S2 Vela ergonomics question

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parek

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I am interested in getting the semi-hollow Vela. But I have one concern: I don't like the forearm contours of almost any guitars. My right shoulder gets really painful if I have to hold my arm up in playing position with almost all guitars that have the contour. Therefore, I play mostly telecasters, 335s, Les Pauls, acoustics etc. type of unergonomic guitars. My right arm is resting on the sharp edge of the guitar and I can play 100% pain free. I wanted to get the S2 McCarty 594 that I have played in my local store many times. It's just an amazing guitar, but every time the playing ends up with shoulder pain.

SG type guitars are a exception to the rule! My right arm does not get support from the body, but it does not matter, because SG sits on the lap "more to left" than other guitars = everything (the neck, bridge etc.) is a inch or two left = my right arm and shoulder stays in neutral position when I play. No pain or fatigue whatsoever in shoulder area.

Does the Vela sit on your lap "more left" than normal PRS double cuts? Based on some images, I think it might, a bit...
 
The Vela is incredibly comfortable. It sits really well in your lap and while standing it’s just as good.
 
The Vela is a great guitar! Very comfortable and very light. It also sounds great. I have a Robin's Egg Blue Pearl and love it!!!
 
I was again yesterday playing the S2 594. I have to say that, it would be perfect if it did not have those forearm and belly contours. This time, it did not cause any pain in my shoulder, but I am constantly annoyed that I have to adjust my right arm/shoulder, because it does not get support from the edge of the body. When I tried tele = perfect. But I am still debating if should grab that 594 or not. There is a chance I could live with it, but it would probably annoy me always when I would grab my Tele and realise that it sits in my lap much better than the S2.

If Vela is positioned the same way in lap like normal double cuts, it's not better (for me). But if it's positioned a bit on the left, like and SG is, then Vela could be the solution because that puts my shoulder in different position.

Unfortunately my local store does not have Vela in stock.

EDIT: I might add that the S2 594 was perfect when it was hanging from strap. It positions exactly where it should. But if I play sitting and the guitar is on my right leg, it positions differently, more to the right.
 
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BTW, in terms of shoulder pain / ergonomics, all SC 245 versions are best PRS I have tried. The bridge is positioned differently compared to 25" models and my right arm / shoulder can be fully relaxed and right hand is positioned perfectly. Again, the bridge is positioned a bit more left.
 
See, the lower bout (?) is positioned a bit differently in Vela than in normal double cuts. It looks like that the guitar sits a bit more left when it's resting on your leg. But is it enough, cannot say without trying...

 
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The unfortunate thing is that the only way to really find out is to play one.

I never played a Vela but even if I did my findings would be completely irrelevant.
 
I compared the Hollowbody and Zach Myers models. I used to have both and the ZM's ergonomics were the best ever. It seems that the ZM's bridge is positioned about 1" left compared to Hollowbody / other double cuts. When comparing this to the Vela...can't help it, Vela is not for me, it would not be different than the S2 594.

So for me, the only option are Core series guitars. They don't have the slippery edge at the body, under the forearm. I would love the core 594, but they cost too much...

 
One more test. This reveals that when Vela and S2 594 are sitting on the right leg, the bridge is located almost exactly at the same position. Since Vela's body shape is offset, it would be must worse for my right shoulder :P I will definitely try it out when I see one somewhere, but I will not be ordering one online...

 
bodia said:
@Aahzz to the courtesy phone
Click to expand...

I did look at this thread when it was first posted. I thought about it for a bit, but I wasn't sure how to reply to the OP, because I always play on a strap, even when sitting - lap position is not a thing for me :). I find every guitar I've ever played uncomfortable on my leg. Obviously, Vela evangelist that I am, I find them incredibly comfortable, but from the OP's description of what they find uncomfortable, I really can't relate to one sitting slightly more left.

So, working through that, I would suggest to the OP that if you like a guitar that's uncomfortable to play sitting down, but you're OK with when standing, use a strap while sitting.
 
Have you tried playing in the classical position while sitting? May be weird at first but you may quickly come to love it and it will keep your picking arm in a much more natural position, imho. Plus the banjo pickers have this forearm cushion "thing" that might be worth a look?!
 
Offset style I find the vela harder to play while sitting. Nothing about the shoulder either. The bottom hits the corner of my mattress if plugged in and I play on the edge of the bed. I don’t seem to have this issue as pronounced on other models.
 
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