Which arm rest??

**gbarnett** · Dec-26-2011, 11:13pm

Hi Folks,
I've been looking at five or six different arm rests which are available, all similar in appearance and price. I am thinking that I might like one which covers the tail piece. I was just wondering if there are any preferences out there and why one might be preferred over another.
Thanks in Advance,
George

**Londy** · Dec-26-2011, 11:15pm

Speaking of arm rests... I was thinking about one for my Mandobird but I am not sure that is possible. Any suggestions?

**TheMandoKit** · Dec-26-2011, 11:53pm

I'm a big fan of the McClung armrest from Doug Edwards at Hill Country Stringworks. I have one on each archtop mandolin I own, and will order another when I get the mandolin that is being built for me now. They have an angle that just feels right to me. I do not have the "over the tailpiece" style (my arm doesn't get down that far), but I believe Doug makes them.

Good product, and Doug is a nice guy to deal with. Fast service, too. NFI, other than being a satisfied customer.

**Loretta Callahan** · Dec-27-2011, 12:11am

I'll second the referral for Doug at Hill Country Stringworks. I have a beautiful rosewood armrest with a gorgeous inlay that I love.

**almeriastrings** · Dec-27-2011, 12:55am

I like Steve Bell's. Have several of them. All nicely made and comfortable in use.

**Malcolm G.** · Dec-27-2011, 3:51am

Have a Bell and three of Doug's - all great.

**strings777** · Dec-27-2011, 5:31am

Ditto what TheMandoKit and Loretta Callahan said.

**8ch(pl)** · Dec-27-2011, 6:16am

I have a Cumberland Acoustic on my M-4 (Mid Missouri) and a McClung on my M-1. I like both, but I believe the McClung has a slightly better angle. Also it was made for a Mid Missouri, the CA one doesn't fit the curve of the instrument quite as well. Both Steve Smith and Doug Edwards are really good people to deal with.

I believe that the armrest is important on the Matt finish of a Big Muddy or Mid Missouri. The finish on my M-4 became so grubby, impossible to clean, so I sanded it off and refinished the top with semi-gloss Nitrate-cellulose Lacquer.

**G7MOF** · Dec-27-2011, 7:04am

Originally Posted by Londy

Speaking of arm rests... I was thinking about one for my Mandobird but I am not sure that is possible. Any suggestions?

Apart from the comfort side of things, I wouldn't have thought you'd benifit from an armrest, as it won't change or help the tone or volume.

Perhaps I'll be contradicted on this one!!!

**Kip Carter** · Dec-27-2011, 7:49am

Originally Posted by almeriastrings

I like Steve Bell's. Have several of them. All nicely made and comfortable in use.

The other web site was helpful does Steve Bell have one for his arm rests? Trying not to ask nube questions here but I think give my arm laying across the body of my mandolin that an arm rest would be a nice addition to my lil guy.
Kip...

**gbarnett** · Dec-27-2011, 8:43am

Thanks to all for your responses. I was looking at both the McClung and the Bell because they both cover the tailpiece which my arm sometimes wanders across.

It is interesting to hear about the difference in angles. I have been using armrests on my guitars for years and they really make a difference, both in comfort and tone/volume and the angle is of prime importance. At least in my world.

Thanks again,
George

**extremescene** · Dec-27-2011, 9:15am

I just got a curly maple armrest from Lynn Dudenbostel.. couldn't be happier! $40 shipped. Hard to believe I played for so many years without one, but my newly acquired MT2 Varnish made me spring for one.

**gbarnett** · Dec-27-2011, 9:52am

I've just ordered one from Doug Edwards. I'll post, if this poor ole' brain remembers to, once it is delivered/installed/used a bit.

Thanks again,
George

**Ed Goist** · Dec-27-2011, 11:36am

+1 for Steve Bell...Top notch product and service.

**Rob Gerety** · Dec-27-2011, 11:39am

I like arm rests. But, I recently had the experience of a cork pad on one side of my arm rest causing what appears to be permanent imprinting in the finish of an old teens Gibson. Not sure I will put it back on until I find away to avoid this problem.

**Jason Kessler** · Dec-27-2011, 11:51am

Originally Posted by Rob Gerety

I like arm rests. But, I recently had the experience of a cork pad on one side of my arm rest causing what appears to be permanent imprinting in the finish of an old teens Gibson. Not sure I will put it back on until I find away to avoid this problem.

This is what is making me hem and haw (well, maybe just hem) about getting an arm rest, even though I find the edge of my mando a bit uncomfortable. I worry about the varnish finish on my Eastman. Have others had problems with finish issues due to arm rests?

**gbarnett** · Dec-27-2011, 12:31pm

Originally Posted by Jason Kessler

This is what is making me hem and haw (well, maybe just hem) about getting an arm rest, even though I find the edge of my mando a bit uncomfortable. I worry about the varnish finish on my Eastman. Have others had problems with finish issues due to arm rests?

I just snipped this from Doug Edwards' website. It's from his FAQ section.

http://hillcountrystringworks.com/readystock.html

"Will an armrest damage my finish?

It is possible to cause some damage using and armrest.
Using a strap, tuner, and arm contact will also damage a
finish. I can add felt as well as cork for those who desire. The
felt to me seems to slip more and sometimes requires the
armrest to be tightened more than it needs to be.

Currently I'm using leather instead of cork on my products."

L8R,
G

**nickster60** · Dec-27-2011, 1:23pm

I have a Mclugg Doug Edwards has great service

**tr6drvr** · Dec-27-2011, 1:34pm

I love my McClungs; comfortable and beautiful. Doug does great custom inlay work on them as well.

Yes, they damage varnish finish, as it has on my Northfield. Nitro finishes on Gibson and The Loar seem to be doing fine with it.

**Santiago** · Dec-27-2011, 1:59pm

McClurg.

**mandroid** · Dec-27-2011, 4:18pm

arm over the tailpiece , then none are needed..
though I got one for my Lebeda, it's sharp edge of the recurve made me go shopping..

**Rob Gerety** · Dec-27-2011, 4:54pm

I did notice that the damage to the finish was only on the side where cork was used to pad the armrest. The other side was padded with a thin strip of leather. I may put mine back on but use leather this time.

**Mandobart** · Dec-27-2011, 4:57pm

NFI, but I like Steve Bell's arm rests a lot. I have four; on a mandolin, OM, mandola and mandocello. Send him a trace of your instrument lower bout where your arm will be resting to get a great fit. He is great to work with. He will make a custom size for your instrument if you want. Delivery was quite prompt for me in every case. He uses leather on the side that contacts the instrument. He can be contacted at:

gsbell26@gmail.com or at

gsbell@grantsburgtelcom.net