Review: Classical Guitar Supports (Ergoplay, Tenuto, Oasis, Barnett, Murata)

[@marisasontag9923]

Hi! I am the owner of the Tenuto Guitar Supports. Thank you for reviewing the Tenuto Lite. I am glad you enjoy it. The pivot on the Lite often gets overlooked. You can pivot the guitar into your chest for more stability. Thanks again! Love the detail in your review.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Hi Marisa, great to hear from you. I'll be doing another review of guitar supports soon (with higher quality video). Let me know if there are any updated versions I should know about. My email: [e-mail]

[@suzannevancleve6330]

This is the best video I’ve found explaining all that I need to know about supports. Thank you!!!!

[@petermewes4552]

"Guitarlift" is missing. It's bulky and expensive - but propably one if the best

[@renesenecal1551]

Great review just what I needed for my first support. I opted for the Tenuto (Basic model like your video), just perfect. Thanks.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Ya, the Tenuto has grown on me.

[@HollowGaming715]

Great video, I didn't knew about the more compact supports.

[@UrosGuitar]

Great work as always! Thanks!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Thanks Uros!

[@peregrination3643]

I was about to buy a proper footstool (I've been using small boxes around the house) when a comparison video mentioned "supports". I've seen them used but didn't know what they were called. After this video, I'm sold on the Gitano.

[@hansgebben9991]

I would be very interested in you reviewing the Hagi guitar support made in Germany. Using Velcro to attach to the guitar and being left on for case storage is definitely a plus. It is also very stable. I like it better than the Woodside, Barnett, Ergoplay, cushion or footstool, all of which I also own.

[@johnlind5819]

Great review. I really appreciate all the detailed information, in particular seeing each device placed on your guitar. I have been looking at the Ergoplay but it just seems so cumbersome to me. Your review has me more interested in trying out the Gitano. Thanks

[@thenorthernguitarduo6224]

Great survey! By the way, you mentioned the downside of the ergoplay: i gave it a deeper "bow" shape (it's not hard to do and it now has a sharp curve) to get the body of the guitar slightly deeper. It works fine for me. Cheers Michael from NGD

[@ussdfiant]

Bradford, I've really been enjoying the videos. Thanks for all that you do. George

[@ChipAltmanxD]

You may like the Ergoplay Tappert for Kids; it's small enough to put one end in the concave instead of spanning the bouts. Love your channel!

[@michaelp8856]

Strings by Mail provides the information and a comparison guide on the different guitar supports. Strings by Mail also sells and provides info on the "cling wrap". www.stringsbymail.com/pages/best-guitar-support-guide-44.html note that only the Tenuto and Gitano provide the lowest action. the Murata seems to put the guitar higher up on the chest. See the photos on the Strings link.

[@wrassmussen]

I see you have the clear "golpeador" film on your guitar. Do you use your guitar to play flamenco?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I'm selling this one and just got it refinished so trying to keep it 'fresh'

[@jeffreinhart2898]

Hi, great video, What is the advantage to these supports over a footstool? Also,have you tried the small wedge shaped cushion that simply sits on your knee? Thank you Jeff

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

The main advantage is good posture, elevating one leg isn't the best. But that depends on the amount of time you practice. If I practice for 2 or three hours and then teach for 6 hours I get sore. Some supports really elevate the neck and make left hand reach significantly easier. I use both!

[@antonioasorey9962]

Thanks you very much for the accurate, useful and well exposed information!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

You are welcome!

[@costabrava301]

Great video review with a topic that troubles most of classical guitarists. Could you suggest or make a review about chairs that could be used for proper posture and mimimum back pains? Thank you!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Hmmm, good suggestion. I think an adjustable chair is probably the best way to go. There are so many variables from guitar supports, height, guitar size, etc etc.

[@costabrava301]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar Yes, I was thinking also of piano benches that could work well, perhaps you can tryout and suggest some cheaper and some more expensive options. And the Original Guitar Chair which is the only chair tailored for classical guitarists, so perhaps you can find and try it too. Thanks for all your videos anyways.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Ya, drummer stools are good too, padded and adjustable. Plus the roundness is nice for guitar as the legs aren't as confined.

