We've been hearing more and more about these as an accessory;, there's a growing contingency of mandolinists who are using armrests on their instruments. It makes a lot of sense, the finish protection from sweaty forearm, the reduced dampening from concentrating physical pressure to the relatively dead area of the body, and for some players, an ergonomic security in playing posture.

Our north Texas friend Doug Edwards has been pioneering a new design, the McClung Armrest (patent pending). We first used Doug's willing wood-craftsmanship in the design of our Draleon Royale Pickguard. His unique concept in armrest design, these are angled, much like the angle of the strings from the tailpiece to the bridge. The result is better hand position, control, and comfort. He uses a variety of woods, dyes, and shapes/sizes so most are unique in appearance, but all have the same function. He can make them in Right or Left Handed, in a myriad of woods and with custom inlay.

Doug is great to work with and comes highly recommended by the JazzMando research crew.

Website: Hill Country Stringworks

JazzMando personal instruments

Posted by Ted at July 7, 2008 5:28 AM