Pins and needles

[knobby]

When I use my Roland FR1X, I find that after about 10 minutes I start to get pins and needles in my left hand. This gradually spreads part way up my forearm, and once I take off the accordion it briefly goes up to my shoulder then disappears. It’s not completely numbing, but is quite uncomfortable.
Any idea what’s causing this? It doesn’t happen with my 120 bass acoustic.

 

[Dingo40]

Sounds as if you're possibly cutting off circulation or impinging on a nerve?
From the internet:
"

• A common cause is pressure on a specific part of the arm or leg, which causes compression of nerves. This usually resolves quickly when the position is changed and the pressure is removed.
• Persistent pins and needles may be symptomatic of more serious conditions, such as nerve injury or inflammation.
• Always see your doctor if you experience persistent or frequent episodes of pins and needles."

 

[murathan]

Too tight bass strap??

 

[losthobos]

I'm assuming you don't have a pacemaker fitted.....if you do be careful, electrical currents that close would cause interference and possible tingling....I know from patients if I use a certain drill it creates same effect...

 

[JerryPH]

Proper shoulder and bass strap adjustment should resolve this.

 

[debra]

Something that's always important is a good fit. The FR1x is a very small accordion and when you want it to be "snug" it may hang rather high on your chest. As a result you left forearm will be higher than with a larger accordion, and that may cause problems with the blood flow. When I play my Bugari 540/ARS/C which is only 40cm (unlike other accordions that are 45-48cm tall in the playing position) I place a "spacer" (block) under my left foot for a comfortable fit. I can play for a long time with that spacer but not without it. The FR1x is a lot smaller still, so it is unlikely that it will ever be a good fit.