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TO THE NEW OWNER OF THE NS/STICK GUITAR BASS INSTRUMENT
©2000 Emmett Chapman
This new eight-stringed guitar bass was co-designed by Ned Steinberger and
myself to provide a dual role instrument for those musicians who desire to
play all methods on one fretboard - picking, plucking, strumming, and the
two handed tapping Stick method.
PLAYING ACTION - As with all Stick models, this instrument is fully
adjustable without removal of any components or detuning of strings.
String-to-fret action can be set higher at the bridge and nut to provide a
heavier touch, allowing bass and guitar players to "dig in" more. Or the
action can be set very low for tapping, as on The Stick®. The precision
fretwork is there (a straight board with an even plane of crowned and
leveled fret tips) and will accommodate the same Stick low action and light
touch.
The best kept secret to this instrument is this. With the action set low for
two-handed tapping, you get a combined advantage. Not only does the low setup
optimize tapping to its maximum ease, it also allows all conventional bass
guitar and guitar techniques, as long as your right hand lightens up a bit
in its picking/plucking role. In the process, all volumes become equal,
regardless of techniques used, and you gain total control of dynamics and
expression. This allows seamless transition from tapping to traditional
playing methods on this dual role instrument.
Some players will want to compromise on low action of the lower bass strings
and set the individual bridge heights a bit higher, thereby duplicating the
feel of their bass or guitar. Nevertheless, I set them up on the premise that
lower action and lighter touch is better, especially for combined techniques
with uniform gain. Unless ordered otherwise, these guitar basses leave my
workshop with a Stick setup as well as the basic neck and fret work that
enables this setup. You can back off selected strings from there.
ADJUSTABLE COMPONENTS - Ned's novel side saddle set screws at both
bridge and nut allow easy adjustment of the action. This can be done by
infinite gradation with an accompanying hex wrench. Normal right hand picking
and plucking techniques should be done with a somewhat lighter touch unless
the strings are set a half or whole turn higher at the bridge, in which case
the instrument will feel more like a guitar or bass guitar.
Sliding saddle blocks at the bridge provide quick adjustment of
individual string intonation. A hex wrench tightens the blocks down
without detuning strings.
A Stick type truss rod (Pat. No. 4,953,435) is exposed flush with the
rear neck surface for quick, convenient adjustment of counter-tension
to the pull of the strings.
A spring loaded damper (patent pending) at the first fret space can be
disengaged for open string play. To lower the damper, just grasp the
ends with your thumb and finger from behind the neck, pull it down and
slide it toward the first fret into locked position.
A set of hex wrenches is provided for adjustments of bridge, nut and
truss rod.
FEATURES - Four active EMG "Front Tele" stacked double-coil pickups
produce pure single coil timbres at all frequencies without hum and buzz.
They are height adjustable and because of their low magnetism, can be set
close to the strings for maximum volume and sweet sound (especially in the
very high melody register).
Three switches allow all possible pickup combinations. Across the
strings you can select stereo (2 groups of 4 strings), or mono (all 8
strings) through the bass output of the stereo or mono cable (tip of
the plug). Along each set of 4 strings you can select 3 positions for
the pickup pairs underlying each string group - bridge pickup, neck
pickup or both. Each pair has bass and treble boosts and cuts, as well
as volume controls.
Caliper like tuners on the bridge at the tail end.
A flat, tapered fingerboard with strings spaced wider at the bridge.
Large bass guitar type frets.
White pearl inlayed dots in the normal guitar pattern.
A knee rest for seated play.
Stereo and mono cables.
Custom hard shell case with form fitting foam and black plush interior
surfaces.
DESIGN - This instrument is unusual in design and embodies a novel
combination of innovations by Ned Steinberger and myself. The small,
distinctively shaped body is bottom heavy for balance, and together with the
headless neck allows this guitar bass to be comfortably held in a more
vertical position for two-handed tapping. A conventional bass guitar strap
enables easy sliding of the instrument to a more horizontal picking and
plucking position, or to an approximate 45 degree angle for a combination of
techniques.
