Difference between revisions of "Chapman Stick"

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= Collector’s Provenance Certificate =
+
== Chapman Stick – Serial No. 545 ==
−
''Chapman Stick – Serial No. 545''
 
  
−
; '''Instrument Type:'''  
+
=== Instrument Overview ===
−
: Chapman Stick (Traditional 10-String)
+
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Attribute !! Details
 +
|-
 +
| '''Model''' || Traditional 10-String Chapman Stick
 +
|-
 +
| '''Serial Number''' || 545
 +
|-
 +
| '''Maker''' || Stick Enterprises, Los Angeles, California, USA
 +
|-
 +
| '''Production Date''' || February 1993
 +
|-
 +
| '''Wood''' || Dark Oak
 +
|-
 +
| '''Finish''' || Natural
 +
|-
 +
| '''Pickup System''' || Stickup (passive, era-correct)
 +
|-
 +
| '''Neck Adjustment''' || Back-mounted truss rod
 +
|-
 +
| '''Fingerboard System''' || Aluminum rails (mature version)
 +
|-
 +
| '''Logo/Branding''' || Touchboard™ label + "The Stick" headstock plate
 +
|-
 +
| '''Accessories''' || Original hard case, strap, setup tools
 +
|-
 +
| '''Condition''' || Mint vintage – no wear, mods, or refinishing
 +
|}
  
−
; '''Maker:'''  
+
=== Historical Significance ===
−
: Stick Enterprises – Los Angeles, California, USA
+
* '''Era of Innovation''': Early 1990s marked a golden period in Emmett Chapman’s production, with refinements in materials, playability, and hardware.
 +
* '''Touchboard Branding''': The Touchboard™ label emphasized the tapping interface as a fretted string innovation.
 +
* '''White Oak Rarity''': Few Sticks were built with white oak, prized for tonal clarity and visual grain.
 +
* '''Stickup Legacy''': The Stickup passive pickup is known for warm, articulate tone and expressive dynamics.
  
−
; '''Serial Number:'''
+
=== Provenance & Preservation ===
−
: '''545'''
+
* All parts, finish, and accessories are factory-original.
 +
* Case, strap, and tools are intact—rare for a 30+ year-old instrument.
 +
* No structural changes, refinishing, or upgrades.
 +
* This places it in the top tier of surviving early-’90s Sticks, highly desirable to performers and collectors.
 +
=== Tuning & Setup Specifications ===
  
−
; '''Production Era:'''
+
=== Classic 10-String Tuning ===
−
: Early 1990s
+
The "Classic" tuning is the original and most widely used Chapman Stick tuning. 
 +
It features melody strings tuned in descending fourths and bass strings tuned in ascending fifths.
  
−
; '''Model:'''
+
==== Tuning Layout ====
−
: Traditional Stick (Original 10-String Configuration)
+
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Side !! String !! Note !! Interval Direction
 +
|-
 +
| Melody || 1 || D || Descending fourths
 +
|-
 +
| Melody || 2 || A || Descending fourths
 +
|-
 +
| Melody || 3 || E || Descending fourths
 +
|-
 +
| Melody || 4 || B || Descending fourths
 +
|-
 +
| Melody || 5 || F# || Descending fourths
 +
|-
 +
| Bass || 6 || C || Ascending fifths
 +
|-
 +
| Bass || 7 || G || Ascending fifths
 +
|-
 +
| Bass || 8 || D || Ascending fifths
 +
|-
 +
| Bass || 9 || A || Ascending fifths
 +
|-
 +
| Bass || 10 || E || Ascending fifths
 +
|}
  
−
; '''Wood:'''
+
==== Key Characteristics ====
−
: White Oak
+
* Melody side: 5 strings tuned in descending fourths, starting from D.
 +
* Bass side: 5 strings tuned in ascending fifths, starting from C.
 +
* The middle pair (F# on melody, C on bass) creates a minor 7th interval across the hands.
 +
* This split tuning enables simultaneous bass lines, chords, and melodies.
  
−
; '''Finish:'''
+
==== Usage Notes ====
−
: Natural
+
* Standard for most Chapman Stick players since the 1970s.
 +
* Works well with the Stickup passive pickup system.
 +
* Ideal for polyphonic playing styles, progressive rock, jazz fusion, and solo arrangements.
  
