Table of Contents
As classical guitars require proper positioning to be played perfectly, classical guitar support has been used to help bring their guitar to their preferred position for a long time.
For a while, the most common guitar support classical guitarists used was footstools or footrests. But nowadays, due to concern over the long-lasting physical effects of using footrests for extended periods, other forms of classical guitar support equipment have gained popularity.
As most classical guitarists, being right-handed, prefer to use their left leg to support while holding the guitar, that will be the default assumption in these reviews. But unless specified, the described supports should perform the same for left- and right-handed players. Now, these are some of the best classical guitar supports on the market:
Check out some must-have Classical Guitar Accessories here.
Murata GR-1
Pros and Cons of The Murata GR-1
Pros
- The support includes multiple replacement poles of varying lengths, ranging from 2” to 8 ⅜”, and its height ranges from 3.5” to 11.5 “.
- The molded plastic platform on your leg is lined with fabric to prevent slipping.
- A hinge between the pole and the base allows you to adjust the angle by moving the base on the leg. This gives you an approximate range for the guitar’s angle of about 40-50 degrees despite the fixed angle.
- It collapses into a compact size that usually fits in your classical guitar case.
Cons
- The support has a fixed angle, meaning less flexibility than others.
- The suction cups can wear out with extended use, so they must be replaced afterward.
Ergoplay Tappert Model
The Tappert model is one of Ergoplay’s two main classical guitar supports. It is named after Ergoplay co-founder Johannes Tappert.
Pros and Cons of The Ergoplay Tappert Model
Pros
- The freely adjustable suction cups on both ends of the support allow you to see a wide range of angles, from slight to steep.
- Multiple suction cups allow for better grip and less chance for the guitar to move or fall off the support.
- Allows you to change the guitar’s tilt towards or away from you by adjusting the angle of the upper two suction cups.
- Includes two semi-permanent suction cup protectors with adhesive backings.
- This is the cheapest guitar support on this list (as of writing this article), at $62.95, while the others range between $80 and $90.
Cons
- It requires a specialized version of support for left-handed players.
- The suction cups can only attach to at least 3 1/2″ wide guitars, so they don’t work with Ovation or very thin guitars.
Ergoplay Tröster Model
The Tröster model is the other main classical guitar support by Ergoplay, named after co-founder Micheal Tröster.
Pros and Cons of The Ergoplay Tröster Model
Pros
- The base platform is shorter than the Tappert model, allowing you to slightly shift the guitar’s relative right-to-left position by changing the position of the base on your leg. This also allows you to change the guitar’s angle slightly.
- Both height and angle can be changed separately on the upper and lower bouts. This allows it to achieve almost every possible angle and height.
- At its maximum, it raises the instrument about 2 inches higher than other ErgoPlay supports. This makes it particularly suitable for taller guitarists.
- The suction cups are all adjustable for rake and tilt.
Cons
- Like the Tappert, it requires a specialized support version for players who prefer their left hand.
- The suction cups aren’t always reliable and won’t adhere to some guitar finishes, such as French-polished surfaces and matte and semi-gloss finishes.
SageWork Umbra Model
SageWork Guitar supports are magnetic-type supports, unlike other guitar supports. The SageWork Umbra Model is the less expensive model produced by SageWorks, but it is by no means inferior in functionality to the handcrafted Atlas model.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The rare earth magnets are more secure than suction cups, strong enough to support even the full weight of a guitar easily. They also ensure that the supports always attach to the same spot, ensuring the optimal setup stays between your practice sessions.
- The heights of the front and back supports are fully adjustable, and the base is on an adjustable hinge that can be locked. This allows you to achieve almost every angle needed.
- The magnetic clamps are unlikely to damage your guitar’s finish.
- The compact size of the support allows it to fit inside most guitar cases.
Cons
- Properly attaching the clamp’s inner magnets can be tricky because they must be placed inside the guitar.
- Less aesthetically pleasing than the Atlas model, constructed exclusively from Vydene.
