Which Strumstick Should I Get?

Almost all Guitar players choose a D-33 model (for their first Strumstick), citing the deeper tone, lower tuning, and the versatility of retuning for different keys.

We feel the D is the most versatile Strumstick: Besides key of D, you can retune for several other keys (E, C, B, A). Plus if you capo it at the third fret it plays in G (same as the G Strumstick).

A complete novice is fine with either a D or  a G Strumstick.

 This video shows how the Strumstick works, and This video compares a D Strumstick with a G.

Choose based on which sound you like the best, they play the same way and are equally easy to learn. See the dimensions of each on the product pages ("Specs" Tab) if size is a critical issue for you (D is 33" long, G is 29" long)

Any young child (3-6) should use the Strumstick with some reasonable adult supervision. Strings can break if tampered with, the Strumstick is durable but not unbreakable, and it is not intended to be used as a sword or a club. With that said, many small children have Strumsticks and happily enjoy them. Having it be a "Family Instrument" is one of our recommendations.

If the child is 3-5, the G Strumstick is easier for small bodies to hold and walk with. If a 5-7 year old is very small for their age, the G can be a better choice, too. 

Otherwise, either Strumstick would be fine, and if the child has a strong preference, especially above 7 years of age, that should be the determining factor.

We also make the G-24 Kidpicker, our smallest Strumstick. While this is not specifically aimed at children, it is totally cute and plays the same way as the other Strumsticks. Here is what the Kidpicker sounds like. 

Either the D or the G models are fine. This video compares a D-33 Strumstick with a G-31. Many musicians enjoy the deeper tone, lower tuning, and the versatility of retuning for different keys (and capo use) of the D Strumstick. The G can be retuned and capoed also, but it is higher to begin with.

If you are getting two Strumsticks for yourself only, Get a D and a G.
If you are wanting the two Strumsticks to play together, you have a choice to make. Two strumsticks in the same key sound great together (two Ds or two Gs).

The D and a G are in different keys, so they don't play together (if that is the most important thing for you).

A partial solution! The D Strumstick can tune up to E, and a G can tune down to E, they can play together in E!

As another alternatives: The D Strumstick can be capoed at the third fret, and it is now in G

The Neck and body of all our Strumsticks are red Padouk. You can decide which wood the top is made of: Spruce, Padouk, Rosewood or Koa. We use the different woods primarily for what they look like. We work the thicknesses of each wood differently to get the best tone from each wood, and they are all pretty similar. There are subtle sound differences, however the visual differences are much more dramatic.

Spruce is the standard soundboard (top) wood for many musical instruments: guitar, violin, piano, etc. Light and strong, it has a good balance of bass and treble, and good volume. The creamy white color of the Spruce creates a high color contrast with the red padouk of the Strumstick neck and sides. The Maple back (used for durability) combines with the Spruce to show a white/red/white stripe effect viewed from the side.

Padouk is the red wood we make the neck and sides out of, so a Padouk top and back Strumstick is all the same rich red color tone. There is essentially no color contrast between the top and the neck/body, so the unique shape of the Strumstick is emphasized. Padouk is very durable with its interlocked grain, and the tone is bright and clear; a little more treble and a touch less bass than Spruce. Padouk darkens with continued exposure to sunlight.

Rosewood (Indian Rosewood) is brown to dark-brown wood, with darker stripes. Used for the Strumstick top and back, it creates a handsome medium contrast between the dark top and the red padouk neck and body. The top and back create a subtle dark/red/dark stripe effect viewed from the side. The tone is similar to Padouk, clear and bright, strong treble, slightly reduced bass.

Koa is a beautiful golden tan to brown wood from Hawaii, often with lighter/darker grain and figure. It is prized for both its color and its tone. The golden undertone blends nicely with the red of the padouk, creating a subtle contrast between top and neck/body, and a subtle stripe viewed from the side. The tone of Koa is generally fuller than Spruce, with an ideal balance between treble and bass. In comparisons, we ( and customers) consistently hear more fullness, more "presence" from Koa compared to Spruce. It is a subtle difference but perceivable.

Keep in mind that wood is a natural material. No two trees are alike, and two Strumsticks of the same woods may look or sound differently. However the general characteristics of the several woods hold pretty true. The visual differences are more dramatic than the sound differences. We give a slight nod to Koa for best sound, along with our customers.