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I see there are variations of the Chapman stick and would like to attempt a similar design for my son for a gift. Any build suggestions on this type 10-12 string instrument. Any other stringed instruments with similar basic construction that would be a good basis for this instrument? I think I can come up with a sound/structural fingerboard and neck (2 truss rods) + nut and some kind of bridge adjustment. A curious question about the 5th. tuner on each side being reversed from the others???? What type guitar pickup for each side would do the job for this type instrument?
Kent

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What about a Martin Backpacker type of thing - I know it is different - but carries on the simplicity and portability idea.

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Note: this thread may not be in the correct section.


I have built a couple of these. Basically you need a piece of wood that can serve as the neck. For the body portion it needs to be either thicker or wider than the neck to have some strength after you route out pickup cavities.

I used two truss rods and a headless bridge system from Krappy Guitars.


I think Emmett did that so the headstock could be narrower. I personally am not crazy about it.


I use Carvin H50 bass pickups. I made the pickup cavities extra wide, then adjusted the pickup position after installation so that the five bass strings came through one pickup, and the five melody through the other.









Feel free to ask me any questions.