Table top guitar clamps/holders?

Subject: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: The Shambles
Date: 24 May 04 - 05:10 AM

These things have been around for a little while now. You know the gizmo - the clamp screws on to a table and allows you to clip your instrument to the table, to prevent that horrible sight when it starts to slide along the side of the table and crashes to the floor.

This is the theory anyway. I noticed recently that when someone brushed along the table, this just pushed the guitar out of the clamp, as the clamp was made of rubber or soft plastic and just bent out of shape.

Are all of these clamps made like this or are there stronger makes?

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Mr Happy
Date: 24 May 04 - 05:38 AM

On my travels I've seen both the 'Pub Prop'http://www.highlystrung.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue__Pub_Prop__69.html & also many's the variety of home made devices.

With any of these items, if they're struck with sufficient force, your instrument may be dislodged.

It's likely that when you're using a table clamp, it'll be placed pretty near at hand to where you're sat, within easy reach, so you'd be able to save it from calamity.

If you've left your seat for drinks, the loo etc- then put your instrument on a seat or ask a chum to mind it for you.

I use a homemade guitar clamp made from a woodworkers 'G' clamp (only 50p from local market) & a plastic handle from a large lemonade bottle & it does the job well enough under normal circumstances.

I've made a few of these for fiends & they report it's most efficacious.

In regard to more sturdy arrangements, the best I've seen so far is one made of wood with an elastic front strap. Made of plywood & formed into a 'U' shape & attached tothe table with a 'G' clamp.

All of these devices do have their limitations though, most annoyingly in that some pub tables have several bevels or other protrusive decoration on their edges which prevent a 'pub prop' type device from being affixed.

Presently I'm working on ways to overcome this problem such that a clamp could be adapted to fit against a table leg instead or some other way.

Anyone any ideas?

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: mooman
Date: 24 May 04 - 05:40 AM

Dear Shambles,

I have the original "Pubprop" model which I think may have been the one you have seen. I think there was an improved "Mark II" model. I have never had the problem you describe with mine.

Unfortunately and sadly the designer/maker, Brian Rathmill, died recently and I don't know whether they are still available or whether there are alternative models.

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 24 May 04 - 08:06 AM

I have the later (mark II?) version which has some reinforcing in the main body although the clip that goes across the front is still flexible but it is configured so that it shouldn't pop open. Part of succesful use is calculating the area of table to attach the clamp where it
a: isn't in a stream of passing folks
b: is near enough to catch the nstrument in the event of failure.

Although Brian is greatly missed the prop can still be obtained Just type "Pub Prop" into google

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: GUEST,Clansfolk
Date: 24 May 04 - 10:17 AM

as "A Wandering Minstrel" said The Pub Prop is still available - in fact I've seen them for sale in more music shops since the sad loss of Brian - I have several both version 1 and version 2 and have never had any bother with either - I did have a problem with the screw coming through the rubber stop that pressed onto the table but Brian had solve this problem and gave me some replacement ones with a brass insert just a couple of weeks before he died.

Pete

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 24 May 04 - 10:21 AM

I swear by my Pub Props!

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 24 May 04 - 10:48 AM

I made my own a few years back. I'd seen one used, but none of the music shops I tried had even heard of them. Mine has a very strong spring clamp and one of those guitar-hanging forks with a stiffish plastic closer. It's not perfect, but it's a great help.

Steve

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Raedwulf
Date: 24 May 04 - 10:54 AM

Sham - At the YG, I sat & admired Les from Hull's version of this device. Since it was the first time I'd ever seen such a thing, I have no idea whether it's one of the "Pub Props" (or which Mark, if it is) mentioned above, but it seemed to me to be very effective & quite sturdy, so you might ask him which one he's got.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: el ted
Date: 24 May 04 - 11:28 AM

I find a 4inch cut clasp nail hammered through my guitar neck works very well.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 May 04 - 11:58 AM

"If you've left your seat for drinks, the loo etc- then put your instrument on a seat" You'd be far better advised to use Brian Rathmill's Pub Prop. Unless you've put your instrument in a really stupid place, it's pretty safe. Far safer than with any of those guitar stands people use on concert platforms.

