Bad Back Attack?

Mike Schwartzman · From: Maryland, USA

Hi folks...I was just wondering if anyone who has a low back problem(s)gets uncomfortable playing a D10. I've been playing an S10 E9 for almost a year now, and I've been just enjoying it so much that I don't have enough words to describe how much joy pedal steel has brought so far. I plan on driving down to Billy Coopers to try out some different guitars, but before I do I just wanted to see if any members here experience any discomfort from that little extra reach or bend over that a D10 requires. I've never sat behind a D10 yet, except during my first lesson with Mike Auldridge last Feb., but I was mostly listening and watching (not playing).
Any advise or experiences much appreciated.
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Emmons Push Pull, BMI, Session 400, Home of the Slimcaster Tele.

Don Poland · From: Hanover, PA.

Mike, I am not sure where you are located in MD, but you're best bet is to do what you are considering and drop by Billy Coopers and test drive one to find out if it will be a problem for you. Good Luck

Glenn Suchan · From: Austin, Texas

Mike, I currently play a D10, but over the years I've played an S10, S12, and an S14, too. I don't think a D10 will have a different effect on your back. As long as you maintain good posture; a straight back and your shoulders square and parallel to the plane of the back apron. One thing to be mindful of is the height of your chair or seat. When sitting, your forearms and thighs should be parallel to the floor. If you try to maintain this posture, most of the time, you should find relief from back pain while playing.

Keep on pickin'!
Glenn

Mike Schwartzman · From: Maryland, USA

Thanks fellas...I'm fairly close to Wash. DC in Maryland, so Billy Coopers store is only about a 2 hr. trip. And I can appreciate the comments from Glenn on the sitting posture. I have to sit a bit higher due to the lower spine trouble, but even then...the straighter the posture...the easier it is to play the steel so far. I think I'll start doing a posture check every so often when I practice. It seems so easy to start in the proper position, and 10 minutes later I'll catch myself slouching.
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Emmons Push Pull, BMI, Session 400, Home of the Slimcaster Tele.

Al Miller · From: Waxahachie Texas

Mike
You Should really consider a lesson With Buddy Charlton while at Billys shop. he is the best of the best and such a great teacher, i studied with him for a long time back in the day and i use most of if not all of his teachings and advice everytime i set behind my guitar. tell ole buddy and billy i said hello and wanda too ..by the way buddy's style of posture is something to look at and ask about.
he has a unique way he sets behind a guitar that seems to favor his attack and and right hand position
look at some of those old you tube clips and photos
the speak volumes about his posture.. just my 2 cents
Boo Miller
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AL (BOO) Miller
Mullen D10
76 Emmons P/P
2022 65 Emmons Resound P/P D10

Larry Bressington · From: Nebraska

and a single neck will be lighter.
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A.K.A Chappy.

Randy Gilliam · From: San Antonio, Texas, USA

Get split Cases And Your Back Will Feel A Lotbetter, Randy Gilliam.

Ernest Cawby · From: Lake City, Florida, USA, R.I.P.

Mike my backbone is growing into my spinal chord and I play a D10 and love it.

ernie

Andy Sandoval · From: Bakersfield, California, USA

It's hard to keep up good posture especially if you try and practice for too long without a break. A little breather to stretch out every thirty minutes or so will make it much more enjoyable.

Dave Mudgett · From: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee

My lower back bugs me sometimes, but mainly when I ignore ergonomics and try to play a guitar that doesn't fit me well, so I wouldn't ignore these type of considerations.

I notice by your byline that you're fairly tall - 6'2". I'm 6'4", and I have actually found that playing some narrow-bodied S-10 guitars was very tough on my lower back because I had to seriously slouch to force myself to fit into the small frame. I need at least a wide-single or single-and-a-half body, but I'm honestly getting to the point where I have to acknowledge that a double-wide body is generally a bit more comfortable to me. I only reluctantly conclude this because I'd much rather carry a single-body guitar. I raise my guitars up quite a bit using a liftkit and use a higher-than-normal seat, all of which help me cut the slouching thing. I don't have to raise up a double body as much, since it gives more horizontal room for my legs under the guitar.

In the end, I think you should try things out for yourself and see what works for you. Just be aware that there are adjustments you can make in the body height and seat height that might make a significant difference in how comfortable a particular guitar is.

Donny Hinson · From: Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.

I think a double-body is more comfortable to play, period!

And yes, I do use the C6th neck as an arm rest, and believe there's nothing essentially wrong with that (though I don't recommend any else to do so). If I played far more C6th than I did E9th, I'd swap the neck positions.

Mike Schwartzman · From: Maryland, USA

Ha ha...many thanks folks!...now I'm looking forward to getting behind a D10 or an SD10.
I've been very fortunate to have been practicing each week with other musicians who have been kind enough to help me with the lifting chores to the rehearsal space. If I get another instrument, I'll be able to park one steel at the rehearsal space, and put the other here at home.
It really hasn't been too bad compared to hauling around bass equipment (which I did for many years). After some surgeries from 1999- 2003 I bought one of those expandable carts with pneumatic tires on 2 of the 4 wheels. It's called either a Rock & Roller" or "Rack and Roller" I'll tell ya...it's been a heck of a good investment.
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Emmons Push Pull, BMI, Session 400, Home of the Slimcaster Tele.

Shorty Smith · From: Columbus, Georgia, USA

I am only 5'3" tall and have played a Emmons D10 two night a week for 20 years and never had a pain, just enjoying it, Shorty

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