What's the best footrest (Don't have time to build my own)?

[Elliot Luber]

My teacher tells me I need a footrest. What do you use/recommend?

[John Kelly]

Interesting question! I have only usually heard of classical guitarists using a footrest, so you might have a look at guitar accessories for some ideas. I often sit in a high chair which has a foot bar along the front (a sort of bar stool) and find that I will often put my foot on the bar, but have not actually tried using a rest with a mandolin.

[Elliot Luber]

Thanks. I usually sit on a high swivel stool with my feet on the floor, but it made my teacher cringe. He and some other pros I've heard recommend mandolin players use footrests for their left foot to properly support their instruments in a sitting position. I do use a shoulder strap, but he's the teacher and I'm going to try it his way. I saw a few types for guitarists online. I'm just looking for some feedback.

[Tim2723]

I've used (well, owned at least) several over the years. The cheap ones worked just as well (or poorly) as the expensive ones for me. Since it's sounds like an experiment on your part I'd start with something cost-free that you can just try, like your mandolin case or a couple of thick books. Some pros use footrests but many others don't. I've always found that a properly adjusted strap negated their purpose for mandolin. I was taught that the instrument should not rest on your knee or lap when sitting but should be suspended against your torso as when standing. I'm a pretty short, fat fellow and I don't have any trouble with just a strap. Unless you possess a stature that would make Willie Shoemaker boastful, I'll bet you won't need one either.

[Eric C.]

One gallon paint can.

[Steve L]

I often use a brick, but I don't use it for the mandolin...only when I play guitar.

[Ryk Loske]

The arch of my right foot.

Ryk

[JeffD]

I find a foot rest very useful. It really helps when I find my playing getting sloppy, to sit up and put my left foot up on the case, the whole thing. It really improves my playing, especially if I have been playing all night and I am tired.

The standard commercially available guitarists foot rest does a great job, is light and portable, and looks serious. The dog art foot rest purchased from Home Goods is some kind of planter stand repurposed as a foot rest. Not adjustable, or as portable, but it works well, is kind of cool.

[Elliot Luber]

Thanks. I gave this guy a try. They had one used for 12 bucks. Should get it Wednesday.

[55bar]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSZ40V0teGM&sns

[bratsche]

I just cross one leg over the other when I play sitting. It doesn't seem to matter which one, either/or seems to work fine. I don't use a strap, except when playing my converted guitar OM while standing.

bratsche

[Tim2723]

Thanks. I gave this guy a try. They had one used for 12 bucks. Should get it Wednesday.

That'll do it. Looks cool and a good price too.

[zim_of_rite]

I use my hardshell case for my guitar (currently don't have a mandolin... Don't have the money).

[stevem]

I use a well-trained Labrador retriever.

[Elliot Luber]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSZ40V0teGM&sns

Works for him.

[Elliot Luber]

I use a well-trained Labrador retriever.

I have a well-trained Golden, but she's not a music lover. At least not mine.

[harper]

I use a Backrelax footrest, which is foldable. It's sturdy and has lasted 7 years so far with lots of use. It's available here: http://www.amazon.com/Folding-Footre.../dp/B000AXTU62. I don't use a strap and am 5 foot nothing, so I put both feet on it (as recommended by Marilynn Mair). However, I'll have to look into that dog footrest posted by JeffD.

[Tim2723]

Gee Harper, sorry about that Willie Shoemaker crack.

[woodwizard]

The base of an office chair without armrests

[HappyLife]

In the famous beginner's video by Mike Marshall where he discusses posture, he says to put your foot on something and suggested the mandolin case as I recall.

[mandolirius]

The base of an office chair without armrests

Yep. me too.

[JeffD]

In the famous beginner's video by Mike Marshall where he discusses posture, he says to put your foot on something and suggested the mandolin case as I recall.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmagoBQunZI

[dfalkiewicz]

Mike Marshall also recommends not to play in a swiveled computer chair.....a gallon paint can, mando case or foot stool are cool!

[mrmando]

I destroyed three folding/adjustable guitar footrests because I evidently have a lot of tension in my left leg when I play. I finally ran across a fellow selling a beautiful handmade solid-wood one on Craig's List. I backed up and ran across him one more time, took the footrest and drove away.

(Really, I paid him $40 or so and it's one of the best accessories I ever bought.)

[Dave Hanson]

Bill didn't use one, that's good enough for me.

Dave H