And it also works for other instruments, such as mandolins or fiddles.

Here's a song I wrote when Brian died last June, and posted on the obit thread here. It's changed a little bit, so I'll post it again:

It wasn't on the news of course, when Brian Rathmill passed away,
A craftsman with a singing voice, remembered still today,
By friends who never met him, but they knew him just the same,
They knew him as "the Pub Prop Man" - Brian Rathmill was his name.
Yes, times are strange, at times I think, "Are we heading for the end?"
Thank God there are a few things still on which we can depend.
The poet said, "Things fall apart, the centre cannot hold"
But Brian Rathmill and his Pub Prop were worth their weight in gold.

Such a cunning little gadget, and it's saved so many folk,
And that's a thing worth doing, and I swear that not a joke
Yes, you could try to save the world, and I hope that you go far -
But so many times the Pub Prop Man has saved my poor guitar
Yes, times are strange, at times I think, "Are we heading for the end?"
Thank God there are a few things still on which we can depend.
The poet said, "Things fall apart, the centre cannot hold"
But Brian Rathmill and his Pub Prop were worth their weight in gold.

You can leave it there in safety, as you struggle to the bar,
Then turn and see it standing there, and raise a grateful jar.
And every time I go to play, I call him back to mind,
And Brian Rathmill's Pub Prop is never left behind.
Yes, times are strange, at times I think, "Are we heading for the end?"
Well, thank God there are a few things still on which we can depend.
The poet said, "Things fall apart, the centre cannot hold"
But Brian Rathmill and his Pub Prop they're worth their weight in gold.

Mind, "is never left behind" is sadly wrong in my case, because I left thebone I got from Brian clamped to a table in the Half Moon session during the Woodwork's Weekend in Bishops Stortford a few weeks back. What I meant was I'd never go pout to play without taking it along, and that'll be true once more, when I can get another one.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: The Shambles
Date: 24 May 04 - 02:43 PM

It's likely that when you're using a table clamp, it'll be placed pretty near at hand to where you're sat, within easy reach, so you'd be able to save it from calamity.

Yes, the case I referred to, did not result in too much of a problem, as the guitar did not fall out. I was just surprised to see the clamp bend like that.

I see that they are also for sale at The Music Room. It looks as if they are here to stay........

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Bernard
Date: 24 May 04 - 04:30 PM

Cath Rathmill, Brian's widow, is still selling them - and so am I! If anyone has trouble getting one, they are 11.95 GBP including postage (UK mainland)...

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 24 May 04 - 04:39 PM

Has anyone taken over the 'manufacturing' end of the Pub Prop thingy?

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Jeri
Date: 24 May 04 - 05:37 PM

I bought a fiddle/mandolin version from Dick Greenhaus (Camsco's got 'em) at a recent festival. It's even got a little notch for the bow!   The only near fatal disaster my fiddle ever had was being sat upon by a flute player. The flimsy-looking wood of the fiddle and bridge were fine. My metal shoulder rest was bent.

We have nails in the walls at the place where our session is. I use Rick Fielding's trick of cutting slots in a small leather strap and putting it over the two end tuning pegs. Other folks wrap coat hangers around instrument necks. It's a lot more work, more potential instrument damage, and it takes much longer than 5 seconds to remove them.

Back to the pub prop - I think they're made mushable to prevent damage in the first place. They absorb a bit of the shock of a hit. Imagine what could happen if someone bumped your instrument hard enough in a completely rigid clamp. It's not good when the part holding the instrument is so easy to accidentally open, though. Maybe the same rubbery material and a stronger neck-holding clamp would be the thing. I haven't seen any other types of clamp thingies for sale, but they're probably out there, or could be made relatively easily.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Bernard
Date: 24 May 04 - 06:58 PM

Clinton, nobody needed to take over the manufacturing, as Brian was the designer, not the actual maker. The moulding is still being carried out by the same person used by Brian.

