Your photo sits right by my kitchen table and I see it every morning. So blessed to have had your encouragement and inspiration over the four plus decades since we first met. Thanks for changing my life.

I have been thinking of you a lot- especially yesterday, on the second anniversary of your passing. I miss you very much. Thanks for making such a positive impact on my life. I hope I can make you proud and repay my debt of gratitude to you, Emmett.  I hope you teach the angels how to play The Stick like you did for me! God bless you.

Thinking of you my friend. Grateful for you being my friend.

After a neck injury, my left bicep is very weak, and I am unable to play the guitar like I used to. I'm sixty-two years old, and I have been playing music since I was a boy. I was made aware of the Chapman Stick because my brother owned one of the original Sticks that Emmett made forty years ago. I bought a 2019 ten string Stick (signed by Emmett), and I was immediately able to address the fretboard with both hands, and begin my journey with the Stick. Emmett, you saved my musical life, the Stick is a salvation for me. It has far exceeded my expectations. It is extremely dynamic, and beautiful music can be carressed from it. I can't thank you enough for your imagination, perseverience, and drive, in creating a new and exciting musical instrument, Emmett. You created something that is a legacy that we can all be proud of! God Speed Emmett Chapman, I'll see you on the other side! 

Thank you for the Stick, Emmet, it saved my musical life. I have a ten string Chapman Stick, and it is an amazing instrument. Emmett, you created a new and exciting instrument, that is incredibly dynamic and versital. I can't thank you enough, Emmett, your persevering and strength was an inspiration to us all. You gave us an instrument to carry into the future, and form a legacy that we can all be proud of! God Speed Emmet Chapman, I'll see you on the other side! 

One of my happiest memories was the first day coming to work at stick enterprises . pulling up and parking under a giant tree up Kirkwood drive and gleaming with pride that Emmet had picked me from a long list of possibile candidates. I never net a more patient man as he set forth to teach me the craft of making his ingenious instrument. I love him and yutta with all my heart and soul. They made me feel Like family from the get go. Rest in peace maestro.

Great Emmett I’ll never forget you.Every time I lay my hands on my Railboard I have a thought and remember your voice when I had you on the phone.

Mr. Chapman was a huge influence on the world of music, and both his contributions and loss with be remembered for a long time to come.

Thank you Emmett for inventing the best instrument ever i was so lucky to have met you & had a workshop with you in person and Yuta on a National guitar summer camp in LA many years ago you are a genius, the Stick has been such a huge part of my music career played on many albums & Tv themes & ads, and still playing and recording with the stick today I thank you so much , so sad , & My condolences to the Family Johnny Fleury New Zealand 

It's taken me a few weeks to gather my thoughts on Emmett's passing.  Since I bought my first Stick, an NS, in 2004, Emmett's creation has taken me on a journey I never expected.  I played band instruments as a kid and took up bass guitar at 16.  Bought an electric guitar around 2002.  But after taking up Stick, I met Steve Osburn and Glenn Poorman, through them I got to meet Emmett in person in Ann Arbor and Interlochen.  Saw him again at a bar near the NAMM 2015 show.   Stick seminars have lead me to meet an amazing number of local as well as well known professional musicians.  I've even reconnected with relatives I have not seen since a child in Australia, back when Konrad and Justin organized a seminar in Melbourne in 2010.  Through the Stick via  Interlochen/Steve Osburn/Glenn Poorman I also got into acoustic guitar.  This lead to more experiences and meeting even more people.  Then in 2019 my employer gave me a surprise when they announced our facility was closing and consolidating up north in Traverse City.  With Glenn Poorman's help my wife and I found a home a few miles north of Interlochen.  Thanks to those Stick seminars I was familiar with this area.  I've by some twist of fate reconnected by chance with another musician I met at an Interlochen guitar seminar up here in TC, and play live quite frequently since at open mics.  And again, meeting even more musicians up here.  I'm thinking if I never took up the Stick, I would still be a bedroom musician recording in DAW with a guitar and a bass.  Relocating for work would have been an even more enormous task and I would know very few people up here.  None of the above would have ever happened if it wasn't for Emmett.    Both my wife and I have a lot to be thankful from him.   He will be greatly missed.  

