I Can Finally REVEAL This SECRET...And My Strandberg Guitar

[@BILLY-px3hw]

I love how Tim admits he is a workaholic, then tells us a scary health story, and then turns the whole thing into a sales pitch. Nice job, that's what we call using the whole fretboard

[@iamamish]

it's not often a YT comment makes me laugh out loud, but this one did the trick. Thank you

[@RickBeato]

Thanks Tim! The guitar looks so easy to hold with your pro tools keyboard right near you.

[@tonymarinelli7304]

I wish more players would come out and talk about this. I’m 54 with carpal tunnel and arthritis. You almost feel alone

[@KyleKingGuitar]

27 with carpal tunnel here myself. Absolutely awful condition, my guitar playing is super limited with it now, been over a year since I’ve been able to play for longer than like 20-30 minutes. I feel you mate, it can get really depressing.

[@tonymarinelli7304]

@@KyleKingGuitar Sorry to hear that especially at your age. Obviously you’re not alone. I put wrist wraps on and it helps

[@marktimares-hg3bx]

Hi Tony - I noticed your comment and I wanted to tell you that I too had carpal tunnel and had it surgically repaired and it was very successful, it really worked. Before the surgery my hands were killing me at night and I wore wrist braces for years to prevent folding my hands inward while sleeping (which pinches the carpal nerve) and guitar was limited, I could barely finish one song before the pain was too much. I also work on computers my whole life, I am 63 now. I had both wrists receive the carpal tunnel relief surgery. The surgery is really relatively painless and recovery was pretty fast. All those problems are now gone and I can play for hours. So I'd encourage you to consider it. Thanks. I hope you feel better soon.

[@markworkman9680]

Wow! A video that changed my life. I am missing one leg and it is not conducive to correct posture while holding a guitar. I was getting sore in all sorts of places and was having to only practice in short, rather uncomfortable sessions. I saw the video, bought a second-hand Strandberg and I haven't put it down since! Even my wife commented on how long I am playing for and how much better it sounds. Thanks, Tim! Genuinely life changing information.

[@Spasmatic]

Sweet Jesus, this is like a gift from above. My cervical fusion was in Feb 2023 and I'm thinking it's over for me, all the years, hours I'd put into the guitar. Thank you Tim and everyone else on this thread for the blueprint to recovery. What is most personal is most universal...🤔🏆🤟

[@OslerWannabe]

It sounds as though your surgeon didn't really educate you about what you could and couldn't do in the future, or how to minimize future risk. I am a physician who treats a lot of cervical radiculopathy, and makes a number of surgical referrals. Besides, I had a two-level fusion when I was 50, at C5-6 and C6-7 for spinal stenosis related to central hernition of both discs. Afterward I resumed martial arts, cycling and telemark skiing, and did well until 6 years later when I herniated C4-5, with complete C4 motor loss on the left. My left arm was partially paralyzed, and a week later I began having the absolutely ungodly neuropathic pain associated with nerve root crush. Mercifully aggressive traction worked well, and I was able to avoid another fusion. What I knew, but didn't respect (and what you need to understand) is that the C5-6 disc is responsible for 65% of normal flexion/extension of the neck, and C6-7 is the second most active disc, accounting for 20% of flexion/extension. If you fuse either disc space, the other discs have to take up the slack. Check your op report -- I bet you had C5-6 fused, since it is the one that most often herniates. C6-7 is second most likely. My fusion involved both, so all subsequent flexion/extension was handled by the six discs C1-2, C2-3, C3-4, C4-5, C7-8 and C8-T1. My point is that fusing one disc transfers the workload to the remaining, less capable discs, which are then at iincreased risk, as my experience shows. So you should find out which disc was fused and, if possible, whether the others looked at risk. Because the second fusion can be a bitch. You'd rather avoid it. A reminder -- it is extension of the neck, looking up, which most strains the remaining discs. And it was after a long ride on my road bike that C4-5 herniated for good. So be careful.

[@tanguydelooz2881]

​​@@OslerWannabe Thanks for the insight. I wish you the best with your recovery. I've recently been feeling some numbing and slight pain on the ring finger when playing. I only have a ring on that finger. Could a ring have that impact or is it a coincidence? (Maybe it was fitting slightly tighter with the summer.) I see Tim wears a ring too but his pinky felt numb as well. I'm on the computer all day too. As you mentioned neck flexibility, a week ago I also spent time looking up to cut high tree branches. Not easy to maintain looking up like that.

