Castiv Guitar Sidekick

I have an iPhone and it is capable of amazing things. I can honestly say that it's changed my life. From having a great calendar to being able to access all of my email, to being able to get on the web or watch youtube videos or download any of the huge amount of applications available, AND make phone calls, the idea of going back to a normal phone is laughable.

But there is one problem with it though: practicing guitar.

I like using my phone to practice guitar. There are a few apps I have like iPractice where guitar notes scroll to the side requiring you to sight read and not look at the guitar because if you look at the guitar you're going to miss notes, or hit notes late and end up not sounding all that great. When I sit down to practice, I put my guitar on my leg and my iPhone on my leg as well. It feels very awkward. Like a circus balancing act. If I had a music stand I would probably use that instead, but alas, I don't. I can't rest it on something like a table because the viewing angle leaves a little to be desired and I can't put it on the floor or I won't be able to read it.

So I balance.

But then Castiv sent me a guitar sidekick. The sidekick is a simple piece of technology but like most other simple pieces of technology, it's awesome. It's a strong folding metal clip that is bound at one end and then a nut is loosed and attached to the clip and PRESTO! Now you have a cradle for your iPhone. The clip is attached above and below all six (or more, the clip is long enough to accommodate at the very least seven strings but I'm pretty sure it can handle eight strings as well) strings just past the nut and swivels so you can get the right viewing angle.

Its strong, easy to use and incredibly convenient. Taking your iPhone in and out of the spring-loaded cradle is a piece or cake and the clip itself is such a non-hinderance that I just kept it on my Tele when I was done practicing.

I'm really pleased with this and I'm definitely going to be using it quite a bit in the future.

The best part is that it isn't JUST for iPhone or iPod Touch users. It works with Blackberries and Androids and PSPs and basically anything. Check out Castiv's web site for more details.

It's not bad on the wallet or purse either, being sold on Amazon for $29.99.

But if you can't afford that, I have news for you. In addition to giving me a Guitar Sidekick, Castiv also sent one more which will be used in a giveaway in the future. I just need to figure out how I'm going to handle that. Don't worry, I'll keep you informed.

Check it out, folks. if you have a smartphone that you're using to hone your guitar craft, this is pretty much an essential tool that will make your life a lot easier.

-Pappy