Guitarlift
The Guitarlift is a suction-style support that stands out by attaching to the back of the guitar, whereas most other supports attach to the bottom.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The placement of the suction cups means that they get reinforced by you holding the guitar, lowering the chance of the cups losing their grip.
- The plexiglass back minimizes your contact with the guitar’s back, minimizing sound dampening and maximizing reverb.
- The position of the suction cups is adjustable. Combined with the cups attached to the back, adjusting the height and angle is the easiest among the supports. It also allows the guitar to be held at practically any playing position you want.
Cons
- Due to its design, the Guitarlift doesn’t have a way to maintain a consistent setting, meaning it needs to be calibrated in every sitting. This causes it to need time to set up every time it is used.
- The suction cups may damage or not adhere to specific finishes on the guitar.
Gitano
The Gitano Guitar Support is a unique and versatile accessory designed to improve the comfort and posture of classical guitarists. It is a compact and lightweight device that attaches to the guitar’s body using suction cups, providing a stable platform to rest the instrument on the player’s leg.
Pros and Cons of Gitano
Pros
- The Gitano Guitar Support elevates the guitar to a more ergonomic position, reducing neck, back, and shoulder strain. This allows for longer, more comfortable playing sessions and promotes better posture and technique.
- The support is suitable for classical and acoustic guitars and can be adjusted to accommodate different playing styles and preferences. It works equally well for left-handed and right-handed guitarists.
- Its lightweight construction makes it convenient to transport and store.
Cons
- There is a concern about the potential for damage to the guitar’s finish, especially with prolonged use. The suction cups attach the support to the guitar and could potentially leave marks or pull on the finish.
- The suction cups may not adhere well to all guitar surfaces, especially those with rough or porous finishes. Additionally, they may lose their grip over time, requiring replacement.
What Is The Correct Posture For Classical Guitar?
Per Yamaha’s guidelines, the foundational posture for playing a classical guitar involves sitting more toward the front edge of the chair. Keep your right knee angled outward, or elevate your right heel to align with the chair’s right side.
How To Use A Classical Guitar New Support
- Setting Up Your Classical Guitar With a Support
- Position the guitar’s body curve over your left thigh.
- Elevate the guitar neck to bring the tuning pegs in line with your eyes and to your left side.
- Lay your right elbow on the guitar’s edge, keeping your hand and wrist relaxed.
- Consistently keep your left thumb at the backside of the neck, ensure your fingers are at a right angle to the fretboard, and use the tip of your finger to depress the string just past the fret.
What Is The Correct Posture For Classical Guitar?
According to Yamaha, the essential position for playing the classical guitar is to sit relatively forward in the chair. Sit with your right knee in an open stance, or lift the heel of your right foot in line with the right side of the chair. Players can use a classical guitar knee rest as an alternative to guitar supports.
How To Use A Classical Guitar New Support
- Place the guitar on your left leg so that your leg rests in the curve of the body.
- Raise the neck of the guitar so that the tuning keys are at eye level and to your left.
- Rest your right elbow on the guitar’s side and relax your wrist and hand.
- Keep your left thumb behind the neck, hold your fingers perpendicular to the fingerboard, and press the string down just behind the fret with your fingertip.
What To Look For In A Classical Guitar Support
Different guitar supports are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. Footstools, for example, have been in use for a long time and thus are preferred by many guitarists out of familiarity despite their uncomfortableness and potential health issues in the long term.
A cushion is cheap, stable, easy to set up, and doesn’t harm the guitar’s finish. But it isn’t adjustable, doesn’t offer as much height as other supports, and might squeak due to rubbing up against the guitar while in use.
Most of the supports in this review have used suction cups, except SageWorks, which uses magnetic locks. The pros and cons of using both have already been covered in the review.
Which Guitar Support Suits You?
Every player has unique needs and preferences; what works for one person might not work well for another. The only factor is whether the support helps you play at ease.
FAQ:
- 6 Unique Guitar Picks That Will Blow Your Mind - February 6, 2025
- Master the Harmonic Major Scale And Intervals - February 6, 2025
- 9 Eye Catchy Unique Guitar Straps for Every Musician - February 6, 2025
