Siren arm rest

[jalimando]

The arm that rests on the edge of my mandolin tends to sweat and I can certainly see the effects on my older mandolins from the friction and likely the sweat (finish has rubbed off on that edge of the top). I just received my new Driftwood #5 and would like to avoid doing the same to this one.
I have seen good reviews on the Siren Arm Rest, but of course those reviews were on vendor sites. The claims and theory behind its use seems logical, however, I would like to get some feedback from those here that either own one or have used one.

Thanks!
Jeff

[Bob DeVellis]

I have them on most of my instruments and love 'em. Much more comfortable on the forearm. Plus, they keep flesh off of the finish and promote consistent arm placement. I also like the way they look but I think that's a preference I acquired from having them on instruments I really like.

[John Flynn]

I have one which was mounted for many years on an F style I used to have. I liked it. I will say they can be deceptively hard to mount properly. Once it's on, though, it stays put and makes playing more comfortable. I traded that mando in on a Rigel, which really doesn't need an armrest and the Siren would not fit it any way. But if I get another traditional arch top mandolin, I will use it again.

[Loren Bailey]

I use this one: #
http://kingbrown.netfirms.com/accessories.html

Good craftmanship and it only took 6 days to get here from the time I placed the order, not bad from Australia.

[jalimando]

Thanks for all the feedback folks! That's just what I needed to help me decide.

[thunderplucker]

Hi Jalimando,

I have an extra one of these hanging around that is new. email me at kurt@huskyacoustics.com if you are interested in saving a few bucks.

[Bob A]

I had my first armrest made 20+ years ago to address the problems of finish wear, sweat damage, and forearm creasing. They are wonderful things.

I bought a Siren rest off the classifieds here, and found that it was quite large, stuck up quite a distance off the top of the instrument, and the curve was not congruent with the curve on my mandolins - the armrest diameter was larger than the instrument by quite a bit, and it looked awkward.

Fortunately it fit my Gibson mandola much better, and its large size ensured that the clamp would fit on the deeper body of the mandola.

I don't know if they offer different sizes, or if mine was early or late, but be advised that the thing might not fit.

[Bowzette]

I like mine a lot. I have a Phoenix with varnish finish. It has discolored the varnish finish where it attaches. I will glue felt on the cork that contacts the finish. I suspect i would have more damage to the finish by sweating on it without the arm rest. I think i have more volume because my arm is not resting on the top.

[jalimando]

Again, thank you all for your comments.
I decided to give it a shot. I purchased the arm rest 'Thunderpicker' had available.
I will add my own feedback later after I spend some time with the Siren installed.

Jeff

[Lee]

Hey Jalimando,
Tells us about the Driftwood mandolin. Got pics??

[jalimando]

Hi Lee957,
Go HERE to view my initial review of the Driftwood #005.

I think the pics from the builder's website are as good as they get: #Driftwood Mandolins #005, Andrew Poe - Builder

Also, the second mandolin from the left on the top row on the 'Eye Candy' page is my Driftwood #005.

Thanks!
Jeff

[cameron]

I have 3 of the Siren armrests;they fit my mandolins nicely;I can't/won't play without an armrest now. I am hoping to try a Steve Smith(Tenn.) armrest soon;and I like the looks of the Weber armrest/tailpiece combo.....IMHO armrests are da shizzle;but any good varnish finish will imprint with a clamp-on armrest.