Hi, I am Mark Goldberg, in Arizona, and new to the forum. I have been playing a variety of stringed instruments, by ear, since the 1960’s and grew up with Folk Music. I am 75 yrs and had never heard or seen a Chapman stick until this week. WOW!
A Cascade video of Mark & Steffi popped up on Facebook…and I was mesmerized by the instrument, the depth and beauty of sounds, versatility, technique, etc. I spent the next few days mining You Tube and Stick.com.
I looked for a used instrument, to find that they are VERY scarce…and pricey. I ordered a custom one from Chapman, and quite by accident, found a 1976 10-string Ironwood at a reasonable price, but requiring repairs. I am excited about this new-found “magic stick,’ and learning to play!

Welcome Mark. Looking forward to you receiving your Stick(s) and hearing what you get to create with them. Thanks for joining the forum and sharing your discovery story.

Hey Mark, the same thing happened to me. I was walking in the Banyan Tree park in Lahaina, Maui and heard the instrument being played by Mike Kollwitz. I was instantly drawn towards it. I bought Mike's CDs and set on a path to acquire this instrument. I now have two of them and although they are slightly different from each other, they are amazing to play.

I had to look up Mark and Steffi to see who you were talking about.
Here's their YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/c/Cascademelodies/videos

Welcome! If you are in AZ look up Steve Adelson, one of the Stick "masters" that moved there several years ago. AKA "Lee Vatip" on this board.

Yep. I know the feeling well. Welcome to the club.


If you follow the link in my sig that will take you to a list of over 100 players, with links for most of them.


Congratulations. Few find one that quick. I hope the repairs needed aren't too great.

Never too late to see and get this instrument. Happy for you...have fun.

The Stick population in Arizona seems to be booming. Some other newbies have recently appeared. Where are you in AZ?
I'll be performing at the MIM in Scottsdale Nov. 13
Steve A

One of the great things about The Stick is that it can be used in a huge variety of musical roles, from progressive rock and metal to classical, jazz, to everything in between.

Or invent your own... a true tabula rasa... an idea machine:

Thank you all for a warm welcome to Stickist!

Welcome to the Stick Community. I am from Gilbert AZ and have been playing for a year.

I recently aquired a stick that I refirbished and learned quite a bit about repairs. If you have any questions on repairs hit me up.

Also post a picture of your new stick !

Ken Cardita