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Chapman Stick And Mobius Megatar — How To Record For Best Sound

Here we will consider the method by which the Stick and Megatar two-handed tapping instruments are played, since this determines how to record the sound you want to capture. We will then discuss your effects and your sound chain, so as to best bring out the sound that you want to record. Then we’ll consider how to select a good microphone for capture the desired sound of the Chapman Stick or Mobius Megatar, and how to get the best recording revealing the sound you want to express.

Emmett Chapman’s Stick instrument was developed in the 1970’s, and over the years it has grown progressively more popular, in particular since the two-handed tapping manner of play for which it is planned is an extremely productive and enjoyable way to generate music. The Mobius instrument is a later-design development, and has several design improvements, which many guitar players feel enhances the sound and playability. But the two tapping guitars are exceptionally popular, provide outstanding good sound, and are fun to play.

The method of play is essentially straightforward. The tapping guitars are made with an uncommonly low action, and no picking or plucking is necessary. Instead, you merely touch the string to a fret and that will initiate a note. Hold it there to sustain the note, and let it go to stop the note. For the reason that of this technique of activating the string, these tapping guitars produce a sound very similar to picking very close to the bridge on a normal guitar.

For that reason the tones will have a larger amount of high frequency content, even when playingeven whilst playing the bass strings (since these unique touchstyle instruments have both bass and guitar-like strings).

These touchstyle instruments also have long scale lengths, more like to bass than to standard guitar. This produces the greatest sound for both bass and guitar strings, compared to using a shorter neck for both bass and guitar.

The next thing governing the you will consider is your amplification and effects sound series.

As we consider the Stick touchboard, for the reason that of the innate out of tune sound (to persons with highly sensitive ears) of all fretted, stringed touchstyle instruments, and due to the extensive range of sound (because
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of possessing both bass and guitar-like strings), the possibility of sounding out of tune may be present to a greater degree than when playing normal guitar.

One organized approach for this difficulty for all stringed, fretted tapping guitars is the Feiten Intonation System. However, The Stick does not present this original method as an alternative.

Consequently when assembling your amp and effects chain for the Chapman Stick you might wish to make use of EQ and effects in order to decrease any observation of out of tune playing. As an example, blending in a small bit of reverb with reflections, overdrive, and the like. This can create a very lovely sound.

Mobius Megatar touchstyle instruments though are all delivered with the Buzz Feiten Intonation System installed, and as a result need no particular processing of that kind.

When using a microphone on any guitar or bass which is amplified, considerations of which is the best microphone to use and the best placement will arise. You might not obtain the top results using a dynamic mic such as the Shure SM57. You might experience superior results with a condenser microphone with a large diaphragm, and good low response.

A reasonable starting place with microphone positioning could well be to set the mic a few inches from the speaker cone, and then as you play the Chapman Stick or Mobius Megatar instrument, merely test with variations of the best placement. With any luck you can deduce the optimal placement to get that magnificent tone you desire.

In conclusion, the three things to consider when miking and recording Chapman stick or Mobius Megatar two-handed touchstyle tapping guitars is to first keep in mind the method of play (touchstyle), and realize there will be more of the highs than with standard electric guitars or basses. Next, consider your sound chain and use effects and EQ as needed to get a pleasing in-tune sound. Finally, research with various microphone types and different positionings to find the most excellent recording of the sound you imagine.

By: Traktor Topaz

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

With these approaches you should now be able to mic and capture Megatar and Chapman Stick two-handed tapping instruments to get the best sound in your recordings. Visit the Mobius Megatar factory site for added info about the Buzz Feiten Intonation System and the history of the Chapman Stick.

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