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CBGs for Amputees

As part of the CBGs for Service Members project, I have been in touch with people from the Marine Wounded Warrior Regiment about getting some instruments to some of our recovering Marines. As part of that effort, I was wondering if any folks here had any ideas about making instruments for amputees. I have seen the Frank Posey videos, so I know it would not be that hard to play slide with one hand missing. But what are your thoughts about attempting to create CBGs that would be playable using feet only?

I envisioned maybe some type of foot pedal that could be used with a diddley bow, or some other configuration.

I don't have any idea yet on how many recovering amputees would be interested in a CBG. I am just thinking out loud and trolling for ideas at this point.

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Permalink Reply by Matthew Borczon on April 14, 2011 at 5:55pm

Dan, that is a great idea, I have seen more amputees through our hospital in the last 6 months than I ever thought I would see in a lifetime of nursing. Lots of legs because of IEDs but arms also. I think the slide method would be good for guys missing arms, but an instrument you play with your feet? That is an interesting question. Like maybe a pedal that pushes a mechanical arm across some strings and then use the other foot to slide over the strings with a slider of some kind. Might work. Maybe just a diddly bow at foot level that a guy could tap the string with his foot down and then up stroke with his toes, I wonder if there is a workable technique. May have to try it out. Anyway, I really think you are on to something here. I would help in any way I could

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Permalink Reply by colin mcgrath on April 14, 2011 at 6:05pm

I wonder if a hurdy gurdy style string set up would help. The foot/toes may not get so tired and a bike pedal kind of device could be attached to the crank end for easier turning. The wheel doesn't even have to touch the string directly. One could attach picks that can pluck the string as it turns. I am in the middle of 4 builds right now but I am able to offer what assistance I can. I can brainstorm fairly well 8v)

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on April 14, 2011 at 6:09pm

Well, we know it can be done:

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on April 14, 2011 at 6:10pm

and

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on April 14, 2011 at 6:23pm

That's an idea...I gotta chew on that one a bit.

colin mcgrath said:

I wonder if a hurdy gurdy style string set up would help. The foot/toes may not get so tired and a bike pedal kind of device could be attached to the crank end for easier turning. The wheel doesn't even have to touch the string directly. One could attach picks that can pluck the string as it turns. I am in the middle of 4 builds right now but I am able to offer what assistance I can. I can brainstorm fairly well 8v)

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Permalink Reply by Shane on April 14, 2011 at 8:33pm

Nation member, Frank Posey has been playing slide cbg with one arm for years. Contact him. He's one of the old guard from the early Yahoo forum days:

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/FrankPosey

shane

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Permalink Reply by Dan Sleep on April 15, 2011 at 12:07pm

Yea, I sent the YouTube link to them already. I may see if I can hit him up as a resource.

Shane Speal said:

Nation member, Frank Posey has been playing slide cbg with one arm for years. Contact him. He's one of the old guard from the early Yahoo forum days:

http://www.cigarboxnation.com/profile/FrankPosey

shane