[@phildohogne1970]

Thank you for the information@@OslerWannabe

[@ReverbAndBeer]

@@OslerWannabe The best comment, it continues the warnings where Tim left off. As an ER PA for 30 years, I saw all the spine surgery that didn't work. Surgeons love to cut because that's what they do. It's like, if you get eaten by a shark, you can't blame the shark. Better to avoid the shark altogether with proper ergonomics.

[@gregkoelling615]

I've had fusion, laminectomy and hemi-laminectomy in my lumbar. I have bulging discs in the thoracic and have had discectomy and fusion of C3/C4 and C6/C7 in the cervical spine. I ordered and received the Performaxe Tim mentioned in this video and am hoping it extends my ability to continue for a few more years. I've been playing since March '67 and am not ready to stop yet. Oh, I haven't been able to play standing for several years but found myself extremely hunched over when playing while sitting. The surgeries began in '72 and ended in 2016. Best of luck to you.

[@Kashed]

As a guitar player who had to have cervical fusions and had the same issues I felt this video. When you lose the strength in your hands it is super depressing.

[@sauletto1]

Same here, brother ...

[@Kashed]

@@sauletto1 Sorry to hear that brother. Were you able to get your strength back?

[@sauletto1]

@@Kashed Yes mostly. I am not a professional musician , just lifelong dedicated one. However , after being "fixed" with the 3 level cervical fusion in 2018, I now have a disc failure above that pressing into my spinal cord again. The pinky and ring fingers have started tingling and numbing again but at least I am not randomly turning left running into walls this time. That was the reason for the previous one more than just the fingers. I've also developed "tremors" over the last 4 years. I play daily for now so I am awaiting a neurosurgeon appointment in October. I hope you regain all your strength back with you fingers, as it is possible if your body cooperates with you. :)

[@MegaMr28]

i gave guitar up at 31 because i was getting so spacey and disorientated that i couldn't function. I had a complete breakdown. It changed my life completely. It ruined my career, my relationship etc.. Im now 50 and just picked up the guitar again last yr after watching a Zakk wylde video..😍 I still get spacey and disorientated but i have to stand and not look down at the fret board to minimize symptoms. and i snapped my fretting wrist really bad 10 yrs ago so i can hardly bend it so the fret board has to be nearly vertical so i can play, but a least i can still get that feeling we all love when playing.

[@ronaldausherman8972]

Yep and I like the chair

[@Scottiej41]

How does the universe know? I am a working guitar player. I am recovering from spinal fusion 3 through 8. Less than a week ago. Thanks for the video. It is inspiring for my recovery more than you know. Thanks again.

[@Carlito_Sway]

I watched this video when it came out and I said "geez, that sounds scary". And then, three months later, I pinched a nerve in my upper spine, and had the same terrible thing happen to my right arm that Tim had happen to his left. I was so afraid that I would never play again. I am just beginning to climb back on to the horse and I am relieved and overjoyed to have that opportunity again. Knowing that my favorite guitarist went through the same thing and was able to keep playing at such a high level gives me huge hope and inspires me to keep playing!

[@BrentJJ]

Thanks for sharing Tim...learning from you is a gift...cheers...☮💜🎸🎶

[@timpierceguitar]

Thanks for listening

[@TikiWarrior]

Thanks for sharing this with us.. physical pain blues… is a tune I guess we all have to learn to play at some point in our lives/careers. When my turn came, sitting only caused more pain..standing became my best option. This guitar your playing looks like it will solve many problems, maybe my doc can write me a prescription for one.

[@robertmitchell2178]

These are absolutely the most comfortable and ergonomic guitars I have ever played. Thanks for this video Tim.

[@bsullivan7]

I played music on several instruments for nearly 50 years. But after many years of hard labor jobs and computer overuse, I can no longer play. Too much hard work is definitely bad. Especially for musicians. 😥

[@guitrr]

Tim, welcome to the Strandberg family. A career in firefighting left me with several compromised discs, and discovering Strandberg was a golden revelation. I bought one when they first went into production, and now own several. Like you, I have other guitars, but I always take a Strandberg when I gig. On a 3 or 4 hour gig, it’s a lifesaver. A few years back I had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands, and the Strandberg design is an invaluable tool for playing in an appropriate ergonomic position.

