Advice on tapping instrument choice?

[TOPHONE]

Hi,
I just found this site and I think this forum is great!

I'd like some advice from experienced players on what to pursue as a tapping instrument. In my area there are no places to try out/look at any of the top competitors like Stick, Warr, and Mega.

A little history on me:

I'm a recording engineer/producer/musician.
22 years piano.
14 years bass.

I've played many other instruments at various times and durations including percussion, woodwinds, and strings. I'm looking to branch out and the tapping instrument is the way to go for me. I'd most likely get a 10 string version (unless you think otherwise) and MIDI the instrument to other electronics/computers.

At this point I'm leaning toward a Chapman Stick but I'd like impressions of other players/instruments abound.


Help?

Peace,
Toph

[rjgoos]

Glad you joined in. We are a "non-denominational" group here. I think that players of every brand of dedicated tap instrument, as well as those who tap regular instruments, are represented.

The purchase of a used Stick is a common way to start. If you don't like tapping, you can probably sell the instrument for about what you paid for it. Unfortunately, the price of used instruments has increased significantly over the past year or so, so the price savings over a new instrument isn't as large as it used to be.

I think that the choice of tuning is perhaps as important, if not more important, than the instrument. Coming from a folk guitar background, I find the 4ths/5ths of the Stick to be good for what I do, which is play melodies along with simple bass chord arpeggios and other accompanyment. Having played the bass for 14 years, you might want to consider an instrument with the bass strings in 4ths, since this is what you are familiar with, an instrument in 4ths might suit you better, I don't know. Obviously, if you have been reading music with a 4ths instrument, sticking with 4ths would have its advantages.

Perhaps others will pitch in. As far as I know, all of the major manufacturers have enthusiastic players of their instruments, so perhaps the most important thing is just to start.

Jay

[TOPHONE]

Thanks rjgoos for your opinion!.

I was hoping more people would have responded! I'll ask a few more questions in a moment.

I already know I'm going to like tapping so most likely I will have an instrument built new. Like I said before...a stick is the top of the list but I really like the look and style of the warr guitar. As for tuning, I think the matched reciprocal will be a semi-easy adjustment.

Now, more questions:

1. Wood body or graphite body? Is graphite as resonant as wood and how is the sustain?

2. Ergonomics of instrument and or strap/position? Wrist position is very important to me...I'm all for max comfort while playing!

3. MIDI tracking/reliability? Which of the top 3 manufacturers is the best for MIDI pickups for each string/note?


Thanks....
Toph

[rjgoos]

Wood or graphite? My Stick is rosewood, and is very stable. I can ignore it for a week, pick it up to play, and it is still in tune, so I think wood is fine. I've never tried graphite (actually, I live in the boondocks, so the only tap instrument I've ever touched is my own).

Ergonomics? My hands are pretty small, and I had some ergonomic problem at the start (wrist pain), but now I play seated, and things are better. I fashioned a lap bar, which works great. I don't use the neck strap with it. I think I tap too hard, and I do get some joint pain in my fingers from impact if I play too much. MIDI? I'm the wrong guy to ask.


Jay

[Antonio]

Hi Tophone,

As far as the Graphite question goes. I play a Vigier Passion guitar and I like the sound of the graphite neck very much; however, there are drawbacks. Many people argue that the sound is colder and more steely, and I would concur with that statement. You are correct in thinking that graphite is more stable, as the neck on my guitar never moves or has to be adjusted even in damp or cold climates, but many people don't like the more metallic quality. It is a matter of choice I think. I also think that wood has more of what most people would call a "resonant quality," as many people find graphite to lack sonorous overtones. Well, best of luck making your decision.