We recently did a interview with Marc Cherry at (C&D Innovative Solutions) the maker of the Mbrace Guitar Support System. The MBrace is the most unique live performance, stand-up guitar support ever made. If you need to alternate between multiple guitars while onstage, for instance an electric and an acoustic guitar, the MBrace is the bracket that can make your live performance that much more dynamic.

The MBrace provides the support, comfort, freedom and versatility that every performing guitarist needs, while not compromising the performance or sound of the instrument. When used in a recording or a rehearsal studio, the MBrace reduces the fatigue associated with long sessions. Since the weight of the instrument is no longer on the performer, you will not tire quickly and can play longer. The MBrace can also be used in the standing or sitting position. When attached to a tripod microphone stand(included) the MBrace is the only UNIVERSAL performance guitar bracket that will securely support any acoustic or electric guitar in the playing position, regardless if it’s a dreadnaught acoustic, solid body electric, semi-acoustic/electric, jazz style, bass guitar, etc. That’s right, the MBrace will work on any guitar, any make or model, and of any body depth! It will even work on a left handed guitar or bass!
This is the perfect accessory for the performing guitarist who is need of a highly portable, low-cost alternative to antiquated, bulky and expensive stand-up guitar supports/stands, such as the Gracie Stand. The best part about the MBrace is it will work on any instrument, unlike other stand-up guitar supports that are specifically designed for only acoustic guitars.
The MBrace simply screws onto any tripod microphone stand and then the instrument is attached to the MBrace via a adjustable guitar strap. Your strap simply clips onto your instruments strap buttons and then you thread the strap through the MBrace holes. The final step in the assembly is to simply ‘tension-adjust’ your guitar strap so your instrument fits snuggly against the MBrace. You can adjust the angle of your instrument to eleven (11) different playing angles for the greatest playing comfort!
Since the MBrace is manufactured out of high-impact plastic and not metal, there are no sharp metal edges, corners, nuts, bolts, screws or surfaces that can damage your instrument’s finish.
Interview with Marc Cherry
Guitar Files: What was your inspiration for making the Mbrace Guitar System?
Marc: The inspiration for inventing the Mbrace came from both a practical as well as artistic approach to playing the guitar. (example) In one song I may feel that the tune calls for the sound of a classical guitar for the intro & exit, a arch top for the head (or melody), and a Les Paul for a solo. The guitars mounted on the Mbrace will let me move from instrument to instrument in a performance to have the right sound at the right place in the arrangement.
Guitar Files: When did you get started (what year did Mbrace enter the Retail Market?)
Marc: The Mbrace came on the market in late 1999.
Guitar Files: We get alot of feedback about the Mbrace and have some customers asking about a tilt forward,back feature besides the 11 positions right to left. Will this feature be available in the future?
Marc: The tilt back feature is something we have been looking at, but at present is not in the works yet.
Guitar Files: Will the Mbrace be available in different color other then Black?
Marc: The Mbrace can be made in almost any color, and I have done a few samples in grey, red , but I always come back to black.
Guitar Files: What are the main advantages to using the Mbrace Support System?
Marc: The main advantages for using the Mbrace support system for a player, in my opinion are,
a) Performance, (as I spoke of in question #1 )
b) Versatility, The Mbrace will attach to any conventional tripod microphone stand and works equally well with electric,acoustic guitars or basses. It also works for left handed instruments
c) Sound, Using the mbrace with the guitar or bass creates a space between the instrument and the performer. Vibrations are not hindered, annulling the instrument to sound brighter,louder and better.
d) Also it's the perfect companion for the guitar synth. Most people using the synth use it as a second or third instrument on stage. So the Mbrace lets you play your main instrument and just walk up to the synth when it's needed.
e) People who suffer from neck or back pain may experience some relief by using the Mbrace instead of a guitar strap.
f ) For studio or rehearsal, the Mbrace reduces the fatigue that accompanies long sessions.
g ) And for the music store owner, the Mbrace is the best way to bring the customers attention to a particular product. It's like a magnet in a retail environment. a gospel I’ve been trying to preach for some time now.
Guitar Files: After the great reviews in the top guitar magazines there's also some big name guitarist and bands using your Mbrace Support System. Could you name a few?
Marc: I have an indorsement page on our website www.mbracestand.com where several national artist have given their support. It needs to be updated, so look for it in the future.
Guitar Files: How many different instruments can be used with the Mbrace Support System?
Marc: You can use the Mbrace with any guitar or bass acoustic,electric,right handed or left handed, but the instrument must have 2 strap buttons, see our website for mounting instructions. Some people find the guitar moves or rocks to much on Ovation style instruments, because of the very round back, but others say they work through it ok.
Guitar Files: How durable is the Mbrace and will it damage a guitars finish?
Marc: The mbrace is made of high impact plastic. It's very durable, which is one of my problems " it just won't wear out, so I can't sell someone a replacement " The Mbrace also has 3 small rubber pads on the face, to insure minimal contact with the finish.
We thank Marc Cherry for his time to do this interview.
If your interested in buying a Mbrace please visit http://www.theguitarfiles.com/product_id-35.html
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