[@jameshoye7058]

Tim, knowing that you were able to remedy this issue without surgical intervention is absolutely beautiful to hear, perhaps more than your playing!? Having gone through 5 cervical spine surgeries for c4-7 issues, and living with plates and screws(all good though) the last time at PT saved a 6th drew tears of happiness. They can work miracles! Keep up with the PT if recommended and see your trusted physician periodically for this issue. This can reoccur and all of us fans wish you to keep making the music!

[@timpierceguitar]

thank you so much for this comment and for working so hard to heal your back ...

[@peevee605]

I’ve tried the Strandberg. Got Carpal Tunnel Syndrome many moons ago but stretching keeps the damage in check. The neck is really comfortable and it helps my hands. Took a minute to adjust but not much more. I’m so happy you got your situation under control because you were born to play the guitar. Much respect.

[@thedude7450]

Glad you are healing up. You’re a national treasure. We need your music. I have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and it’s wreaking havoc with my guitar playing. My hands hurt like hell. Luckily that’s not how I make my living.

[@CarlKennedyMusic]

I am always amazed by Tim’s diversity. What takes it to an almost inconceivable level is the ease and accuracy with which he will execute all these different genres, modes, feels… You can take virtually anything he plays and release it on an album. This degree of perfection and polish is freakishly unique.

[@JoshParker-Music]

Thanks for making a video about this Tim! Steel string players especially overlook this so much. Posture is huge in the classical guitar world, and I never understood why it wasn’t with electric or steel string acoustic. I guess not having the guitar hanging down to your knees isn’t a “cool” look… But getting the instrument up not only allows your body to be more comfortable, but also allows you to play so much easier and get around the neck of the instrument. I bought the nx jazz model strandberg last year, and I think it was one of the best investments I’ve made in a long time. I got it mainly for traveling, but fell in love with the feel and weight so I play it everywhere. I also use the performaxe with my Strat, and that does greatly help like you mentioned in the video too. There is a ton of other supports out there for acoustic, but my favorites are the ones made by Woodside Supports. They make a slimmer one that fits my jazz archtop and a wider one that will fit my traditional nylon. The height is still pretty low as well so sitting with the guitar on the right leg isn’t an issue. Hopefully we can get more companies to make them for electric players in mind too!

[@edryba4867]

Wow, Tim! That sounds EXTREMELY scary. Playing any of my 16 guitars, plus keyboards, plus saxes… ending up with some sort of nerve failure isn’t just possible, it’s PROBABLE! Thank goodness for physical therapy. When I broke my right shoulder some years ago, I had to stop playing ANY INSTRUMENT! I had to wait for the shoulder to heal a certain amount before my doctor would let me play anything - even a sax, when you pretty much sit up straight to play one. It was nine months before I was allowed to play a sax (my baritone, which is equipped with a stand that goes next to the player’s chair and takes all the weight of the horn) and during that whole time you start to wonder if you’ll ever be able to play again! Luckily, it all healed up okay, and I was allowed to play starting about six months after the break (with therapy starting a few months before I had completely healed. Whew!

[@jimatorta]

I found out I had a similar problem with my neck. Physical therapy and working with a trainer to build my core, back and shoulder muscles along with a good chair at work has helped me overcome the numbness in my fingers. Were not getting younger so taking care of ourselves is the key to living and playing better. Thanks Tim for your insight

[@josephmatlockjr7005]

So glad you shared this. I have gone through a similar issue for the same reason. Folks can benefit from seeing this train coming a long way down the track.

[@BaconFire]

Tim! SO glad you are better now. Thank you for bringing the importance of ergonomics to the front for us guitar players. What a huge blessing to all of us that you are back in action. :)

[@mlasch1478]

Tim, First of all. I saw you to say you had nerve issues. I have struggled with numbness in my right hand mostly since I was in my mid 30's. I worked as a carpenter, drywall, painting, trim installer, and all around builder. However things like riding a motorcycle or dirt bike brought numbness to my fingers which of course is scary when one cannot apply the hand brake or get a good grip on the bars. I will now finish your story and hopeful healing of your hand nerve issues.

