I've never handled a Stick before, let alone an NS Stick or even less a Half Fretless one. Based on the feedback I got here and some more research I'm tilting more than ever towards a half fretless NS Stick but I have a question about the damper which I need answered please.

In the fretted NS Stick, my impression is that the damper occupies the first fret. Is that correct? Is it also the case on the half fretless NS Sitck? If so, is it possible for me to actually play the first "fret" of the four bass strings on the half fretless ie, C, F, A#, D# on B, E, A, D respectively? Sorry if this is a stupid question but this forums is my only source of info.

Thanks a lot for your time and patience. I'm looking forward to joining the family and STICKing it to the man! (my first stick joke )

You should have no trouble playing the first "fret" notes on a half-fretless NS. There is a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) gap between the damper and where the first "fret" would be. You won't get much "wiggle room" for any fretless effects, but most fretless players don't do much of that down in that area anyway.

I took a photo of my NS to illustrate the space available:

http://www.stickist.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=761


Take care,

Paul

agreed

Thanks Paul, you've been of great help. That's exactly the photo I needed to see.

Be well,

Cedric

Cedric,

You are most welcome!

Paul

One little "quirk" that should be noted with the half fretless. When you play a fretless you play with your finger ON THE FRET. (Where the fret WOULD be) When you play a fretted you play between the frets possibly up against the front fret a little. When with a half fretless your fretless hand (left hand) must play ON the fret space and your melody hand plays between the frets. This makes a very slight "disconnect" that you'll need to adjust too when playing the instrument. If you watch the video of Don Shiff playing the half fretless on the stick.com site you'll see what I mean. And I've talked with Don about this and he confirmed it is so and the mental adjustment is needed.

Thanks for the clarification. To be honest I'm already "resigned" to the fact that this is a completely new instrument altogether. But I'm sure it'll be worth the effort.

I just spent the last two hours playing my NS Stick (fully fretted) playing melody and bass two hand tapping running stereo through bass and guitar effect boxes along with a very good drum machine. Got totally lost in the instrument. I use it exclusively in my band in the bass player role and usually use my Grand Stick playing solo at home but I have to say the NS Stick is the perfect for rock/prog and funk application with a drummer. It's probably perfect for any style but I think it works best playing with a "drummer." You really gain in regard to being able to play funk and rock bass parts because of the 4ths bass tuning while still being able to play melody and lead. IMO the traditional Stick is better suited for real solo work. IF I had intentions to keep gigging I'd order a half fretless NS to go with my fully fretted NS but since I intend to take some time off after my band breaks up and the end of next month I'll stick with my fretted NS and my Graphite Grand Stick. ............ for now!