Japhlet - these are absolutely beautiful! Love the feel and tone of these. The videos are beautiful too, really fit the mood of the music.

I started learning the Comptine from Amelie after hearing your version. I’ve been trying to play it on my Grand. Some of his melodic lines are really difficult to accomplish, the bits where the melody tends to rely on the piano’s sustain or the LH chords at tempo is much harder on Stick. You’ve really got that aspect working on these!

When I got my SG-12, I also had issues with intonation (I don’t hear this in your playing, just commenting since you mentioned it). I was going to order medium strings but Emmett advised not switching away from light gauge in the melody - he suggested a blend of medium in the bass and light in the melody. I much prefer the feel of the blended set. Maybe check if this would be suitable for the alto as well.

Gorgeous, Japhlet. I'm hypnotized...

Perfect way to say it.

-Eric

Hey Claire, thank you for the kind words. That song can be difficult, and the lack of a sustain pedal can be difficult to accomodate.

I will try the string combination, and see how it works. I'll let you know!!

Greg, such an honor. Thank you so much. Can't believe it's been more than 10 years. It all began with your music, and I couldn't have had better teachers and inspiration.

Big hug to you and yours...

What a lovely sound, Japhlet! And you're playing that alto very well. I'm a big fan of the shorter scale - the short string length gives that snappy feel and tone that you just can't get out of a longer scale Stick.

I think it's a good move to get medium gauge strings. That's what I've been using but they still feel a bit thin. At the moment I'm experimenting with slightly fatter strings and the whole SG-12 tuned a half note lower.

I too noticed the intonation challenge when I first tried a shorter scale Stick. But when you get the hang of it I'd say it allows for a different kind of expressiveness, compared to full-length Sticks, as you gain better control over vibrato and glissandi by bending strings.

Great points Per! You know, it is snappier, I noticed it but couldn't put my finger on it. The shorter scale does change the feel. It's amazing.

I will try and control the pressure, because like you say, it does give you more expression...

Cheers!

Japhlet is a stupidly good stickist.

Congrats on the unfolding of your love and determined musical life.

Bruv Luv from Tasmania .

Thanks StickRad! Lots of Bruv Love from Tenochtitlán!

We love it. Can't wait for the originals and your new album.

Yuki and I just listened again to your album and are convinced you have a future in film scoring.

Worth repeating, she was moved to tears by your Tiersen piece here (Porz Goret).