[@rocknrollbeats]

Now this is what I call rock n roll. Your face says it all. You’re already in heaven man. Keep rockin

[@jasonkesser]

Tim, we’re so blessed we get to sit in your office, and hear about anything you feel like talking about. I went through several videos, I had a pretty big tim Pierce day today. You’re the man. After hours n hours of daily practice, I always feel like my back is exhausted from like a perpetual contrapposto position, legs crossed, looking towards the neck. But awareness of the upper neck, from leaning over and the like, that’s good to know. I guess a guitarist needs the right chair.

[@JeffMountainPicker]

Tim, thanks for this video, and all you do for us and the music world! This often painful life is much better with you in it. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@Nuker54]

Every time I hear Tim play I’m blown away. His riffs are so smooth and musical. Fantastic. Thanks Tim!👍

[@nelsonbaez1518]

What an excelent musician and a human being! I'm a teacher and a guitar player too. Tim, I have to tell you that you are an inspiration and also you represent for me the guitar teacher that I always dreamed of having. God bless you always. Greetings from the caribbean island of Puerto Rico.

[@michaelwallace1189]

Hey Tim. I had this same problem. Mine was compounded by a year in the gulf with a heavy Kevlar helmet, a previous neck injury and like you, my work posture. I ended up getting a two level discectomy and fusion. Now when I play I have a specially modded recliner that allows me to sit comfortably without leaning over. I built my own recliner and guitars so my posture wouldn’t suffer from my playing. I’ll never be the same after that surgery, but I refuse to give up the thing that gives me joy.

[@MegaMr28]

after 16 yrs of not playing i have to stand now to play and try not to look at the fret board. i also refuse to give up.. well give it up again.!!

[@dereksanders8152]

This is wild. I'm going through this right now. I start PT Thursday. This has given me hope. Thanks Tim.

[@marc_leblanc]

Glad to see you were able to recover. I've had issues with a pinched nerve as well as arthritis. It's gotten worse over the years affecting the whole left side of my body. Therapy helps relieve some of the pain but my hand's mobility has been a problem.

[@jloch9312]

Thanks for highlighting this. How about a full video on hand health for guitar players sometime?

[@tonybowen455]

So glad you're doing better. I've been battling sciatica that's slowly been getting better. So good to hear that you love the strandberg. I feel like stuff like this is needed for guitar. We're so resistant to change. It sounds incredible, and I'm really surprised it's basswood. I'll trigger some people, but if I had to guess I'd have guessed alder.

[@tonybowen455]

Ah, I just rewatched the part where you talk about the specs. I didn't realize a quarter inch maple top. What an incredible combo along with it being chambered. Along with the scale length being diff than what I'm used to hearing.

[@johnnorth9355]

Chronic arthritis is my issue. Sadly the doctor says it's old age but can't explain why I still want to rock !

[@jessemarshall6532]

Awesome video Tim! I’ve been dealing with nerve damage since 2006. My symptoms started out as simple yours. Of course, mine wasn’t just guitar related. I had years of regimented abuse that I put myself through. I’m glad you got straightened out. Be careful because it is real easy to hurt it again.

[@mikejohnson3737]

Been there, I understand the pain and numbness. I had my C6, C7 fused in 2001 and have been able play ever since the surgery, very successful. Glad you are feeling better!!

[@jahjah67]

Tim, not sure if you’re really enjoying the Strandberg or you were just having a great day, but I very, very much enjoyed your playing in this video. I too have gotten used to a Swedish (designed) guitar-a Solar that is just a little over 5 lbs that also sounds quite good and I don’t think I could play a heavy guitar again. Thanks for sharing your story and your wonderful playing!

[@paulneugebauer7768]

Yin yoga bro. Literally life changing. You will feel opened up and taller. I am 6' 5" and with really bad baseball shoulders. It really helped with my neck which is bad due to a cycling vs. car injury. If I am active with it, I feel wonderful.

