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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.

I like it...I think you did a great job with the design. It is off center but it still looks "right".

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http://www.PeakeGuitars.com

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....

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.

How about a case though....

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.

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Allen R. McFarlen
Barron River Guitars & Ukuleles
Facebook
Cairns, Australia

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



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.

That's pretty cool. You'll have a busy booth.
Terry

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

very very cool guitar ...jody

What is the back bevel neck?

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Build log

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.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

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

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!!!

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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

oh oh yes!!

a Dali-esque droopy soundhole would look incredible!!!

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beautiful work Lex!

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Reguards,

Ken H

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!

Very very cool idea.

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Brock Poling
Columbus, Ohio
http://www.polingguitars.com

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.