I'm trying to make the most out of my cheapo Deering Goodtime. Next step is the armrest (it started with none). I like the Vega style armrest on my Gold Tone WL-250, so I picked one up from Janet Davis for the Deering. Right now it is installed as recommended by JD, which sits way up off the head, like this: http://www.janetdavismusic.com/vega_ar_installed.html
I'd prefer a flush mount. It seems to me like I have three options:
1. Throw it in a drawer and buy another one from StewMac.com, which has a little lip on the underside designed to catch the bracket hook for flush mounting. (I just discovered it.) I'm not crazy about the idea of tossing the one I just bought. http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Hardware,_parts/Banjo:_Armrests/Vega-style_Banjo_Armrest.html?tab=Pictures#details
2. Bend the armrest like Gold Tone did when they installed my other one. I have to say, it's functional but it looks a little weird: http://www.hangoutstorage.com/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/67/67924-130619112012.jpg
3. Modify the armrest like gbanjoman did: http://www.banjohangout.org/topic/215902
I like #3 but I'm not sure I'm up to the task (don't really have the right tools). I'm curious. What do others think of Gold Tone's bent armrest? It looks a bit slipshod to me, but I don't know how normal this is. I'm also interested in any general advice.