[@handsofdoubt31]

Great video Tim! I started out playing classical. So I've always placed the guitar on my left knee. It has many benefits among which are not twisting the spine to the right. It keeps you straight and improves reach for the left hand/arm. You also raise the guitar by using a foot stool for the left foot or a pad under the guitar. This reduces the amount of lean. I always advise people to switch to the classical position if they like to play sitting down for long periods. Another benefit is that the position of the guitar is much closer to your standing position, therefore reducing the issue of not being able to play as well standing vs sitting. One thing physios will tell you these days is that the only bad posture is the one you do all the time. We're designed to bend/stretch/lean/reach etc etc. We come into problems when we spend the vast amount of our time in one limited position. "Use it or lose it".

[@midiman5045]

Sorry to hear about your illness and glad you got better.

[@brianhansen106]

Hey Tim, happy to hear you are feeling better. Keep rockin'!

[@jeffjolliereticulatedpytho5962]

I feel you I have had three neck surgeries and am trying to get back to playing again I am glad you are feeling better

[@loudtim265]

Man, your playing is so tasteful and smooth. It’s inspiring.

[@stringtechguitarman4644]

Thank you for sharing your experience Tim. I’m a professional musician and faced an almost identical situation to yours. The pains in my hands got so bad that I had to type with my knuckles on the back of my hands. I’ve been able to ‘manage’ my situation, with physio, for the past 20 years, but there is always an undercurrent of background pain. I would really, really appreciate it if you could share the exercises and stretches that have helped you resolve your issues. Long may you continue to work/play pain free and deliver your outstanding lesson resources.

[@keithbrown6030]

Great video. I find as I get older I'm getting back pain from being twisted into uncomfortable positions playing guitar and after seeing this and looking at a number of similar videos I've order the Essential version today. Its due in two days and I'm really looking forward to it.

[@Michaelkeyreal]

THANK YOU for this video. I'm dealing with a back issue right now. Playing seated results is pain that lasts for weeks. I'm walking like a 100 year old man. I start PT next week. Your story gives me hope. I appreciate you sharing. Dang! That chair is expensive.

[@mudwiser1391]

I wish you many more years of playing Tim. Indeed nerve impingement is a nasty thing, sometimes the diagnosis is the toughest part. Pudendal neuralgia is really rough. Glad you are doing well.

[@ToneD5150]

Very cool video Tim, I'm seriously considering a purchase of a Strangberg, been watching a ton of videos, trying to decide which one i really want. Thanks for taking the time and effort to produce this excellent demonstration.... BTW, Love your studio setup....!!!😊 Tone D.

[@RockHardRiffs]

That’s great you were able to ‘fix’ your back 🎸

[@MUSIC4EVA55]

I've been suffering with an impingement of the ulna nerve since February. This video gives me hope

[@timchalmers1700]

Glad you got that problem figured out !!

[@yd6492]

Your video is incredible ! I have exactly the same problem, at the moment ! Too much computer , too much bending over the keyboard, a bad sleeping position ... Thanks so much for sharing this video !

[@alohamark3025]

At first the Strandberg sounded like a rehash of the Parker Fly. Then, at the end, Tim runs a preset, and out pops Enter Sandman. I ordered a Strandberg during Covid-19. I never plugged it in to my amp, but now, I'm motivated for the ergonomics benefit.

[@davedavem]

I literally feel your pain. I had this from working on a laptop too much. I lost use of my left arm for a week, which was really scary. Not I use external monitor, which I have up high, so the centre of the monitor is level with my eye line. It's strange at first, but it works too open up your neck and reduce that disc bulge that leads to pinched nerves and dead arms.

[@54fighting5]

Wow Tim, I'm so glad that you are on the mend. You've probably helped untold people with your story, not only guitar players, but all of us addicted to screens. A few months ago I got a look at a photo of myself standing and I couldn't believe how stooped over I was. I realized it was the same " head hanging forward" posture I used when looking at my phone. I've been correcting myself since, but it's not easy. Of course your situation is much scarier and I'm glad (along with millions of others) that you corrected it in time. Continued health to you sir, and massive thanks for allowing us to peek at your talent and knowledge.

[@jgmtd535]

Glad you’re better! Strandberg sounded good on the riff from “One” too!