With all my love and all that I am  I love you and have felt so a part of your family. I am so honored to have been your friend always.
/Don 

Emmett was a unique visionary. 
My condolences to Mrs. Chapman, their family and friends, and to Stick players everywhere.
Are there charities to which Emmett wanted us to send donations?

Keith

I purchased my first Chapman Stick in 1982 and sold it in 1995.  I began playing it again about three years ago.  I make my living playing family music and Jewish music and I use my Stick quite often.  Of course, everyone wants to learn the name of the instrument that I'm playing.  I hope that you'll be as happy as I am to know that hundreds of children ages 3 and up now shout out "CHAPMAN Stick" every time I walk in the room with my instrument.

My deepest condolences to Emmett’s family. I just saw this news today and is affecting me greatly. Emmett has changed my life as well as many others around the world. I have my arm permanently  injured in 1999 and could not play bass without pain, that’s when I got my first Chapman Stick! I was able to have music as part of my life again. Emmett took the time to call me up in Canada when he heard I was very sick after my appendix ruptured… it felt like Christmas. I will be writing a song to dedicate to this GREAT man who HAS changed the world. Hard to process this and I know it will happen to everyone and had happened to everyone who has been gifted with Life. Please know there are people all over the world praying and grieving along with you.  

Thanks Emmett for changing the life of so many people worldwide, with the universal language of music. 
Condolences 💐 to the Chapman family and stickists all over the world. 

Your legacy lives on. 

Emmett, I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet you. Right now I have two Grand Sticks. I also have had five instruments in the past, upgrading each time you advanced the technology of the instrument. 

You will be happy to know, because of your instrument I have met an incredible community of Stick players. People that have inspired me, changed my life, become my friends. As I charted the years learning to play the Stick I have become a better musician and a better person. 

Emmett, thank you for making my beautiful instruments and may your journey be filled with beautiful music. 

My condolences to Yuta and the Chapman family. 

My Introduction to the Chapman Stick began in the late 80’s after playing drums in a band with another Stick player   .  As many do , the band split up and I missed the sound of the Stick and went to see Emmett play at a small venue on Ventura Blvd . After the set , another player was there and asked why I was there ,  I told him I was interested in the Stick ? And before I could finish my sentence he called to Emmet , “ This guy wants to buy a stick ! “ 
Emmett came over to the table and we started talking and the next thing I knew I was at the house “just to look” .  I was handed a beautiful instrument and shown how to hold it , and I had to tell him “but I’m a drummer “  but after he explained how to make some chord shapes , it felt natural to me . I bought it and began a journey.  I’m still on that journey. 
Thank you Emmet for opening up a new world for me and the encouragement even when I was dealing with tendinitis. 
My deepest sympathies to Yuta and the rest of the family . 


Heartfelt sympathies to the Chapman family on the loss of Emmett.  And the same to Stick players around the world who have lost our mentor.

Emmett, meeting you changed the course of my life.  Thank you for nudging me to look at things differently, sharing your perspectives on topics from astrology to Somalia, and 20 years of supporting our local Stick events - especially with your entertaining online sessions the past several years.  

Your creations are a daily part of my life. Sharing the Stick Night stage with you gave me thrills I’ll cherish forever.

Jim Meyer, Vancouver

It was 1995 when I started playing an instrument, I wanted to play guitar but my dad said I should play the bass ‘cause it will be easier to get a job. So they bought me a bass, but weeks later a friend of mine showed me a vhs of a guy playing an instrument that had both instruments in one, that was The Stick and the man who played it was Emmett Chapman playing his tune Parallel Galaxy. That was love at a first side. I remember calling Stick Enterprises to order one, I couldn’t  speak a word in English but Yuta and you were so kind and enthusiastic. That instrument gave me a different vision about music, the years I spend studying it without any other references, just the freedom of an empty world yet to be discovered were the happiest years of my life as a student. Thanks for so so much, I’m so happy I discovered you, your music  and your invention. Have a safe trip master

Thank you Emmett for creating one of the most beautiful musical instruments in this corner of the Universe. 

