Bob Culbertson is one of the original pioneers of the Chapman Stick. Meeting Emmett Chapman in 1976 he immediately decided pick up the instrument.
Originally, Bob began playing guitar in 1968. His first interest was Bluegrass fingerstyle, later he formed 2 local Rock bands. After becoming a guitar teacher at Guitar Showcase he joined-up with his own guitar teacher Jim Bruno to form the Stickband only a month after he picked up the Stick. Throughout the late 70s and 80s Bob, Jim Bruno and various other artists played throughout the Bay area. Bob experimented with some his wild creations featured in Guitar player Magazine.
Mannequin Guitar, (made of a 6' tall mannequin with fretboard in the leg) TV Guitar with (12" TV body playing videos) Frisbee guitar (Circular body Bob could spin, flip and roll across his body) Slide Harp. (Steel harp plus tap slide guitar played simultaneously) Double guitar, (playing double lead solos in the Stick style)
Plus writing the book "Touch System for guitar" and displaying his own unique double lead style.
After 12 very successful years with the band Bob went on to continue experimenting with new concepts, forming African Rain. The group featured 8 lead vocalists performing a unique combination of African and Western music. Later he teemed up with Babatunde Olatunji, know as the ambassador of African drumming. After a 4 year stint with the group he decided to go on a 7 year tour of the US playing solo at almost every major festival in the nation. Focusing strictly on pushing the envelope on the Stick, he transposed music from Motzart, Bach, Beethoven, Albenz, Terriega, Segovia and others. Bob also continued to study World and Jazz styles as well.
During this time Bob Came up with another cutting edge idea that has the Stick world buzzing. With the help of Emmett Chapman and luthier Craig Anderson, Bob had the first all acoustic tapping instrument created. Bob received a four star review in Down Beat magazine right from his first recording of the instrument.
With well over 100,000 albums sold, and several 100 students to his credit he has become one of the most influential touch soloists today. His latest 7 recordings all solo CDs are all recorded live with the use of no effects, except a small ambient use of reverb. His recordings have been described as "the sound of the Stick in its purest form." His 2 latest projects break new historical ground in the musical world. Acoustick Dawn the first ever recording using an acoustic instrument desigend puerly for the tapping method of playing. Un Viaje Clasico the first DVD with the Chapman Stick.
Currently Bob is teaching performing and teaching major seminars throughout the world with the Stick. He has also authored the definitive video Stick course for Stick Enterprises.
His shows have taken him to over 15 countries throught the world including; Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan and almost every state in the US. His concerts have included openings and performances with several popular acts. Including;Robbin Ford, Eric Martin, Tuck and Patti, Steve Morse, Doobie Brothers, Alan Holdsworth, Shelia E, Leon Russel, Dave Mason, Babatunde Olatunji, Aurther Hull, Neil Schon, Alex De Grassi, Fattburger, Micky Hart, Zakir Huessen, Fog Hat, David Grissman, Abraxis, Robbin Hitchcock and members of Santana.
Quotes!"Bob is the Segovia of the Stick" Emmett Chapman, Inventor
"Bob Culbertson is a virtuoso of his craft. His concert was absolutely beautiful and entertaining. The Carnegie attendees were telling me weeks later how amazes they were by his performance and instrument. He will be back" Mary Leb, Music Director Carnegie Hall WV
"Four Stars"..."Culbertson displays ferocious technique, handling the contrapuntal demands and rhythmic intricacies of each piece with the command of a virtuoso. The rich warm sound of the Acoustick is captured beautifully. "
Downbeat"Bob Culbertson sold more CDs than last weeks guest, Ray Charles" Entertainment manager QVC
"Possibly the worlds number one touch guitarist" ABC TV, Inside San Diego
"Bob is such a consummate performer, the place is filled to the rafters every time he plays there"
Metro Weekly"Bob Culbertson's unique sound created the perfect atmosphere for our event".
Sausalito Art festival"Bob is an incredibly good musician who's time has come" Steve Wozniak