The original Pub Prop wasn't flexible, which is why the MkII was made that way. It gives, so the instrument doesn't break - as Jeri so rightly comments.

In all the years I've been using mine (and I've six guitars and a banjo, all with a Pub Prop in the case!), I've never had a problem with the clamp opening when I didn't want it to. If someone has had that problem, it is possible they had expectations higher than the original concept!

Brian observed many people propping their guitars (etc.) against a round pub table, as is common here in the UK. Naturally the instrument tends to fall. The Pub Prop was merely designed to stop this slippage. There are more 'serious' stands designed to take more care of an instrument, but they are more cumbersome. The Pub Prop is small, neat and effective...

The name 'Pub Prop' explains that principle so eloquently!!

Sermon over!!

I'm not 'having a go', so don't shout at me! I'm merely putting forward the point of view of a dear friend who died nearly a year ago...

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Les from Hull
Date: 24 May 04 - 07:11 PM

Yes Wulfie, that was a real original pub prop with the improved brass insert. If Brian saw one in use he would come up to you and hand you a replacement part. What a lovely bloke, but the pub prop lives on and so will his memory. How many of us can say that we will leave behind such an important invention that has proved of such use to our friends. They are still available (from sources mentioned above). If you've got a stringed instrument and ever take it to the pub, you really need this!

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 24 May 04 - 07:13 PM

I got my Pub Prop from Dick at Camsco, and like Clinton, I love it.
Really handy at sessions.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 24 May 04 - 11:06 PM

As you might gather, CAMSCO Music sells them. The same model works for fiddles, mandolins guitars, 5-string and plectrum banjos. Won't support a banjo-mandolin.

$18

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Big Mick
Date: 25 May 04 - 12:28 AM

First class piece of gear. I bought one for each of my instruments, and had to order a dozen from Dick because folks kept asking me for them. Come to think of it, I need to order another dozen.

Mick

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 25 May 04 - 01:23 AM

Just remember, after a session, unscrew it from the table and bring it home with you.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 25 May 04 - 03:27 AM

It is too easy for the clip to come unclipped when a mandolin is dangling from it - and my mandolin is very small and light. I'd be very reluctant to trust thousands of poundsworth of violin to one, so it's just as well I don't play violin or own a violin - and yes I do know folk fiddlers who take out violins worth considerably more than normal "top-end" guitars.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Teribus
Date: 25 May 04 - 08:00 AM

There's a thing called a "Nifty" consisting of a big spring paper clip with a soft nylon band super glued to it with plastic fasteners (the type you see on back-packs). Never seen one come adrift and it doesn't involve screwing a G-clamp onto the polished surface of a table.

A guy at the "Broadside Folk Club" in Portsmouth used to make and sell them for about £1.50 - handy bit of kit.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 25 May 04 - 02:01 PM

"Brian was the designer, not the actual maker"

That explains a LOT! Ta!

:-)

"hand you a replacement part"

I need at least 7... can one get just the replacement part somewhere... PM me back so as not to clutter up the thread k

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: GUEST,Stones Music
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 11:58 AM

Hi

I just came across your site and noticed your comments on the Pub Prop

I wanted to let you, that the Pub Prop is now distributed in the UK by

Stones Music Ltd www.stones-music.com

We previously bought the Pub Prop directly from Brian Rathmill until his untimely death in 2003, and after long discussions with his widow, Cath, we agreed to take over the responsibity for product manufacture in January 2006. Most retailers who traditionally stocked the Pub Prop still do so but it would be worth noting our details so we can refer new enquiries to our up-to-date dealer list.

