SMC Design Critiques #1

[Mark Singer]

I thought it might be fun and a learning experience to post a photo of a piece of furniture...not made by one of our members and give it the "Ebert and Roper" style critique. Tell us what you like and don't like about the piece. If you hate it ,say so! Only important thing is tell us why. Is it out of style...is it trying to hard to be different, does it look uncomfortable, impractical...in detail. I think from this open dialogue much can be learned and since it is not made by one of us ...honesty is fine, be brutal if you must. I am kicking it off with a chair....this will stay posted for one week at which time it will be replaced with a new item and the critiques begin again. If you have ideas for upcoming critiques send them to me via private messages and I will review and pick one. Have fun!

[Aaron Koehl]

Being a musician, I tend to like any piece with us in mind. I like the shape and spaced slats, and the base looks wide and stable, which is always a good quality in a practice chair. If it is to be used for playing the guitar, the back probably won't be used too much, as many guitarists tend to lean forward. I assume this particular guitar player will have a foot stool nearby--though that might just be a personal preference.

It looks to me like it should be a chair for a cellist with nice posture.

Overall, I like the piece, as the design is appealing to me both initially and after looking at it. I might be singing a different story after sitting in it.

[Jim Becker]

22 December 2004 - Guitarist's Chair

What I like:

• Thoughtful design for the posture of the occupant which could easily be adjusted via "fitting" to be comfortable for an individual
• Wide, stable base that leaves plenty of room for the occupant; especially important as guitarists often sit with their knees apart and feet on the floor or on a support in various planes from vertical
• Sculpted seat keeps the occupant from sliding forward
• Dramatic look--a good example of studio furniture that remains functional for its intended use

What I'm concerned with:

• It is not apparent in the picture about what is actually touching the floor. This could be a stability issue, especially on uneven surfaces. A three-point contact is hopefully what is there for stability and a "no rock" experience
• The dramatic design may limit its appeal, although the maker clearly intends it to be for the "right person", rather than ubiquitous

Of course, that chair needs a matching music stand!!

[Allen Grimes]

I don't like it at all. I think its ugly and awkward. First of all the legs dont match the top. It looks like a half breed of 2 completely different chairs. The seat from this angle looks abnormally wide. And worst of all it looks uncomfortable even though without actually sitting on it that is just an assumption.

That was my honest answer, I hope thats what you were looking for.

[Allen Grimes]

and since it is not made by one of us ...honesty is fine

Mark, that is by far the funniest thing I've read in a while.

[Mark Singer]

I guess the converse of that would be...If it is made by one of us dishonesty is fine or not fine? You are correct its funny maybe a bit honest maybe I already said too much....

Mark, that is by far the funniest thing I've read in a while.

[Allen Grimes]

Glad to see you have a sense of humor, I was kinda worried that you might take that the wrong way. I guess I just had a bad perception of you.

As a response to your reply: I dont think we have to worry about not being honest as I don't recall seeing any bad craftsmanship/worksmanship in these forums.

[Greg Heppeard]

I believe that a 3 point stance would have been better than the base it currently uses. The width of the seat is ok, but I'm not sure about the angle toward the back, it might be a little much with the back up so straight. It is an interesting design and I think with a little tweaking, it would be great. I do like the different cut angles of the back cross members. For an arm chair, the second or third cross member from the bottom could have been wrapped around toward the front of the seat and left suspended without any more support. Strength for the arms shouldn't be a factor, depending on the material (yellowheart?) That's my quarter's worth.

[Tony Falotico]

Very nice to look at, I like the contrast of different woods / colors. The design is different, unique, and very interesting to look at. The legs are also interestingly shaped, my hats off to the designer and craftsman. It appears to be very functional as a guitar / practice chair.

With that said, I personally don't particularly like it. It looks very uncomfortable and makes my back hurt just looking at it. Lovely to view in someone else's home, but you would never see it in mine.

[Keith Cope]

Mark,
The design critique is a great idea, thanks for getting it started!

The chair is a very interesting piece. With the organic and anthropomorphic forms it has a certain sexy quality to it. By appearance, it does look like it should be functional for a guitarist (though not being a guitarist I can't say for sure). I think the combination of woods works pretty well in this design.

IMHO the big flaw in the design is the stretcher on the floor. I don't think it works, either from a massing standpoint or in helping continue or reinforce the chair's 'anatomy'. It seems a little too rigid/geometric for the rest of the design. I'm not sure how I would 'fix' that problem at first blush, though.

Keith

[Ken Leshner]

The chair is visually stunning. The dark base makes the seat and back appear to float in the air. But, as a seat it looks uncomfortable. The back leans too far forward, the lumbar support is in the wrong place, and there is no support for the upper back.

[Arnie Grammon]

I am a guitarist and a woodworker, although my WWing leaves something to be desired. I'm not sure if that qualifies me as a bonifide expert or just opinionated. My impressions:

I wouldn't be caught dead with my Martin in that chair......too many sharp corners. It looks like a land mine for scratches and dings 'cause every once in a while I have to get a little wild! Time to grab the Yamaha and play Peter Paul, and Mary songs .

Relatedly, the back looks unusable. Not a chair that begs one to sit down and have a relaxed, but attentive posture.

The seat looks right, but probably needs a little custom-fitting to the posterior, if ya know what I mean.

The stand does not match at all......a stand that complements would provide a synergistic paired effect.

The stretcher defeats the purpose of the three-legged chair. As I recall, one of the benefits of a three-legged chair is that one can sit on an uneven surface.

If I was called on to improve on the piece, I would redesign the back to basically reflect the same contours, etc. as the seat.

Hey....this was fun! Thanks for the opportunity, Mark! Got my juices flowing .

AG

[Joe Mioux]

I like it because it is functional for its intended purpose.

The back replicates the human spine and rib cage, the seat conforms to most ppls cabooses, and the opening allows for the musicians right foot to keep tapping the beat (rthymn) of the music.

Good design.

Joe

[Mark Singer]

I have read all of your reviews and I must say.....You are really doing a great job! Your comments are thoughtful and thought provoking...this is even more exciting than I expected ....please keep it flowing and at some point I will summarize the comments that were made.... good work!

[Lou Morrissette]

I'm not quite sure what to think about this piece. In terms of craftsmanship, I think it is exremly well done. I think the design from a guitarist standpoint is correct with the back forcing an upright, slightly forward posture. Choice of materials is somewhat pleasing to the eye but the overall look is unbalanced to me. I think the slats for the back leaves one thinking "where's the rest of it".
Overall, I don't think I'd buy it.

Lou