$ 490
Big Wave Strumsticks are IN STOCK
Big Wave Strumsticks are currently IN STOCK.
They require a 2-month lead time when we are out of stock.
• The neck is identical to the D-33 Strumstick.
• The wave-inspired body is one piece Padouk with either a Spruce or Koa soundboard.
• We are totally thrilled with the results; the tone is richer, fuller, and louder. The increased resonant chamber has allowed us to add a lower tuning too! There are two tuning arrangements available: our regular D A D (D-35 model), or a lower tuning A E A (A-35 model). The lower tuned AEA model has a brisk baritone flavor reminiscent of the Cittern/Irish Bouzouki.
🎧 ▶️Big Wave D-tuning (DAD)
🎧 ▶️Big Wave A-tuning (AEA)
• The design objectives were to create longer resonant paths within the body (for bass response) and to increase the soundboard area (for volume), but also stepping out a little with an elegant, festive body shape. The wave soundhole arrangement was designed to balance the resonance of the sound chamber and to enhance the visual design of the body.
• The Big Wave Strumstick uses ball end (guitar style) strings which feed through the body.
• Where the original Strumstick design uses a one piece neck and body approach, the Big Wave uses a two piece neck/body design, with a sturdy screw-in neck attachment.
$ 29
To Use the Flip Capo:
There is a long arm and a short arm; either arm can be up (Flip!). We suggest longer arm up. Position top arm over strings (just behind fret) and tighten thumbscrew firmly but don't overdo it.
Strumstick Keys with Capo:
A capo is a device (familiar to guitar players) which clamps all the strings at a particular fret, changing their pitch. With guitar, the capo simply changes the key. With the Strumstick, the capo changes the key, but also changes the type of musical scale you get.
G Strumsticks
Without Capo, key of G Major
Capo at 1st fret gives key of A minor
Capo at 2nd fret gives a Bluesy scale in B
Capo 3rd fret gives C Major
Capo 4th fret gives D minor or D Major
D Strumsticks
Without Capo, key of D Major
Capo at 1st fret gives key of E minor
Capo at 2nd fret gives a Bluesy scale in F#
Capo 3rd fret gives G Major.
Capo 4th fret gives A minor or A Major
Why does the capo change the scale as well as the pitch? The Strumstick frets are designed to give a diatonic (major) scale. The scale is a pattern of whole steps and half steps. If you capo at the first fret, you raise all the strings (by a whole tone) but you also change the pattern of frets to a different scale. Each fret you place the capo at gives a different type of scale.
Tuning the Strumstick higher or lower will give even more keys.
Keep in mind that the extra fret (fret number 6, the flatted seventh) may please or annoy you, depending on which fret you are capoed at. If that fret does not sound good, skip it when playing.
$ 89
We are now in production on our beautiful new Strumstick Display Stand. I started them last year and field tested them at a bunch of shows. They passed the public stress test (thousands of people, children, wind and shaking tables). They are sturdy and elegant and display the Strumstick as the art object it is. They hold the Strumstick ready for instant use and urgent musical inspirations!
A heavy Padouk base supports two light and rigid fiberglass rods, and a support yoke made from recycled Strumstick wood.
$89
$ 279
$ 219
Padouk is the least expensive of our fancy wood line, and includes an Abalone Soundhole Rosette. Because the Padouk D-33 is all the same wood, there is a perfect blend between top and neck. The uniform color gives a visual simplicity that highlights the refined shape of the Strumstick. The tone of the padouk top is bright and clear.
See Video Comparing D and G below ⬇
"I bought a D strumstick a year ago and I’ve had so much fun with it. I love music and singing but had always been frustrated in playing any instrument until I got my stick. Now I can play “Old McDonald” as well as songs by Coldplay and just have the time of my life! Some people pay shrinks a lot of money for therapy but this does the trick for me. I can feel blue, overworked, tired, sad, even happy or any range of human emotions but my stick always sets me right. A few strums on the twangy thang and everything’s alright. Thank you for coming up with what I call my “joy stick.”
Walter"
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 249 $ 339
1n 1981 I designed the Backpacker Guitar. In 1992 (after we had made nearly 1,000 Backpackers) C F Martin and I entered an agreement whereby Martin would make and sell the Backpacker under license from me. It is now 25 years later, and Martin has sold close to 300,000 Backpackers. To commemorate that, for 2017 they are making an all Sapele (similar to Mahogany) model, quite similar to the all mahogany model that was one of the variations we made.