[@spencerdoidge8793]

Great job. Now I know what to do. Thank you. BTW, there's a huge price difference between Amazon and one of the major on-line guitar string supply houses

[@shawnkay5462]

Ive seen a classical guitarist on KZbin mention that foot stools can cause arthritis in the long run. He claimed the suctioncup type supports are better. How do you feel about that?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Well, it depends on the person. I'd say guitar supports are generally healthier and promote better ergonomics but I've seen people use footstools well into their 90s!

[@nunocastro1810]

Do you think that Gitano Guitar Support fits good on Cordoba C9 parlor guitar? Thank you.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I think so but not 100% sure. I think it would be your best bet though.

[@nunocastro1810]

@@Thisisclassicalguitar Thank you so much for your attention!!!

[@RGL01]

Thank you. Very educational.

[@badcatlu]

Does anyone know where you can try these out? I'm out of Orange County, CA. Guitar Center doesn't have them.

[@minor9439]

Anyone has a solution how to use the ones with the vacuum on a satin finish?

[@brads4606]

Thanks for this video! It helped me see how they work and decide. Gitano. Definitely.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I love my Gitano, there are some no name brands that are similar but I'd try to get the actual Gitano brand (brand, not just name)

[@brads4606]

The link you provided is for a a Tenor TPGS brand support. Is this the same as the Gitano?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Hmmm, no. This might be it, I did hear that it has four cups now: amzn.to/2KtilRd not sure

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Actually three now, this is the one: www.stringsbymail.com/gitano-guitar-support-1170.html

[@brads4606]

Thanks again!

[@edwardc1788]

Sir, this is an excellent video. Thank you for your effort. Would you happen to know offhand which of these devices works best with an Ovation roundback? As you may know, the back and sides of these guitars are of a synthetic, fiberous composite material ( not plastic, per se, as , some might assume), and convex in shape with contoured sides leading to a round back. The surface of this material is textured, almost rough, and I'm concerned as to how well the suction cups on some of these devices would adhere to the instrument. The Murata is out of the question ( unfourtunately), and I would surmise that the Barnett might work well. Do you know anyone with an Ovation, and if so, what type of device they use? Thanks much, Edward p.s. and please dont tell me to get a real guitar ;)

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Get a real guitar (joke!). There is nothing wrong with footstools. Also, does your Ovation have a strap peg? Classicals don't have strap pegs so alternatives have to be used. The Barnett might work with magnets though.

[@edwardc1788]

It does have a strap peg, but the guitar rolls around everywhere due to the round back. There is a square attachment you can get, that stabilizes the guitar against your torso. It's relatively inexpensive, so I might check it out. I can't use a footrest due to a herniated lumbar disc w/ accopanying piriformis. It's become so painful, that I now only practice standing up with a headless Traveller guitar, which, like a Steinberger, stays balanced at any angle that you place it, without any need for left hand support. To start, I'm going to get the Barnett, and then the Gitano, and /or the Ergoplay. If they don't work with the Ovations ( yes, I have more than one, lol..), then I can always use them on my archtops. Thanks much for the reply!

[@IanMKnowles]

What kind of Guitar Support Protector are you using on your French-Polished Guitar? I have read that Kling-On is now using an adhesive which leaves a slightly sticky residue and makes it very difficult to take the protector off of the of the guitar. I would prefer something that won't blemish my guitar in any way. Thanks.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I use the Kling-on, it's only a light adhesive...I will always need it so don't care much if it leaves a mark as I will never take it off. Also, luthiers can re-polish french polish for a few hundred if you ever resell your instrument easily improving re-sale.

[@hansgebben9991]

The Hagi support is safe on all finishes and can be left on the guitar for case storage. It is made in Germany. Take a look on KZbin.

[@conorohanlon6329]

I would like to know what guitar you were using. It looks like it has an extra sound hole on the side .

