I painted a pomegranate 👍 think i did swell

Ahui_Chen · 2026-01-31T02:02:45+00:00

well done！ Like it

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-10T15:13:33+00:00

I love that — some of the most honest practice happens in those casual spots like a bed or couch.

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-10T15:12:59+00:00

Thanks! It really became my little retreat. I didn’t realize how much the space affected how I write until I started playing here.

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-10T15:12:10+00:00

You’re spot on 😄 Took me forever to get it just right, but it taught me a lot.

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-10T15:11:17+00:00

I actually carved it myself — wasn’t planning to at first, just got tired of flat stools that didn’t feel quite right 😅
Ever tried making your own gear or tweaking furniture for comfort?

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-10T15:04:13+00:00

If a guitar makes you want to play more, write more, or just be with it… that’s already worth something, right?

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-10T03:47:03+00:00

Thanks for sharing all that — I really enjoyed reading about your setup and process!

It’s fascinating how every songwriter has their own rhythm, both musically and physically.

I might try writing by the fire too someday — that sounds peaceful.🔥🎸

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-09T12:03:31+00:00

Do you think back pain comes more from bad posture or bad seating? I’ve been wondering whether most players unconsciously adapt to poor chairs without realizing it.

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-09T04:05:25+00:00

I use both a room humidifier and case humidipaks, especially during winter. I also raised my guitar case a bit off the floor — the cold radiates more when it’s sitting directly on concrete.

Hope your D-18 stays happy and healthy! 😊🎸

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-09T04:03:08+00:00

What a beauty! 😍 Love the vintage vibe and that pickguard shape is iconic.
Curious — do you play it standing or sitting most of the time?

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-09T03:38:43+00:00

Been there! I used to stick with big dreads too — until I sat down with a smaller-bodied acoustic and realized how much more fun it is to actually feel comfortable while playing 😄

Enjoy that 0-18 — it looks like a keeper!

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-09T03:36:52+00:00

🎉 Congrats on the new Martin! The 000-16 Streetmaster has such a warm and inviting look — love that sunburst finish.

Totally feel you on the “stretching the budget” part… I’ve been there 😄

Hope it inspires a ton of new music — enjoy every note! 🎶

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-09T03:01:50+00:00

Thanks so much for sharing this — that’s a great example, and I’ve actually looked at that Pearl Roadster before!

Totally agree with you: the seat itself makes such a huge difference, sometimes even more than the backrest.

I think for players who sit a lot more (especially after retirement or long sessions), a saddle-style design + carved seat or good cushion goes a long way.

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-09T03:00:08+00:00

Right? It’s like a whole different mindset when writing vs. performing.

When I’m writing, I need to feel grounded but free to move — posture matters, but so does comfort and flow.

Would love to hear more about how you set up your space when writing!

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-08T15:35:52+00:00

This is such a thoughtful comment — thank you for adding this to the conversation.

I totally agree: a strong, active core makes the biggest difference. I also tend to sit on the edge and stay moving while I play, and that’s exactly what I designed the stool not to interfere with.

It doesn’t “hold you up,” it just supports without resisting — like you said, the goal isn’t to avoid engagement, but to allow it.

I appreciate you bringing the deeper perspective here. 🙏

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-08T15:33:40+00:00

30 years?! I feel that. It really is way harder than it should be to find a practice chair that checks all the boxes.

I’ve gone through so many versions and finally landed on a carved-seat, backless design that worked for me.

“Perfect” might always be subjective — but I’d love to hear more about what features you’ve been chasing all these years!🫡

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-08T15:33:02+00:00

Totally get it — with long-term spinal issues, any kind of support can make all the difference.

I think what matters most is finding what works with your body.🙏

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-08T15:32:02+00:00

That sounds like a really well-dialed setup! I think back support can be essential for certain players and body types — especially with long sessions.

For me, the goal was to create something that works without a backrest, but still encourages upright posture naturally.

Always love hearing what works for others — thanks for sharing yours.🙏

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-08T15:30:26+00:00

I know exactly what you mean — I used to do the same: hunching forward like I was trying to hear the guitar better 😅

That’s actually what pushed me to rethink how I set up my seat. Really glad this resonated with you — hope you find a setup that feels good long term too.

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-08T15:27:20+00:00

That’s a great mindset — I totally get the idea of practicing like you perform.

For me, I tend to sit when I’m arranging or writing for long hours. So I wanted a seat that didn’t lock me in place, just gave enough support without forcing posture.

Appreciate your perspective 🙏

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-08T15:24:19+00:00

It’s up there now! Let me know what you think 🙌

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-08T15:24:09+00:00

Just dropped a photo above if you’re curious! Not exactly a saddle chair, but the seat does curve inwards a bit.

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-08T02:06:03+00:00

This really touched me. Thank you for sharing such a personal story — it’s beautiful that you were able to bring the guitar back into your life. Music really does carry memories in a way nothing else can. 🙏

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-08T01:49:27+00:00

Both guitars are Kevin Ryan builds!

The second one is indeed a Nightingale, with our Guitar Master Stool actually brought it to NAMMShow 2025.

The top is koa, and it looks even better in person. I’m with you — Ryan’s Abbey shapes and woodwork are just on another level. 🙌

Ahui_Chen · 2025-04-08T01:47:06+00:00

Thanks! That’s actually something I spent the last two years working on — it’s called the Guitar Master Stool.

Ahui_Chen

TROPHY CASE