Hi all I'm about to try my hand at the NS, can't wait.

can they be tuned with the lowest string an "E"? that would give the traditional 4 string bass on the bass side and extended highs on the melody.

I think this may give transition of tunes easier from bass to ns.

thoughts?
Brett

Hi Brett,

If you start at low E and go up in 4ths that makes your high string Eb, a half-step above the D on Classic Stick, which is pretty high. Emmett might say it's okay, I'd ask him directly.

The low B is "just an extra string" to get used to. I'd suggest trying that first, and see if it is really a problem before making changes.

I'd love to hear the official word on this as well, cause i've been thinking about tuning my new NS stick from E to high Eb that way also but worried about snapping the string any higher than D. I would definitely use the high string more i think and more chords would voice clearly up a fourth.

It can definitely be done using special strings - there's a fellow named garry goodman who makes special strings under the company "octave4plus" that can go up to high G on a 34" scale! without breaking and allow bending etc at that tuning. i was thinking of trying them out but if SE strings can go to Eb that would be great and more convenient.

I wonder if Emmett would consider doing some dealings in those new high tech strings- say just swapping the one high string in some sets for an extra charge (i think the strings are at least 6 bucks for one ) - but i'm sure there's a few classic tuned stick players who would love to be able to bend up their high D a few semitones without breakage.

I might end up ordering a few if Eb is too high for the standard strings - I think an NS from low E to high Eb would be more squarely in the guitarbass category than at the current tuning, allowing more chordal possibilities for those who dont need the low brown notes (although they do sound great on the NS)...

Greg's reasoning is correct about this fourth higher tuning on your NS/Stick. I think it makes for an interesting instrument, more in the direction of guitar but still with bass all the way down to low E.

The high Eb at 1st position will be either a 7 or an 8 gauge instead of the standard 11 gauge. The thinner 7 gauge will produce a nicer sound with more harmonic content while the thicker gauge will be louder, better matching the overall balance of string volumes (close call).

We can put together a string set and send it any time. As you install them, just start with the lowest E, now at the outer 8th position, and first move its bridge saddle block inward to the exact position of the 7th saddle block (refastening the locking screw with an Allen wrench). This is an easy way to adjust each string's total vibrating length for true octaves and overall intonation.

Then proceed with the next lowest A string now at the 7th position and readjust its saddle inward to the exact position of the 6th saddle, and so on to the 2nd saddle relocated to the 1st saddle's position.

All saddle blocks are thus moved slightly inward to set correct intonation for these higher pitched and correspondingly thinner strings. The final step is to relocate the 1st saddle for the new Eb, and you can just visually follow the general pattern for a good guess at true octaves this highest string.

Basically, you'll be moving your bridge saddle blocks inward (toward the frets) by about 1/16th of an inch.

This might also be a good time to visually check the other four interactive adjustments for an optimum setup for your new tuning (this applies as well to all Sticks):

1) Bridge saddle heights should be a small bit lower to the board for the thinner strings.

2) Nut saddle heights should be checked "on general principals" for minimum clearances over the first fret.

3) Truss tension should probably remain the same, but this is a good time to check the fretboard profile for straightness and adjust the truss accordingly.

4) Pickup heights also will be close to correct, but again, this is a good time to check all four of these setup parameters.

And remember, they're all interactive. They "grow" together, one setting slightly affecting the others, so its back and forth in your height and tension adjustments.

Good luck with your NS/Stick "guitar bass" (as opposed to bass guitar). Best, Emmett.

How many strings can you tune in 4ths from the low B until the physics get in the way? Can you get to 10?

Tritone

First Tritone

Good question (I reaaly mean it too) however, string spacing is also a priority on an instrument like the ns stick.
You have to have real room to pick and pluck and slap to really get its full use. If I wanted only tapping I would stick to my main instrument.

Emmett, Greg and Berger

As always great stuff. I will always be a stickist first however I think the ns may help with my physical problems playing the electric bass. I was always a Jaco guy and I play with the bass way up high like he did. Its the only way I feel comfortable playing the e bass.

This style of playing leads to great pain in the right (plucking ) hand. The fingers go numb etc. I have tried to relearn with the bass lower, didn't work (I just don't play enough e bass)

I have 2 possible solutions to the problem I is the ns stick and the other is the ns design upright (or cellobass) both will put my right hand in a more ergonomic position. With the NS stick however I can also tap!!! Fun!!!

So... I am going to take Greg's advice first and try my new NS as is for a while. If I think the higher register will add to the experience I will contact You Emmett and get a custom set.

If I find the NS Stick ain't for me I will trade it in for another Grand Stick.

One thing is for sure, I am so glad I am playing in the "Emmett Chapman Age" of musical instrumentation.
Emmett, your innovations have given my artistry an outlet.. I would not be the Composer or Musician I am today without you (that may not be sayin much but it means alot to me). Thanks....


2 days 'til I get to test drive.

Brett

Brett, congrats on getting your NS. I've been going back and forth as to which instrument I want ,either a 10 string stick or an NS. After considdering many factors I am leaning heavily towards the NS. From all that I've read it seems to give the best of both worlds. Enjoy!!! As for the problem with your right hand going numb. I went through that as well. I don't know if you have a hand /finger stretching routine or not , all I can say is that 20 minutes , really any time spent stretching will yeild some benefits.

Thanks Not Stick

I play 95% Chapman Stick. Ergonomics are natural on this instrument. I have always been comfortable on it. The other 5% of my playing is divided between upright bass and electric. So I'm more worried about my limited e bass playing causing problems in my stick playing than I am in putting a lot of time into something that happens a few times a year. But I will try your suggestions I have done exercises and gone to musician injury specialists they haven't worked (I need to spend more time on the instrument and try new playing positions 2 things I don't have time for). I don't think I will spend a lot of time with the NS. I'd like to compose a few things with it and have some fun. Emmett's "Free Hands method" is MY method of choice and there is no matching the stick for that method. I am really psyched about the NS but I hope it will replace the e bass on 75% of my rock gigs. That way I can relieve my hand strain, and have some fun.

Good luck with your NS trip
Brett

Brett, When I owned an NS Stick and was gigging as a bass player steady I used the NS exclusively as a bass guitar sub and tapping instrument. The challange for me was finding the right string hight so I could comfortable play it as a bass and still tap. My answer was raising the 4 bass strings and keeping the 4 melody strings very low. Also strictly as a tapping instrument it's not as good as a traditional Stick BUTTTTTTTT it's a great "does it all" instrument for the gigging bass player who also two hand taps. I'm sure a guy with your talent will make it sing! (BTW i haven't read the whole tread so i hope I'm not just rehashing what others have already said)

No, the ninth string from B is an Eflat, 1/2 step above standard tuning's first string, which on a 34" instrument would require a .007 string.

Mad Monk.