Old man guitar problems

[metropolis_4]

I’m hitting this point where I’m starting to run into physical problems with playing for long stretches.

When I play music theater shows I have to sit the whole time and I can’t usually wear a strap because of fast instrument changes. I prefer doing them classical style with my left foot on a stool, the guitar sitting on my left leg, and hitting footswitches with my right foot. But lately I’ve been having problems with my tailbone being so sore after a weekend of shows I can’t even sit down! I assume because with my leg up and leaning forward I’m putting weight/pressure on that spot for several hours at a time.

So I switched to my right foot on a volume pedal and the guitar sitting on my right leg. That got rid of the tailbone pain! But now I have a new problem: I can’t play my Les Paul this way!

Because the guitar sits lower on my leg, and I have to lean forward a bit because it’s back heavy, I find myself hunched over a bit. I had a 4 hour rehearsal the other day and the next morning I had the worst lower back pain! I couldn’t even function!


So now I don’t know what to do… I either need to find a way to take the pressure off my tailbone when sitting classical style, or I might have to give up playing my Les Paul for theater shows

 

[FuzzyAce]

The only solution is to kill the LP.

 

[Progressive_disclosure]

Might not be helpful but there are ”double straps” for Les Pauls to offset the weight. Could that help playing position?


Thomann: Link

Otherwise dorky Strandberg guitars would probably do the trick but they’re obviously not LPs.

 

[metropolis_4]

Might not be helpful but there are ”double straps” for Les Pauls to offset the weight. Could that help playing position?


Thomann: Link

Otherwise dorky Strandberg guitars would probably do the trick but they’re obviously not LPs.

The weight isn’t a problem, it’s the playing position I’m sitting in. I can’t use straps because of lots of fast instrument changes

I know a guy who made a leg support that raises the guitar up about 4” when it sits on his leg. That’s probably more what I need

 

[Progressive_disclosure]

The weight isn’t a problem, it’s the playing position I’m sitting in. I can’t use straps because of lots of fast instrument changes

I know a guy who made a leg support that raises the guitar up about 4” when it sits on his leg. That’s probably more what I need

Yeah, sorry about that I totally missed the mark.

Something like a cushion just to get the guitar up a bit then? Like this?

 

[RGB]

Might not work with the LP...but maybe something like this?

 

[metropolis_4]

Yeah, sorry about that I totally missed the mark.

Something like a cushion just to get the guitar up a bit then? Like this?

Might not work with the LP...but maybe something like this?

Yeah, good suggestions! I was looking and came across this. Something like this to attach to my LP might do the trick

The First-Ever Electric Guitar Leg Rest: Performaxe

Performaxe, the First-Ever Electric Guitar Leg Rest. Increase comfort and practice effectiveness, raise and angle the guitar without strap or footstool.

guitarscientist.com

 

[Chocol8]

Memory foam cushion? Or one of those old people doughnut cushions for shell chais and scooters?

And yes, Les Paul's are horrible for ergonomics. Use a different 2 humbucker guitar for those tones, or try something like the above to fix the ergonomics of the guitar.

Good luck!

 

[keef]

I have a bad back, so I play sitting for the most part. Les Paul's are definitely a PITA. I agree with the ergonomics.

My Tele sits the best/balanced.

 

[richey88]

I broke my tailbone and all I got was a lousy donut. Helped though, might look into one. Sorry I know that pain. Couldn’t imagine trying to do a sitting gig. Ouch!

 

[DrewJD82]

Gonna have to tell your MD you need some wedges and you gotta stand like Zakk Wylde from now on for medical reasons.

 

[paisleywookiee]

Otherwise dorky Strandberg guitars would probably do the trick but they’re obviously not LPs.

There’s a pretty big stretch of lighter, more ergonomic guitars than going full on chiropractic convention with a Strandberg.

 

[HotRats]

Maybe a solution is to do some workout/stretching and make your back stronger, more flexible?

Not an immediate one, though.

 

[ragingplatypi]

It’s definitely at legit excuse to search for a new guitar that’s practical and gives what you need. I played an Anderson hollow short T (Tele shape) that was one of the best LP’s I’ve ever played and super light. Maybe a semi hollow is a better shape for how you’re holding the instrument now? Someone recommended Strandberg which can definitely get the tones, but you have to want to try funky neck.

 

[Dave Lewis]

Have you ever tried a Fender Acoustasonic Tele ?
You won’t have to swap guitars .
They are light comfortable to play seated and do everything
I started to use mine a lot more after watching Paul’s video when I got my Valeton GP-200 (Which is very easy to use sitting down )

​

 

[metropolis_4]

Exercise is a good callout. The more walking I’m doing during runs of shows the less back problems I have. I’ve also discovered yogi is amazing at helping to get rid of back pain for me!

I actually don’t want another guitar. I love this LP. I’ve never had any ergonomic issues with it other than sitting with it on my right leg. It sits perfectly on my left leg and I love how it fits when standing. I think I’m gonna try one of those leg rests or pillows and see how that goes

 

[FuzzyAce]

I’ve also discovered yogi is amazing

 

[HotRats]

Exercise is a good callout. The more walking I’m doing during runs of shows the less back problems I have. I’ve also discovered yogi is amazing at helping to get rid of back pain for me!

I actually don’t want another guitar. I love this LP. I’ve never had any ergonomic issues with it other than sitting with it on my right leg. It sits perfectly on my left leg and I love how it fits when standing. I think I’m gonna try one of those leg rests or pillows and see how that goes

Yoga or pilates are surely good choices.

Exercise and good posture when not in the theater are two things I'm confident will help in the long run.

If you stay seated for long hours when not playing, I suggests a Varier chair because it's a chair that will help to keep your back healthy and that will translate in less problems when in the theater.

I stay seated all day long and this chair solved all my back, shoulders and wrist issues.

 

[ibmorjamn]

The only solution is to kill the LP.

Well, a hollow body design might work, still Les Paul.
My friend has a 2013 Midtown , it’s like a 355 but smaller, If I couldn’t play my classic the midtown is a great guitar if you can find one.