Huge neck muscle

[JPrince]

I've been playing Bari since I was 12 (18 now) and man, from lugging different Bari's around on my neck, I have a MASSIVE neck muscle. the thing is like 4 inches (no kidding) out of porpotion to what it should be. I can wear a 3X dress shirt (Im a big guy), but I have to buy a 5X just for the stupid neck to fit. This thing is massive compared to what it should be. Anyone else have this problem?

Justin

[Joseph Boucher]

JPrince, Maybe you should purchase a sax harness. The harness distributes the weight to the shoulders and back and not the neck. Joe.

[colibri]

I use a harness even for an alto. If I use a strap, by the end of a two set gig I'd have a line of red mark on the back of my neck.

[Andrew]

Yeah...harness will do the trick...then you'll have killer back muscles :)

[JPrince]

I know I need a harness..... but Im lazy.... and it costs $$$$ lol. That's nothing, my reg (tenor/ Yamaha Bari) neckstrap isn't long enough for the way the hook is on my new Martin, so now Im using an old '60s string style neckstap. lol! But yeah, I will probably get a harness for when I go off to college in the next few months. Thanks a lot.

[danodownunder]

As a pro of thirty years i am just now having some neck probs can anyone tell me what the BEST shoulder harness is PLEASE.

[Howlin]

A harness is a must for serious players of heavy horns. You can make your own (or use your handy dandy girlfriend) or buy Neotechs (not underpriced) version.

[Bloo Dog]

It may not just be your muscles that are enlarged. An enlarged thyroid will give the appearance of enlarged muscles. If your adam's apple is prominent, your thyroid may be enlarged. This is not (in itself) a dangerous condition, but it is one to to have checked out.

I agree with the others about using a harness for playing bari when you march. Also consider using a sax stand when you play sitting down. The stand will allow you to position the instrument at a comfortable angle and free your neck of the weight of the instrument.