From JeffD - "Keep the mandolin leaning a little forward of vertical.". A fellow UK Cafe member up in Scotland bought a Tonegard a couple of years back & he e-mailed me on how good it was in helping him hear what he was playing. Understanding the basic principle of the item,i did exactly as JeffD posted,& yes,it worked,i heard 'more' of what i was playing - however,i do play with my mandolin at 45 degrees to my chest for exactly the same reason (i think ?) & with the same results - i hear more. It doesn't make chords easier to reach though.
As i mostly play sitting down & need to lean backward to reduce my back pain,leaning the mandolin forward on it's edge isn't an option - it's far easier holding the mandolin as i do.
Ivan
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