The Gretsch Pages: Discussions: Other Equipment: Opinions on armrests

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Opinions on armrests

- Rated: 48 ↑
Jul 28, 2008 5:24 p.m. dmanlow:

Lately I've been tossing around the idea of adding an armrest to my Falcon. During longer periods of playing I find the edge of the upper bout begins to irritate the inside of my forearm. Pretty soon I think I'm going to start developing a callous or a severe skin indentation from where my arm sits on the body.

I'm guessing I'm not the first person this has ever happened to but I was curious if an arm-rest might be the solution to my little annoyance?

I've looked around at what's available on the market (banjo and guitar) and I really haven't seen anything that appeals to me functionally or esthetically. I really like the look of the Vega banjo style arm-rest but I'm a little put off by the attachment bracket. Worse case scenario I could always buy, grind off the mounting tabs, and have it plated.

Ideally, I'd like a smaller tubular style rest with soft edges and no mounting bracket and should I be so lucky, gold plated as well.

Anybody have any suggestions, input, or opinions on the matter?
- Rated: 13 ↑
Jul 28, 2008 5:48 p.m. Rex:

Just my .02 but I'd try to find a slip on arm pad or moleskin before modifying the guitar.
- Rated: 41 ↑
Jul 28, 2008 6:01 p.m. J(esse James)D:

I hate those metal rests. Don't care how "vintage correct" they are, I just don't like the looks
- Rated: 40 ↑
Jul 30, 2008 9:47 a.m. Pseudo Man:

I wear a sweatband to help this issue. But I love the look of armrests, especially on penguins, it's the final stage of overdress, that makes them what they are.
- Rated: 30 ↑
Jul 30, 2008 1:26 p.m. Wishinfora(nother)Falcon:

John Pearse makes these. One in Ebony might look nice on a falcon, that is if you don't like metal. There's also no modification of the guitar, which is cool.

As far as opinion, I like them on Penguins but not on Falcons.
- Rated: 15 ↑
Sep 13, 2008 12:52 a.m. MacStevenXIII:

A little late, but I have one of the John Pearse ebony armrests on my 5129
- Rated: 52 ↑
Sep 13, 2008 1:14 a.m. bigalthethird:

I think they look completely and utterly badass, but that's just me.
- Rated: 115 ↑
Sep 13, 2008 1:32 a.m. wenzel:

I like them, but I also like felt!
- Rated: 38 ↑
Sep 13, 2008 2:11 a.m. bobbyrivera:

I like the looks, but they get in the way for me. Most ride slightly outside of the body dims and can catch on shirt/suit buttons, cufflinks etc. while you're playing sometimes. I like the idea of the b/w/b (or the reverse) pickguard material armrest engraved with western stuff though (Hello Setzer?!?!)...Your 5129 looks great Mac. I think a chrome one would look even cooler:)
- Rated: 28 ↑
Sep 14, 2008 8:06 p.m. troy6120:

I thought about adding one to my DSW, but it looks like it might conflict with the G-brand's placement. Anyone have a G-brand Gretsch with an armrest installed? Pics please!......
- Rated: 102 ↑
Sep 14, 2008 8:26 p.m. Setzer:

bobby you might be one to something by God! I can see it now...a Gold plexi armrest that has a nice smooth round over bevel near the rim and the regular bevel like a guard near the top. Black western motifs...or your name! I'll try one OK?

Gibson had some that where white or creme with gold flowers correct?

Here is one that I made for my DJ years ago(also photos of a Elton and a Vega 5 Star):

Zuma called it the "SetzerPlastiRest", made out of a Dollar General 8" plastic clock!
- Rated: 102 ↑
Sep 14, 2008 8:31 p.m. Setzer:

Here is a JPearse on my Giannini. I have since removed it and the DeArmond and sound hole plugs. I love this guitar! It sounds incredible with the pickup too, but now I play it as it should be acoustically, man what a guitar! 1973:
- Rated: 48 ↑
Sep 14, 2008 9:16 p.m. dmanlow:

Setzer said: I can see it now...a Gold plexi armrest that has a nice smooth round over bevel near the rim and the regular bevel like a guard near the top.

That would be pretty cool. I always liked the armrest Zuma had on his Penguin (made from a clock) but I'd prefer it to be clear with the gold sprayed on the back. I think it would look cool with just a Gretsch logo in black or frosted off to one side. If you need someone to make one for Paul shoot me a PM and I'll commission you to do one for my Falcon.
- Rated: 102 ↑
Sep 14, 2008 9:22 p.m. Setzer:

Need a outline of the 17" Bird.
- Rated: 48 ↑
Sep 14, 2008 9:42 p.m. dmanlow:

When you say outline I'm guessing you just need a tracing of the lower bout where the arm rest will go?

Here is a quick and rough, very rough, photoshopped image of what I was kind of thinking. Is this similar to what you have in mind Paul?
- Rated: 102 ↑
Sep 14, 2008 10:49 p.m. Setzer:

Yes, but start the outline above the F hole in the waist and end it at the Bigsby's edge. Fold it up and mail it to me.

I found that the Vega style Armrest 11" diameter worked fine on my '61 Anniversary. Keep in mind that metal was bendable to a degree and I had it stuck to the rim or edge and not the top. It was floating. This one that I am thinking about making will be like a Pearse and that it attaches to the top with double sided tape and is shaped like the edge. You can slide it around the edge to find the best fit for your guitar. So one style fits many. I can make one like that. Or if you have a particular area you want it and a length/shape in mind indicate this on your pattern. I see you have a frosted looking logo on the lower edge, nice!
- Rated: 15 ↑
Sep 15, 2008 8:39 a.m. MacStevenXIII:

bobbyrivera, Thanks! A chrome arm rest would be pretty wicked. I've been flirting with the idea of getting a silver pick guard and they would look great together

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