Mandolin Glossary

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Arm Rest

Arm rest from Siren String Works

An arm rest is a mandolin accessory that is generally placed on the rim of the top, on the bass side of the strings roughly even with, or just behind, the bridge.

It provides a place for the player to rest their forearm, without touching the rim or the top. Use of arm rests are purely personal preference. Those that use them feel they may have the following advantages:

1. Improves tone by keeping the forearm from dampening the vibrations of the top.
2. Protects the finish from sweat and skin oils where the forearm would have contacted the top. This is especially true in hot, humid playing situations and it is especially critical with high-end varnish finishes.
3. Keeps the rim from uncomfortably digging into the forearm while playing.

Some custom builders will make arm rests for their creations, at customer request.

Authored by: Message Board user