Left arm. That's a tough one.

I don't know if this would help, but I had to retire my full size guitars (standard classics) a few years ago. I have to use a wheelchair, and when holding a full-size guitar, the lower bout and the right wheel of the chair want to occupy the same space, and that throws the guitar way out of position, especially for the left hand. In addition, as a result of walking with crutches all my life (every step is a push-up), my shoulder joints are pretty well worn out, and I have range-of-motion problems with both shoulders, along with soreness and fast fatigue.

Not wanting to just give up the guitar, I googled all over the internet for small guitars, travel guitars, or any guitar-like instrument that I could handle. After lots of research, experimentation, and a few purchases that didn't work too well, I finally settled on the "Go" travel guitar, made by Sam Radding in San Diego. It looks like a cross between a canoe paddle and a guitar, and although it sounds a little thin due to the small size of the box, it definitely sounds like a guitar.

I've used it for a number of performances (folk festivals, working with a musical ensemble, concerts) and it works nicely. In one concert with Bob (Deckman) Nelson, it kept up well with his vintage Martin classic. Audience members will occasionally ask me what it is, and a few people have asked if it's a period instrument of some kind.

Give it a look. CLICKY #1. Sam makes them to order, in either steel or nylon-string models.

From time to time, I've taken a look at the Blondel II. Looks interesting and it has a certain panache. It comes standard with steel strings, but if you want it with nylon strings, they'll fit it with a different bridge saddle to adjust the action. CLICKY #2.

I hope you find something that works for you.

Don Firth

P. S. Regarding extension, there's always the possibility of capoing up so you don't have to reach so far. Not totally satisfactory, and requires changing chord patterns to stay in your original keys, but better than just submitting to negative circumstances.