Your invention changed the lives of thousands of musicians around the world, including me, and your musical legacy will remain for many years more through marvelous artists who will be continuing to bring more beauty and new sounds.

My deepest condolences to his family and closest dear friends, warm greetings from Chile.

Pilar Stick.

Emmett—

Thank you for your music, for your musical instruments which freed me to play my own music better and more truly. 

Thank you for your friendship on those several occasions when we were together, at seminars, at your workshop when I visited those few times, and at those marvelous breakfast conversations, some of the richest and most stimulating conversations I've ever had. 

You changed lives. You created a musical family that encircles the globe. 

My best wishes go to your family and friends. I know that all of us will carry your memory, your work, and your music forward, and continue to be inspired to keep making music for many years to come.

Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the gentle night to you

Blessings and Light to all.

Thanks Emmett for all the positive things you bring into my life (I actually met the mother of my son thanks to the Stick, that's quite significant to say the least). I feel honored and proud to play your invention that let me become a better musician than I was. If I could remember and retain only one thing from you, it could be the incredible energy you spent to give life to your vision, which should be an exemple for us. My deepest condolences to the whole Chapman family, especially Dan who I had the pleasure to met a few years back. 
Here's a picture from your visit in Britanny, France in 2005, where several dozens of Stick players bowed to you! Thanks again for being Emmett!

Our Ofrenda-Tribute to EMMETT CHAPMAN from Mexico City.
Te vamos a extrañar, Maestro.
Abrazos a la familia CHAPMAN.

Emmett Chapman was an intelligent, humble, honest and creative man that lived a full life, as a devoted husband, loving father / family man and creative genius.

He was generous with his time and talent to those that wanted learn about his inventions, which were numerous and innovative.

He did not yield in the face of adversity and held the line for his family and business in times of uncertainty. He was someone I trusted with my feelings and my opinions; an individual I profoundly respected, honored and admired - although it was not uncommon for him to gracefully set those things aside in favor of a hearty glass of red wine and a decent slice of pizza with me. I am humbled and honored to have had the time I did, he provided for me (us) the most beautiful blueprint for a meaningful life.

He will live on in our memories and music forever. The Free Hands Academy is more than ever committed to providing guidance and services to our community and those that desire it in that same spirit that the Chapman family has shown us, you are never alone.

ti amerò sempre con tutto il cuore, pazzo viaggiatore, non vedo l'ora che arrivi la nostra prossima avventura.

Amore,

Geno

My deepest condolences. He was my always a supportive mentor and I am honored to say I’m a Stickist! His vision and memory will live on through all of us, our performances and with every new fan of the Stick we make. He was so humble with a great sense of humour. Please try to remember the times he made you smile. Dave Brosky “DBro”

Sending love to the Chapmans, extended family, friends, and fellow Stick players. Reading through all these memories has brought smiles, laughter, and tears. Like so many others, my life is immeasurably richer through Emmett’s work, support, and friendship. Simply put, he is one of the most remarkable men I have ever known. Thank you, Emmett.

Tellement triste, 
de plus en plus orphelin…

Une étincelle dans l’éternité...
 
Une vie extraordinaire qui par une vision, une disponibilité, son obstination, sa rigueur, son humour, sa simplicité a su enthousiasmer, motiver, donner un sens à tellement de musiciens...

Condoléances à la famille aux amis 
Perte infinie…
J.M.

