Paralyzed 22 yr old Son - Needs a Miracle Guitar

[Jamomie]

I found your site inadvertantly, and wondered if anyone could direct me to someone who might be able to build, for example, a slide guitar that would fit over my son's power wheelchair, that would enable him to play in some way. He loved playing guitar before he became paralyzed from a spinal stroke, and it would be great if he could play once again...
Thanks!

[Bill Brasky]

How big is too big? Rondomusic.com sells a couple of inexpensive models. You can get a nicer used Chandler model on ebay for a little more money. None of them look that large.

[sir muttley]

I know Joe Driskill of Driskill Guitars has made a guitar playable with a mouth plectrum for a quadraplegic before, but not sure if that was a one-off.

So sorry to hear about your son. How wonderful it is you are trying to do something so positive.

[jaycee]

Spinal stroke? Never knew that could happen. So sorry to hear and i'm sure there's somebody here that can help.

[Jon Silberman]

I'm so sorry about your son. Speak with Joe Driskill.

[Austinrocks]

think a lap steel might be the right guitar, check out quarters post, he builds some incredible guitars here is one in the emporium, but its not the only one he has

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=477066

[bluesdoc]

I know Joe Driskill of Driskill Guitars has made a guitar playable with a mouth plectrum for a quadraplegic before, but not sure if that was a one-off.

So sorry to hear about your son. How wonderful it is you are trying to do something so positive.

It was a one-off that Joe put a phenomenal amount of time and money into, pro bono. The recipient died shortly after getting it and his parents kept the guitar for sentimental reasons. sheesh....... To reproduce what Joe did would take many thousands of $. Many.......

jon

[Jim S]

Spinal stroke? Never knew that could happen. So sorry to hear and i'm sure there's somebody here that can help.
Spinal artery of Adamkiewicz is notorious in this regard.


There are quite a few talented luthiers here but you might not need their high end services.

Good luck. ++++vibes your way.

[RobT]

Jamoie,

There are a number of different choices but it depends on the level of movement your son has in his arms, hands or fingers. If he can grasp a slide bar ala steel guitar and can hold a pick in his other hand, then there are a number of instruments that will fit the bill. If he has more movement in his fretting hand, then the choices can be expanded i.e. see someone like Jeff Healey on YouTube

Best Wishes rob

[Quarter]

If I can help you out in any way with a lap steel, either a guitar or just helpful information, give me a shout, I'm always happy to help if I can.
Contact info is in my profile

Tom

[gulliver]

You may want to google "travel guitar" and "MIDI guitar" for some ideas.

Many of the travel guitars are very small and can be used as a slide guitar if you raise the bridge and set the action high so the strings don't hit the frets when the slide presses down on them.

MIDI guitars will plug into a MIDI synth (or synth module without the keys). There are many different types, some are like keyboards that have buttons on the neck rather than frets and strings. There's even a mod for the guitar hero video game guitar shaped controller to make it a MIDI guitar.

http://www.slashgear.com/guitar-hero-midi-controller-hack-1911696/

[JamesT]

not a slide but a g sharp geetar. short scale tell them trond sent you.