Thank you

Mark Pugh
Stones Music

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 12:12 PM

Here's a blue clicky for that

Good news.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 12:49 PM

The Pub Prop is still one of the neatest pieces of kit that I own

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 12:58 PM

I think that's the second time this week I've found myself in agreement with Clinton...

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 01:03 PM

It's a great piece of kit,instead of your guitar being knocked over by some passing eedjit, now that it's held firmly in place the eedjit can kick a big hole in your guitar instead.
Giok

Yes I've got one too :-(

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: GUEST,Jack Campin
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 01:10 PM

I use two kinds of clamp. For the cumbus and cuatro I use two hardware-store spring clips connected by a length of elastic threaded through the pivot. This holds the top, the bottom of the instrument sits on the floor.

For the ud and cobza I use a home-made gizmo made from one of the G-clamps that holds the net on a pingpong table. It has a flat horizontal pad of foam plastic which the angled neck of the instrument sits on (pegs over the table).

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 01:15 PM

If you don't like it Giok, send it to me... I use Pub Props all the time.....

Why oh why would you be dumb enough to put it where some "eedjit can kick a big hole in your guitar" in the first place????

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 02:07 PM

Available through CAMSCO/Dick Greenhaus. I have one for each of my instruments, and have made gifts of them to all my bandmembers.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 02:39 PM

Having seen a guitar (fortunately not mine) divided in two, when a table was knocked over, I have less faith in clamps than most.

I always carry a pack of Blu-Tack, and use that to prevent the guitar sliding and falling. The advantage is that in a hard impact, the instrument is less likely to be damaged by striking the floor than by being rigidly held.

For me to trust a clamp, it would have to open under a force less than that needed to break of the neck, so I would place more faith in the soft ones.

Don T.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 02:46 PM

Clinton eedjits seem to seek me out!
G.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 09 Oct 06 - 02:48 PM

Get an anti-eedjit spray or something, Giok!

I hear Mick-Be-Gone is pretty effective....

:-P
Heh

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 01:33 PM

I've got one, but i don't use it - story of my life really.....

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Bernard
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 05:55 PM

Brian came up with the idea after seeing nitwits who would balance the round back of a guitar neck against a round table and then wonder why it slipped and fell (they hadn't the sense even to think of using Blu-Tack!). The Pub Prop simply prevents that happening, and is not intended to hold an instrument 'rigid' - it is still free to move unless you use the prop incorrectly.

I'm still surprised by the people who complain that the clamp is insuffiecient to hold the prop firmly to a table - it was never meant to be for the very reasons given by others - if knocked hard enough to damage the instrument, the clamp will give first, allowing the instrument a 'crumple zone'...

Brian's intention was not to provide indemnity for those nitwits who simply cannot look after a valuable musical instrument!

In its place, the pub prop does a great job - and I certainly wouldn't be without mine. However, if I'm doing a gig, I use a more substantial stand appropriate for the purpose.

Cath (Brian's widow) still comes to the Open Door folk club on Sunday evenings, and usually has a prop or two with her. It's a shame that Brian's death switched off the fire in Archie Tawney (Cyril was his brother). Archie hasn't been near the club since. They were very close.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 06:23 PM

Don-
The Pub-Prop's clamp (to the instrument) is a srtip of rubber--unlikely to come loose by accident, but not nearly strong enough to break a neck. The clamp (to the table) is a screw clamp; also unlikely to come loose unless you make a real mess of attaching it (think of a rubber-covered table-tennis-net clamp.)

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Les from Hull
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 06:26 PM

Of course, I've come to dislike deeply chamfered pub tables that don't allow your pub prop to fit properly!

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Bernard
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 06:28 PM

I know one bloke who uses his prop upside-down because it fits some tables better that way!

I prefer to use a power saw to modify the table... but it meets with some hostility!!

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 10 Oct 06 - 08:30 PM

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 25 May 04 - 01:23 AM

Just remember, after a session, unscrew it from the table and bring it home with you.