I first met Emmett in 1982 when KPFK Fm Radio Host John Schneider recommended him as a featured guest on our SOUNDBOARD TV Show.  In 1986 Emmett Chapman performed at a Benefit Concert that I produced for the Guitar Foundation of America. It was held at THE COUNTRY CLUB in Reseda, California.  
Our Photographer Rico Mandel took this memorable photo:

You were always wonderfully kind, gracious and supportive to me Emmett, and I will always remember that. I'm very grateful for what you have meant to me, and the entire world of wonderful music, and have been so fortunate all of these years to have met you through Dan, and enjoyed the friendship of Diana and Jutta and the amazing Chapman family. Play on forever!

 A Jazz Memory with Emmett

After snaking through the Manhattan maze of subway tunnels, we found ourselves at 380 Lafayette Street, home of the Universal Jazz Coalition founded by Cobi Narita. That eve featured the instrument builder/player Emmett Chapman, whose namesake, The Stick, adorned a sidewalk placard advert. My wife Haruko and friend Megumi traded turns profiling besides the UJC sign sporting Emmett on the dimly lit street to snap a photo. Once inside the grand loft space, what was then the go to jazzbo spot for outré music sounds, we scrambled to place ourselves square with center stage hoping to hear the stereo Stick as we imagined it would sound out. 
 
What unfolded was truly “orbital,” to use the descriptor someone once used to retell the Emmett Chapman and Frank Jolliffe fusion of twenty tapped strings in improv-formation. Unbeknownst to myself, that crowd of listeners consisted of a mix of budding Stickist. Persons who like myself found free-hand expressive moves via Emmett’s electric touchboard. That was an unforgettable evening of solid music making on an instrument that was just beginning to be added to musical instrument dictionaries.
 
The Universal Jazz Coalition fell prey to a landlord who wanted to double the rent while taking the rent deposit hostage. At least for one night though during its tenure, the air in that club was electrified, and charged with the excitement of Emmett’s invention. 

My wife and I will miss that. Pre-Internet, the brown-hued paper Emmett graced his distinctive cursive with when writing about the particulars of Stick configuration, remains a fond memory. While my encounters with Emmett were brief, I will remember him when I lift up my Chapman Stick and sing my kudos to him.

We express our warm condolences to the Chapman family, Yuta, daughters Diana and Grace, and brother Dan. May the tap-team of Yuta and Emmett “Keepin Touch” live on. And may Emmett dream on under the starry night sky Stick raised high.
 



Many many thanks for changing my life, for the better. I will never forget my one meeting with you (at your doorstep!) in June 2000. Thanks for the warm reception. 

We Stick players...we didn't just "buy" an instrument. We gained a family. And a broader path of musical thinking.

Much love to Ms. Yuta, Grace, Diana, Dan, Yumi, and all the family. Carry on...we love you all.

One of our favorite memories we shared with Emmitt and his lovely wife Utta was when we had them over for a drink of schnapps. We will always remember the good times we had, sharing stories about life and cracking jokes. He was a very respected, kind, and beautiful person. We will surely miss his presence, but he will never be forgotten. 
Sincerely the Dracic Family 

Emmett, you have changed my life and the lives of so many...missing you already...Godspeed my friend.

Thanks for thinking of Me and Jenn while you were being inducted into The Musical Instrument Museum. We had a great time at dinner with you and Uncle Dan

Several years ago I decided to focus exclusively on playing the Stick as a solo instrument. This started me off on an unexpected and fulfilling journey -I found that Emmett's powerful instrument allowed me to develop my musical voice and also share it with the world in a much more effective way than other paths I might have taken.

Emmett was always so encouraging to me, offering many kind words and advice over the years. He was a brilliant thinker, both musically and as an inventor, and like many other musicians I owe so much to the wonderful instrument he created and the supportive community around it. 

It was a thrill to meet Emmett in person at NAMM in 2005, to visit with him and his family at Stick Enterprises in 2012, and to share the stage with him at Stick Night 2014 when he also graciously introduced me to the audience - these are all wonderful memories I will hold on to the rest of my life.

Condolences and love to his family (Yuta, Grace, Diana, Dan) and friends. You've all been consistently in my thoughts.

