AboutJoe O'Neill Expertise Upside down left handed guitar playing
Experience I have played an upside down guitar for the past 30 years. Although it is somewhat unique, there are many distinct limitations as one becomes more serious musician. Many bad habits (partial chording) are picked up because many finger positions (alternate chords included) are totally impossible. Picking stings requires the "pinkie" to carry the bass line. I took classcial lessons for 12 months or so and it just became a physical impossibility to duplicate the "proper positioning". I am able to play several difficult pieces, but I do have to "cheat" to complete them. My advice to all new guitar players (less than 3 years experience) would be to restring the instrument properly. The reward will be there down the road. We probably would never have heard of Hendrix had he chosen to play upside down and backwards.
Education/Credentials I am a self-taught guitar player with no formal training.
My name is Will Hart.I am in the Engineering Design and Development class at Glencoe High School in Hillsboro, Oregon. For my project, I have to validate that improvements to guitar stands are necessary. Do you believe, from your experience with handling guitars and guitar stands, that there could be improvements made? For example, have you ever had damage to one of your guitars from the guitar being bumped out of the stand? Do you wish that placing the guitar in the stand could be both instant and secure?
I'd appreciate your feedback,
-Will Hart
Answer Will - It's about time someone addressed this problem....and indeed it's always been a problem. Just last night I was setting my bass guitar into it's a-frame saddle, but the guitar sat too low in the saddle and the bottom of it rubbed onto the floor. The a-frame can be opened and closed manually and set at different distances, but it's a pain. The only nice thing is the fact that it can collapse and be easily carried without taking up significant space.
The fact is that acoustics, electrics, and basses, come in all shapes and sizes. Different neck thicknesses, different heights, and significant weight differences. I'm not sure what solutions could be designed to be a one-all answer to this. There's also the problem of the instrument sitting to close to the floor once it's been plugged in, as this often protrudes from the bottom of the instrument and rubs on the floor. I probably have five failed cables in my bag caused by this this.
Stand must be solid to avoid tipping, easily transportable, and the saddle (or device) holding bottom of instrument needs to be higher. That's just my take on it. Oh yes....it needs to be affordable, as many of us players often have multiple guitars. I have five. Seems like a good project!