[@ezm69]

The timing of this video is perfect. I've just gotten the feeling back in all of the fingers on my left hand after months of permanent numbness in my thumb, and it coming and going in various fingers. I had to stop playing almost altogether for a few months and limit my keyboard time (I'm a software architect to pay the bills), and..... yeah, it's scary stuff! The thought of not being able to play after 40+ years of playing........ unthinkable! I'm not all fixed yet exactly (have a nerve trace test coming in early October) so it's great to hear your story and the good outcome! I got my Strandberg about a year ago, and I LOVE it! Absolutely the best for playing seated in particular. Not ready to give up all of the others just yet, but some definite benefits, and I'll probably use it more when sitting at the desk now! Thanks for the story and best of luck to you with your own hand issues! You're one of the good guys for sure, Tim! Thank you!

[@royabelrh]

Some time ago I had carpal tunnel surgery, fortunately I am improving day by day, thanks for sharing your experience, blessings

[@phildohogne1970]

I was in an auto accident in the early 70's. First thing that went those two fingers. years of what you are going through and more. I tried for ten years with Doctors etc. Not only did the cervical injuries effect me, but the ways compensated gave me corporeal tunnel syndrome, but lateral epicondylitis, Very glad you are better. You have my prayers. The only regret I have now is stuff like Roger Corman offered me a movie film score with just my score and my guitar ( i would have uses prepared guitar). The car wreck did away with that. He gave it to Larry Carlton (I love Larry). Leaves me with I'll never know. Again, watch out for those other little things. They take forever to heal. You and Tom let me live vicariously. It turned out every disc in my neck and a myriad of other things were injured. I just had and operation a couple of years ago- I can use those two fingers kind of, but two thirds is still injured- it was pretty extensive..

[@tolkienfan1972]

Thanks for this video, Tim. So glad you're almost back to normal.

[@tolkienfan1972]

@TimPierceGuitar1 go away scammer

[@ExpatZ266]

I could hear it, so smooth, that's comfort and ease.

[@dudleydeplorable5307]

I'm thankful that Tim was able to resolve his nerve issues. I had heart surgery in early 2020. I've had various nerve issues since. My ring and pinky fingers, on both hands, have been numb since the surgery. There are days that involve numbness of my hands up to the wrist. Long story short, I don't play anymore. I've sold or given away all of my gear.

[@fivewattworld]

So glad you are digging the Strandbergs Tim.

[@zoomzoom3950]

Great to hear you're on the mend Tim! when I'm at my desk with a guitar, I started wearing a guitar strap adjusted to support the guitar in a comfortable sitting position that keeps my back straight in my chair, which also has flip-up arms. I use a nylon D'Addario strap with plastic locking ends; it keeps the guitar locked onto the strap so I don't worry about it coming off the strap; it's fast and easy to adjust to the right height and makes a big difference allowing me to play longer and more comfortably. Cheers!

[@bkmeahan]

I saw a video years ago that mentioned always using a strap even sitting and it has made a world of difference. Even sitting my guitar is hanging by the strap rather than sitting on my leg. Also switched to a powered adjustable desk so I can raise it up and play standing or lower it to play seated.

[@Durmomo0]

Well this has reminded me to be aware of my posture. Glad you are feeling better!

[@joebadgerguitar]

Such a great video Tim, I’ve just been to physio after getting carpel tunnel from leaning on my left wrist during video editing, which has affected my playing. Going to be lots of musicians suffering with these injuries moving forward with all the video and guitar editing required these days!!!! Keep up the awesome work 💪💪

[@stickman55100]

So relieved to know that you’ve recuperated and are no longer in pain or have that annoying numbness. Love the Strandberg, too! Yes, the neck is different, though very similar to the Chapman Stick profile.

[@jmcarrigan]

Great stuff Tim. I didn't experience spinal issues but I had carpal tunnel in both hands that was advanced enough to require surgery in 2013. I've been pain-free for 10 years now and I can play much better than I could previously. I have found that the optimal position for me when practicing/playing is that semi-classical position with the headstock a little below eye level, as you show. Thanks for sharing and glad you're doing well now. Also, the masterclass is really fantastic - learning a lot!

[@brianmiller3287]

Great minds think alike! At 62, with a lot of hand pain, I bought my strandberg a week or two ago, along with a product like the performance, (it was out of stock), and a "playing chair". I've been out of town for a while, haven't got home to try any of it yet, but ergonomics is suddenly really important...

