Leg Cushions

[Picking Dick]

I sent for a Leg Cushion from Amazon and got it yesterday. I’m a bit clumsy with it so far, but it worked.

I have a foot rest, but I’ve crushed it twice. I don’t care for it’s wobbliness either.
Some are saying that they’re bad for one’s back too, even though guitarists have been usin’ them for years and years.

Does anyone else use a Leg Cushion?

[CoastStrings]

I used a Dynarette at the beginning but found it unstable. I still keep it for when I go to shops to try-out guitars.

I now use Ergoplay Tappert and Gitano guitar supports on my guitars since they have glossy polyurethane finishes.

But there are lots of options out there.

[canuck7]

I have two Flangers…work good but recently bought a Neck-up from Pierre Bensusan at one of his workshops to try…keep experimenting!
As you age it’s important to try to keep your spine aligned…hence the various support options. You’re right that some people seem to be able to play with one foot up…but most will have low back pain at some point and may not admit it!

[CoastStrings]

I do have a footstool that I keep in my car (also for instrument tryouts) but I avoid using it since it puts a strain on my lower back.

[AfterViewer]

Been playing nylon classical guitars for many years and use my legs (depending on guitars) crossed for support and comfort while playing. Never considered using a foot stool. Definitely a Paco De Lucia School of Informality guitarist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JJIeo5iPwQ

[Jamolay]

I was using a rolled up large cloth with a no slip mat wrapped around and held by rubber bands. My own leg cushion.
I just bought a Sageworks. Much better. The cushion worked but was a bit squirrely. I didn’t like having to constantly be aware of and adjusting a support.

If I cross my legs, they go numb within a few minutes.

[AfterViewer]

Having your leg fall asleep would be awkward for standing back up immediately. This is probably more common than not.

[Carey]

I'm playing legs-crossed too, after trying many alternatives, though I don't think it's a perfect solution. Ricardo Gallen shows it's (at least theoretically) possible to play well this way.

Grace under pressure- Gallen plays the Concierto de Aranjuez in Moscow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWA1mL-2s10

[canuck7]

Originally Posted by Jamolay

.

If I cross my legs, they go numb within a few minutes.

https://youtu.be/ADwfyxpriAM
Two out of three....if only....I don't know how long it takes to play with your legs crossed like Paco or John!!

[Aquilador]

Originally Posted by CoastStrings

I used a Dynarette at the beginning but found it unstable...

I’ve got a Dynarette too, but always experience slippage.

I’ve also tried a Gitano type support with suction cups and the cups started to make the guitar finish a bit milky and didn’t ‘stick’ too well, so I’ve gone back to the foot rest but… and this is a big but… I suffered back problems for quite a while after using the foot rest, many years ago, so I’m really cautious about the amount of time I spend with the foot rest.

It is definitely better to play guitar with both feet flat on the floor, using a Gitano type support to avoid back strain, but I just haven’t found one that I’m entirely happy with.

[Jacob Reinhart]

After the foot rest and cushion I have settled on a strap. I installed the strap buttons and tie off at the head stock. Works great, very secure and both feet firmly planted on the floor. Brandon Acker has a great video on it.

[Carey]

Originally Posted by Jacob Reinhart

After the foot rest and cushion I have settled on a strap. I installed the strap buttons and tie off at the head stock. Works great, very secure and both feet firmly planted on the floor. Brandon Acker has a great video on it.

Thanks for this comment. I've thought of a strap but not tried one, and maybe
now I'll finally do it. Being scrunched up behind a guitar is probably not the
best way..

[stringman5]

I enjoy using the Guitarlift. It's a little pricey, but I think worth the investment.


https://youtu.be/r6G5uLESs1Y

[Picking Dick]

I just want to thank everyone for the very interesting info. I’m still trying my new Leg Cushion out, and it seems to be working okay so far. I’m pretty new at all this stuff, so it’ll take me a while to get settled in. Again, thanks.

[TRose]

I have a small and large size Dynarette. I use a different size depending on where I’m sitting to play. I personally like this particular pillow. It does have a rubber strip to help prevent slippage- though stability has never been an issue for me. I’m just a living room or back porch player sitting on couches or chairs where both feet are flat on the floor.
I have used a foot stool in the past and the back discomfort was much more obvious to me when I was recovering from spinal fusion. I found my foot stools new homes.
The other support I have and use is a Mundo guitar support. It is made by a small family run business in England.
I like it very much but am cautious because I don’t want the suction cups to damage the finish on my more expensive guitars. There are products made to address this issue- like thin plastic pieces that cling to a guitar- but I haven’t explored/used any of these yet.

Here is review of the Mundo support done by Bradford Werner of “This is Classical Guitar”

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UdmChf0ykak

Here is a link to Mundo supports:

https://www.mundomusicgear.co.uk/col...guitar-support

I have no affiliation with either Dynarette or Mundo music gear.

All the best to you.