I have developed arthritis in my right shoulder, and it’s painful to put the arm over my acoustic guitar for any amount of time. I’m seriously looking for a travel guitar that I can play with my arm down flat. I like the idea of the Donner Hush line of guitars since they are basically only about as wide a 2 x 6 board. I play only fingerstyle, so need enough of a “ledge” to anchor my pinky finger to. The Hush, especially the Hush-I, seem to satisfy that requirement.
Having said that, my biggest question is whether anyone has found the Hush to be able to deliver a sound that is close enough to a real acoustic guitar to be an acceptable substitution (for practicing, not performing).
I welcome any insights anyone has. Thanks.
I got a Hush 1 on sale for about $116. I think it is well designed. It has a cheap piezo pickup that has typical quack, but if you have a decent modeling amp, you can probably make it ok. Certainly for practice.
I have since given it to a friend. I found that is really needs a strap to hold it so you can play and I don’t like straps. It also has pretty narrow string spacing, more like an electric guitar, and I like wider spacing (my narrowest guitar nut is 46mm).
These are only issues for me. But would say it won’t be at all like an acoustic, more like a limited electric.
Have you looked at Parlor or OO body guitars? There are also thin body acoustic electrics and nylon guitars by Fender, Cordoba, PRS and others. These will sound better, have larger bodies but thicknesses more like a jazz hollow body.
Also try different ways to hold the guitar. I play in a classical position that allows my right arm to lay over the lower bout rather than held up on top of it.
Edit: if you do get one, I don’t think it is worth paying more than $120. That is about the right value in my opinion.
It looks quite similar to the Yamaha silent guitar series. I got great acoustic sound out of that in my headphones or through an amp, so I’d be surprised if you couldn’t get similar from a Hush.
No wonder you got sore shoulders hanging off your house like that man James Anyway nice meeting you and welcome to a great community cheers HEC
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I would not put the Hush 1 in the same category as the Yamaha silent guitar. Different beast, Yamaha will be far better.
Ha Ha, Deltatyne. I got a good chuckle with my first cup of coffee from that. Thanks for the welcome!
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All interesting suggestions, Jamolay. I agree about the price. I’m only willing to go about $150 for a refurbished one. I have looked at some Parlor guitars and also some of the more expensive “real” acoustics .
I forgot to mention that I’m trying to resume guitar after about a 30 year absence from playing, so I want to make sure I’m really going to stick with it this time before sinking much into it.
I also forgot an important part of my search, that is that I only want to use headphones, not an amp, so the sound through those is the most important feature.
Thanks for sharing.
You didn’t say what guitar you have already.
If you want to save your shoulder but reserve money for something better once you prove your commitment to yourself, maybe get a strap and play standing.
The strap and standing up will take all the pressure off you arm and let you use the guitar you have.
Have you had a look at the Yamaha thinline acoustics?
Yamaha apx600
and the very small
Yamaha APX-T2
The APX are affordable and popular.