Emmett was one of my music icons, one of the few artists who really had a great impact on my life as a musician, and probably the only one among them all who deeply changed not only my way of playing, but also my way of thinking about music. I started playing the Stick soon after my dad passed, in 2009, and it helped me to focus on positive vibes instead of going crazy, so I could say that he had a deeper impact on my whole life, and I'll be always grateful to him for that. I'm really sad for his departure, but I'm sure I'll always keep into my heart the legacy he left. My deepest condolences to his family and everyone at Stick Enterprise. My thoughts and prayers are for you all.

My deepest condolences to the family of Emmett.
The avenues opened up to me musically by Emmett’s Chapman Stick forever changed the  trajectory of my music path.  Emmett’s invention captured my imagination of the new expressions at my disposal with it.
Emmett was always available to discuss my needs and wants on instrument options and so on.  When I was gigging in LA, he would be there in support and I was honoured that he would do so.
The man and his unique approach to music will be sorely missed.
Rest In Peace Emmett.


I felt a deep pain with your passing  my friend. From your letter in 1981 about my first Stick, you were a visionary and genius in my eyes.  I will carry your story my friend. My intentions and blessings are with Yuta and the family. May we all bear witness to your vision.

Emmett was my long distance friend and mentor. 
We only met once in London in the early eighties but continued communicating over the decades. Emmett had sweeping handwriting back in the days before emails. A sure sign of genius. 
I remember a wonderful "back and forth" we had over the design of the Railboard. I would make a guess regarding the innovations and he would detail the reasons my idea's would or wouldn't work and if got too close would bat away my near-miss guesses. He enjoyed the game. 
My own personal time after hearing the sad news, was to sit quietly listening to "Parallel Galaxy". It's Still my all-time favourite Stick recording and less than a decade and a half after Emmett invented the 'Free Hands Technique" and the "Stick" itself. Thats a Newton level of genius!
Sadly all things must pass, and I must continue playing and practicing without the invisible support or our spiritual father. 
Thank you Emmett, you made a difference. My condolences to Yuta, the immediate Chapman family  and  the rest of the team at Stick Enterprises. I hope all the wonderful memories of Emmett and his life Journey, will somehow make our collective loss easier to bare.

Steve Richardson London UK 

I'm still in shock over this so I struggle to find the right words. Know that I will keep your spirit alive every time I play. There is just no replacing you.  -Kevin Keith 

I heard the news,  I went to my instruments and just played, probably just like thousands of others.  It seemed the only thing to do...  

Dear Emmett, these are sad days that your family friends and we, the stickplayers, we think of you ... when I was very young I had a second hand stick when I was a boy and I almost didn't know English ... it was before the internet and before de Guillermo .. thank you for inviting me and Anna to meet you, I just wanted to share with you “ the stick” and visit you, Dan and Don at the beginning of March 2020 and it could not be, thank you for writing and inviting us, your legacy will continue forever in your family, in the history of music and all of us, we love you

My parents bought me a Chapman Stick as a high school graduation present. I had the pleasure of talking to Emmet by phone while it was being made. In 1988, I was in a car accident in which my left hand was gravely injured. My girlfriend had contacted Stick Enterprises about my situation. One day the phone rang in my hospital room. It was Emmett offering encouragement to continue playing. He put me in touch with other Stick players who had similar physical limitations. Thank you, Emmett, and everyone at Stick Enterprises for
everything.

