Hi Guys,

I was just recently turned on to the Chapman Stick, and have one being made as I type this. Previously I owned a K24 Harpejji which is another type of tapping instrument, with 16 treble strings and 8 bass. The makers of the Harpejji recommended using an amp made for electric piano. Can I use this same amp for the Stick, or is it better to get one designed for guitars?

Thanks!
Brian

Depends on the tone you want. Higher power keyboard amps will produce a fuller sound....speakers with tweeters/horns will reproduce more of the high frequencies of the stick.

I use a 60's Ampeg B15 on the bass side and an 18watt Marshall/vox style head with a closed back 12" on melody. But I generally don't want the Full Range tone that many stick players want.

I believe an electric piano amp takes a line level signal.
It wasn't clear on the Harpejji website what kind of electronics are on the instrument but it looks like you have to plug it into the wall... so I'm guessing it has an on-board preamp.
If your stick has a passive pickup, you will want a preamp. Many inexpensive guitar pedals will do this. An expensive, but excellent, option is the StepABout.

Me either! Lol

Okay, things to consider. Thanks Guys!

I actually owned a k24 about five years ago. You should be able to use the same amp. As far as the base sound coming out that should be fine. They are both designed for low mid and high tones. My k24 had a balanced output that I used a y cable with to break out the bass and melody, which made it pretty similar to the stick.

One reason I went with a stick instead of a harpejji when I decided to get back into a tap instrument was the sound. I always felt the harpejji had a tinny sound that really begged to be enhanced with effects. The stick sounds much better to my ears. A little reverb on the melody and an equalizer for each input creates a nice sound. I run my melody through a line 6 firehawk that I also use with my variax guitar and it really sounds luscious at times. Wish I could play as well as it sounds! But I've only been at it two months.

I think acoustic amps provide a better overall setup than a keyboard amp. Most acoustic amps have at least two inputs, often have equalizer controls for both and usually have at least reverb, so you pretty much have all you need to dial in a good sound right there.

I tend to prefer keyboard amps as they will support lower frequencies (41hz is generally low enough for low E on bass). Behringer Keyboard amps are pretty good for starting out. I swear by the one I have had for 4 years now, still going strong and I use and abuse this on a daily basis.

I want full frequency amplification because I get all my tone/frequency limiting from amp sims...
Plus I also pump drum and synth sounds as well...

I use Phil Jones Bass amps, and love them! All kinds of sizes, shapes and weights for your needs:

http://pjbworld.com/product.html

I've got a bass cub as a general utility amp (you can take that little guy anywhere) and folks who play through it are always "wait..that sound is coming out of that amp?!?"

sure there's a limit, but it certainly punches above its weight