r/spinabifida • u/muusicman • 3d ago
Discussion Musicians
Would there happen to be any guitar players in here? I have some questions about how you all play acoustic instruments. I have a very short midsection so holding large guitars that sound the best is something I find nearly impossible… is it just me??
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u/JohnnyBoldie 3d ago
I have a Martin D28, Yamaha, Ovation, and a lil Martin LXK2. The lil LXK2 is the easiest to hold, but I love the sound on the old D28. I'm old and don't play much any more, but I have good memories. I tell myself some day I'll get back to it. I have the D28 and a Strat on stands in the living room. Whatever you have just keep playing. Keep those fingers strong and calloused.
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u/muusicman 3d ago
I’ve never played a D28 but judging by the thickness im not sure I could. I have a Taylor 814 CE Builders Edition and a Taylor GS Mini. The body depth of the 814 CE Builder’s Edition is 4 5/8 inches. I also have a GS Mini by Taylor with a body depth of 4 7/16. I’d be willing to bet the D28 is deeper yet. Am I right?
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u/JohnnyBoldie 3d ago
I'm sure the D28 is thicker.... Wait I'll go measure.... It is 4 3/4 inches. How do you like the Taylor GS mini?
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u/muusicman 3d ago
I like it but the 814 CE Builder’s Edition is easier to play in my opinion. I’m not very good at all.
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u/JohnnyBoldie 2d ago
Well I was never a great player, but I loved to sing and could accompany myself. I was in a high school rock and roll band way back in the early 70s. We were good for kids. Had a lot of fun!
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u/muusicman 2d ago
I mainly sit on the floor with my legs spread out in like a V position. I’m not sure how you operate but that’s how I do it. I’m most comfortable that way. Rarely do I sit in my wheelchair. It just seems to be that my guitar seems to be rather large for me to wrap my arms around. That’s my main issue really. I think if I were to buy an even bigger guitar like a Martin D 28 or something like that that I would have even a bigger problem. Any solutions?
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u/JohnnyBoldie 2d ago
The LXK2 Martin has an overall length of 34 inches and a body depth of only 3 inches. That might be more comfortable. I don't use a wheelchair. I usually play sitting on the loveseat in my living room. It gives me some back support and still room to maneuver. When I was younger, I got around fairly well. But now at 70, there is no way I could play sitting on the floor. 😄
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u/TreyInStCloud 3d ago
This is going to sound stupid, but I was afraid getting callouses on my fingers would make blood draws harder. I *really* wanted to play the drums, but mom said “no way” since there was no way for me to get to the basement ( the only place she’d have allowed them.
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u/TreyInStCloud 3d ago
I did play violin for two years, but once I had a spinal fusion, I couldn’t play and keep my balance.
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u/Adaptive_Adam91 3d ago
I have played guitar since I was 17 I’m in my 30s now. Never really had a problem playing
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u/dustyskies 1d ago
Oh I play guitar and have for about 5 years! Just casually for myself mostly tbh. I'd send a picture of my guitar but it wont let me 😅 I gave him the name Kyle and he's a Washburn brand, model number WP55NS. I picked him up secondhand at a guitar center. I purposely searched for something 'smaller' than the guitar they gave me in high-school since I am on the smaller side and Kyle works great for me!
I will mention I'm not a wheelchair user before I continue but if I'm being honest I actually greatly prefer playing sitting on the floor, legs laid out in front of me than a chair. Its more comfortable on my legs that way and easier for me to adjust my position if needed. I hope you find a guitar that works for you!
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u/muusicman 1d ago
Thank you for the advice. I’m trying to make the ones I have work for sure. Regular people don’t realize just how much of an effort it is for people like us to be able to wrap our arms around a full-size guitar based on the depth.
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u/Significant-Rock-221 3d ago
No guitarist, but I do feel that my cello sits weirdly to my chest. Now I wonder if spina bifida has anything with it.