We currently only offer a couple of dedicated electric models … our elegant, long scale model (DF-L), and our uniquely innovative ‘Interval Tapper’
Our original DF line of tappers (6 to 8 strings) are temporarily unavailable.
All prices quoted are in USD (shipping & any customs duties additional).
Specifications and additional info for all models can be found here.
Long Scale DF-L by Serra
From 2024 onwards these became our main electric model, ideal for both the beginner and serious player. They are available as either an 8-string mono instrument (DF-8L), or a 10-string (DF-10L) mono or dual pickup configuration (stereo). The design was based on a long scale version of our original DF models, but completely reimagined with its sculpted body in conjunction with Diego Serra of Serra Instrumentos Artesenales to give a more balanced instrument overall. Diego is now in charge of making them, with final assembly, setup and inspection being done by Mark before shipping.
Each one is made by hand using selected, seasoned timbers to give you a beautiful, solid (yet lightweight), ergonomic tool optimised for tapping/touchstyle. Any string configuration can be accommodated and both left handed and right handed versions are possible.
Their features include:
passive pickups and electronics
easy rear access, double-action truss rod adjustment
fully adjustable 3 point strap with leather shoulder pad and belt clip
both top-loading or ‘through body’ string mounting at the bridge, where any brand of bass or guitar strings can be used
durable padded gigbag included
These are generally made and sold as they become available, but can also be ordered as a custom instrument to meet your specific requirements.
These are the original instruments we started out with back in 2010 … initially we offered only a 6-string model (DF-6), then we went on to make 7 and 8 string models (mono & stereo). These were generally shorter scale-length instruments (27.5″) with passive pickups and active electronics and were great value for money as a compact, good quality entry level instrument.
They are currently unavailable to order, but we hope to be able to bring them back as a standard model soon!
Our Interval Tapper is a unique experimental instrument that continues to evolve. Each tapped fret position produces the two notes of a defined 12-TET interval (one note from either side of the tapped position) … hence the unusual fret placement and pickups at either end. These intervals can be combined to create chords, arpeggios and phrasing that would otherwise be impossible on a regular fretted string instrument. It really challenges ones approach to making music with strings and opens up a range of new quirky techniques to be explored!
Theres a Youtube playlist herethat shows a bit more of what this is all about. The current format is a 6-string instrument with stereo volume pot (for swells) and mono/stereo switching for managing the independent outputs from each side.
The long term objective is to include hexaphonic sustainers on either side, creating a sort of organic, synth-pad sounding instrument with all the nuance of real vibrating strings. Feel free to ask for any more info.
Price: $550 (with gigbag included)
CONTACT US
Have any questions?
We’d be happy to answer any queries about these models …
or discuss your ideas for creating the electric tapper you’ve always wanted!
