Hello-

I've recently acquired a Megatar and I am thoroughly enjoying learning this new instrument.

However, I am struggling with a few design issues and was wondering if Chapman Sticks are more in line with my needs.

I am also looking for a Megatar forum but none seem to exist.

Here are some of my problems.

As a guitar player, I have been tapping for many years. I prefer jumbo frets and heavier strings for the tone and feel.

The Megatar has VERY thin frets and the scale length seems to prohibit heavier gauge strings.

Is there a stick with a shorter scale length that is easier to play in terms of stretching and is there a model with really big frets that can take at a minimum .11s on the guitar side?

Here is a link to my video, I would love to hear your thoughts:

Paul LaPlaca Videos


Thank you!

look into the SG12. It's a 26.5 scale instrument.

http://stick.com/instruments/sg12/


As for the frets, all modern era sticks use fret rods or rails, which dwarf bass jumbo frets.

If you feel adventurous and want to get into the string and tuning configuration of a Stick, you could also try the Alto Stick. If you haven't been there already:

http://stick.com/instruments/alto/

Thanks!

I'm pretty happy with the tuning I'm using.

I have the guitar side in standard Eb and the bass side going in reverse with a Bb in the middle of the neck coming back to a high note a 5th above to create power chords on the last 3 strings on the bass side.

Is there anywhere to test out any sticks?

I understand how hard it is with unique instruments to have them in stock at music store chains but are there any groups or clubs in NYC that get together and pass around their instruments to compare? A benevolent collector interested in educating the masses?

Thanks!

Paul where are you from?

there may be a stickist in your area willing to let you try one out. I have done this several times.

Brett

Paul,

I don't own a stick anymore, but I can tell you the frets are very large and would fulfill that requirement. I hear the alto sticks are nice, and you could also look into a Box Guitar as they have a shorter scale length but feature standard guitar frets. I do think your best bet is to get either an SG-12 or an alto.

I hear conflicting reports about Megatars. They sound great, but it sounds like it isn't what you want. Sticks are a bit more rigid, IMO. It doesn't require any muscle support to keep it in place, if that appeals to you.

It isn't likely that you'll be able to try one out. However, I don't think you'll be disappointed if you buy one outright, and if you don't like it, you can VERY likely sell it immediately on ebay. The Stick is one of the few instruments which sell reliably there... sometimes for more than the original price.

Kev

Go to a Stick workshop, someone will let you try one out.

Thanks, I will look for a workshop or list in my area. (Brooklyn, NY)

The Northeast stick seminar!!!!!!

http://brettbottomley.com/the_northeast_stick_seminar


Gonna be as great one 1.5 hours away

Brett

Doesn't Steve Adelson teach lessons in Brooklyn? What a great intro to the Stick that would be!