[@lefauxpas]

Tim, thanks so much for posting about your nerve problem. Good info/advice for all of us. So glad that you have been able to work through it. The best thing about your videos?.....YOUR SMILE! We need more of that in this world. Thanks again.

[@arthurrose6473]

You're a gentleman and a scholar, and I'm glad your making a strong recovery! You are obviously a VERY fine, GREAT guitarist. I tune in to glean all I can, as my wife of 46 years ( met her at a College gig I was doing in 1975 at St. Francis, Brooklyn, NY.) says YOUR multi-faceted style is like MINE (SHE being gracious) probably because we grew up in the 50's-70's in Greenwich Village ( the Purple Onion, Cafe Wha? Night Owl Cafe, the Bitter End and MORE on the West end, and the Electric Circus on the east end! I as an early teenager rubbed elbows with countless musicians there. You play beautifully; at times spectacular, with an attendant integrity and gracious character, eminently professional! Stay well, peace.

[@leonlowery3389]

I have neck problems that cause numbness in my fingers. I have lost a good bit of strength and dexterity, but can still play (as witnessed by my you tube videos), not as well, but I can still play. This is encouraging. If I can find a therapist who can do that for me it would be such a blessing. Last week on one of your videos you played the guitar parts to Wicked Game. I have always thought that that was the best guitar record of the 90s, along with Shine. I have also always thought that it was Hershel Yatovitz playing. Listening to you play it so well made me reflect that you might have been the guy on the record. If so, all praise!!

[@william6223]

Thank you for sharing your story

[@Soelbro]

Oh man, this video came in the right time... The whole posture thing, a decent seat and the enduneck has been in my current research for the last few weeks. Thanks Tim.

[@martyc4906]

So glad you’re doing better! 🙏

[@Jimmyd_Rocktalk]

Wow!… you are my new rabbit hole… love your videos and stories… going to binge watch you this weekend…. Very inspiring. Rock on from Winnipeg Canada.

[@rayraymond2952]

Tim, I'm 74, & due to the Beatles, I took up playing guitar during the first Beatles summer of 1964. --[1] Today in 2023, most of the time, while in my comfortable computer chair, with the strap around my neck holding the guitar in perfect playing position, I have my wonderfully light, headless, Steinberger Spirit GT-Pro Deluxe (HSH). I replaced the pitiful original pickups with Seymour Duncan pickups (Bridge-Custom Custom; mid-Vintage Rails; Neck-P-Rails). --[2] This guitar is light, portable, compact, great sounding, & with quite versatile tone. This headless Spirit guitar with replacement pickups is the greatest guitar since sliced bread. I love it. Thanks for your vids. Richard

[@TraneFrancks]

Glad you're healing, Tim. I've been dealing with drop foot on my right leg. Nerve issues are no joke.

[@michaelluong6484]

Thank you Tim, wishing you continued good health!

[@edmilham4172]

Yup, this is me. The cervical nerve pinching and irritation started happening to me even before the pandemic due to my sleeping position (hey kids, if you sleep on your side, put your head on your pillow, but not your shoulder!), but between my C6 and C7 vertebrae. Outlandish amounts of pain and numbness, including my first and second fingers on my left hand. I overcame it through self-training and posture modification. But here we are a number of years later, and it happened again, probably due to my own sedentary work habits during the pandemic. I'm a college professor, so I spent a lot of time sitting down, though not hunched over, but working at a laptop. So when this thing started bothering me again, apparently I reduced my use of my left arm without even thinking about it. This led to a condition called adhesive capsulitis, more commonly known as "frozen shoulder," in which the connective tissue of the shoulder hardens, causing loss of range of motion and an amazing palate of different kinds of pain if I should move wrong. So the root cause is likely pretty well gone again, but I didn't even know I had taken care of that since the after effects of it are still hanging on. It's been about a year, now, and I'm expecting it to be another year or more before I'm over it. It's tough, too, since I teach voice classes at the university level, which requires quite a bit of demonstration of physical activities like stretching. Take care of your bodies, folks, you only get one per customer, and when you use them up, you're all done!

[@newfreenayshaun6651]

Tim, THANK YOU! I think you've just helped me with the reminder about c8 and nerve issues and I've got some work to do. Rock on friend!