−
; '''Pickup System:'''
+
=== Classic 10-String Light Gauge  ===
−
: Stickup (Passive) – Era Correct
+
Notes (left-to-right as listed in spreadsheet): D4, A3, E3, B2, F#2, C1, G1, D2, A2, E3
  
−
; '''Neck Adjustment:'''
+
{| class="wikitable"
−
: Back-Mounted Truss/Relief Adjustment
+
! String order  !! Note !! Gauge (inches) !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| 1 || D4 || 0.008 || Plain steel
 +
|-
 +
| 2 || A3 || 0.009 || Plain steel
 +
|-
 +
| 3 || E3 || 0.011 || Plain steel
 +
|-
 +
| 4 || B2 || 0.014 || Plain steel
 +
|-
 +
| 5 || F#2 || 0.022 || Wound
 +
|-
 +
| 6 || C1 || 0.106 || Wound
 +
|-
 +
| 7 || G1 || 0.066 || Wound
 +
|-
 +
| 8 || D2 || 0.040 || Wound
 +
|-
 +
| 9 || A2 || 0.022 || Wound
 +
|-
 +
| 10 || E3 || 0.013 || Plain steel
 +
|}
  
−
; '''Logo/Branding:'''
+
[https://newtonestrings.com/shop/tapping-string-sets-for-chapman-stick%ef%b8%8f-style-instruments/?v=5435c69ed3bc Newtone string sets for Chapman Stick]
−
: Classic ''Touchboard'' Logo
 
  
−
; '''Accessories Included:'''
 
−
:* Original Hard Case
 
−
:* Original Strap
 
−
:* Original Tools (Setup/Adjustment Kit)
 
  
−
; '''Condition:'''
+
=== Performance & Teaching Techniques ===
−
: '''As New / Mint Vintage Condition''' – exceptionally preserved with no visible wear, damage, or modifications.
 
  
 +
==== Hand Positioning ====
 +
* '''Vertical Orientation''': The Stick is worn upright on a strap, allowing both hands to approach the fretboard from opposite sides.
 +
* '''Left Hand (Bass Side)''': Typically plays ascending fifths; fingers tap perpendicular to the strings for clarity.
 +
* '''Right Hand (Melody Side)''': Plays descending fourths; fingers approach at a slight angle for comfort and speed.
 +
* '''Thumb Placement''': Rest lightly behind the neck for stability, avoiding excess pressure.
  
−
== Historical Significance ==
+
==== Tapping Technique ====
−
This instrument, serial number '''545''', was hand-built by Stick Enterprises during the early 1990s, a period widely regarded as one of the most influential phases in Emmett Chapman's production history. Sticks from this serial range feature matured versions of the classic aluminum-rail fingerboard system, stable hardwood construction, and the respected Stickup passive pickup module.
+
* '''Light Touch''': Minimal force is required—strings respond to gentle taps rather than plucks.
 +
* '''Independence''': Each hand can play separate lines (bass + melody), enabling polyphonic textures.
 +
* '''Dynamics''': Vary tapping pressure and speed to control volume and articulation.
  
−
White Oak construction was produced in limited numbers, making this a '''rare wood variant''' within early-1990s Stick production. The presence of the Touchboard logo further situates the instrument in a desirable and collectible era.
+
==== Teaching Cues ====
 +
* Begin with simple two-hand independence exercises (e.g., bass ostinato + melody scale).
 +
* Use the damper to emphasize clean articulation and reduce sympathetic resonance.
 +
* Encourage students to think of the Stick as two instruments in one: bass and melody.
 +
* Stress ergonomic posture—upright stance, relaxed shoulders, and balanced hand movement.
  
 +
==== Performance Applications ====
 +
* '''Solo Performance''': Capable of full arrangements (bass, chords, melody simultaneously).
 +
* '''Ensemble Use''': Functions as both rhythm and lead instrument, bridging roles of bass and guitar/keyboard.
 +
* '''Genres''': Common in progressive rock, jazz fusion, ambient, and experimental music.
  
−
== Provenance Summary ==
+
==== Dramatic & Audience Engagement ====
−
This Chapman Stick has remained in '''exceptional, near-factory condition''' for more than three decades. It retains all original parts, hardware, finish, case, tools, and strap exactly as supplied by Stick Enterprises. There have been no upgrades, alterations, refinishing, or structural changes.
+
* Visual impact: Upright playing posture is distinctive and draws attention.
−
 
+
* Demonstrate independence: Show bass and melody lines clearly to highlight the instrument’s uniqueness.
−
Its completeness and condition place it in the upper tier of surviving early-1990s Stick instruments, appealing strongly to both players and collectors.
+
* Use dynamics and phrasing to create dramatic contrasts—soft tapping vs. percussive accents.
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
== Estimated Collector Value (as of 2025) ==
 
−
; '''USD:'''
 
−
: $3,500 – $4,200
 
−
 
 
−
; '''CAD:'''
 
−
: $4,700 – $5,700
 
−
 
 
−
Higher values may be realized in premium collector markets due to rarity and pristine condition.
 
−
<!--
 
−
 
 
−
== Certification ==
 
−
I hereby certify that this document summarizes the construction, historical context, and known provenance of '''Chapman Stick #545''', prepared using available information and reasonable inference based on Stick Enterprises’ production era.
 
