1975 CHAPMAN STICK #120 – 20TH PRODUCTION STICK EVER MADE

An exceptionally rare opportunity to own a piece of Chapman Stick history!

Manufactured in February 1975 by Emmett Chapman, serial number 120 represents the 20th production Chapman Stick ever made, as confirmed by Jeff at Stick Enterprises through Emmett Chapman's original handwritten production records.

This is not simply a vintage Chapman Stick. It is an instrument from the very beginning of the Stick's remarkable history.

Constructed from Brazilian ironwood, #120 features the original narrow 10-string fingerboard design, predating the wider fingerboard introduced with serial number 230 in May 1976.

Among its distinctive historical features are the early trapezoidal Stick Enterprises nameplate and the unusual red patent-number marking on the headstock.

Instrument Details:

• Manufactured: February 1975
• Serial Number: #120
• Production Significance: 20th production Chapman Stick
• Construction: Brazilian Ironwood
• Configuration: 10 strings
• Scale Length: 34 inches
• Fingerboard: Original narrow-width design
• Pickup: Original-style passive Stickup, serviced by pickup specialist Tom Brantley.
• Tuners: Brand-new Schaller tuning machines
• Strap: Brand-new Stick strap
• Case: Hardshell case included

Condition and Professional Maintenance

Despite being more than 50 years old, #120 plays perfectly!

The instrument was recently stripped down, thoroughly cleaned, and serviced by a local professional luthier. During this process, the original aging tuning machines were replaced with brand-new Schaller tuners, and a new Stick strap was installed.

The original-style Stickup pickup has also been serviced by pickup specialist Tom Brantley (of Geddy Lee fame). Tom cleaned up the old pickups and replaced ALL the poles with new ones.

A previous area of damage near the bottom was professionally repaired using ironwood supplied specifically for the restoration. Repair done by a local wood working shop. They matched the grain and was glued with the strongest epoxy available.  This repair is documented in the accompanying photographs. Before the repair, this stick played fine. The repair was merely for cosmetic reasons.

None of the repairs or restoration work adversely affects the instrument's playability.

This is a fully playable, properly maintained instrument, not a museum piece that must remain behind glass.

Why #120 Matters

The Chapman Stick revolutionized the possibilities of stringed-instrument performance, finding its way into the hands of pioneering musicians across progressive rock, jazz, and experimental music.

With its extraordinarily early serial number, documented February 1975 manufacture, distinctive first-generation construction, and excellent playability, #120 offers something considerably more unusual than a typical vintage Chapman Stick.

This stick is one of the few made that has the thinner width making it easier to play. Emmett Chapman started making wider sticks in mid 1976. There are less than 150 of the thinner necks ever made. It does have a non-adjustable truss rod, as you can see in the pictures.

Whether you're a dedicated Stick player, collector, or simply someone who appreciates the origins of a revolutionary musical instrument, #120 represents a remarkable opportunity to own and PLAY a genuine piece of music history.

Hardshell case included.

Ship only to US Lower 48.00

Will ship UPS fully insured.

**Stand not included in this sale**