Scary thing on the gig this weekend..

[Casper]

Hi guys,
I experienced an un-nerving thing on the gigs over this past weekend. I have been starting out the first sets lately with my Hollow Pro-am which has a 1 5/8 Ta standard neck. My fingers started to go numb while the set progressed. (now this was the third gig of the weekend and maybe i wasn't stretched or my hand was a little swollen from the night before?) i had noticed a little of this over the past month. Saturday mornings gig, it was pronounced..
It wasn't painful..just numb, and really affected the way I played. The next set, i switched up to my Classic with a 1 5/8 62 RB and no issue at all I have been playing for over 30 years now.

Has anyone else experienced this..numbness in your fingers? Could it be the strap? Is the neck on the HPA too thin for me? I wonder if it is a shoulder/wrist/nerve compression? My have to go see the doc...

[ducmike]

Go see the doc if it persists.

I have had to give up on skinny necks for this reason. I experienced numb fingers and pain in my wrist after only 30 minutes on my Koll with neck that measures .810 at the nut. I have not experienced that on any bigger necks. And, it just started a couple of years ago, never had a problem with skinny neck before.

[John Price]

I've had issues like this. For me it had to do with strap height and changing between other guitars not so much the same type but other brands such as going between a LP to an Anderson. My elbow would really feel it the most but my hand would get a little numb. I decided to stick with one type of guitar (TAG Classic) and haven't had any issues. Plus keeping the strap at one setting... I think it caused my hand to work in different positions therefore causing the discomfort......

[taclassic]

Casper,

I have had a similar experience in the near past. When switching between guitars my fingers got numb and I also noticed it was worse when I played a guitar with a smaller (aka thinner) neck. Scared me and pissed me off since I liked sound of the thinner neck guitar I was playing. :( Right now I am sticking with one guitar and only play the other one when I break a string or play the occasional alt tuning song.

[mdrs]

Hi guys,
I experienced an un-nerving thing on the gigs over this past weekend. I have been starting out the first sets lately with my Hollow Pro-am which has a 1 5/8 Ta standard neck. My fingers started to go numb while the set progressed. (now this was the third gig of the weekend and maybe i wasn't stretched or my hand was a little swollen from the night before?) i had noticed a little of this over the past month. Saturday mornings gig, it was pronounced..
It wasn't painful..just numb, and really affected the way I played. The next set, i switched up to my Classic with a 1 5/8 62 RB and no issue at all I have been playing for over 30 years now.

Has anyone else experienced this..numbness in your fingers? Could it be the strap? Is the neck on the HPA too thin for me? I wonder if it is a shoulder/wrist/nerve compression? My have to go see the doc...

If it's your fretting hand that's going numb, it's likely carpal tunnel syndrome.

Take some time to evaluate the positioning of your fretting hand, how you are holding your guitar neck, and even things like how low you have your guitar hung. You need to totally evaluate the ergonomics of your positioning and how you play.

In general, try to play with your fretting hand's wrist as straight as possible. The more you flex/bend your wrist, the more it compresses the nerves in the wrist, and causes the numbness.

Anti-inflammatories like Aleve help. YOU NEED TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR as well.

If the numbness goes completely away when you aren't playing, then you may be able to take care of this problem with just the necessary adjustments to your positioning.

[Casper]

I wonder if all the years of holding repetittive chords for long periods (aka most disco stuff), has contributed. I didn't think of carpal tunnel? It doesn't bother me when I play the 62 roundback neck..just the thinner ta standard. Both guitars are hung about the same height, though I suppose I could raise them up to avoid the 30 or so degree bend at my wrist when playing?
i will see if this makes a difference this week and report back. Nice to know I'm not alone..thank you all.

[mdrs]

I've had it, on and off, for about 10 years. If I play my guitar too low, and particularly if I have to hold chords for long periods, it acts up.

Play your guitar up high......that alone will help a lot. Also, look at your hand and wrist, and try to figure out how to play with your wrist as straight as possible.

Good Luck!!

