This is a ten stringed instrument that incorporates active guitar pickups and a fret board. However, it's similarity to a regular guitar ends there as it also has a midi pickup enabling the player to trigger samplers and synthesizers simultaneously.

The playing position is adopted by hooking the "stick" onto your belt and placing your head and left arm through the shoulder strap. You then hammer onto the strings with your fingertips in the same way you would strike a piano key. In fact, the technique is very similar to that of piano in as much as you play both bass and melody notes together with both hands.  I have now upgraded my stick to a fully midi able instrument (virtual stick) triggering midi from both bass and melody strings.

The inventor, Emmett Chapman (who lives in California) got the idea during the 50's. 

You can hear my Chapman Stick on the following records: "The book of Kells," "Beyond these shores" and "Woven Chord "by Iona "Homelands" or "Big Bubbles no Troubles"and "The lost years Vol.1" by Ellis Beggs & Howard. "Kneel at your feet" by Belinda Carlisle."D, Ream "Hold Me Now" and Warren Cuccurullo "The Spider" Also on my first solo CD "STICK INSECT" for details contact information@nickbeggs.co.uk "Turn Your Back On Me", "The Lions Mouth" and "The Loop" by Kajagoogoo.