Music

Performaxe clamps to your guitar to improve playing comfort

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Seated comfort in the studio thanks to the Performaxe
Guitar Scientist
The Performaxe is attached to the bottom of an electric guitar's body, and can be positioned and adjusted for individual comfort
Guitar Scientist
The Performaxe looks a good fit for shredders looking for the neck to be raised for optimum access to the fretboard
Guitar Scientist
On the left, a guitarist hunches over the guitar. On the right, the addition of the Performaxe straightens the back for improved comfort and better access to the fretboard
Guitar Scientist
The Performaxe has been designed to fit most modern guitars with a thickness between 2.5 and 6 cm
Guitar Scientist
Seated comfort in the studio thanks to the Performaxe
Guitar Scientist
Another studio essential? The Performaxe has been designed to reduce playing fatigue and put a stop to hunching
Guitar Scientist
The Performaxe has been designed to fit most modern guitars with a thickness between 2.5 and 6 cm
Guitar Scientist
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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 Performaxe looks a good fit for shredders looking for the neck to be raised for optimum access to the fretboard
Guitar Scientist

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

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1 comment
Chewbetty
Wow i was waiting for this