Seamus

nice suggestion Seamus, but I have more than enough tables in my home already ...

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Tim theTwangler
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 03:48 AM

Would be more apropriate to design a clamp that would keep drunken would be guitar knocker overers in their seats,and maybe a buxom wench to fetch the beverages to the tables?

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Bernard
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 04:40 AM

I believe the Pup Prop, with the addition of a bungee rope, can fulfil that purpose...!

As for buxom wenches, well...!!

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Shiplap Structure3
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 04:49 AM

So the buxom wench idea I take it is to snuggle the guitars neck securely between ample breasts, it seems a far better idea to buy a clamp thing and do the snuggling ones self

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: mandotim
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 05:07 AM

I forgot mine the other night, but improvised with two capos (I use two on some songs)clamped to the table edge about a neck width apart, and a rubber band between them. Worked ok.
Tim

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 10:27 AM

I bought one. The first time I used it, within the first five minutes my guitar was kicked by an eejit carrying several pints of beer to the next table. As a result, I threw it in the bin. I won't leave my guitar anywhere it can be kicked by anyone now, it stays in the case when I'm not actually playing it..

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 10:28 AM

The 'it' I threw in the bin was the Pub-Prop BTW! :-)

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Les from Hull
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 10:34 AM

I usually clamp my bouzouki to MY side of the table, so the only eejit within kicking distance is me. And as I use it for accompanying others as well as myself (in singy dos) as well as swapping with melodeon (in tuney dos) it's not at all practicable to return it to its case. But I agree that you have to take responsibility for your own instrument and not leave it where it is capable of being kicked by music lovers.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Bernard
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 11:45 AM

Yes, Les, that's just what I do. Even so, it doesn't seem to discourage the thoughtless from trying to squeeze through to get to their seat... ho hum!

Leaving an instrument where it is likely to get kicked is asking for trouble...

;0)

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 11 Oct 06 - 01:46 PM

"within the first five minutes my guitar was kicked by an eejit "

So the fault is yours, for putting your guitar in a 'traffic zone'... not the fault of the Pub Prop....

"I threw it in the bin"
That's money well spent....

"you have to take responsibility for your own instrument and not leave it where it is capable of being kicked"
D'uh! :-)

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Scrump
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 04:58 AM

I've been after one of these for a while, but I didn't know what they were called, so thanks for reviving this thread and bringing it to my attention. Now, can anyone recommend a UK mail order supplier? The linke given above (Stones Music - anything to do with Mick Jagger & Co.?) doesn't seem to sell them retail.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Bassic
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 05:13 AM

Scrump, a quick Google brought up this .

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Bernard
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 08:07 AM

If you're stuck, Scrump, email me and I'll arrange to send you one.

mudcat_at_bernardcromarty.co.uk - change the _at_ for @ (to help prevent spam I'd rather not include a clicky!).

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 11:28 AM

Scrump... Google is your friend.....

Get to know it

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 03:30 PM

In a pub a pub prop is safer than anything else short of a heavy duty case, with all the disruption involved putting putting a guitar in and out implies in a crowded pub.

Works for fiddles and mandolins as well, safer than laying the instruments naked on the table.

But of course you use your common sense in deciding when and where to use the gadgets. Nothing is a hundred per cent safe in all circumstances - why, even well made cases can get demolished by dedicated baggage handlers.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Scrump
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 03:47 PM

Thanks for the replies to my question. Clinton - I did ask for recommendations for suppliers. I know I can find suppliers via Google, thanks - but I was looking for personal recommendations for suppliers that people here have actually used, as I figure that's always the best way to go when thinking of buying anything.

(And Bernard, thanks very much for the kind offer.)

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Big Mick
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 03:48 PM

Not my Calton case. They have tried and failed. Pricey, but the best money I ever spent.

I do love my Pub Prop, but use your head, people.

Mick

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 04:41 PM

"Not my Calton case."

Wanna make that a challenge?

Ya... I didn't think so...

