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A Closer Look at Classical Guitar Knee Rests
As a guitarist myself, I understand the importance of finding the perfect classical guitar knee rests for your instrument. In this article, I will delve deep into the subject of classical guitar knee rests, providing you with everything you need to know. From their purpose and benefits to different types and materials, we will explore the wide range of options available.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your playing posture or an experienced player seeking enhanced comfort and stability, this guide will equip you with the ideal classical guitar knee rest for your needs. So, let’s learn a little bit about what a knee rest is.
Check out our list of other classical guitar accessories here.
What Are Classical Guitar Knee Rests?
Classical guitar knee rests, also known as leg rests, guitar rests or guitar footstools, are devices designed to elevate the guitar and provide support for the player while performing. I find them to be essential accessories for classical guitarists, as they help achieve optimal playing posture, enhance comfort, and improve technique. They work for both left-hand and right-hand guitarists.
Types of Classical Guitar Knee Rest
There are various types of classical guitar knee rests available on the market. Here is a list.
Footstool
The most common type is the footstool, a small device that resembles a step or platform. Footstools typically feature adjustable height settings to accommodate different players’ preferences.
Cushion
Another popular option is the guitar cushions. A guitar cushion is a soft, padded support that goes under your leg while you’re playing guitar. It’s like a pillow for your leg, but it’s designed specifically for guitarists. Guitar cushions are often used while playing in a sitting position.
Suction cup
A guitar suction cup is a type of guitar knee rest that uses suction cups to attach to the guitar’s top or back. These cups are typically made of a durable plastic or metal material, and they have a soft rubber suction cup at the bottom. The suction cup helps to keep the support in place, even when the guitarist is playing vigorously.
These are portable and can be attached to the guitar’s body, providing stability and elevation without requiring a separate device.
Additionally, there are innovative designs like the guitar knee rest armrests or lap rests. These supports attach to the lower of the guitar and rest on the player’s leg or thigh, providing a stable platform and additional comfort during extended playing sessions.
Now, you may think, “I am also a classical guitar player, and I’ve never needed a knee rest to play a guitar.” While you may be absolutely correct, professional players use classical guitar knee rests all the time. It contributes to playability, posture, and even the way the guitar sounds. This is why in the next section, we will discuss the importance of knee rests.
Are Classical Guitar Knee Rest Important?
When playing the classical guitar, the search for accuracy and comfort is always going on. Guitarists spend countless hours honing their technique, refining their playing posture, and seeking optimal support for their instruments. The classical guitar knee rest is becoming more and more common as an accessory for this goal. It helps with muscle tiredness, posture, and injury prevention.
At its core, the classical guitar knee rest serves as a support mechanism, ensuring a stable and secure position for the guitar while allowing the player to maintain proper posture. To accomplish this, firmly attach the rest of the guitar to the player’s leg, typically using adjustable straps or suction cups to provide a dependable anchor point for the guitar.
With the guitar securely positioned, the player’s hands are free to execute intricate fingerings, facilitating a more fluid and accurate performance.
Moreover, knee rest plays a pivotal role in improving playing ergonomics. Elevating the guitar to an optimal height aligns the instrument with the player’s hands and arms, reducing strain and tension in the upper body.
This alignment allows for a more natural and relaxed playing position, minimizing the risk of repetitive strain injuries such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. By alleviating unnecessary physical stress, the knee rest enables guitarists to focus on technique and expression, ultimately enhancing their overall performance.
Another advantage of knee rests lies in its versatility and adaptability. Given the wide range of body types and playing styles among guitarists, the adjustable nature of knee rests allows for customization to individual preferences.
Check out different guitar body styles here.
Height, angle, and positioning can all be fine-tuned to suit the player’s unique requirements, ensuring maximum comfort and optimal performance. Additionally, some knee rests offer additional features such as padding or contoured designs, providing enhanced comfort during long practice or performance sessions.
How Does An ErgoPlay Work?
The ErgoPlay guitar support system is a sophisticated device that provides optimal ergonomics and stability for classical guitarists. It consists of a combination of adjustable components that work in harmony to achieve a secure and comfortable playing position.