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

You can find all my gear here: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/classical-guitar-store-reviews/

[@donald11urquidez90]

where do you get that strip of cushion that is on the upper rim of the guitar where you rest your right arm?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

See my article on armrests: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/armrests-for-classical-guitar/

[@filmic1]

Does the Ergoplay have a Canadian supplier that you know of? I emailed and they said there was a U.S. source. Maybe you know otherwise? Thanks!

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Not that I specifically know of. I've seen in on Amazon.ca before but the prices fluctuate too much. I'd just order it from the US or a local music store as I've seen them in stores here.

[@filmic1]

Thanks, (always enjoy your reveiws...) I ordered it from Germany using paypal. My teacher highly advised getting it..

[@joeloesch1219]

I wonder: Have you, or anyone reading these comments, heard of a device to help this left arm problem: I can't rotate my arm palm up, so it is very hard to play barre chords and do correct fingering. For 50 years, I worked around "not playing correctly" by using thumb chords, open tunings, and playing solos judiciously within the limits I can reach. But I'm playing more than ever, and again I'm studying the problem of laying my hand correctly across the neck to try some classical or flamenco. If I switch to playing left-handed, I'll be throwing away the muscle memory of all my right hand work. So I thought, maybe there's some device...something like another forearm, or an ortho device, something that would push against the neck so that my thumb can drop forward at the edge of the neck and let the fingers reach the frets better. Something to push against the neck instead of my thumb. Have any of you seen something like that? P.S. Thank you for the great demo; at a minimum, you have given a lot of help in showing these devices, and I am going to try one or two of them because of your good explanations. Murata and Kitana look like the ones to try.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Umm, do you sit in the classical position?

[@Giltindor]

And the Dynarette?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I don't have one at the moment, I've never liked it the "building blocks" feel of it under the guitar. But some people and pros swear by it!

[@jimmyeverton6801]

Very helpful

[@electriclute]

Consider a strap . Much better than any support and I've tried all of them . You don't have the problem of the support slipping on your leg and is far more comfortable .

[@pawdidit]

You mentioned the gitano 2 cup is your favorite that you use for teaching and practicing. What do you perform with?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I perform with a footstool.

[@C0C0LINA25]

Quesrion: what guitar is that and what strings do you use?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Hi, it' a Douglass Scott guitar. I've been using Savarez string alot lately. All my gear can be found here: www.thisisclassicalguitar.com/classical-guitar-store-reviews/

[@JoseGuerrero-fy5kf]

Hello, is there a support without suction cup?

[@Jefe314159]

Quality helpful video.

[@AsteroidB6120]

How strange, the Gitano on your video has only 2 suction cups whereas the one from your link has 3. Are they the same product?

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

I think they upgraded to three! I haven't tried the new ones yet.

[@AsteroidB6120]

@@ThisisclassicalguitarThanks for your reply.

[@barryhambly7711]

Thanks for video informative but People Keep saying raised finger board but it is not its a sloping body.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

True, it's a term for all types of raised fingerboards AND sloped tops. I guess the function feels like it's raised regardless.

[@barryhambly7711]

Ye thanks for your videos!! I have tried most guitar rest can't find one that really fits and the pads slip of my guitars. I am not very tall which makes it difficult. Have not tried Murata can't find it here in UK yet but it looks like I could get the lower bout close to my left leg which some do not let me.

[@toruyepez8098]

New sub ;)

[@cheviot2988]

if your looking for something cheap and always at hand , just use some toilet roll ;)

[@burger1113]

I suppose they figured having something glued onto the inside of a guitar is better than having a rubbery cup stuck to it...? I mean, for the sound. I guess in the end, it all doesn't really differ much from having our mushy flesh supporting it.

[@Thisisclassicalguitar]

Yes, if anything, guitar support probably allow the guitar to vibrate more freely.

[@burger1113]

This is Classical Guitar@ now that's interesting. Well thanks for the reply and please keep up the good work! Only if I was a local I would request lessons.