McNally Strumsticks • Shoreline Music

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Muriel Anderson
Pierre Bensusan
Howard Emerson
Jaquie Gipson
Dougie MacLean
Franco Morone
The Waybacks

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At one of my first NAMM trade shows, I ran across the Strumstick made by Bob McNally (who invented the Backpacker now built by Martin). I had to wait in line to buy one, though, because Earth, Wind and Fire were busy loading up on several each. I bought one for my kids, but found that I played it about 10 times as much as they did.

The Strumstick is the kind of instrument that makes novices sound really good, and gives accomplished guitarists a great little noodling instrument. It's small in profile like the backpacker, with three strings tuned in a chord (usually G or D, but you can of course experiment with tunings), and diatonic fret markers like a mountain dulcimer. So every note you play just sounds right. The instrument is surprisingly loud, and sounds a bit like a small-profile banjo (you can hear some audio clips here and here and here). Whether you've been playing guitar for 30 years or are just looking for an introductory stringed instrument for a young niece or nephew, you'd be hard-pressed to find anything as fun to play as the McNally Strumstick. Available in standard G scale, G scale with wood rosette, and longer D scale. Bob also makes these with upgraded tonewoods; the nicer models also include a free abalone rosette. (pic)

Standard McNally Strumsticks	Description	Price*
Standard Strumstick	Standard model, tuned to a G.	$115.00
Rosette Strumstick	Same as regular Strumstick, with wood rosette	$125.00
Grand Strumstick	Longer scale, tuned to a D	$145.00
Strumstick Gigbag	Fits standard Strumsticks	$10.00
Custom Models (may take an extra week)	Description	Price*
Standard	Standard size, tuned to a G.	$130.00
Grand	Longer scale, tuned to a D.	$150.00
Abalone Rosette	Free on the upgraded Strumsticks

*The prices for all McNally Strumsticks include free shipping anywhere in the US. CO residents add 2.9% sales tax (7.4% in La Plata county). Please see our Shipping page for additional international shipping information.

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