FOR SALE: Extremely Rare Stick Enterprises Tenor Chapman Stick (c. 1999) - One of Only Three Ever Made - Pristine Condition

**FOR SALE: Extremely Rare Tenor Chapman Stick (c. 1999) - One of Only Three Ever Made - Pristine Condition**

**The Instrument**

This is a Tenor Chapman Stick, crafted circa 1999 by Emmett Chapman at Stick Enterprises in Woodland Hills, California. It is one of only three Tenor Sticks ever built. The other two reside with Malcolm Wright of England and Trey Gunn (King Crimson). This instrument represents a singular moment in the evolution of the Chapman Stick - a direct precursor to the Alto Stick, which would become the very last new instrument model Emmett Chapman introduced before his passing in 2021.

This is not a production instrument. It is a transitional design, an experiment that bridged the standard 10-string Stick and the Alto Stick that debuted in 2004. For a collector, player, or historian of two-handed tapping, this is as rare as it gets.

**Condition**

Pristine. Excellent. This Stick has been cherished and maintained to the highest standard. The majority of its servicing and repairs over the years have been performed by Grace Chapman - Emmett's daughter, master luthier, and current head of Stick Enterprises. There is no one more qualified to have cared for this instrument.

**Emmett Chapman's Personal Modification**

Emmett Chapman himself modified this instrument by removing the lowest frets - a custom alteration specified by the inventor's own hands. This modification shapes the playing range and character of the instrument in a way that no other Stick shares, aside from its two sister instruments.

**Specifications and Features**

- 20-fret fretboard
- 10-string configuration
- Tuned in Mirrored 4ths - a tuning that provides compact scale positions and chord voicings analogous to bass guitar's all-4ths layout, with the mirrored symmetry making every shape you learn applicable on both sides
- Medium/light gauge strings, producing a notably mellow jazz tone
- Sperzel locking tuners - precise, stable, and premium
- Mother-of-pearl inlays
- Custom-made Lace pickup (installed) - delivers a warm, full-range voice that especially enhances the mellow jazz character of the medium/light string set
- Stick Up passive stereo humbucking pickup (included as spare) - the classic Stick Enterprises pickup module for a different tonal palette
- All latest Stick updates have been applied - this instrument is fully current with Stick Enterprises' hardware and design advancements
- Adjustable belt hook and shoulder strap system
- Truss bar wrench included

**Lefty / Righty Configuration**

This Stick is currently set up as a left-handed instrument. It can be converted to right-handed play by installing a different belt hook - a straightforward process. This makes it accessible to both lefty and righty players. Left-handed Chapman Sticks are exceptionally rare on the used market, and this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a southpaw Stickist.

**Cases and Accessories**

- Anvil flight case (travel-worthy, road-ready - note: case is missing its key)
- Soft case (alternative option for lighter transport)
- Shoulder strap included
- Truss bar wrench included

**Provenance**

- Built by Emmett Chapman at Stick Enterprises, c. 1999
- Personally modified by Emmett Chapman (lowest frets removed)
- Serviced and maintained primarily by Grace Chapman, master luthier and head of Stick Enterprises
- One of only three Tenor Sticks ever created
- Sister instruments owned by Trey Gunn and Malcolm Wright
- Precursor to the Alto Stick, Emmett Chapman's final new instrument model

**Why This Stick Matters**

The Chapman Stick has been in continuous production since 1974, with approximately 7,000 instruments built. Of those, three are Tenor Sticks. This is one of them. It represents Emmett Chapman's restless experimentation - his drive to push the instrument into new registers and new sonic territory, which culminated in the Alto Stick. To hold this instrument is to hold a chapter of tapping history that almost no one else can claim.

**Shipping: Will ship fully insured with signature confirmation. International shipping available with full insurance and tracking. Buyer responsible for any duties/tariffs.**