Emmett Chapman discovered a whole new way to make music by tapping on a home-made 9-string guitar with his hands approaching the neck from opposite sides in 1969. He founded his company, Stick Enterprises, in 1974 as a way to make Sticks for other musicians and spread his new ideas about making music to the masses. Since that time over 5000 Sticks have been built, and the numbe rof serious, active players is growing by leaps and bounds.

Emmett is unusual in the world of instrument building in that he is also a virtuoso performer in his own right. He has release several recordings and videos, and continues to refine his music while refining his playing method and instruments. His book "Free Hands" was my only source of material when I started to learn the instrument in 1985.

Emmett is an amazing man, soon entering his 70's but still going strong with his music, intellectual persuits, slightly unorthodox tennis game, and running his shop. He works harder than anyone I've ever met, but always has time to expand his horizons. I'm really proud to be his friend and fellow music-maker, sharing the journey he started on so many years ago.

You can find out more about his revolutionary new musical method and the development of Stick Enterprises here www.stick.com/history


Greg with Emmett Chapman, Jim Reilly and Tony Levin
at the 2005 NAMM show in Anaheim, CA
photo by Art Durkee

Check out what happens at these trade shows here: Stick Enterprises NAMM 2005

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