Hello Chris - I certainly know what you mean about back pains. I'm guessing from the range of devices - straps, cords, hooks and loops, etc - that lute players in the past have tried - that our aches and pain, at least, have plenty of historical precedence.
I believe Jacob Heringman gives combined lute/Alexander Technique classes that focus on issues like posture, balance and relaxation/ tension. For me, this would be the way forward - rather than mechanical implements. Best of luck with whatever solution you find works for you. Andrew On 21 Nov 2009, at 14:37, <chriswi...@yahoo.com> wrote: > Andrew, > > I think the lute holding device is a valid option. I've > thought of making or adapting a similar contraption myself. There > needs to be something out there to help make things a bit more > ergonomic and save the back after hours of practicing. For me, all > manner of holds, straps, footstools, etc. simply consist in > choosing the least bad option. Chris Morrongiello's experiments > with resting the lute on a table seems like a pretty good idea. > This is interesting and historical, but not very practical for > practicing/rehearsing in a lot of different locations, which I do > quite a lot. > > I'll never forget the great experience I had with classical > guitar when I went from the traditional footstool to using an > Ergoplay (an aluminum frame that allows you to put both feet on the > floor). When practicing, I had been used to gauging when it was > time to take a break by the tightness in my back. With the > footstool, I was required to stretch out every 45 minutes or so. > The first time I practiced with an Ergoplay, however, I was shocked > to look at a clock and see that I had gone three hours straight > without getting up - and my back still felt fine. This is not a > happy experience I've ever had with my lute practice sessions. > > Personally, I could care less about the historical precedence > for such a device. > > > Chris (not a paid spokesman for the Ergoplay corporation) -- To get on or off this list see list information at http://www.cs.dartmouth.edu/~wbc/lute-admin/index.html