[@werkzeugmann6224]

Thanks tim from a bass player and drummer with nerve issues in the right hand and arm down into the fingers--the best answer; stop the repeated motion trauma

[@TechnoRiff]

@timpierceguitar - Thanks for sharing all of that! Good on you to try headless. Just an idea - perhaps Kiesel might work with you towards a signature model? I like their range of body designs, great necks with stainless steel frets, and a minimalist headpiece (from Hipshot) look.

[@lorne678]

Thanks for sharing your story. I have been having strength and control issues with the ring and pinky and the ulnar nerve appears to be the culprit. The entrapment is in the shoulder, also due to my poor posture with guitar and the computer. Physio is helping with daily stretches and nerve/muscle strengthening exercises. It is a slow process, but you have given me hope that recovery is possible. Now if I could only justify a nice ergonomic guitar ...

[@nicholaswoolfenden5254]

Mine are spinal fusions, lower back. Same deal. Live playing gone, can't stand for too long. I'm not on my own I know. Good on you for bringing this issue to our attention.

[@mixc8]

Being in the music business 30 + years and a veteran I found I don't handle heavy basses or guitars around my neck and shoulders any more I also to switched over to Kaisel's and Strandberg guitars and basses big difference.

[@Sammywhat]

That guitar sounded sweet! Lovely soloing as ever!! Just goes to show you can't judge a book by it's cover. ♥

[@gideonmatthewboley]

yeah man, myself and a few buddies here in nashville have had the same thing happen, thankfully we didn't have to get surgery. glad youre workin through it! posture is literally everything.

[@michaeljohnson7892]

Yah I’ve had that same numbness & it’s PERMANENTLY part of my life now, I am still trying my best to just have fun playing and trying to maintain & keep what I have, SO it gets tuff sometimes and can be a little of a bummer, it might not always sound great, Just have to look at it as a challenge, when wasn’t it ( RIGHT ) 😃 keep smiling. Always worth the trouble !!!

[@KordTaylor]

Thanks. As an older player I’m having some hand stuff going on. So I truly appreciate your comments. Bless you man. ❤

[@caparn100]

3:43 I like the way you added a bit of One 👍👍

[@tedpikul1]

Really glad to hear that things got better!

[@noi5emaker]

I bought (ok, my wife bought for me!) my .strandberg* mainly for the reasons of ergonomics. It sounds great, but plays amazingly well. It is ridiculously comfortable! I like to think of the ideal musical instrument as one that disappears so that you only think of the music, rather than operating a machine, and my .strandberg* boden does that. All I think of is the fingerboard and the sound. To me, that's how it should be.

[@qcc5]

I get your point. But the main thing I learn from you, is "A Master can make anything sound good"!!!

[@r0bophonic]

Hey Tim, and any other musicians reading who suffer from this, I learned this the hard way too, and I highly recommend trying a height-adjustable “wobble stool”. It’s like a regular height adjustable stool, except the bottom is round. This enables active sitting - your muscles are always engaged and you can rock around with your legs. It’s impossible to slouch. And another great advantage for us musicians is that the lack of arms and back make it perfect for playing guitar because there is nothing to get in the way. Stay healthy!

[@dropclutch1]

Very timely! I have recently been considering purchasing a Stranburg because of my newfound obsession with Tory Slusher's amazing playing. Everything sounds very appealing to me except the tone, which at least to me sounds somewhat colorless. It reminds me of my old Parker Fly Classic. I suppose it's a nice clean slate to build tone on with your rig but idk. Would love to get my hands on one to try.

[@TheWorldAccordingToArf]

Thanks for sharing, Tim. It's a warning tailored to me. Thank you.

[@michaellewis9578]

Awesome Brooks! I’ve been awaiting this album for a long time…since GuitarSmiths and Into the Trees. And what a treat that you’ve been joined on it by Brent Mason, Pat Bergeson & Ivanna Cuesta! The only thing better I could imagine is seeing these songs played live.

[@ClintCurtis]

I got a standing desk that helped a ton. You can still set it at any height, it’s motorized.

[@TVoltG]

Oh wow! I am currently going through this. The ulner nerve is seriously messed up when damaged. It's been really upsetting me. Good to hear it's been getting better for you.