Ergonomic (sitting) guitar (body) build

[guitalias]

Background. First started learning to play about 10 years ago. Have had a number of injuries, including from playing guitar that have stopped me playing. Been at it learning again since Xmas 2019, had a few pain issues. Realised part of reason is the need to twist body while playing sitting (preferred while learning). Bought a Squier Bullet Mustang in April 2020, like it including the scale length. So bought another as a sacrifice guitar, will use neck & hardware to attach to a custom body. If all works well will change hardware & neck, reassemble the sacrifice Mustang & sell.

Photo journal of templating so far -















Templates X 3 cut from old hollow core doors, great to get feel of shape.
Designed with 30 degree offset to horizontal & so strum while sitting is over the navel instead of to the strumming arm side.
Feels good both sitting & standing.
First body will be a test from radiata (Monterey) pine to see if it is worth going forward.

[guitalias]

Virtualisation

[Deed_Poll]

Really cool! I like how this is looking.

[CROSS_guitars]

You've done something interesting here!

[guitalias]

You've done something interesting here!

It provides the offset to be in line with the navel, but the guitar sits too high when sitting.

[guitalias]

Some changes to the routing to suit control cover from pickguard. Radiata pine prototype to see how it feels. Pickguard, control cover & pickup selector cover/s laser cut. Ready to be assembled.

[hillerheilman]

As someone who has to play exclusively sitting, this is really cool to watch.

[guitalias]

Assembled. Good points - Output jack on front so cord doesn't get in the way when sitting. Volume & tone easily accessible, pup selector also. Shoulders feel relaxed when playing.





changes already planned
- neck heavy, okay for sitting, limits sit playing position a bit, but problem for standing play >>> add timber to design above rear strap button. Control panel stainless steel. Add counterweight if still needed
- kick lower bout up at apex instead of down, again to increase sit playing position options.
-move volume pot up next to tone so intonation adjustment easier
-blend/balance pot for pup selector,(just because I want to try it)

[mortron]

I am impressed at how fast it got built... Congrats!

The pursuit of the ergonomic instrument is a noble one. There is a figurative and literal balancing act going on that comes into play.

Carl Thompson makes a 36" scale bass where the nut isn't any further of a reach than a 34", the thing weighs under 8lb (maybe less), and you can rest it on your knee balanced without having to hold it up. While not the be all, it leaves the bass feeling very neutral in almost any playing position, whilst maintaining a somewhat traditional aesthetic. The strap button is moved up the lower bout some, off centered, so as to leave the neck more vertical when playing with a strap. The upper horn extends a fair deal to get near the 12th as traditional, but the combination of the two really help get a healthy playing position.

All those things really made me realize the shortcomings in traditional designs, and appreciate the designs that seek to improve. I enjoy the endeavors of people such as yourself and Mr. Thompson, as its taking a problem and finding a solution as opposed to just creating more problems.

Looking forward to seeing this evolve.

If you haven't named it, it looks a bit like a side profile of a cat sitting in your lap. The Lap Cat has a nice ring to it

[Shadoweclipse13]

I love the shape, size, and easy access to controls!!! I also like "Lap-Cat". I had something clever in response to that, but it just slipped my mind. Long night at work

[guitalias]

Project Sphinx, I had noticed the feline appearance & it has just been sitting around a while.

[guitalias]

Ah, that feels better, the advantage of prototyping with cheap timber.
Cut off part of lower bout to kick lower bout up at apex instead of down, again to increase sit playing position options. Now neck angle doesn't rise if centre of guitar is moved toward strumming arm.

[Singlebladepickup]

Do this one next!

[mortron]

Just watched a video with Tosin Abasi of Animals As Leaders, and he was talking about his custom model. Lots of cool ideas he's using that I am used to seeing from bass builders, but the two playing positions afforded by the body shape reminded me of this thread. Obviously it's a bit of a departure from what you're doing, but shows your thinking is along good lines.



It's offset too

Great band, Animals as Leaders, if you haven't checked them out.

[guitalias]

Just watched a video with Tosin Abasi of Animals As Leaders, and he was talking about his custom model. Lots of cool ideas he's using that I am used to seeing from bass builders, but the two playing positions afforded by the body shape reminded me of this thread. Obviously it's a bit of a departure from what you're doing, but shows your thinking is along good lines.



It's offset too

Great band, Animals as Leaders, if you haven't checked them out.

I had seen this in my research, thanks.