Here we will talk about the technique by which the Chapman Stick and Mobius Megatar tapping basses are played, for the reason that this has an effect on 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 choose the best mic for recording the entire sound of the Chapman Stick or Mobius Megatar, and how to record to complement your musical ideas.
Emmett Chapman's Stick instrument was developed in the 1970's, and over the years it has grown gradually more popular, particularly because the touchstyle technique of making music for which it is intended is an extremely productive and enjoyable way to create music. The Mobius Megatar is a later-design development, and has quite a few design enhancements, which many guitar players feel betters the sound and playability. But the two instruments are extremely popular, provide outstanding good sound, and are enjoyable to play.
The method of play is basically straightforward. The tapping guitars are made with an uncommonly low action, and no picking or plucking is required. Rather, you can just touch the string to a fret and that will initiate a note. Hold it there to keep the note playing, and let it go to terminate the note. Since of this manner of activating the string, these touchstyle instruments produce a sound very similar to picking very close to the bridge on a normal guitar.
For that reason the music will have a greater amount of high frequency content, even when playingeven whilst playing the bass strings (because these specially designed touchstyle instruments have both bass and guitar-like strings).
These instruments also have long scale lengths, more similar to bass than to a guitar of standard design. This produces the best sound for both bass and guitar strings, compared to using a shorter neck for both bass and guitar.
The next determinant of the you will focus upon is your amplification and effects sound chain.
In the case of The Stick, since of the inherent out of tune sound (to those with highly sensitive ears) of all fretted, stringed tapping guitars, and due to the extensive range of sound (in consequence of having both bass and guitar-like strings), the danger of creating music out of tune may be present to a greater degree than when playing normal guitar.
One organized answer for this difficulty for every stringed, fretted tapping guitars is the Buzz Feiten Intonation System. However, The Stick does not present this original system as an alternative.
As a result when putting together your amp and effects chain for the Stick instrument you may desire to apply EQ and effects so as to minimize any observation of out of tune playing. Such as, blending in a small bit of distortion, reverb, and chorus. This can produce a very beautiful sound.
Mobius Megatar instruments though are all constructed with the Buzz Feiten Intonation System included, and therefore do not require particular processing in that regard.
When applying a microphone any electric bass or guitar, your considerations of which is the best microphone to use and best mike placement will arise. You may not get the top results using a dynamic mic such as the Shure SM57. You might experience superior results using a condenser microphone with a large diaphragm, and good bass response.
A reasonable starting place with microphone positioning might be for you to set the microphone about seven inches from your speaker, and then as you play the Chapman Stick or Mobius Megatar instrument, merely test with variations of best mike placement. With any luck you can hone in on the optimal placement to get that superb sound you want.
And therefore, the three things to consider when miking and making a recording of Mobius Megatar or The Stick two-handed touchstyle touchstyle instruments is to first remember the technique of play (touchstyle), and realize there will be heard more of the highs than with normal electric guitars or basses. Secondly, ponder your sound chain and use EQ and your sound effects as desired to get a pleasing in-tune sound. Finally, research with diverse microphone models and placements to find the most excellent recording of the sound you imagine.
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