We are happy to offer the traditional Martin Backpacker (Mahogany Body with Spruce top). Quantities are limited. If you request it, I will gladly sign the guitar you purchase.
The whole concept of the Backpacker is, it's a guitar you can have with you, any time, any place. It has ridden the Space Shuttle, been to both poles, and to the high base camp on Mt Everest. It has made numerous passages of the Appalachian trail, kept spirits up for troops in the Middle East, and sailed the oceans of the world. At no time in these adventures, did the Backpacker sound like a great full-sized guitar. It is compact, light, and durable, and has a sturdy voice all it's own. Performers from Jon Anderson to Ani DiFranco to Oliver Mtukudzi have written, performed and recorded using that sturdy voice. Think of it like the dinghy to your big guitar...you go ashore and explore the Island with your dinghy, not your yacht!
Spruce Top: Steel String $249
$ 345 $ 525
The Micro-Bass is mahogany, with a built-in volume and tone control for the pickup, and even an on-board tuner. It is fretless with inlay strips where the frets would be playing fretless is easier than you might think because of the fret lines, and because its a bass. You have to pay some attention to your finger placement, but it is surprisingly easy to adapt to the fretless fingerboard, and the big bass kind of tone is worth it.
The Micro-Bass offers a comparable blend of craftsmanship, sound and value to the Strumstick (or else we wouldn't offer it!) and is a great solution for all those folks who have asked about Strumstick basses over the years.
"I have been using the GoldTone Micro-Bass for two years. My musician friends are consistently impressed with the full rich tone, and the Micro-Bass has been a welcome addition to many situations, from informal jams to polished performances. I'm really excited to be offering it on our website, it is a great musical complement to the Strumstick"
Bob McNally
Bass is great! Any instrument ensemble sounds better with a bass involved, whether it is a bunch of guitars, a few Strumsticks, or a whole symphony orchestra. I am an "occasional bass player" pressed into duty playing bass in various bands and music gatherings. I have used full size and smaller electric basses, standup bass, and I have built and used acoustic bass guitars. We do not make a Strumstick bass, we have experimented and the virtues of the Strumstick and the needs of a bass instrument just don't fit together well.
In my musical travels, I came across a really cool bass made by some friends of mine, Goldtone Instruments, called the Micro-Bass. It uses thick synthetic "rubbery" strings, and a mini-guitar shaped body (about the size of the Baby Taylor or Little Martin). It is bigger than the Ukulele basses with these same kind of strings. Compared to Uke-Basses, the Micro-Bass has a bigger body and a more effective string length. Acoustically it is quiet, but loud enough to play with a couple guitars. Played with the built-in pickup, it sounds fabulous with a round, full tone with a lot of power, reminiscent of upright bass. Smooth with what I call a creamy texture.
I've used the Micro on stage, and in many informal jams, and I love the sound. So much that we are now offering the Micro-Bass on our website, for all those that wanted the minimalism of the Strumstick in a bass range. I think this is the way to go, and I have not used my regular electric bass or acoustic bass guitar since I started using the Micro-Bass.
$ 259
We took the original G-29 (now the SlimPicker) and redesigned it with a longer and wider body (the same body size as the D-33 Grand Strumstick). This increasing its length to 31 inches but with the same string length as the G-29. The result is the G-31 Super G, with an amazing increase in sound; loud, clear and bright, with greater fullness and delicacy than the G-29. We will have pictures and recordings of it up soon. Koa makes the best sounding Strumsticks, with a bit fuller tone than Spruce. There is a nice visual blend between the gold Koa top and back and the red Padouk neck and sides.
See the Video Comparing D-33 and G-29 below ⬇
"I bought a D strumstick a year ago and I’ve had so much fun with it. I love music and singing but had always been frustrated in playing any instrument until I got my stick. Now I can play “Old McDonald” as well as songs by Coldplay and just have the time of my life! Some people pay shrinks a lot of money for therapy but this does the trick for me. I can feel blue, overworked, tired, sad, even happy or any range of human emotions but my stick always sets me right. A few strums on the twangy thang and everything’s alright. Thank you for coming up with what I call my “joy stick.”