I was first exposed to the Chapman Stick in October 1976, living in Winnipeg.  An L.A. musician who was backing up Burton Cummings on guitar as a duo in Winnipeg happened to drop into my favourite guitar shop with this new “Stick” instrument he had picked up in L.A. and was noodling away plugged into a couple of amps and lightbulbs lit up in my head. I was too shy to ask him about it but  didn’t hesitate to speak to the store owner. I just went up to him and said “Robin, I want one of those!” And four months later I was holding Stick #290. A few months later, the store owner mentioned to me that Emmett Chapman was coming to Winnipeg to do a clinic at the store. It was July or August of 1977 when the Stick Master graced the floor of Guitarland. Since I had purchased the instrument through the music store and not Emmett directly, as a prank, I decided to pretend I was just another spectator who knew nothing about the instrument. Emmett’s performance ended and I eventually managed to make my way to the area where he was chatting with some locals.  And so, I finally had a chance to ask Emmett if I could try his instrument and he was very gracious and accommodating. He helped me get his  “Stick” on properly and then turned around and went back to his chat most likely expecting incoherent noise from me. But from the very first notes I tapped, an original folk arrangement I had been working on came out and Emmett quickly turned around with his eyes wide open. The look of total surprise on his face was priceless. Needless to say, I had to confess and we had a very lovely conversation afterward.  A couple of months later, I received a hand-written letter from Emmett saying “Leo, I’ve been telling people all about you and way up there in the boondocks”! It still makes me smile. And of course anything he could do to help me on my journey, he would be there for me.  Emmett will always be remembered every time I pick up my instrument. Much, much love and respect.

I am so sorry to hear that Emmett has passed away. I have done business with him for 29 years. In all of that time, I have only know him to be honest, upright, and friendly. He and his wife would always welcome me into their home and try to give me something to eat or drink! I have never once felt that he was trying to take advantage of our friendship or "get one up on me". A wonderful man who will be sorely missed.

Glenn

No words to describe the impact your brilliant and most singular invention had on my life. Eternally grateful to you for your inspiration and mentorship. Much love to you and your wonderful family.

I'm sure Emmett is teaching the angels how to play the Stick.  We will miss him.  Here is a picture of Emmett and me at the NAMM show a few years ago.

A few years after getting to know Emmett, my wife and I managed to get out to LA and spend some time with Emmett and Yuta. I recall saying to her at the end of that first evening that the word genius gets tossed around pretty loosely these days but perhaps this is what real genius looks like. He had a way of looking at everything that was pure Emmett. In 2009, we were fortunate here in Michigan that Emmett was not only willing but eager to come out for the inaugural Interlochen Stick Workshop. His presence made it a once in a lifetime event and I will forever be grateful for his experience, his mentorship, and most of all his friendship. He will forever live through all of us who make music with his creation.

Emmett Chapman was an inspiration for me.  I've played his instrument for close to 40 years, and it has been part of some of the best musical moments of my life.  People who see and hear the Stick react as I do - how did anyone ever think of that?  Emmett was the owner of one of the most amazing minds I've ever come into contact with.  The creation of the Stick alone is cause for awe, but the real inspiration comes with the totality of his life - how could such a visionary also have the practical skills to run his business so well, and be such a great husband and father?  It's amazing.  My favorite Emmett story happened one time when I visited his home for some work on my Stick.  Emmett casually remarked to me that he had invented a new way to play tennis.  That, I thought, was pure Emmett.  His inventor's mind never stopped analyzing, creating and problem-solving.  He was a gift to music and to humanity, and I was honored to be part of his musical family.  When my wife Novi and I would play Stick Night with him, he always wanted to jam with Novi and take her on one of his insane musical flights of fancy.   The last time I saw him, I had come in for a repair on my instrument, and he made a point of inviting me into his kitchen for a glass of juice and a conversation.  I am so glad that he took the trouble to spend that time with me.  I will always remember and treasure it.  Emmett's legacy is obvious - his instrument and the people who play it will go on and on.  Best wishes to his family and to all that were close to him.

The few times I had the chance to interact with Emmett and his works, were short but had a profound impact on myself and those around me. The power and conviction of Emmett’s visionary soul, manifested a new instrument and gave many souls across the world, the courage and the means to follow their highest musical aspirations.

Speaking of another great innovator, the words of Joe Zawinul seem appropriate. “A person like that is never gone.”

My sincere love and gratitude goes out to the Chapman family at this time. 

