Hi all,

My name is Aycan from Istanbul. I don't have a stick yet, but I really want to have one. I am playing a Musicman Stingray 4.

I don't know what is the best to start. But I am here to learn more about it. Any advise is welcome!!! I think with my lack of knowledge, I can say I would go for a 10 string standard or may be an 8 string bass. First question in my mind would be if hardwood choice has what impacts on sound.

It writes as 'no discernible effect on tone' at stick.com. But I couldn't find any detailed description. happy to hear your experience and feedback!!!

Aycan

Welcome Aycan,

If you're open for "a ten stringed standard" you may be in for the new Railboard model? There are some good discussions and videos on it here on the forum. I like light weight instruments, since I like to play standing up (or jumping around), and therefore I went with a Bamboo Grand.

I visited Istanbul last year and played that 12 stringed Bamboo Grand at Borusan!

Welcome, Aycan!
You will find a LOT of information here. There are discussions about pickups, strings, sizes, amplifiers, 10 versus 12 strings...you name it.
As far as the type of wood goes, I don't have a lot of experience with the different types of materials that Sticks have been made from to offer an intelligent opinion. However, I DO know that different types of wood and materials DO have an effect on guitars and basses, and I can't see how they wouldn't have at least SOME effect on the sound of a Stick (even if it's a very small effect).
The material that the Stick is made from is just a vehicle; it's the framework that the strings and the pickup are mounted on, and because it's an electric instrument and not an acoustic one, its sound depends on the electronics. I would also guess that it being tapped, not strummed or plucked, has something to do with the lack of influence from the material.
But there are several players with polycarbonate Sticks who swear that their tone is different from wood Sticks.
I hope others chime in on this!

Hi Aycan.
Welcome to the forum. It's great to see new players pop up here, seems to happen every couple of days or so.

Like Mr. Bergeron said........It's not really important what wood you get, just get a wood that is appealing to you visually, in my very humblest of opinions. I think there maybe a handful of guys here that may be able to discern the differences in tone........the rest of us are fat, dumb, and happy and will most likely remain so. Its the pickups that make it.

All that being said, do look into getting a railboard. I would if I was starting now. Save tons of cash ( they are way less expensive, not to be construed as cheaper though) get your stick in weeks instead of months, get piece of cutting edge tech that is probably better than wood (imo), and be the only railboard owner in Instanbul......how cool is that?

You already play bass..........grab a 10 string....

cheers,
kev

Welcome to the forum Aycan.
I can only echo what Per, Luc and Kev have said here already.

Enjoy yourself and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Eric

I can say I would go for a 10 string standard or may be an 8 string bass. First question in my mind would be if hardwood choice has what impacts on sound.

Welcome Aycan,

When I ordered my first stick the construction material wasn't important for me. So I decided to take Tarara, only because this was the less dark of the woods...
Most important for me was to start with a 10-string because I thougt this way I am nearest to the origins of Emmett's Invention.
Further I've choosen MR tuning, because you have only to learn the notes of five strings, the other group is the same (only reversed).

cheers...

thanks all!!! this really helps! and be sure - I will have more questions



I found the Sub City 2064 concert trailer - with Erdem Helvacioğlu
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GawvbfwHgRE[/youtube]

I hope you play here again!

I had a chance to see Tony Levin playing with Pat Mastellotto and Michael Bernier in Istanbul 2 years ago. I remember was a small group of people but we all stunned, was amazing!





actually was my second question on the way As I read, I only understand each tuning should have different string sets, but if I am right, is it possible to move to a new string set for a different tuning in future on same board without any problem? you guys suggest to select one tuning and to go with it all the time?

I think 10-string Railboard seems to be both time and cash saving for me- also dollar is strengthening against all emerging countries...

And MR sounds me easier to adapt - but DBR should be interesting.

Anyway I should have one first, and 10-string Railboard with MR tuning seems to be the first step:)

So next, should find a way to buy

Hi octane,

The bridge, nut and pickups are all easily adjustable to accommodate any tuning with the physical limitations of the strings.

Emmett's instruments are the only ones I've seen with an adjustable nut. He realized early on that tapping at the nut end is greatly enhanced if you can fine-tune the height of the strings there. On other instruments with conventional hardware, any time you change your tuning you have to actually change the nut.

for more see:
http://www.stick.com/instruments/construction/dualnut/


http://www.stick.com/instruments/construction/bridge/


http://www.stick.com/instruments/railboard/r_block.html


and

http://www.stick.com/articles/setup/

Greg's post reminds me that there is a wealth of information to be found in his video "Meet the Pickups". This will give you a very good idea of how much the difference in pickups will alter your tone.
http://www.stick.com/instruments/pickups/