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Average Price: $150

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$1501+

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Description

Discover the Chapman Stick, a revolutionary instrument that challenges the traditional boundaries of the electric guitar. Known for its extended range, the Chapman Stick combines elements of a guitar and a bass, allowing for unique two-handed tapping techniques that produce rich, polyphonic textures. This instrument is perfect for musicians who seek to explore new musical landscapes and expand their sonic repertoire. With its intuitive layout and versatile sound, the Chapman Stick offers an unparalleled playing experience, whether you're crafting intricate melodies or driving bass lines.

Equipped with 10 or 12 strings, the Chapman Stick provides a vast range of notes, making it an ideal choice for solo performers or as an addition to any ensemble. The dual truss rod system ensures precise neck adjustments, while the active pickup system delivers clear, dynamic sound across the frequency spectrum. Whether on stage or in the studio, the Chapman Stick is a powerful tool for musicians ready to push creative boundaries.

Key Features:

  • 10 or 12-string configurations for extended range
  • Dual truss rod system for enhanced neck stability
  • Two-handed tapping technique for versatile playing styles
  • Active pickup system for dynamic sound output
  • Suitable for both solo and ensemble performances
  • Intuitive layout for exploring new musical possibilities

Product specs

Brand Stick Enterprises
Model "Chapman" Stick
Finish Natural
Year 1974 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories 5- and 6-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Body Shape Non Cutaway
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 10-String
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What playing technique is used for the Chapman Stick?

The Chapman Stick is primarily played using a tapping technique, where both hands tap or fret the strings on the fretboard, allowing for simultaneous bass and melody lines.

How many strings does the Chapman Stick have?

The Chapman Stick typically features 10 strings, divided into two groups of five, enabling separate bass and melody playing.

Is the Chapman Stick suitable for beginners?

While the Chapman Stick offers unique musical possibilities, it may present a steep learning curve for beginners due to its unconventional playing style and tuning.

What type of pickups does the Chapman Stick use?

The Chapman Stick is equipped with passive pickups, which provide a natural and dynamic sound without the need for external power.

How does the Chapman Stick differ from a traditional electric guitar?

Unlike a traditional electric guitar, the Chapman Stick is designed for tapping rather than plucking, features a longer and wider fretboard, and accommodates both bass and melody playing simultaneously.

Robert Culbertson

Robert Culbertson

What Is A Chapman Stick?

Video thumbnail for What Is A Chapman Stick? by Robert Culbertson

What Is A Chapman Stick?

Robert Culbertson

Robert Culbertson

Video thumbnail for Introducing the Railboard™ - a radically new, lower-priced Chapman Stick by stickplayers

Introducing the Railboard™ - a radically new, lower-priced Chapman Stick

stickplayers

stickplayers

Reviews

PROS

  • Ergonomic design reduces strain, promoting a healthy playing posture

  • Unique earthy and organic tone distinguishes it from other instruments

  • Highly engaging playing experience, feels like an extension of the player

  • Strong and supportive community for learning and tuning advice

  • Ideal for expanding musical horizons and exploring new genres

  • Versatile for both live performances and personal practice

CONS

  • Steep learning curve, requires significant practice to master

  • Unconventional playing style may not suit all musicians

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Chapman Stick.

Build quality

  • Fixed bridge tailpiece can be challenging; older models, like the 1983 ironwood 10-string, have classic passive Stickup pickups.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Tuning variety is extensive; many owners recommend non-traditional tunings like both sides in 4ths for easier musical integration.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some prefer Warr Guitars for sound and construction; these are rare and often more expensive, with long wait times for custom builds.

    Source
  • The Chapman Stick's sound is often compared to smooth jazz, with clear yet sometimes perceived as "limp" tones, similar to a fretless bass for clean, clear notes.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Chapman Stick is likened to a piano in concept, focusing on tapping, which some find limits dynamic control compared to traditional guitars.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The instrument's aesthetic and playing style are likened to a harpist or piano player, offering a visual performance element distinct from traditional guitars.