Walter"
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
Free
This is the FREE digital download of the Strumstick Instruction CD (titled "Enjoy The Noise"!).
Click "Add to Cart" and proceed as for a purchase (it is Free!).
At the completion of the purchase, you will see a link to download your Instruction CD. You will also get a confirmation email with a download link.
The download is a zip file of a folder containing all of the CD tracks.
The Instruction CD is the audio companion to the Strumstick Instruction Book. It demonstrates what is in the book, or you can learn right from the CD. Note: The first part CD was originally played on the G Strumstick, then additional tracks were added using the D Strumstick. The information applies to both equally, (but the sound will be different). There are notes to tune the G or the D, be sure to use the correct ones.
$ 20
$ 20
Shopping for someone else but not sure what to give them? Give them the gift of choice with a Strumstick.com gift card.
Gift cards are delivered by email and contain instructions to redeem them at checkout. Our gift cards are applicable to any purchase at Strumstick.com, and have no additional processing fees.
$ 198
We took the original G-29 (now the SlimPicker) and redesigned it with a longer and wider body (the same body size as the D-33 Grand Strumstick). This increasing its length to 31 inches but with the same string length as the G-29. The result is the G-31 Super G, with an amazing increase in sound; loud, clear and bright, with greater fullness and delicacy than the G-29. We will have pictures and recordings of it up soon. Spruce is the standard wood for soundboards for Guitar, Violin, Piano, and more, and makes a great sounding Strumstick. There is a high visual contrast between the white Spruce top and the red Padouk neck and sides, and you see white/red/white looking from the side.
See the Video Comparing D-33 and G-29 below ⬇
"I bought a D strumstick a year ago and I’ve had so much fun with it. I love music and singing but had always been frustrated in playing any instrument until I got my stick. Now I can play “Old McDonald” as well as songs by Coldplay and just have the time of my life! Some people pay shrinks a lot of money for therapy but this does the trick for me. I can feel blue, overworked, tired, sad, even happy or any range of human emotions but my stick always sets me right. A few strums on the twangy thang and everything’s alright. Thank you for coming up with what I call my “joy stick.”
Walter"
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 215
This is a special D model that is fretted to play in every key, not just one key. That means it has wrong notes, it has "sharps and flats", the fret pattern is like a guitar neck, This is called Chromatic fretting, The more common D-33 (No Wrong Notes) Strumstick uses a "Diatonic" fret pattern that just gives the notes for one key.
Advantages of the Chromatic D:
You can play in any key.
You can make many more different chords.
You can use a Capo to simply change keys using familiar chords
Disadvantages of the Chromatic D:
Lots of wrong notes
More complicated to learn
Has a higher potential for being frustrating.
The other characteristics are identical with the regular D-33.
The Chromatic D is for people who want the ability to play in any key and to have a wider range of chords and chord types, and are willing to deal with a longer learning curve and more difficulty learning, compared to the regular Strumsticks. The Chromatic gives up the "No Wrong Notes" and intuitive aspects of the D-33, in return for more musical possibilities. many Guitar players (guitar is already chromatic) still prefer the regular (diatonic) strumsticks, but sometimes people need to play in all keys. That is who the Chromatic D is for.
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 169
The G-24 KidPicker is the smallest Strumstick we make, and it is just as easy as the larger ones. Its mini-size makes it a delightful instrument for small kids. The KidPicker has simple fretting, low string tension for little hands, and is tuned to G. It can also be tuned higher to A, B, C, or D. It has a Spruce Top with a plain soundhole. Click here for sound clip:
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 215
Spruce Top $215, Koa top and back $275.
Yep, its a Ukulele all right. GCEA, My Dog Has Fleas. Has all the notes (sharps and flats, plays in any key just like your familiar uke). Shaped like a Strumstick. But it has steel strings and has a bright voice, still "Uke-y" but not as plunky as nylon strings. And the string tension is low so its not like squeezing a guitar or mandolin. A wonderful voice to add to the Ukulele choir, and a great look and sound for your Uke collection.
26" long ( like Tenor Uke), 5" wide, 1.5" deep.
Spruce Top, Maple Back, Padouk Body (contact us about Koa Top and Back)
$ 496
• The Double Strumstick is any two Strumsticks you choose (any wood, any model) on a Padouk backplate.
