Sold: 10 string 1991 Chapman Stick, £1200

TheBigDipper

 

I've realised I'm never going to learn to play this to my satisfaction - I've got enough work to do with playing guitar, and just don't put enough time into it. So...  

This is an oak Chapman Stick. It was made in April 1991 (according to Cambria at Stick Enterprises).

• 10 string instrument (5 bass & 5 melody) 
• 34 inch scale length
• passive “StickUp” stereo pickup with 2 volume controls (bass & melody)
• set up for Classic tuning with light gauge strings (supplied by Stick Enterprises)
• plays nicely and sounds great

As well as the instrument, also included in the sale is:

• The original hard case (which has the external wear and tear marks you’d expect for its age)
• The leather neck-strap (might be original but it’s in great condition)
• The stereo instrument cable (looks like it might be the original, but I can’t say for sure)
• Two Allen keys and a truss rod key for adjustments
• 1989 copy of”Free Hands” a tutorial book by Emmett Chapman, the inventor of the Stick
• “Stickology” by Steve Adelson, an instruction book with supporting DVD from a well-respected player and teacher
• Basic Free Hands Technique DVD by Greg Howard, possibly the most well-known player/teacher today

I’ve owned this instrument since 2012. You'd never be able to tell from my playing. It would be a great starter Stick for a new player who wants to get going and doesn’t want to pay the cost of a new one from California ($2,900 or so, plus customs and VAT charges) before deciding if it’s the instrument for you. Or a spare if you’ve already got one, obviously…  

Any questions, do ask. 

This is to collect in person, from Christchurch, Dorset. Subject to location, I might deliver for expenses. Message me to discuss it. Or tell me where I can get compensation cover for a musical instrument with a reliable courier company! It can be shipped in its case without fear of damage - it's the courier losing it that worries me. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mrvcjtnegeu955o/IMG_1337.JPG?raw=1

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BigMonka

I love hearing (not playing) these things, such a unique sound.
Interesting that you're in Christchurch as the only one I've ever heard in person was a guy that used to busk in Boscombe/Bournemouth probably 20years ago!

richh

Amazing things, probably too complicated for the likes of me, but... any interest in trades?

TheBigDipper

richh said:

Amazing things, probably too complicated for the likes of me, but... any interest in trades?

Sorry, no. I need cash for another (non musical) project. 

richh

Okay, thanks for confirming.  In any case, I look forward to your video demonstration of the beast

TheBigDipper

richh said:

Okay, thanks for confirming.  In any case, I look forward to your video demonstration of the beast

Remember to breath while you're waiting.... :-) 

TheBigDipper

Bump. 

TheBigDipper

Bump. 

TheBigDipper

Sold elsewhere...

Funkfingers

richh said:

probably too complicated for the likes of me

Nonsense. You just need to think differently in your approach compared to what you would do on guitar, bass guitar or piano.

I have the MIDI-equiped "The Grid" version. This makes it possible to escape from the plinky, Clavinet-like sound of the Stick's Melody strings by using them to trigger a Roland VG-99 or the MIDI synthesizer of your choice. 

My board ID should be a bit of a clue to the fact that I am a fan of Tony Levin. Like TLev, I do not play the Stick "properly". I often use both hands to produce a percussive bass register line. At other times, I have been known to attempt two-handed, widdly widdly tapping stunts on the Melody strings, triggering a high gain overdriven sound from the VG. There might be some sound clips of me making just such a racket on Soundcloud.

axisus

Fascinating instruments. Must dig mine out again.