The body is of dark coppery lacquered alder hardwood with prominent grain.
The bolt-on headless neck is of one-piece wenge, a very hard and rigid wood.
Scale length (bridge to nut) is that of bass guitar as well as all Stick
models, 34 inches.
The hardware is in matching flat black, with black anodized bridge, nut,
truss rod, knee rest, tuners and strap attachment bar. Pickups, knobs and
strap are also black.
TUNINGS & CONCEPT - The eight strings can be tuned uniformly in
fourths from very low bass B at the normal bass guitar position. The
following list shows position, pitch and gauge of the eight strings, the
highest melody string being the "1st":
Melody: 1st-Bb-.011", 2nd-F-.013, 3rd-C-.020", 4th-G-.030";
Bass: 5th-D-.044", 6th-A-.065", 7th-E-.092", 8th-B-.128".
Melody: 1st-A-.011", 2nd-E-.014", 3rd-C-.020", 4th-G-.030";
Bass: 5th-D-.044", 6th-A-.065", 7th-E-.092", 8th-B-.128".
Since all components are adjustable on this instrument, any tuning can be set
up with no extra custom work or charges. This includes Stick type
4ths-with-5ths tunings.
The string spacing at the bridge adds an interesting concept to the grouping
of strings. Although there are only 8 strings, the lowest 5 are uniformly
spaced wider as on bass guitar, including the 2 middle strings (4th and 5th
strings) which cross from bass to melody pickups. In mono mode, this
arrangement provides consistent right hand spacing and sound, as on any
5-string bass guitar.
With the guitar tuning there is another concept at work. The highest 6
strings are tuned in the guitar relationship, but down a perfect fifth in
pitch (a highest melody A instead of guitar's highest E). Also, the lowest
6 strings are tuned exactly as on a 6-string bass guitar, from the very low
B up to C.
STRING MAINTENANCE - When replacing strings, please observe these
steps:
Detune the string until the saddle screw block at the bridge has
moved all the way inward (toward the pickups).
Loosen the set screw behind the nut that locks the string into place,
using the accessory hex wrench, and remove the string.
Insert the ball end of a new string into the block's "keyhole" cavity
at the bridge. Then thread the string's tail end back around through
the end of the nut. Firmly pull the string tail from the rear while
tightening the nut's locking set screw.
Snip off the string's tail about a 1/4 inch beyond where it exits
behind the nut.
Align the string (now at medium loose tension) on proper sides of the
"side saddle" screws at bridge and nut. Make sure that the string is
properly seated in the saddles.
Tune the string to pitch. The spring on the tuning mechanism should
not be fully compressed when you're done, and the saddle block should
lie somewhere in the middle of its range of travel.
I recommend that you clean the strings each time you're done playing. Run
the nails of your thumb and finger up and down the entire length of each
string to remove accumulated gunk. This prevents rust and corrosion, keeping
the tone bright, rich and in tune for about four or five months.
A basic light touch will do wonders for the strings, for your fingers and
your music, enhancing speed and expression, also providing a large reserve
in volume dynamics. The strings should be tapped lightly and held down
gently, not pressed against the wood. Light touch is best achieved when the
string action is set very low to the fretboard. You can still "whap" selected
notes for dynamic variation.
GUARANTEE - The NS/Stick is guaranteed against defects in manufacture
and materials for one year from the date of purchase by customer (not
transferable). The repair center is Stick Enterprises at the address above.
Shipping charges to and from the repair center are borne by the customer.
Please return the lower portion of the enclosed guarantee card within ten
days from your date of purchase.
I hope this new instrument will be interesting and rewarding to you. Our
rewards will be in the music you play and record using your new NS/Stick
guitar bass instrument.
Keep in Touch,
Emmett
NS/Stick is a trademark of Ned Steinberger and Stick Enterprises
Stick is a registered trademark of Stick Enterprises, Inc.
by Emmett Chapman
March 2000 (revised
October 2006)
originally published to Stickwire
STICK ENTERPRISES, INC.
