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The top 5 strings in this 10
string configuration are referred to as the bass side.
The bottom 5 strings compose the melody side. Generally,
the bass side is played with the left hand and the melody
side with the right but there is nothing stopping the
player from lending fingers to the other side to provide
extended range or effects. Tapping the desired note
results in sound which is sustained by the density of the
wood (as long as the note is held). You may note the
damper on the first fret which prevents any open strings
from vibrating. Tuning rises in pitch from the center
outward in 4ths resulting in the bass side appearing to
be tuned in (lowering) 5ths when assessing the notes as
strings 1 thru 10. The melody side, appearing as tuned in
4ths, allows many standard guitar tuning chord patterns
to be visualized (albeit you are playing the patterns
with your right hand. It's tricky but not impossible.
Keyboard players will have an advantage on this
instrument.) The pickup has a stereo output allowing the bass and melody signals to be processed separately through different amps and effects if desired. The possibilities are limitless. This stick is an early model made of Brazillian Ironwood for its dense properties. This wood has now been entered on the endangered list and as a result new sticks are available in a variety of other woods and patterns. The instrument is available in both 10 and 12 string versions. Some players opt for a configuration of 4 bass and 6 melody stings (on the 10 string model) or 5 and 7 (on the 12 string model) as opposed to equal bass and melody sides. Either way, the instrument has unlimited potential and range. More info is available at www.stickenterprises.com if you are interested, or by searching the web for 'stick' events/players/CD's in your area. |