When standing up, guitarists can adjust a strap to personal comfort or ergonomics. But trying to get the same feel when sitting in the studio or rehearsal room can be a challenge, with players often slouching over the instrument or tightening the strap to provide the same access to the neck that they'd get on stage. The Performaxe is a leg rest for electrics that's been designed to put frets within easy reach when seated.
Though the bodies of many modern electric guitars are shaped at the bottom for handy placement on a thigh while seated, those who like to play fast or for marathon sessions can find the neck position such a shape offers to be rather awkward and uncomfortable. The Performaxe is attached to the bottom horn of an electric, or anywhere towards the neck end of the lower body, and can be positioned according to individual needs and comfort.
It essentially raises the guitar's body up from the thigh, making noodling on the neck more comfortable. Its designer reckons that doing so reduces playing fatigue, stops hunching and negates the need for awkward leg/foot tensing or flimsy foot stools – potentially improving playability and posture.
The device comes in nylon-fiberglass mix or aluminum, but has thick rubber facing anywhere it might touch the instrument, and can accommodate guitar widths from 2.5 to 6 cm (1 - 2.4 in). One end sports a knob that can be loosened to position the Performaxe, and tightened to secure it in place. And that's pretty much it.
It looks like a simple way to ease seated playing fatigue, but we can't say for sure how effective it is until we try one out, though numerous testimonials from players grace the crowdfunding campaign page.
More than a year in design, prototyping and beta testing, the Performaxe has launched on Kickstarter to secure production funding, with a rather lofty campaign goal of €124,000 (about US$145,000). Pledges for a nylon/fiberglass device start at €58, while backers will need to part with at least €115 for an aluminum version. If all goes to plan, shipping is expected to start in December. The video below has more.
Sources: Guitar Scientist, Kickstarter