6011 Woodlake Ave. Woodland Hills, CA 91367-3238
Tel: 818/884-2001 Fax: 818/883-0668
Web site: www.stick.com
TO THE NEW OWNER OF THE NS/STICK GUITAR BASS
INSTRUMENT
©2000, 2006 Emmett Chapman
This new eight-stringed guitar bass was co-designed by Ned Steinberger
and myself to provide a dual role instrument for those musicians who
desire to play all methods on one fretboard - picking, plucking,
strumming, and the two handed tapping Stick method.
PLAYING ACTION - As with all Stick models, this instrument is
fully adjustable without removal of any components or detuning of
strings. String-to-fret action can be set higher at the bridge and nut
to provide a heavier touch, allowing bass and guitar players to "dig
in" more. Or the action can be set very low for tapping, as on The
Stick®. The precision fretwork is there (a straight board with an even
plane of crowned and leveled fret tips) and will accommodate the same
Stick low action and light touch.
The best kept secret to this instrument is this. With the action set
low for two-handed tapping, you get a combined advantage. Not only
does the low setup optimize tapping to its maximum ease, it also
allows all conventional bass guitar and guitar techniques, as long as
your right hand lightens up a bit in its picking/plucking role. In the
process, all volumes become equal, regardless of techniques used, and
you gain total control of dynamics and expression. This allows
seamless transition from tapping to traditional playing methods on
this dual role instrument.
Some players will want to compromise on low action of the lower bass
strings and set the individual bridge heights a bit higher, thereby
duplicating the feel of their bass or guitar. Nevertheless, I set them
up on the premise that lower action and lighter touch is better,
especially for combined techniques with uniform gain. Unless ordered
otherwise, these guitar basses leave my workshop with a Stick setup as
well as the basic neck and fret work that enables this setup. You can
back off selected strings from there.
ADJUSTABLE COMPONENTS - Ned's novel side saddle set screws at
both bridge and nut allow easy adjustment of the action. This can be
done by infinite gradation with an accompanying hex wrench. Normal
right hand picking and plucking techniques should be done with a
somewhat lighter touch unless the strings are set a half or whole turn
higher at the bridge, in which case the instrument will feel more like
a guitar or bass guitar.
-
Sliding saddle blocks at the bridge provide quick
adjustment of individual string intonation. A hex wrench tightens the blocks
down without detuning strings.
-
A Stick type truss rod (Pat. No. 4,953,435) is exposed
flush with the rear neck surface for quick, convenient adjustment of
counter-tension to the pull of the strings.
-
A spring loaded damper (Pat. No. 6,452,077 B1) at the first
fret space can be retracted for open string play. To lower the damper, just
grasp the ends with your thumb and finger from behind the neck, pull it down
and slide it toward the first fret into locked position.
-
A set of hex wrenches is provided for adjustments of
bridge, nut and truss rod.
FEATURES - Four active EMG "Front Tele" stacked
double-coil pickups produce pure single coil timbres at all frequencies without
hum and buzz. They are height adjustable and because of their low magnetism, can
be set close to the strings for maximum volume and sweet sound (especially in
the very high melody register).
-
Three switches allow all possible pickup combinations.
Across the strings you can select stereo (2 groups of 4 strings), or mono (all
8 strings) through the bass output of the stereo or mono cable (tip of the
plug). Along each set of 4 strings you can select 3 positions for the pickup
pairs underlying each string group - bridge pickup, neck pickup or both. Each
pair has bass and treble boosts and cuts, as well as volume controls.
-
Caliper like tuners on the bridge at the tail end.
-
Graphite bolt-on neck by Moses, Inc., with the Stick-style
rear bevel.
-
A flat, tapered fingerboard with strings spaced wider at
the bridge.
-
Large bass guitar type frets.
-
White pearl inlayed dots in the normal guitar pattern.
-
A knee rest for seated play.
-
Stereo and mono cables.
-
Custom hard shell case with form fitting foam and black
plush interior surfaces.
