…in which strings take center stage in the discussion. Well, for the most part, at least- it is a Tap In Time episode, after all. As with any stringed instrument, strings are at the heart of a Chapman Stick’s purpose, and we dive into a discussion on the strings themselves, as well as the related unique instrument features only found on a Stick. Also: whammy bars, “rigidy” (is that a word?), geeking out over patents, a podcast idea of Gene’s gets a hard pass from Claire, and more!

There may be two "O"s in Goose, but there's only one "L" in Manila (I hadn't known that...). Why mention it? Because that's the home of this episode's prog rockin' interview guest- Fuseboxx vocalist/Stickist/pianist Abby Clutario! There's Fuseboxx talk for sure, but we also learn about her other projects and endeavors, her musical and Chapman Stick history, some of her thoughts on the tech/gear side of things, and much more. As usual with our guests, several of her recordings (both with Fuseboxx and solo) are sprinkled throughout, with a beautiful Stick/piano/vocal cover to close the show.

Chapman Stick Master Steve Adelson joins us from his home in Arizona, and entertains us with anecdotes and learnings starting with his early days playing guitar, to finding The Stick, and moving through running the Long Beach Jazz Festival for the better part of two decades. From experiences and playing with the likes of Les Paul, Tony Levin, and other big names, to hurricanes and how to get a restaurant crowd to “recognize” the originals you mix in, Steve takes us through a great conversation.

We pay tribute to Emmett Chapman, share some memories, and talk about his impact on our lives.

Some listeners may have noticed the absence of our Portuguese friend Rodrigo on a few of last summer's episodes. Well, when you're out playing Chapman Stick gigs *every* weekend, it's hard to fit podcast recording sessions into your schedule. Now that he's back, we get the details on the gigs. Then we get to play show and tell (hear and tell?) to learn about his Dragonfly, an acoustic tapping instrument from a company out of Argentina. Many guitarists own both electric and acoustic instruments, and the Dragonfly is gaining a bit of popularity amongst jealous Stickists who would like to do the same. Check it out!

Tap In Time's roots are found in playing Bach on the Chapman Stick. In fact, Episode 5 was devoted to this topic...it truly is beautiful music that enhances any set list, and playing it is great for the chops. We're all really stoked that Stickist extraordinaire Greg Howard is about to release his book of Bach arrangements, so we pulled him into the (virtual) studio to continue the conversation. Mixed in throughout: discoveries, a Tap In Time first, a confession, and more- it's a good one, don't miss it!

We head to Germany this month, and manage to get Mark and Steffi, aka Cascade, on the line! The globe-trotting Chapman Stick Duo spills the beans on all sorts of stuff, starting with the Cascade origin story and working from there. Join us as we hear about composing for two Sticks, great stories of busking all over the world, living the dream of being full time Stick performers, and more!

We visit the Land Down Under! OK, only virtually, and no koala sightings this time, but it was still a great chat. Join us as we hear about Andy’s busking experience, his decision to branch out into the world of living room concerts and streaming content, and his thoughts on other topics such as composing on Stick, that wonderful tone of his that so many of us want, his choice of instrument, and more. Plus, some interesting busking stories, including a bystander’s mis-identification of Andy's instrument that was a new one to us. 

In Part 1 of this mini-series, we kept things at a somewhat higher level. In this one, as promised, we talk instrument details: configurations, materials, pickups, new, used, components, and more. We couldn’t possibly offer the last word on any specific aspect of purchasing a Stick, but if you’re after potentially helpful insights that might not be readily apparent, have a listen! If nothing else, you just might be slightly entertained. If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1, consider checking it out first.

The episode title says it all. Though it shares certain characteristics with other electric stringed instruments, a Stick is truly an instrument like no other. What exactly does that mean? What drives us to want one? What did we learn or experience that we weren't expecting? Join Gene, Rodrigo, and Victor as they lay some philosophical groundwork in preparation for Part 2 of this mini-series, in which instrument and technical details will take center stage.