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GMC Forum _ GEAR & PRODUCTION _ Planetwaves Varigrip

Posted by: Lester Sep 21 2017, 09:31 PM

Hi guys,

I was thinking about getting one of these:

Anyone tried this?

Posted by: Mertay Sep 22 2017, 09:55 AM

I remember in the 90's these were sold everywhere, was very low quality those days this looks much better.

So I look negative to such products. An hour or two of proper studying daily should be enough for anyone who isn't a working musician, I don't see it as useful.

Posted by: Phil66 Sep 22 2017, 10:00 AM

Personally I don't think it does any more than playing. I mean why waste time building calouses off the guitar. For finger strength try this https://www.guitarmasterclass.net/ls/legato-stamina/

I guess it does have a place when watching TV or on holiday without your guitar but that's about it.

These marketing people are very good at convincing you that you need their product to become a great guitarist but I'm pretty sure Hendrix never used one

Posted by: Sensible Jones Sep 22 2017, 12:09 PM

I remember the original one. It was called the Grip Master!!

Everyone had one back in the late 80's! Not bad for building finger strength and memorising Scale Shapes but no substitute for actually playing!!

Posted by: klasaine Sep 22 2017, 02:36 PM

Unless you're recovering from a physical injury, have an actual physical disability or are stranded for more that two weeks on a desert island - those things are all BS.

Practice.

Posted by: Todd Simpson Sep 22 2017, 08:17 PM

For recovery from carpal tunnel can be very handy Part of a hand/wrist repair process. But yeah, if a guitar is an option, it' always a better option than one of these. IF guitar is NOT an option, (on a plane etc.) this beats a blank

Todd

QUOTE (klasaine @ Sep 22 2017, 09:36 AM)

Unless you're recovering from a physical injury, have an actual physical disability or are stranded for more that two weeks on a desert island - those things are all BS.

Practice.

Posted by: klasaine Sep 22 2017, 08:41 PM

I'm an advocate of "taking a break" once in awhile.
There's no benefit to actual guitar playing from using a hand or finger squeezer for a few hours on a plane or the train or wherever. In fact, it's good to take a break. A lot of folks' carpal tunnel and tendonitis comes from over playing, over practicing and practicing incorrectly.

Posted by: Lester Sep 27 2017, 09:28 AM

Thanks everyone for the input!
I should have clarified that I am considering one, since I tend to have some time off every week where I cannot bring a guitar, but could bring this as the closest substitute

But ofcourse there is no substitute for playing