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| '''Maker''' || Stick Enterprises, Los Angeles, California, USA
| '''Maker''' || Stick Enterprises, Los Angeles, California, USA
|-
|-
| '''Production Era''' || Early 1990s
| '''Production Date''' || February 1993
|-
|-
| '''Wood''' || White Oak (rare variant)
| '''Wood''' || Dark Oak  
|-
|-
| '''Finish''' || Natural
| '''Finish''' || Natural
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* No structural changes, refinishing, or upgrades.
* No structural changes, refinishing, or upgrades.
* This places it in the top tier of surviving early-’90s Sticks, highly desirable to performers and collectors.
* 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 ====
{| 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
|}
==== 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
{| class="wikitable"
! 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
|}
[https://newtonestrings.com/shop/tapping-string-sets-for-chapman-stick%ef%b8%8f-style-instruments/?v=5435c69ed3bc 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.
Retrieved from "https://boseperformer.com/Chapman_Stick"