[tom]

i've never had numbness, but smaller necks do cramp me up way more than rounder ones. i know it looks cooler to have the guitar hung low but it makes things worse for me as well. at my age it's hard enough to look cool so the low hung guitar isn't gonna make that better.

[dannopelli]

As you get older this is going to happen. I went to a DR in Richmond and I do have mild carpal tunnel.

I was afraid of the operation. So I did not do it. Will take you away from playing for a few months, and I did not want that.

But when I play fatter necks no problem.

I avoid the skinny necks for heavy single chord rhythm work. No issues if there are a lot of chord changes.

You may have to also.

[mdrs]

O.K., Tom, can you design a guitar with a neck positioned to allow for a straighter wrist position?? Maybe you can cure guitarist's carpal tunnel?

I forget the name of the company, but someone did something like that by rotating the neck, as I recall. I always wanted to try out that guitar, but never had a chance to do so.

[tom]

i have played a couple attempts at a more ergo neck and both felt less comfortable to me in the lower positions. i think more can be done with playing height and angle than anything else.

[dannopelli]

Fat necks sound better anyway...

BTW Shaun...

The CIA could learn a thing or two from the test for Carpal Tunnel!

OUCH!

[mslugano]

I have CTS real bad right now. It was intensified by repetitive computer stuff. I play fat necks and wide nuts and they are more comfortable but the only real fix for me is to lay off the computer and take strong anti-inflamatories.

By the way, my numbness is at its worst at night when I am sleeping. If I lay on my side for a long time, my hand, wrist and lower arm all go numb. It's really pissing me off because I can not go a day without a couple hours playing time at LEAST...so, again, anti inflamarory and no pc is my only fix.

[mdrs]

I have CTS real bad right now. It was intensified by repetitive computer stuff. I play fat necks and wide nuts and they are more comfortable but the only real fix for me is to lay off the computer and take strong anti-inflamatories.

By the way, my numbness is at its worst at night when I am sleeping. If I lay on my side for a long time, my hand, wrist and lower arm all go numb. It's really pissing me off because I can not go a day without a couple hours playing time at LEAST...so, again, anti inflamarory and no pc is my only fix.

There are other options for you.

Buy a wrist brace at your local drug store. Then put it on before you go to bed every night. Basically, it keeps your wrist from flexing in your sleep, which is what causes you trouble at night.

Second, the surgery has a very high success rate. Find a hand specialist, and it's likely better to have it done using the micro incision technique. Now, I'd only have the surgery if everything else fails, and you need to "get better". In other words exhaust your other options first before jumping into surgery.

[mdrs]

And, btw, you are right about avoiding the computer. If using the computer is what led to your CTS, then you should avoid that task. It's just like what you'd do if you put your hand in a flame........TAKE YOU HAND OUT OF THE FLAME!!

[tom]

rest is best. the brace at night is a great idea. if you can learn to sleep on your back you may be surprised how other parts may feel better too.

[Casper]

Mine isn't quite as bad as some others here; however, I have been reading up on the condition and stretching. I have adjusted my straps a bit and am going to be getting a bigger wider neck on my next andy (coming soon, btw) ;) I need to develop a warm up routine too..I am really bad about playing cold:mad:
I don't have the problem with it other than it can go numb if I am playing. (tips of 2 fingers and thumb). We played last night and I noticed that I am not as fluid and the hand did feel a bit swollen..of course, I am obviously paying more attention to it now..they have some good wrist units on the internet, I may have a look, but will probabaly seek a doctors advice first. thanks for all opinions guys

[marzzz]

If someone wanted to change the neck on their TAG, is it actually possible to send it in and have a new neck fitted, or would it make more sense to sell the guitar and start over? Just curious, my Cobra isn't going anywhere....

[dannopelli]

Kind of up to you.

If you love the guitar but like the neck, TAG will do a replacement. I think you need to send the guitar in. Or at least the old neck. Not sure, but I bet someone will chime in with the correct info.

