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An ergonomic guitar
http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=17532		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  James Ringelspaugh [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 2:38 pm ]
Post subject:  An ergonomic guitar
Practicing for long periods of time in something near classical position with a footstool is rather uncomfortable for me. I had an idea a while back that if the neck were angled just 10 degrees or so relative to a normal guitar I could sit normally and not need to use a footstool. I drew out a design and it didn't look too weird (at least to me), so I went ahead and built one out of Lutz spruce and Indian Rosewood. I added armrest and ribrest bevels for extra comfort.

It is indeed more comfortable to me and I don't feel like I had to sacrifice any tone to get there. I will be bringing this guitar with me to the GAL convention next week... I am looking for feedback so feel free to stop by and check it out for yourself.
Author:  Parser [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 2:44 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
I like it...I think you did a great job with the design. It is off center but it still looks "right".
Author:  Big John [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 3:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
VERY IMPRESSIVE
I am just a newb... but i love to see guitars that are different from the norm.
I also love the idea of building ergonomically...those that practice long hours need all the help they can get...very nice IMHO.
Big john.... [:Y:]
Author:  Allen McFarlen [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 3:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
It doesn't look too weird to me either. Don't have to worry about getting the neck perfectly aligned down the center of the guitar either. laughing6-hehe

How about a case though.... oops_sign

On a serious note though, do you think that you are getting some sound generated from that upper bout on the cutaway side? Looks like there's good potential there with the right bracing.
Author:  James Ringelspaugh [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 4:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
amcfarlen wrote:
How about a case though.... oops_sign


It actually fits nicely into a standard drednought case, which is lucky.

amcfarlen wrote:
On a serious note though, do you think that you are getting some sound generated from that upper bout on the cutaway side? Looks like there's good potential there with the right bracing.


I'm not sure how much the cutaway section contributes to the final tone, but to me it sounds very close to other guitars of this shape and size that I've built recently.
Author:  Terence Kennedy [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
That's pretty cool. You'll have a busy booth.
Terry
Author:  Jody [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 6:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
very very cool guitar ...jody
Author:  Alexandru Marian [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 8:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
What is the back bevel neck?
Author:  Howard Klepper [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 8:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
Way way cool! Great outside the box thinking, Lex!

You may find this interesting: http://www.rivinus-instruments.com/

A recent approach to the ergonomic problems of the viola.
Author:  James Ringelspaugh [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 12:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
Thanks for the link Howard; it's fascinating stuff. I am encouraged in that he thinks his tone is actually enhanced by breaking from traditional shapes.

Alex I'm afraid I don't understand your question...

Thanks for the encouraging words everyone,

-Ringo
Author:  martinedwards [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 2:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
first glance, I thought you'd left it propped against a radiator and it melted!!

I LOVE the function over form idea, and I love quirky different designs, so to have a quirky, different design for a good functional reason?

FANTASTIC!!!

[clap] [clap] [clap] [clap] [clap]
Author:  Jody [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 2:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
If I can say one thing though .. just in sharing as i think your ergo guitar is awesome.. the only thing that looks out of place ( to me ) is the round sound hole . just a thought, good job ... Jody
Author:  martinedwards [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 2:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
Jody wrote:
the only thing that looks out of place ( to me ) is the round sound hole

oh oh yes!!

a Dali-esque droopy soundhole would look incredible!!!
Author:  KenH [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 3:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
beautiful work Lex!
Author:  Don Fera [ Fri Jun 13, 2008 3:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
Hi Lex,
I saw your ergo guitar yesterday at the Gal expo... I have to say the pictures don't do it justice. Beautiful workmanship and a testament to thinking outside the box!
Author:  Brock Poling [ Fri Jun 13, 2008 5:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
Very very cool idea.
Author:  pharmboycu [ Sat Jun 14, 2008 12:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: An ergonomic guitar
Just out of curiosity, are you going to Montreal and if so, will this instrument be there? I'd love to get my grubby little paws on it and hear how the unique shape contributes to the tone.
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