Question Comfort on EBMM/SBMM Valentine

[TonyEVH5150]

Seeking input from those who currently own a Valentine model. I'm normally leery of slab bodies, but I'm curious about the wedge shape. Realizing it's not a belly cut of forearm contour, how comfortable is the Valentine to play?

 

[Pott]

To me, the wedge shape makes no, none, zero difference at all.

It's the main reason I'm selling mine. Fantastic guitar, but I need a forearm contour for comfort and to get in the optimal picking posture.

 

[Astrofreq]

Feels perfect to me, but I come from an Axis, which is a slab as well. Love them both.

 

[Fro]

It makes a slight difference. My Valentine is more comfortable than my Tele.

 

[Pott]

It makes a slight difference. My Valentine is more comfortable than my Tele.

I think you hit the concept right on the head here: it's better than 'pure' slab-bodied guitars (Tele, Axis), but is a downgrade compared to anything with contours or bevels (for those who are used to this).

 

[mistercharlie]

Better than a Tele, not as good as a Reverend with a proper forearm cut. I've been thinking of putting my Valentine under the knife for this reason, but it's fine as-is. If you play standing, it's just great.

 

[RichieZ]

My guitar experience is limited, but I completely agree with the consensus.... to me it feels very Telecaster-ish.

Overall, it's thinner and seems lighter, and with the bevel and other touches, more ergonomic... but if you don't like the feel of a Telecaster I don't think you'd like the shape of the Valentine either.

It's different... but not THAT different. Again, just my opinion.

 

[TripHazard]

Its a concern i have a about the valentine. I'm attracted to it sound wise, but comfort worries me. and no dealers near enough to me have one in stock to try

 

[Fro]

I had the same concern. I'm used to having a forearm contour since I started on a Strat. I hardly ever played my Tele. Ever.
I now grab my Valentine about as often as I grab my Cutlass. I've sold my Tele but the Valentine is staying.

 

[DrugDM]

I own a Valentine and as someone who likes comfort cuts, it has been a process to become more comfortable. If I am going to play something more technical I still will gravitate towards my L3's as there is a benefit to having my arm anchored in such a way for alternate picking(at least for me). Otherwise, the guitar sounds great and looks very cool. I also noticed that James Valentine, who I never knew before the guitar, plays his guitars very high when standing for whatever that is worth...

 

[TonyEVH5150]

I'm in the same boat. No one has one in stock near me, so it's a buy and try scenario.

I'm itching to call Pete and order one, but I'm concerned the ergonomics are a deal killer. I may just wait until one is available locally. I need a belly cut and either a forearm contour or a carved top. The design of the Valentine is intriguing, but I think the slab body isn't for me.

I'm ok with it. It's a bummer that it doesn't have those features. But I also recognize that EBMM made it for the artist, not for me.

 

[Astrofreq]

It feels nothing like a Tele to me. I can't play teles because the bodies are so different in feel than my Axis or Valentine. Every time I pick up a tele, my picking hand is 1 string off. As in, I also think I'm somewhere I'm not.

The valentine is way thinner. For me, it feels fantastic.

 

[QuietSpike]

Valentine is way more comfortable than my tele.

I'm usually playing something with a contour, but I don't get hung up with the valentine like I do when i grab my tele... in comparison to my countoured guitars.

 

[CaseyBall]

IMO the Valentine's gradual wedge design shines the most when playing while standing. James plays live as much as anything so I think that was a big part of the design philosophy. It may not have tons of cuts and bevels like a silo special, but it is pretty comfortable. As always YMMV. James is a real picker and a smart dude and his guitar reflects it.

 

[Astrofreq]

I didn't even know it was wedge shape until this thread. Lol

 

[Fender_Champ]

Interesting observations. I have been having the same comfort issues with my St Vincent. I can't seem to find a position that is really comfortable. I find myself turning my back quite a bit while sitting or having the top corner poke me. Is anyone else having this issue?

 

[CaseyBall]

Interesting observations. I have been having the same comfort issues with my St Vincent. I can't seem to find a position that is really comfortable. I find myself turning my back quite a bit while sitting or having the top corner poke me. Is anyone else having this issue?

My ergonomic concern with STVs is that they're actually a bit neck heavy. I'll admit they're just a little slippery in general.

When sitting back on the couch playing I actually find it pretty comfortable, though. Holding on to the top end near the bottom with my forearm creates a nice leverage point. My wife actually loves to just hold it and pretend to play.