Hello and help!

[Herriot]

Hi all,
I recently acquired a Super Sport with MM90s, and while I'm looking forward to contributing to the forum and its great discussions, at the moment I really need some advice.
The problem I'm having is a lot of discomfort in my right shoulder. I don't know why I never noticed it while playing Axes at the music stores (I suspect it was because I was/am mesmerized by the absolutely brilliant necks on these guitars, and the killer tones as well), but I cannot seem to find a comfortable position in which to play this guitar. I have been a guitarist for 20 years; this has never happened before, and I feel slightly confused and just a little bit stupid about it! It's not the lack of forearm contour so much, I guess it's the compactness of the Axis body that somehow has my right (picking) hand higher than my other guitars (Strat, SG), and consequently it raises my shoulder as well.
So...I'm not sure what to do. I researched some past posts here about it, and I know some people have stuck with it with positive results. How long would you try to see if it resolved itself? Has anyone else ever taken a guitar home and realized the was a physical comfort issue, and not just an adjustment needed because of different pickup spacing or annoyingly placed knobs or such?
Anyway, hello to all again, sorry for the long post, and thanks in advance for any advice and feedback!

Jerry

 

[jongitarz]

I have never had this problem, and I am 6'1. Maybe you just need a period of adjusment to get used to it.


BTW You should tour with Ozzy...I can see it now...Ozzy and Herriot

 

[GWDavis28]

BTW You should tour with Ozzy...I can see it now...Ozzy and Herriot

BBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jimmyp]

This is the first time I've seen this raised in a forum. personally, I don't find I get a sore neck/shoulder when playing my EVH, but my brother played it for about an hour a couple of years ago and his right shoulder was in agony for about a week and he hasn't touched it since! I really don't know what to suggest to alleviate the problem - I do know that it is more comfortable when sitting down to have the bottom of the guitar between your legs rather that resting on your right knee (this sounds dodgy...)

 

[tommyindelaware]

drink more irish beer....you'll be fine..

This is the first time I've seen this raised in a forum. personally, I don't find I get a sore neck/shoulder when playing my EVH, but my brother played it for about an hour a couple of years ago and his right shoulder was in agony for about a week and he hasn't touched it since! I really don't know what to suggest to alleviate the problem - I do know that it is more comfortable when sitting down to have the bottom of the guitar between your legs rather that resting on your right knee (this sounds dodgy...)

 

[kbaim]

Maybe a strap adjustment.

If that doesn't work, the Albert Lee is available with p90's (but 3, not 2) and is exceptionally comfortable with tone + quack.

If the guitar hurts to play, that's bad.

I've got 2 beautiful supersports that I almost never play. The Lukes just fit, feel, and sound better for my style. The Albert is #4 on the grab-it-if-there's-a-fire decision.

 

[jongitarz]

BBBBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You should hear about my other idea for a tour. That band Abba with Elvis Costello.......That's right Abba and Costello Thank You! Good Night!

 

[OrangeChannel]

You should hear about my other idea for a tour. That band Abba with Elvis Costello.......That's right Abba and Costello Thank You! Good Night!

Folks...tip your bartenders....he'll be here all week....try the veal!

 

[blackspy]

I noticed my arm would get sore when I first got the Axis, I have a tendancy to rest my arm on the body of the guitar and was used to guitars with a contour there for that. I adapted a little to it, and it doesn't happen now really. I don't know if the same thing could be the problem for the Axis SS, I don't know if they're contoured or not.

 

[GWDavis28]

You should hear about my other idea for a tour. That band Abba with Elvis Costello.......That's right Abba and Costello Thank You! Good Night!

Ah man your brutal!!!!!!!!!! Thanx again there Shecky Smith ladies and gentleman.

 

[OrangeChannel]

I noticed my arm would get sore when I first got the Axis, I have a tendancy to rest my arm on the body of the guitar and was used to guitars with a contour there for that. I adapted a little to it, and it doesn't happen now really. I don't know if the same thing could be the problem for the Axis SS, I don't know if they're contoured or not.

The top? No contour...only a tummy cut...

 

[jimmyp]

drink more irish beer....you'll be fine..

It's not possible to drink any more...

 

[tommyindelaware]

yep.....he lives in ireland.......

It's not possible to drink any more...

 

[Herriot]

Thanks for the replies (and creative...advice. ). I'll give it a bit longer, and try the AL & others in the meantime.

 

[SteveB]

Try a strap adjustment or a different strap altogether, preferably one with padding where the strap rests on your shoulder. I had a Les Paul type guitar years ago, and a strap of thin leather. It put pressure right on the nerve in my shoulder and hurt like hell. A different strap cured the problem.