Part of the Gitano’s appeal is it’s simplicity. With just one moving part, Gitano places the guitar in the right position for the player. Unlike other guitar supports such as the Ergoplay and Sagework, Gitano does not try to be too complex in it’s functionality.

The height is adjusted by placing the Gitano higher or lower on the side of the guitar. Because it only attaches to one side of the instrument, it can be set at the perfect angle with ease. The fabric knee pad provides unparalleled comfort not found on the hard based models of the Ergoplay and Sagework, and is arguably more comfortable than the Guitarlift as there are no hard surfaces pushing down on the leg.

Because of it’s simplicity, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the Gitano may lack range in terms of maximum/minimum height. Because it only attaches to one side, it can be moved into pretty extreme positions, creating very low or very high positions. High positions do sacrifice a little centrality, pushing the instrument slightly to the fretting hand side, but not so much as to be unusable. Even so, it’s amazing how much range this little support offers given it’s simple design.

The security of suction cup guitar supports is often called into question, but if used properly, they provide ample security and will not come unstuck. The Gitano is no different. It employs 3 small suction cups which provide enough power to stay connected to the side of the guitar when in use.

The only slight concern with the Gitano vs other suction cup supports such as the Ergoplay Johannes Tappert or the Ergoplay Michael Troster is that it the cups are always in a state of tension rather than compression. Being on one side of the guitar only, this support bears all of the strain of the guitar, meaning there is always a slight sideways pressure on the suction cups.

That being said, unless you’re applying unnecessary downward pressure on the guitar, you’re unlikely to run into problems. The Gitano guitar support is popular amongst classical guitarists for good reason, such as it’s ability to perform as intended without fault.

There’s not very much to the Gitano, and that’s kind of the point! This is one of the most discreet guitar supports on the market, designed to be as unobtrusive as possible.

The fabric knee pad hugs the contours of your leg with ease, and the single metal arm protrudes just enough to keep contact with the guitar. It’s a very cute design that is practically invisible when focusing on the performer. If discretion is high on your list of requirements, Gitano may well be the answer.

Gitano has a lot of great qualities and what I like is that it isn’t trying to pack as many features in as possible, which would inevitably drive up the price. The Gitano aims to provide a no fuss, simple solution to the back breaking alternative of using a foot stool for long periods of time, and it delivers on this front.

In recent years I’ve adopted a higher guitar position, as I believe this is optimal for me. When initially looking at the Gitano and it’s short extendable arm, I was concerned that this would get nowhere near my desired position. But with a bit of playing around with placement on the side of the guitar, it was perfectly possible to achieve a comfortable position for me. Although note of caution, if ultra high positions are your thing, be prepared to sacrifice a little sideways movement for height. This can be worked around by utilizing a foot stool on the lowest setting in conjunction with the Gitano. We’ve all got a spare foot stool, right?!

Those who prefer a low to medium position for their guitar are also in luck, as the Gitano offers lower positions than those achievable with any of the Ergoplay, Sagework or Guitarlift supports.

I play a French polished guitar, so the suction cups do not perform quite as well as they would on gloss varnish or nitrocellulose. Long term users would want to invest in a protective contact film for added peace of mind when using the Gitano.

You can find more information on guitar finishes and their suitability with suction cup guitar supports in our special feature here.