• That lets you alternate between them, play some chords on one, some on the other. Or use one for some songs and switch for other songs (without putting one down and picking up another).
• Haunting sound when you alternate with both. And it looks extremely cool.
• The Price is based on the two woods you choose. If you want pickups you need two (one in each Strumstick), but we will only charge you $90.
See Specs for more Details on choosing.
"I bought a D strumstick a year ago and I’ve had so much fun with it. I love music and singing but had always been frustrated in playing any instrument until I got my stick. Now I can play “Old McDonald” as well as songs by Coldplay and just have the time of my life! Some people pay shrinks a lot of money for therapy but this does the trick for me. I can feel blue, overworked, tired, sad, even happy or any range of human emotions but my stick always sets me right. A few strums on the twangy thang and everything’s alright. Thank you for coming up with what I call my “joy stick.”
Walter"
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 90
Description:
The Built-in Pickup allows connecting the Strumstick to an amp, effects, PA, or computer interfaces. Plugging into an amp greatly increases the sound possibilities of the Strumstick; add Treble or Bass, play crystal clean or add " edge" to the sound (from a sharp bite to rock/blues/metal overdrive). Effects devices (stand-alone, or part of many amps) add spacey new-age echos and lush shimmering "fullness" to notes. With an appropriate interface device, you can record into Garage Band or many other recording applications. The Built-in Pickup is the access point for all these musical features. And the Strumstick still sounds great when you are not plugged in.
Piezo-type pickup, Custom designed for the Strumstick by Schatten. 1/4" jack (standard guitar cable) connector.
To Add the Pickup; select it as an option when ordering your Strumstick. Or you can order it separately and send us a Strumstick you already have, we will install the pickup and return the Strumstick to you.
$ 185
This G-29 with Spruce Top has a wood inlay rosette in the soundhole. The decorative rosette does not affect the sound (the open area of the hole is the same). The G has a high bright tone, it is tuned higher than the D, and has a bit smaller soundbox and a shorted length. A consistent reaction when people hear it for the first time is "how do you get so much sound out of such a little body". High visual contrast with the white Spruce and the red Padouk, and white/red/white stripe when seen from the side. The rosette ads a nice precious touch, at little cost. See Video Comparing D and G below ⬇
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 169
Our lowest price Strumstick, the G-29 Slimpicker with Spruce top and a plain soundhole. The SlimPicker is shorter, narrower and quieter than the G-31 Super G. It has a high bright tone, and it is tuned to G, higher than the D Grand. A consistent reaction when people hear it for the first time is "how do you get so much sound out of such a little body". Utterly portable, for adults travelling light, and for older kids. High visual contrast with the white Spruce and the red Padouk, and white/red/white stripe when seen from the side.
Sound Clip G-29 Fingerpicked:
Sound Clip G-29 Strummed:
See Video Comparing D and G -29 below ⬇
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 259
When I perform I have a lot of Strumsticks to choose from; when I try out a bunch of Strumsticks ("who wants to go on stage tonight!") it is invariably a Koa D-33 with Pickup that is my favorite.
The other woods sound fine, but the Koa adds just a little more presence, we hear that from our customers too.
The built-in electric pickup provides access to another whole world of sounds depending on your equipment; from tone control, to effects of all kinds, loopers and computer recording. Great sound, with or without the pickup.
See our Video below demonstrating many sounds using the pickup with an amp and effects.
Visually the golden hue of the Koa blends nicely with the red of the Padouk, a moderate contrast, and pleasing to the eye.
See Video Comparing D and G below ⬇
"I bought a D strumstick a year ago and I’ve had so much fun with it. I love music and singing but had always been frustrated in playing any instrument until I got my stick. Now I can play “Old McDonald” as well as songs by Coldplay and just have the time of my life! Some people pay shrinks a lot of money for therapy but this does the trick for me. I can feel blue, overworked, tired, sad, even happy or any range of human emotions but my stick always sets me right. A few strums on the twangy thang and everything’s alright. Thank you for coming up with what I call my “joy stick.”
Walter"
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 169
Our lowest price Strumstick, the G-29 SlimPicker with Spruce Top and Plain Soundhole.
Free Instruction Book and CD Download are included.
(For Limited Time: See other wood choices for G-29).