DESIGN - This instrument is unusual in design and
embodies a novel combination of innovations by Ned Steinberger and myself. The
small, distinctively shaped body is bottom heavy for balance, and together with
the headless neck allows this guitar bass to be comfortably held in a more
vertical position for two-handed tapping. A conventional bass guitar strap
enables easy sliding of the instrument to a more horizontal picking and plucking
position, or to an approximate 45 degree angle for a combination of techniques.
The graphite neck is by Moses, Inc, with our distinctive Stick rear bevel. For
the body we offer a choice of beautiful hardwoods with staining options and a
"soft finish" so the player can really feel the wood.
The hardware is in matching flat black, with black anodized bridge, nut, truss
rod, knee rest, tuners and strap attachment bar. Pickups, knobs and strap are
also black.
TUNINGS & CONCEPT - The eight strings can be tuned uniformly in fourths
from very low bass B at the normal bass guitar position. The following list
shows position, pitch and gauge of the eight strings, the highest melody string
being the "1st":
Melody: 1st-Bb-.011", 2nd-F-.013, 3rd-C-.020", 4th-G-.030";
Bass: 5th-D-.044", 6th-A-.065", 7th-E-.092", 8th-B-.128".
Melody: 1st-A-.011", 2nd-E-.014", 3rd-C-.020", 4th-G-.030";
Bass: 5th-D-.044", 6th-A-.065", 7th-E-.092", 8th-B-.128".
Since all components are adjustable on this instrument, any tuning can be set up
with no extra custom work or charges. This includes Stick type 4ths-with-5ths
tunings.
The string spacing at the bridge adds an interesting concept to the grouping of
strings. Although there are only 8 strings, the lowest 5 are uniformly spaced
wider as on bass guitar, including the 2 middle strings (4th and 5th strings)
which cross from bass to melody pickups. In mono mode, this arrangement provides
consistent right hand spacing and sound, as on any 5-string bass guitar.
With the guitar tuning there is another concept at work. The highest 6 strings
are tuned in the guitar relationship, but down a perfect fifth in pitch (a
highest melody A instead of guitar's highest E). Also, the lowest 6 strings are
tuned exactly as on a 6-string bass guitar, from the very low B up to C.
STRING MAINTENANCE - When replacing strings, please observe these steps:
-
Detune the string until the saddle screw block at the
bridge has moved all the way inward (toward the pickups).
-
Loosen the set screw behind the nut that locks the string
into place, using the accessory hex wrench, and remove the string.
-
Insert the ball end of a new string into the block's
"keyhole" cavity at the bridge. Then thread the string's tail end back around
through the end of the nut. Firmly pull the string tail from the rear while
tightening the nut's locking set screw.
-
Snip off the string's tail about a 1/4 inch beyond where it
exits behind the nut.
-
Align the string (now at medium loose tension) on proper
sides of the "side saddle" screws at bridge and nut. Make sure that the string
is properly seated in the saddles.
-
Tune the string to pitch. The spring on the tuning
mechanism should not be fully compressed when you're done, and the saddle
block should lie somewhere in the middle of its range of travel.
I recommend that you clean the strings each time you're done
playing. Run the nails of your thumb and finger up and down the entire length of
each string to remove accumulated gunk. This prevents rust and corrosion,
keeping the tone bright, rich and in tune for about four or five months.
A basic light touch will do wonders for the strings, for your fingers and your
music, enhancing speed and expression, also providing a large reserve in volume
dynamics. The strings should be tapped lightly and held down gently, not pressed
against the wood. Light touch is best achieved when the string action is set
very low to the fretboard. You can still "whap" selected notes for dynamic
variation.
GUARANTEE - The NS/Stick is guaranteed against defects in manufacture and
materials for one year from the date of purchase by customer (not transferable).
The repair center is Stick Enterprises at the address above. Shipping charges to
and from the repair center are borne by the customer. Please return the lower
portion of the enclosed guarantee card within ten days from your date of
purchase.
I hope this new instrument will be interesting and rewarding to you. Our rewards
will be in the music you play and record using your new NS/Stick guitar bass
instrument.
Keep in Touch,
Emmett
NS/Stick is a trademark of Ned Steinberger and Stick Enterprises
Stick is a registered trademark of Stick Enterprises, Inc.
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