    Source
  • It's been used effectively in metal and experimental genres, with players like Sean Malone of Cynic incorporating jazz influences for a tasteful sound.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners feel it integrates imperceptibly with other instruments, making it versatile in ensemble settings, as noted in Steven Wilson's and King Crimson's music.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Chapman Stick is considered challenging to play but intriguing enough for some musicians to consider investing in it before moving on to other instruments.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Stickin' It to the Man - Premier Guitar

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

Weird instrument

A funky weird and abnormal instrument which I pull out occasionally mostly for live encores .

Genres:
ben_liss

Ben Liss

Played heavily with the hamilbags

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jeff Beck uses Chapman Stick

Jeff Beck

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

jeff beck is with the chapman stick here

See how Robert Fripp uses Chapman Stick

Robert Fripp

Guitarist, Keyboardist

King Crimson

...
Verified via Guitarcraftguitars

Robert Fripp owns a Chapman Stick, acquired around 1987. This instrument, previously owned by John Glascock of Jethro Tull, was used by Trey Gunn to explore new musical directions. The information is detailed on the Guitarcraftguitars website under "Robert Fripp's Gear."

See how John Myung uses Chapman Stick

John Myung

Bassist

Dream Theater

...
Verified via YouTube

Clearly at locations like 1:12 and 1:22 you can see John holding and playing a Chapman Stick

See how Tony Levin uses Chapman Stick

Tony Levin

Bassist

King Crimson

...
Verified via Photo

Tony Levin can be seen playing a Chapman Grand Stick 12 String in this photo.

See how Allan Holdsworth uses Chapman Stick

Allan Holdsworth

Guitarist

Level 42

...
Verified via Steveadelson

"Emmett (Chapman) built me some custom Sticks that didn't have bass strings. There were two sets of strings, one tuned in 4ths and the other set in 5ths. It was like two guitars on one neck. He also loaned me a 3/4 size Stick that I wish I still had. I still own a regular size Stick with no bass strings. I like the instrument because of the string length. When yo do the tapping thing in the guitar the sound seems puny because the string is so short. I don't really play the Stick much anymore or acoustic guitar for that matter, after the Synthaxe entered the scene."

See how Trey Gunn uses Chapman Stick

Trey Gunn

Guitarist, Bassist

King Crimson

...
Unverified
See how Sean Malone uses Chapman Stick

Sean Malone

Bassist

Porcupine Tree

...
Verified via YouTube

As seen playing his Stick at Nearfest 2004.

See how John Balance uses Chapman Stick

John Balance

Singer, Guitarist

Coil

...
Verified via Photo

John Balance can be seen playing a Chapman Stick in a live photo included in the CD reissue of Transparent by Coil and Zos Kia.

According to several early articles, Balance played Chapman Stick on early Coil recordings.1 Balance also played it at least as late as 1997 in concert with Current 93.2

See how Alphonso Johnson uses Chapman Stick

Alphonso Johnson

Bassist, Composer

Weather Report

...
Verified via Globalbass

Stated in this interview :

Yes! I have a rack that holds all the electronics (Alesis M12 Mixer, ElectroVoice EV1000 Wireless, Roland G1-10 Midi Interface, Roland JV1010, DigiTech GSP2101 Processor, Alesis Midi-Verb and the AB Power Amplifier) and my two Epifani Speaker Cabinets, which reproduce the sound. I plug my instruments (Azola Upright Bass, Chapman Stick, Washburn Bass Guitar, and Modulus Bass) into the mixer then get a balance of tone and volume on each so no matter which one I pick up it's ready to go, and with the right sound. There are also times when I play locally and it's my basic club set-up with two Ampeg B-1 combo amps that run at 4 ohms in a stereo configuration using a Korg AX-30B pedal.

P

Peter Gifford

Bassist

Midnight Oil

...
Verified via YouTube

This item can be seen throughout the video, specifically at 1:27.

See how Bernard Paganotti uses Chapman Stick

Bernard Paganotti

Bassist

Magma

...
Verified via Photo

He can be seen and heard playing a Chapman Stick on this video starting at 00:43: https://youtu.be/mwrGnWgJ_pM?t=43

Album Usage

The Chapman Stick has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Chapman Stick, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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