Let me extend my deepest sympathies to the extended Chapman family as well as my congratulations to Emmett for a life well lived. Bravo

Emmett was and will always be a magical being on this plane and any dimension he inhabits. 

I'm proud to have called him my friend and mentor. He casts a long and beautiful shadow.



Emmett you are a great blessing to our lives, always in my heart.

Jesus Borrero
Venezuela
Stick # 5912



Emmett Chapman transformed my life as a musician. He not only did this with his incredible invention, but with his friendship as well. In written form or via phone, he was ever the encouraging force behind my endeavors on the Stick. Be it my solo gigs, ensemble outings, the Strada Sphere Radio Podcast, or..life. He was devoted to those who played the Stick as much as he was to the Stick itself. We all felt part of a bigger family, a bigger picture. He shared himself in this way. If you played the Stick, you were not a customer, you were family. But I gather that is how he treated everyone. That's how Emmett made me feel with every phone call and every email. And now, every note that I play will be filled even more with his warmth, his sincerity, and his love for us. 
Rest in Harmony Emmett..thank you for being you.
Yuta, my warmest and deepest love to you and your family.
Dan, I share with you a Meshica (Aztec) thought, prayer,

"Oh, only for so short a while you have loaned us to each other,
because we take form in your act of drawing us,
and we take life in your painting us, and we breathe in your singing us.
But only for so short a while have you loaned us to each other.
Because even a drawing cut in obsidian fades,
and the green feathers, the crown feathers, of the Quetzal bird lose their color,
and even the sounds of the waterfall die out in the dry season.
So, we too, because only for a short while have you loaned us to each other."

Juan
Polycarb 10 string #2464
NS Stick #31114

Adiós, querido Maestro y Amigo. Te vamos a extrañar mucho.
En nombre de toda la comunidad de stickistas en México.
Abrazos y música por siempre.
Mauricio Sotelo.

My heartfelt condolences to Yuta and the wider Chapman family. Emmett was a visionary, gifted man, and the world was a far richer place for his presence.

My love and condolences to the Chapman family.
Emmett changed my life for the better with his invention, his support and his kindness: I will treasure the moments spent together forever, he is and always will be one of my heroes.


I remember when he let me into his workshop while he was making some adjustments to my first Grand Stick.  He took the opportunity to share in his knowledge and show me how to take care of things like filing the frets and getting the best set up.  His commitment to passing knowledge on was always apparent and I owe him the most gratitude of just about anyone I have known for his personal passion to become my own greatest passion. I know he did that unilaterally and that collectively he lives on through all of us who have and will continue to embrace his gift to us.  My love and sympathy to his family and the entire Stick family.

My most sincere condolences to the family.  Dear Emmet, I did not tell you before, but you made me very happy with your great creativity.  I will always be grateful to you.

What can I say after all the wonderful words my fellow stickers have said.Emmett passed away 4 days ago and I knew nothing.I just got the info merely by digging into internet. I Could'nt believe at first just thought it was a mistake.Went for other sources of information and when I realised that it did happen I bursted into tears and a pain that went from head to toes made me dizzy.It's true Emmett did change our lives.  Playing the Chapman Stick made me feel important and I felt it raised me up to a higher degree as a musician .All my thoughts and love to the Chapman family.

In 1976 I was a year out of high school and had played the trumpet in school bands for ten years. In the summer of 1976 I learned about The Stick from an ad in the back pages of an obscure music trade magazine. I wrote for more info (no internet yet) and began a life-long friendship with Emmett and his beautiful family. I bought one of his earliest instruments and drove to his home in Laurel Canyon to pick it up. He gave me my first lesson (3 hours long!) and I continued to come back for the next ten years. Every lesson was different but it always ended with the world's best coffee and conversation.  There will never be another man like Emmett. His kind, humble manner and his insatiable curiosity about life was (and still is) an inspiration to me.  I was only 19 years old and, without a doubt,  Emmett truly changed my life. I was so lucky to know him and his passing feels just like losing a parent. I am deeply saddened and want to extend my sincerest condolences to Yuta, Grace, Diana and Dan. Let's all congratulate Emmett on a life well lived. His memory will live on forever in the music of everyone who plays his instruments. 