This model has an undecorated soundhole. For a few dollars more you can add a decorative wood rosette inlay around the soundhole if you like.
(For Limited Time: see G-29 with Decorative Rosettes page).
The G has a high bright tone, it is tuned higher than the D, and has a bit smaller soundbox and a shorted length. A consistent reaction when people hear it for the first time is "how do you get so much sound out of such a little body". High visual contrast with the white Spruce and the red Padouk, and white/red/white effect when seen from the side.
See Video Comparing D and G below ⬇
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 198
Our most popular Strumstick, the D-33 with Spruce Top.
This is our best selling Strumstick by far.
See other wood options for the D-33
The D is longer with a wider body than the G, is tuned lower, and has a fuller, richer tone. Spruce is the standard wood for soundboards for Guitar, Violin, Piano, and more, and makes a great sounding Strumstick. There is a high visual contrast between the white Spruce top and the red Padouk neck and sides, and you see white/red/white looking from the side.
See Video Comparing D and G below ⬇
"I bought a D strumstick a year ago and I’ve had so much fun with it. I love music and singing but had always been frustrated in playing any instrument until I got my stick. Now I can play “Old McDonald” as well as songs by Coldplay and just have the time of my life! Some people pay shrinks a lot of money for therapy but this does the trick for me. I can feel blue, overworked, tired, sad, even happy or any range of human emotions but my stick always sets me right. A few strums on the twangy thang and everything’s alright. Thank you for coming up with what I call my “joy stick.”
Walter"
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 259
The Koa D is the Strumstick I use on stage. The other woods sound fine, but there is a little extra presence in the tone of the the Koa. We hear that from our customers too. Visually the golden hue of the Koa blends nicely with the red of the Padouk, a moderate contrast, and pleasing to the eye.
See Video Comparing D and G below ⬇
"I bought a D strumstick a year ago and I’ve had so much fun with it. I love music and singing but had always been frustrated in playing any instrument until I got my stick. Now I can play “Old McDonald” as well as songs by Coldplay and just have the time of my life! Some people pay shrinks a lot of money for therapy but this does the trick for me. I can feel blue, overworked, tired, sad, even happy or any range of human emotions but my stick always sets me right. A few strums on the twangy thang and everything’s alright. Thank you for coming up with what I call my “joy stick.”
Walter"
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 239
The Rosewood top has a dark contrast with the Padouk neck and body. To me it feels like a Strumstick with a tuxedo on, ready for a classy night on the town. The tone is bright and clear.
See Video Comparing D and G below ⬇
"I bought a D strumstick a year ago and I’ve had so much fun with it. I love music and singing but had always been frustrated in playing any instrument until I got my stick. Now I can play “Old McDonald” as well as songs by Coldplay and just have the time of my life! Some people pay shrinks a lot of money for therapy but this does the trick for me. I can feel blue, overworked, tired, sad, even happy or any range of human emotions but my stick always sets me right. A few strums on the twangy thang and everything’s alright. Thank you for coming up with what I call my “joy stick.”
Walter"
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 219
The Padouk D-33 uses all the same wood, so there is no contrast between top and neck. There is a visual simplicity that highlights the refined shape of the Strumstick perfectly. The tone is bright and clear.
See Video Comparing D and G below ⬇
"I bought a D strumstick a year ago and I’ve had so much fun with it. I love music and singing but had always been frustrated in playing any instrument until I got my stick. Now I can play “Old McDonald” as well as songs by Coldplay and just have the time of my life! Some people pay shrinks a lot of money for therapy but this does the trick for me. I can feel blue, overworked, tired, sad, even happy or any range of human emotions but my stick always sets me right. A few strums on the twangy thang and everything’s alright. Thank you for coming up with what I call my “joy stick.”
Walter"
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 198
This is the D-33 model with Spruce Top, our most popular Strumstick. This is our best selling Strumstick by far. The D is longer with a wider body than the G, is tuned lower, and has a fuller, richer tone. Spruce is the standard wood for soundboards for Guitar, Violin, Piano, and more, and makes a great sounding Strumstick. There is a high visual contrast between the white Spruce top and the red Padouk neck and sides, and you see white/red/white looking from the side.
