Thinking about a Chapman Stick

I am thinking about purchasing a Chapman Stick. See below video for explanation and demo. It's a musical instrument, a cross between a guitar, bass and a piano... which are 3 instruments I already play and have held positions in bands on.

If you wish to give me your opinion on whether I should get one of these bad boys, please email or make your way the blog and hit "comments".

Update - If you can't see video, click the link.

Current.TV Mini-Documentary


Currently, I'm undecided whether to put the time and money into the Stick :(

I've been interested in the instrument since my teen age years. Tony Levin played a stick for two of my favorite artists:

• Larry Gowan (Canadian Recording Artist, now lead singer for Styx) and
  
• Peter Gabriel (most of the "So" album featured the Stick)

There was also a guy in my hometown (Halifax NS Canada) wood shedding a Stick at open mics around the same time I was hanging around the open mics learning all I could. The thing blew me away back then and still does today.

For a long time now I've made decisions in my music business based on my perception of "Will this time or money spent make me a return?" Another instrument like the Steel Drums may be a safer bet as a new instrument for me but I do not find it as desirable, challenging or as unique as I can imagine the Stick to be. Plus the Steel Drums would be pretty dang loud while learning.

This month of July really feels like recession to me (read my last post). I've been taking my extra time to fine tune my show, prospect new venues, refine some promo and have re thought my angle.

In prospecting new venues and looking at my competition I've found a large amount of solo acts are playing live with no back trax. I've even found a few solo acts who are barely playing guitar over Karaoke Trax. After 20 years of making and producing my own custom back trax I am disappointed that "we" have reached a point where that is exceptable.

I'm thinking the presentation of my show should change a bit or rather diversify.

• Now that I have a vocal harmonizer (which takes 1 to 3 hours to program via midi into every song) I am going as full blown "like the record" as possible. Even though most people who have heard me before can not tell me what I've added new to my show, I am positive I am turning more heads, get more applause and am receiving more kind words (and tips)... I believe cause of the harmonies.
• I am consciously deciding to play more straight up acoustic, live with no tracks.
• IF I were playing a Stick with it's big, live, distinctive sound I think I would gain more status as a true specialty act. I hope the Stick is something that would turn heads besides my current ego feeding talents :)
  

Unfortunately a large part of me is weighing in the cost of money and time into the decision. If I don't think there will be a decent return I won't get one.

The price may turn your head at a minimum of $2,100 to get into a new instrument. I've spoke with the Stick people 3 times in the past few days. For a new one it's a $200 deposit and a 9 to 11 month wait. Sometimes Emmet Chapman (the maker) has a used one or a canceled order. Only other option is used off eBay.

What a commitment to make to a musical instrument... but it would not be the 1st time for me. IF I get one I hope my guitars (especially my 95 Strat) do not get jealous :)