One thing, if you send in the whole guitar you'll get a complete set up done. You won't have to do this when the neeck returns.

I'd just buy another guitar and keep the Cobra!

[ConnemaraGuitar]

This topic's been around a few times.

TAGW can replace your neck AND you need to return the guitar to them. You don't get the old neck back. As Danno said, this approach leads to a "proper job" and is less expensive than buying a new guitar. If memory serves, the cost is around $500 plus shipping.

If your's is the old style neck joint, you can buy a replacement neck for about $250. However there will need to be some fitting done to make sure the neck angle is right and that it's a good fit. If you pay someone for this (and you'll want stainless steel frets as well as the BFTS modification) the cost will be very close to $500 but without the logo. Not to mention the impact on resale value if the modification precludes re-installation of the original neck.

A while back Dan Erlewine wrote an article about a guitar he made that allows him to play comfortably despite his having arthritis. If I recall correctly, the neck was rotated slightly. If I can find the article I'll post the reference.

[mslugano]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. MDRS, I'll get a brace and see if it helps. And, Tom, I actually like sleeping on my back, but, my wife hates it...it usually is accompanied with snoring.

[mdrs]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. MDRS, I'll get a brace and see if it helps. And, Tom, I actually like sleeping on my back, but, my wife hates it...it usually is accompanied with snoring.

Yea, what is it about us as we men get older.....that snoring thing!! BTW, while I haven't tried them (luckily, I don't snore often), those breathing strips that you put on the outside of your nose supposedly work pretty good.

The best wrist brace for Carpal Tunnel that I've found is made by ACE, and is carried by most drug stores.

[mslugano]

Yea, what is it about us as we men get older.....that snoring thing!! BTW, while I haven't tried them (luckily, I don't snore often), those breathing strips that you put on the outside of your nose supposedly work pretty good.

The best wrist brace for Carpal Tunnel that I've found is made by ACE, and is carried by most drug stores.

Thanks Don.

[dannopelli]

When I was going through my treatment the Dr prescribed the Ace brand brace. It really does not need to be anything special.

One thing, and this may be anecdotal: The less I weigh the less problem I have.

[marzzz]

One thing, and this may be anecdotal: The less I weigh the less problem I have.

Nope, that's not anecdotal, that's what causes many of the problems- the snoring, the heart disease, CTS, etc., etc.

[mslugano]

Nope, that's not anecdotal, that's what causes many of the problems- the snoring, the heart disease, CTS, etc., etc.

I am not very heavy but, if I drink, my snoring switches into a high gain channel.

[lumco]

Just buy as many TA's you can and try them all.. you will find one that won't hurt..That is how I ended up with 5 of them..I just tell the wife they hurt my hand and start looking for another one...

[mdrs]

I am not very heavy but, if I drink, my snoring switches into a high gain channel.

LOL..........sounds familiar!!!

Danno.........I'm not aware that being overweight would cause or exascerbate CTS. That doesn't mean it's not true. Just that I never heard of that.

However, if you've got a gut out front, you will by necessity hold your guitar farther away from you. The farther away from you that your guitar's neck is, the more you'll have to flex your fretting hand's wrist to fret strings. So, indirectly, being overweight may in fact lead to CTS acting up by messing with the ergonomics of your playing postion.

[dannopelli]

LOL..........sounds familiar!!!

Danno.........I'm not aware that being overweight would cause or exascerbate CTS. That doesn't mean it's not true. Just that I never heard of that.

However, if you've got a gut out front, you will by necessity hold your guitar farther away from you. The farther away from you that your guitar's neck is, the more you'll have to flex your fretting hand's wrist to fret strings. So, indirectly, being overweight may in fact lead to CTS acting up by messing with the ergonomics of your playing postion.
That could very well be true!