See the Video Comparing D and G below ⬇
"I bought a D strumstick a year ago and I’ve had so much fun with it. I love music and singing but had always been frustrated in playing any instrument until I got my stick. Now I can play “Old McDonald” as well as songs by Coldplay and just have the time of my life! Some people pay shrinks a lot of money for therapy but this does the trick for me. I can feel blue, overworked, tired, sad, even happy or any range of human emotions but my stick always sets me right. A few strums on the twangy thang and everything’s alright. Thank you for coming up with what I call my “joy stick.”
Walter"
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 15
You may view a PDF of the Songbook online,
or Download it (FREE) here: To Download or read Songbook
Click here to View Table of Contents
$ 12
A Quick Start
Holding, Fretting, Strumming
Solutions to Possible Problems
The “Extra” Fret
Strumming Different Rhythms
Changing Notes While Strumming Rhythms
Songlets
EasyTuning
Playing Songs
Care and Feeding
Other Strumsticks
Amplifying your Strumstick
Capo and Alternate Tunings
Chord Diagrams
Note Fingering Charts
Seven Easy Songs
$ 49
$ 18 $ 20
$ 20 $ 22
A capo is a device (familiar to guitar players) which clamps all the strings at a particular fret, changing their pitch. With guitar, the capo simply changes the key. With the Strumstick, the capo changes the key, but also changes the type of musical scale you get.
G Strumsticks
Without Capo, key of G Major
Capo at 1st fret gives key of A minor
Capo at 2nd fret gives a Bluesy scale in B
Capo 3rd fret gives C Major
Capo 4th fret gives D minor or D Major
D Strumsticks
Without Capo, key of D Major
Capo at 1st fret gives key of E minor
Capo at 2nd fret gives a Bluesy scale in F#
Capo 3rd fret gives G Major.
Capo 4th fret gives A minor or A Major
Why does the capo change the scale as well as the pitch?
The Strumstick frets are designed to give a diatonic (major) scale. The scale is a pattern of whole steps and half steps. If you capo at the first fret, you raise all the strings (by a whole tone) but you also change the pattern of frets to a different scale. Each fret you place the capo at gives a different type of scale.
Tuning the Strumstick higher or lower will give different but similar results.
Keep in mind that the extra fret (fret number 6, the flatted seventh) may please or annoy you, depending on which fret you are capoed at. If that fret does not sound good, skip it when playing.
$ 6
$ 20
$ 198
We took the original G-29 (now the SlimPicker) and redesigned it with a longer and wider body (the same body size as the D-33 Grand Strumstick). This increasing its length to 31 inches but with the same string length as the G-29. The result is the G-31 Super G, with an amazing increase in sound; loud, clear and bright, with greater fullness and delicacy than the G-29. We will have pictures and recordings of it up soon. Spruce is the standard wood for soundboards for Guitar, Violin, Piano, and more, and makes a great sounding Strumstick. There is a high visual contrast between the white Spruce top and the red Padouk neck and sides, and you see white/red/white looking from the side.
See the Video Comparing D-33 and G-29 below ⬇
"I bought a D strumstick a year ago and I’ve had so much fun with it. I love music and singing but had always been frustrated in playing any instrument until I got my stick. Now I can play “Old McDonald” as well as songs by Coldplay and just have the time of my life! Some people pay shrinks a lot of money for therapy but this does the trick for me. I can feel blue, overworked, tired, sad, even happy or any range of human emotions but my stick always sets me right. A few strums on the twangy thang and everything’s alright. Thank you for coming up with what I call my “joy stick.”
Walter"
New Soft Case Added!
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
$ 17
(download it, print on paper or cardstock, cut out two pieces, put together.)
How to Use Chord Wheel Instructions here
Find A Million Songs on the internet.
Do a Google search for “Song Title chords” (using title of your favorite song) and you’ll find a dozen versions. Enter “Song Title easy chords” and you’ll find a half dozen more. BUT they will be Guitar or Ukulele chords, not Strumstick chords.
The new Strumstick Chord Changer Wheel comes to the rescue!
This simple device shifts the chords from whatever Guitar key they are in to good old Key of D, the main Strumstick key.
It can also shift chords from D to G, for G Strumstick players. See what "Key" means below, if that word is unfamiliar.
The Chord Changer Wheel is FREE (download it, print on paper, cut out two pieces, put together.) or $17 assembled, postage included.