Heh

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 05:08 PM

The Music Room is pretty reliable.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 06:46 PM

I own a pub prop but much prefer the blob of blue tack. Blue tack fits just about any table design you can find.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 06:50 PM

Bluetack is also going to leave a grease stain on your guitar with extended use....

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Bernard
Date: 12 Oct 06 - 08:17 PM

It's a testament to Brian's ingenuity that two and a half years after his untimely death, people are still discussing his invention! I feel so proud to be able to say 'He was a friend of mine'!!

Cath (his widow) will be at the Open Door Extravaganza on Sunday (Oct 15)... and there will be a Pub Prop in the raffle!

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: GUEST,Strollin' (at the Mill)
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 05:56 AM

Well Clinton, I thought I HAD put my guitar where it was safe from eejits - just goes to show how ingenious some eejits can be! :-)

Not being an eejit myself, I find it difficult to fathom the workings of their minds. :-)

S:0)

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Bernard
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 08:45 AM

In that case, I suppose it could help to be an eejit... at least you stand a chance of predicting what they might be about to do... though it's probably too late by then!

Then again... perhaps we're the eejits, and they aren't?

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 08:48 AM

Mmmmmmmm, I'll have to think about that one Bernard! :-)

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Bernard
Date: 13 Oct 06 - 12:18 PM

I can smell the burning rubber from here!! ;0)

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: harmonic miner
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 07:00 AM

I just got a Pub Prop. I don't know, it does not seem that sturdy. I agree that some flexibilty is good but the strap that closes across the yoke pops open quite easily. And the clamp is relatively easy to pull off the table edge. Might be better if the clamp were made of something less flexible like aluminium.

Also, if I were leaning a guitar on a wall, I would face the body inwards with the headstock resting on the wall so that the back of the guiat is facing out as it is be more stable that way. But most guitar necks wont fit in the Pub Prop that way.

I'm off to design my own!

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: harmonic miner
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 07:02 AM

I must add that I haven't tested it in an actual pub yet.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: melodeonboy
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 07:12 AM

I always assumed that the pub prop was a useful way of keeping your guitar (or other stringed instrument) in a sensible and safe position, i.e. not sliding over, propped up in such a way that the tuning keys would be affected or trodden on by someone who couldn't see it. I'm sure it wasn't designed to defend your guitar against someone kicking it! :)

(When are they going to invent one for melodeons? :))

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 07:59 AM

Just to note that after 6 years of use, mine is still doing stirling service. :)

The yoke is meant to open easily in case the table goes over so as not to snap the neck (of the instrument that is, the neck of the table overturner is fair game).

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: harmonic miner
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 10:27 AM

Fair enough, I'll give it a go. Anyone who's used actually one here seems positive. I usually sit on the inside of a table anyway so it really shouldn't get kicked. Would probably trust my co-sessioners not to kick it over if I left the table... Mainly will use it for when I put down the guitar to play harmonica.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Steve Hunt
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 10:36 AM

I have one of the very first batch of pub props -it's heavier than subsequent versions, but I've never had a moment's bother with it. Heck of a good gadget IMO.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: dick greenhaus
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 01:13 PM

CAMSCO has a few for sale. $25.

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 04 Mar 11 - 10:05 AM

Great gadget - I use it constantly, and have never had a problem (and have never seen anyone else having a problem either.) Fitting problems are usually overcome by using it upside down (the Pub-prop, not me).

Subject: RE: Table top guitar clamps/holders?
From: harmonic miner
Date: 09 Mar 11 - 05:45 AM

Well i finally tried it last night having not been at a session for weeks (family commitments)

Not ideal for my Ovation guitar because the curved back means the heel pad does not reach the floor. However if you have a non-slippery floor thats OK as the strap button grips the floor. Session pub floor has textured tiles so it works well there but not in my kitchen (where I won't be using it anyway).

So it's earned its place in my gig bag (and takes up very little room there)