[MapleGuitar]

...The farther away from you that your guitar's neck is, the more you'll have to flex your fretting hand's wrist to fret strings...I wonder if this is why Strat-shaped guitars somehow feel more comfy to me (a guy with wrist problems: TFCC, not CTS). I.e., the necks of short-scale guitars kinda point away from me whereas the strat-shaped guitars hang into the body and the neck seems closer. Or maybe it's all in my head :-)

[guitarzan]

My right hand has felt numb and puffy for the last 24 hours or so. It's starting to bug me. Since it's my picking hand, I'm not sure that I can use it as an excuse to order a new anderson, though. drats.

I think it could be a mix of playing a telecaster with no arm contour and using the computer too much for the last day or so.

[tom]

oh sure, just blame the tele, it's always the tele's fault. you strat guys are all alike.

[guitarzan]

oh sure, just blame the tele, it's always the tele's fault. you strat guys are all alike.

haha. I think I'm just looking for excuses to buy a countoured T. haha

[tom]

i know a guy who makes those.

[guitarzan]

i know a guy who makes those.


enabler!!!!!!!!

[iTwang]

Hi,

Some of you might want to check out the site: www.cubital-tunnel.com/ where they describe the less well-known Cubital Tunnel syndrome where your pinky and ring finger goes numb and/or along with tingling sensations plus elbow discomfort.

Read more about the symptoms here: http://www.cubital-tunnel.com/cms/index.php/Symptoms/symptoms-an-unfunny-funny-bone.html

I've experienced mild but annoying symptoms for about 2 months now and I'm in a bit of a bind since I work a lot at the computer and play guitar too. I'm getting better but I cannot play the guitar at all at the moment. :(

I hope this might help someone.

[ConnemaraGuitar]

Hello, iT,
I had a big problem with this a few years ago. It was caused by using my computer mouse on the desktop rather than on a tilting, low keyboard holder. If you're "mousing" on the desk, you need to change that practice, Pronto!

Good luck!

[mslugano]

Hi,

Some of you might want to check out the site: www.cubital-tunnel.com/ where they describe the less well-known Cubital Tunnel syndrome where your pinky and ring finger goes numb and/or along with tingling sensations plus elbow discomfort.

Read more about the symptoms here: http://www.cubital-tunnel.com/cms/index.php/Symptoms/symptoms-an-unfunny-funny-bone.html

I've experienced mild but annoying symptoms for about 2 months now and I'm in a bit of a bind since I work a lot at the computer and play guitar too. I'm getting better but I cannot play the guitar at all at the moment. :(

I hope this might help someone.

Just read the article. That's scary and seems like what I have. I really do not want surgery so I have to sort out something. I think it is the computer, not the guitar, but if I don't fix it I know my playing will suffer. What a drag.

[iTwang]

Hi mslugano,

Sorry to hear about your symptoms and have a closer look at the site and search I hope I'm not scaring anyone but even with my mild CuTS I thought that the site might be of some use if someone is suffering from the same symptoms as I and some others here seem to do.

I am slowly getting better especially after looking into my sleeping position - time off, it's called I believe :rolleyes: - and not bending my elbows and wrists when sleeping.

BTW Tom I really liked you quip;
"oh sure, just blame the tele, it's always the tele's fault. you strat guys are all alike".

Yes us Stratguys :D keep it in the family!

[ConnemaraGuitar]

It's funny, but back when I had this problem I thought it was a non-tennis-player's version of tennis elbow. Not so. However, the basis for my assumption was valid: it was treated the same way tennis elbow is treated!

In addition to prescribing anti-inflammatory medications, the doctor had me wear a strap just like that used for treating tennis elbow. It wrapped snugly around my forearm about 2-3 inches below the elbow, and did provide some relief. The strap also encouraged me to keep my arm straight, especially when sleeping.

Ultimately, the fix came in the form of changing how I used my computer mouse. Now it's low (on the keyboart platform). After almost 12 years I've not had a recurrence.

Then again, I don't play a tele...

[lvergne]

Tennis elbow is created from poor form. I suffered it greatly on my backhand until I corrected my follow through and wrist position. It went away entirely, no matter how hard I hit the ball. It would return with the bad form.

Therefore, good form is the key in all endeavours.