The key component of the ErgoPlay is the main support plate, which attaches to the player’s leg using suction cups. These suction cups create a strong and reliable connection, allowing the guitar to be securely anchored to the player’s leg. The main support plate can be adjusted in height, tilt, and angle, providing a customizable setup to suit the guitarist’s individual preferences and body type.
It features an adjustable backrest, which provides further support and stability by resting against the player’s chest or upper abdomen. The backrest can be modified in terms of height and angle to achieve the ideal contact point with the player’s body, ensuring a secure and balanced position for the guitar.
By combining the main support plate and the adjustable backrest, the ErgoPlay creates a symbiotic relationship between the guitar, the player’s leg, and the upper body. This setup allows for optimal alignment of the guitar with the player’s hands and arms, reducing strain and tension.
It promotes a more relaxed and natural playing posture, minimizing the risk of repetitive strain injuries and enhancing overall performance.
A List of the Best Knee Rest Brands In The Market
As a classical guitar player myself, I have used a lot of knee rests in my life. While not all of them have added quality to my playing or a better posture technique, most of them have added a positive touch. According to my experience and research, these are the 3 best classical guitar knee rests on the market.
Tetra-Teknica Foot Rests
The Tetra-Teknica footrest is portable, easy to adjust, and durable. It provides stability and is cheaper than other options.
Pros
- I appreciate how fast and easy it is to set up the Tetra-Teknica Foot Rests. It doesn’t take much time or effort.
- The adjustable height feature allows me to find the perfect position to support my leg while playing the guitar.
- The sturdy construction of the footrests gives me confidence in their durability and long-term use.
- Since they are portable, I can easily take them with me when traveling or going to gigs.
- I find the Tetra-Teknica Foot Rests to be quite affordable compared to other knee rest options.
Cons
- While the adjustable height is beneficial, I sometimes find it challenging to find the perfect angle for optimal comfort.
- Prolonged use of the footrests can occasionally result in discomfort, such as lower back or leg pain.
ErgoPlay
ErgoPlay supports, such as the Tappert and Tröster models, are popular among classical guitarists. They allow for comfortable playing with both legs on the ground and offer adjustable components for a customized angle.
Pros
- I find it comfortable to play the guitar with both legs on the ground using the ErgoPlay knee rest.
- The adjustable arms allow me to position the rest precisely according to my needs, providing added convenience.
- Although it takes a bit longer to set up compared to footrests, it’s still relatively easy to assemble.
- The ErgoPlay knee rest is designed to support extended playing periods, preventing back pain or knee discomfort.
Cons
- Occasionally, the suction cups may come loose during performances, requiring readjustment.
- Depending on the angle of my leg or the fabric of my pants, the knee rest can slip out of position, causing minor distractions while playing.
Sagework
Sagework guitar knee rests, including the Umbra and Atlas models, use magnets instead of suction cups to attach to the guitar. They provide stability, have an elegant design, and offer a lifetime guarantee.
Pros
- I appreciate the portability of the Sagework knee rest and how it conveniently fits inside my guitar case.
- The adjustable arms of the Sagework knee rest allow me to find the perfect height that suits my playing style.
- The use of magnets instead of suction cups provides a secure grip without the risk of damaging the guitar’s finish.
- The elegant and high-quality woodwork of the Sagework knee rest adds a touch of sophistication.
I have peace of mind knowing that Sagework offers a lifetime guarantee on its products.
Cons
- The initial set-up of the Sageworks knee rest can be a bit complex since it requires adhesive magnets to be attached inside the guitar body.
- The Sagework knee rest has a higher price point compared to other options, which may not be suitable for everyone’s budget.
Pros OF Classical Guitar Knee Rests
- I appreciate the portability of the Sagework knee rest and how it conveniently fits inside my guitar case.
- The adjustable arms of the Sagework knee rest allow me to find the perfect height that suits my playing style.
- The use of magnets instead of suction cups provides a secure grip without the risk of damaging the guitar’s finish.
- The elegant and high-quality woodwork of the Sagework knee rest adds a touch of sophistication.
- I have peace of mind knowing that Sagework offers a lifetime guarantee on its products.
Cons of Classical Guitar Knee Rests
- The initial set-up of the Sageworks knee rest can be a bit complex since it requires adhesive magnets to be attached inside the guitar body.
- The Sagework knee rest has a higher price point compared to other options, which may not be suitable for everyone’s budget.
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