−
 
 
−
; '''Date Issued:'''
 
−
: ________________________________
 
−
 
 
−
; '''Prepared For:'''
 
−
: ________________________________
 
−
 
 
−
; '''Verified By:'''
 
−
: ________________________________ 
 
−
(Signature / Reviewer Name)
 
−
-->
 
−
 
 
−
----
 
−
[[Category:Instrument]]
 
−
[[Category:ST]]
 
−
[[Category:Chapman Stick]]
 
−
[[Category:Stick]]
 

Latest revision as of 00:06, 18 November 2025

Chapman Stick – Serial No. 545

Instrument Overview

Attribute Details
Model Traditional 10-String Chapman Stick
Serial Number 545
Maker Stick Enterprises, Los Angeles, California, USA
Production Date February 1993
Wood Dark Oak
Finish Natural
Pickup System Stickup (passive, era-correct)
Neck Adjustment Back-mounted truss rod
Fingerboard System Aluminum rails (mature version)
Logo/Branding Touchboard™ label + "The Stick" headstock plate
Accessories Original hard case, strap, setup tools
Condition Mint vintage – no wear, mods, or refinishing

Historical Significance

  • Era of Innovation: Early 1990s marked a golden period in Emmett Chapman’s production, with refinements in materials, playability, and hardware.
  • Touchboard Branding: The Touchboard™ label emphasized the tapping interface as a fretted string innovation.
  • White Oak Rarity: Few Sticks were built with white oak, prized for tonal clarity and visual grain.
  • Stickup Legacy: The Stickup passive pickup is known for warm, articulate tone and expressive dynamics.

Provenance & Preservation

  • All parts, finish, and accessories are factory-original.
  • Case, strap, and tools are intact—rare for a 30+ year-old instrument.
  • No structural changes, refinishing, or upgrades.
  • This places it in the top tier of surviving early-’90s Sticks, highly desirable to performers and collectors.

Tuning & Setup Specifications

Classic 10-String Tuning

The "Classic" tuning is the original and most widely used Chapman Stick tuning. It features melody strings tuned in descending fourths and bass strings tuned in ascending fifths.

Tuning Layout

Side String Note Interval Direction
Melody 1 D Descending fourths
Melody 2 A Descending fourths
Melody 3 E Descending fourths
Melody 4 B Descending fourths
Melody 5 F# Descending fourths
Bass 6 C Ascending fifths
Bass 7 G Ascending fifths
Bass 8 D Ascending fifths
Bass 9 A Ascending fifths
Bass 10 E Ascending fifths

Key Characteristics

  • Melody side: 5 strings tuned in descending fourths, starting from D.
  • Bass side: 5 strings tuned in ascending fifths, starting from C.
  • The middle pair (F# on melody, C on bass) creates a minor 7th interval across the hands.
  • This split tuning enables simultaneous bass lines, chords, and melodies.

Usage Notes

  • Standard for most Chapman Stick players since the 1970s.
  • Works well with the Stickup passive pickup system.
  • Ideal for polyphonic playing styles, progressive rock, jazz fusion, and solo arrangements.

Classic 10-String Light Gauge

Notes (left-to-right as listed in spreadsheet): D4, A3, E3, B2, F#2, C1, G1, D2, A2, E3

String order Note Gauge (inches) Type
1 D4 0.008 Plain steel
2 A3 0.009 Plain steel
3 E3 0.011 Plain steel
4 B2 0.014 Plain steel
5 F#2 0.022 Wound
6 C1 0.106 Wound
7 G1 0.066 Wound
8 D2 0.040 Wound
9 A2 0.022 Wound
10 E3 0.013 Plain steel

Newtone string sets for Chapman Stick


Performance & Teaching Techniques

Hand Positioning

  • Vertical Orientation: The Stick is worn upright on a strap, allowing both hands to approach the fretboard from opposite sides.
  • Left Hand (Bass Side): Typically plays ascending fifths; fingers tap perpendicular to the strings for clarity.
  • Right Hand (Melody Side): Plays descending fourths; fingers approach at a slight angle for comfort and speed.
  • Thumb Placement: Rest lightly behind the neck for stability, avoiding excess pressure.

Tapping Technique

  • Light Touch: Minimal force is required—strings respond to gentle taps rather than plucks.
  • Independence: Each hand can play separate lines (bass + melody), enabling polyphonic textures.
  • Dynamics: Vary tapping pressure and speed to control volume and articulation.

Teaching Cues

  • Begin with simple two-hand independence exercises (e.g., bass ostinato + melody scale).
  • Use the damper to emphasize clean articulation and reduce sympathetic resonance.
  • Encourage students to think of the Stick as two instruments in one: bass and melody.
  • Stress ergonomic posture—upright stance, relaxed shoulders, and balanced hand movement.

Performance Applications

  • Solo Performance: Capable of full arrangements (bass, chords, melody simultaneously).
  • Ensemble Use: Functions as both rhythm and lead instrument, bridging roles of bass and guitar/keyboard.
  • Genres: Common in progressive rock, jazz fusion, ambient, and experimental music.

Dramatic & Audience Engagement

  • Visual impact: Upright playing posture is distinctive and draws attention.
  • Demonstrate independence: Show bass and melody lines clearly to highlight the instrument’s uniqueness.
  • Use dynamics and phrasing to create dramatic contrasts—soft tapping vs. percussive accents.
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