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As a recent thread that I started surrounding this bizarre instrument descended into chaos, I'm giving it another go here!
I am intrigued by this instrument, more as a curiosity than anything else, and while I appreciate that it seems to be disliked within this community, I'd still like to know if anyone has had any first-hand experience with one:
RE: The Chapman Stick - Discuss (nic... (in reply to fingerstyle)
I really like the chapman stick for its uniqueness. You can definitely hear the difference between it, a bass, and normal guitar. You can get some unique chord voicings and have the ability to play melody and lead lines at the same time. I grew up listening to bands like King Crimson make use of it. I've played one but it would take a little time to adapt coming from a guitar. It's usually tuned in mirrored 4th's or 5th's.
... one more thought. It's tough to play with nails on your picking hand since it is a tapping instrument. You're essentially using two fretting hands.
RE: The Chapman Stick - Discuss (nic... (in reply to fingerstyle)
Well since i am one of the ones responsible for taking your other thread into chaos :-) I did some investigating for you.... if no one here answers your query, here is a chapman stick forum : http://home.ease.lsoft.com/scripts/wa-HOME.exe?A0=STICKWIRE-L I am sure they can answer any question u might have about the instrument and playing it..
RE: The Chapman Stick - Discuss (nic... (in reply to fingerstyle)
I have a friend here whose been playing one for many years so have observed it...made a few sounds...but nothing further it is a well supported community throughout the world...almost a cult unto themselves ...:~)...festivals and forums etc... Andy does well with CD sales, itunes and some touring....he's playing everyday and still feeding his kids....a well respected local musician.. seem a large percentage of them are ex-bass guitar players...maybe it's the Levin connection... like any instrument it would be a total committment... seems like your looking for a new approach going by this and the last post
I like the music my friend creates on them....but it's more about the music and who they are than just the instrument itself...he has found his musical voice on the stick...he makes it a very expressive and diverse instrument...i think of it as 'his' sound... if thats the sound your going for.....go for it....now's the time...personally dont share the same fascination with them as a player....flamenco guitar is a different story...
Posts: 1872
Joined: Jul. 12 2004
From: San Francisco
RE: The Chapman Stick - Discuss (nic... (in reply to fingerstyle)
To me it's like what Stanley Jordan did but with more strings. Brilliant musician, but if you consider that if his music was played on a piano, few would care.
I'd rather play piano than the stick. Better tone to me, and much more you can do. I'm not in love with the sound of tapped notes compared to the plucked sound of the guitar. Maybe if the instrument can produce an amazing player who also can create a hit, the instrument will become more well known.
Posts: 1872
Joined: Jul. 12 2004
From: San Francisco
RE: The Chapman Stick - Discuss (nic... (in reply to El Kiko)
As I wrote, brilliant musician, but what I was trying to express is that if his music was played on a piano as opposed to with his groundbreaking two handed tapping technique, I don't think it would be nearly as interesting. That doesn't change just because he played a piano first or at the same time.
I'm sure he has a lot of fans who love his music, but perhaps even more of his fans are enamored of the way he produces it.
I think it's similiar with the stick-very interesting technique, but until someone creates compelling music with it, and it becomes popular, I think the instrument and the people playing it will be relegated to a cult like following at best.
quote:
ORIGINAL: El Kiko
quote:
music was played on a piano, few would care.
I once saw Stanley Jordan ( who is a piano player first ) play the piano and the guitar at the same time ..........now who cares ,,,,...........
RE: The Chapman Stick - Discuss (nic... (in reply to fingerstyle)
quote:
now we are even
Haha, okay Florian, I'll let you off!
Seriously guys, thanks for the info in your posts. This really is an active forum isn't it!
Also, thanks for moving to a more appropriate location on the boards. I promise I'll take my interest in the Chapman Stick along to the forums mentioned and not bother Foroflamenco with my bizarre curiosity around the instrument any more!
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