the money