Basically, you find chords to a song. It’s in some funky key (it’s not in key of D) boo-hoo. You jot down the several chords in the song, rotate the wheel until you see those chords, and right opposite them are the Key of D Strumstick chord names. Pencil the Strumstick chords in, substituting for the original chords, and strum away, happy, happy!
For the Curious and Unafraid: What does Key mean?
Key means Team.
A bunch of baseball players make up a team.
Different teams have different names (Yankees, Red Sox...) but they have the same positions on the team (pitcher, catcher, etc.).
If you think “Team” when you read the word “Key”, that’s about it.
A team of notes (in certain positions called scales) makes a Key, and the Key gets its name from the first note of the team.
The notes in a Key (team) occupy different positions called scales.
The starting note of the scale gives its name to the scale (or team, or Key). There will also be certain chords most often used in each key. That's why we say "the chords for Key of E", or "the chords for Key of D"
Free $ 17
People are loving this! For the Free Download, click "Add To Cart" and proceed to checkout.
At end of checkout you will see the download link and an email will also be sent to you with the download link.
Download is two pages, and you will Need 1 Roundhead Fastener (pictured) to assemble.
Or if you want it already assembled, it is $17, postage included.
Click here for: Assembled Chord Wheel Product Page
Do a Google search for “Song Title chords” (using title of your favorite song) and you’ll find a dozen versions. Enter “Song Title easy chords” and you’ll find a half dozen more. BUT they will be Guitar or Ukulele chords, not Strumstick chords.
The new Strumstick Chord Changer Wheel comes to the rescue!
This simple device shifts the chords from whatever Guitar key they are in to good old Key of D, the main Strumstick key.
It can also shift chords from D to G, for G Strumstick players. See what "Key" means below, if that word is unfamiliar.
The Chord Changer Wheel is FREE (download it, print on paper, cut out two pieces, put together.) or $17 assembled, postage included.
Basically, you find chords to a song. It’s in some funky key (it’s not in key of D) boo-hoo. You jot down the several chords in the song, rotate the wheel until you see those chords, and right opposite them are the Key of D Strumstick chord names. Pencil the Strumstick chords in, substituting for the original chords, and strum away, happy, happy!
For the Curious and Unafraid: What does Key mean?
Key means Team.
A bunch of baseball players make up a team.
Different teams have different names (Yankees, Red Sox...) but they have the same positions on the team (pitcher, catcher, etc.).
If you think “Team” when you read the word “Key”, that’s about it.
A team of notes (in certain positions called scales) makes a Key, and the Key gets its name from the first note of the team.
The notes in a Key (team) occupy different positions called scales.
The starting note of the scale gives its name to the scale (or team, or Key). There will also be certain chords most often used in each key. That's why we say "the chords for Key of E", or "the chords for Key of D"
$ 198
Our most popular Strumstick, the D-33 with Spruce Top is our best selling Strumstick by far. There are other wood options listed here too.
See more details about other wood options for the D-33
The D is longer with a wider body than the G, is tuned lower, and has a fuller, richer tone. Spruce is the standard wood for soundboards for Guitar, Violin, Piano, and more, and makes a great sounding Strumstick. There is a high visual contrast between the white Spruce top and the red Padouk neck and sides, and you see white/red/white looking from the side.
See Video Comparing D and G below ⬇
"I bought a D strumstick a year ago and I’ve had so much fun with it. I love music and singing but had always been frustrated in playing any instrument until I got my stick. Now I can play “Old McDonald” as well as songs by Coldplay and just have the time of my life! Some people pay shrinks a lot of money for therapy but this does the trick for me. I can feel blue, overworked, tired, sad, even happy or any range of human emotions but my stick always sets me right. A few strums on the twangy thang and everything’s alright. Thank you for coming up with what I call my “joy stick.”
Walter"
The Strumstick is designed for non-players, and is delightfully easy to learn.
The Strumstick was created by Bob McNally (designer of the Martin Backpacker Guitar) and has a perfect blend of ease and versatility. The D-33 Strumstick (tuned DAD) is our most popular model. Besides being a foolproof instrument for beginners it is also an inspiring and creative tool for professional musicians (on stage and in the studio). Plays in numerous keys (by capo use or retuning) but is ridiculously easy for non players. Full instructions, chords and songs included. Handmade in USA, of all solid woods. The Strumstick is also available in key of G.
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