Guitar Ergonomics

There is not enough guitar to comfortably rest my forearm when fingerpicking. My wrist bends at an awkward angle, I feel the strain creeping up into my shoulder and wrist when playing for a long period. I’ve went as far as placing a throw pillow on the guitar to get more support but it’s awkward and not a sustainable solution.

Enter the Abel Armrest

I found the Able Armrest from stringsbymail.com and it’s the only one of its kind, as far as I can tell. Imported from Germany, this device comes at a hefty price ($89.99). The concept is simple: it extends the edge of the guitar outward and slightly upward, giving your forearm a more natural, level surface to rest on. Instead of your arm digging into the sharp edge of the guitar’s side, it floats comfortably on a contoured platform. You can then relax and your shoulder and wrist are happier.

Pros and Cons for the Abel Armerst

• Pro: Durable – made out of fiberglass-reinforced plastic.
• Pro: Easy Installation
  • It attaches using a single adjustment screw, and the contact points are padded with cork or felt so there’s no risk of scratching your finish. The whole thing takes about 30 seconds to put on or take off.
• Pro: Fits easily in my LIttle Jane backpack
• Con: Price and there aren’t any alternatives
• Con: Would like to have a bigger size to have
• Con: Appearence
  • It’s a bit plain/utilitarian looking. So if aesthetics are what you are looking for, this will mostly likely disappoint on that front.
• Con: I wish I would have discovered this when I was still with my band
  • I guess that’s a pro as well.

Overall Impression

If you are having issues with your shoulder or wrist when playing a parlor size guitar or similar, I recommend giving this a try. I find that I’m not contorting my back, shoulders and hand to play properly. I like it so much, I use it on my Larrivee as well. Will most likely get one for it and my Martin but will have to slow play that.