Over the past 45 years Emmett was like a brother and a father for me all in one. I will always cherish sharing time and conversations with Emmett and his special perspective of "everything" 

My condolences go out to Yuta who I have never seen a more loving couple,  Grace and Dianna who had as much love for their father as anyone I have met. If there was ever a family that "did it right" this is a prime example.

Oh, by the way....... thanks for creating an instrument and music that well......"changed my life"



My heartfelt condolences to Yuta and to Emmett’s family and loved ones. I first heard of Emmett and his invention, the Stick, in 1976.  As much as I was impressed by his instrument, I was also impressed by Emmett’s creativity, his commitment to his vision, and his seeming desire to push beyond every limit he met, and his cheerful humor.  I continue to learn from and cherish the example of this wonderful man. Emmett lived a large life, and he stretched his arms around the world.  Not only did Emmett introduce musicians to the Chapman Stick, Emmett introduced us to each other.  Emmett created a thriving community of Stick players.  For this, I remain grateful. Emmett will continue to live on in the hearts of all whose lives he touched. 

Many years ago, I got out of college and moved to Southern Cal.  I had the crazy thought of looking up Emmett, since I played a Stick, right?  He was kind enough to invite me over, and I met his wonderful family.  We had some great talks. A couple of years later, he invited me to share his table and watch the other now-passed genius, Allan Holdsworth, play in LA.  I once dropped my #798 stick, and he made me get a new one built.  He wanted the instrument to evolve and those playing it as well. Throughout the years, Emmett made me feel important, and special, as I'm sure he thought of everyone who picked up his musical sword.  He gave us so much.  I will really miss him.

Emmett Chapman was a visionary, an inventor, and a great musician.
He was a father, husband, brother and friend. He enriched the world through his dedication to his dream,
The affect he had on the creative lives of so many is monumantal.
I thought he would be at the helm forever,  discovering, building, teaching, performing. 
We will miss our great conversations about music, science and life in general.  Safe journey to the next world my friend. Your impact on the  creative world is powerful. Long live your legacy

Yuta, Grace and Diana,

Sincere condolences to you and you family. Sending prayers to you all during this difficult time.

With Love,

John and Tim Stack

As the news of his passing travels the world and everyone’s shock and sadness is translated into hundreds of comments and pictures flooding social media, my own heart finds comfort from the universal recognition of Emmett’s impact in the world, music, and in all of our lives. His legacy and that of the entire Chapman family is undoubtedly enduring and will be felt for many generations. At the same time there is also a sense of sadness and emptiness: I have lost my hero (in more ways than one) and the only musician whose opinion truly mattered - his was the only approval that was ever needed.  All my love and heartfelt condolences to the Chapman family. 

Thank you, Emmett, for your wonderful invention and changing my life.

You will be missed.

I was a technology consultant for Rod Argents keyboards in the 80s when they were the UK distributor for the Chapman Stick and Emmett would often visit us in London on his way home from the Frankfurt Musikmesse. His impromptu concerts in our demo room were a rare delight (his version of Brazil in tribute to Terry Gilliam’s film is a particularly vivid memory!). At dinner afterwards, he was soft spoken but a fascinating conversationlist.
In the 90s, when the hurly burly of the NAMM show got too much, I would drop by the Stick booth and Emmett’s playing would soothe my soul. I hadn’t seen him for some time but every time I hear Tony Levin play on a Peter Gabriel or King Crimson track, I give thanks for Emmett’s ingenuity and musicality in inventing that instrument. It is a testament that will continue to remind us of him for years to come.
My condolences to his nearest and dearest.

OBITUARY

Emmett Chapman

September 28, 1936 – November 1, 2021

Gates, Kingsley & Gates Praiswater Mortuary

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