tenor neck strap problem

[Jazzophone]

I'm still a relative beginner on tenor and have been experimenting with all sorts of equipment. I'm finding that during most of my practise sessions (anything over 40 minutes, so basically all of them :D) the neck strap seems to keep moving itself and makes the muscles around the shoulder blades and down the centre of the spine really sore. It cut off the circulation to the back of my neck and between my shoulder blades a few times too, and I've tried moving it around and stuff but it just doesn't feel right. What should I do? It's a bit unnerving when you go to put your horn away and realise you can't feel the back of your neck ...

Thanks.

[Morry]

Veins and arteries are generally protected on top by muscle and other tissue, and to completely cut off the blood flow would take considerable downward pressure. I would think it's more likely that, either by the placement of the strap, or due to your posture, you are pinching a delicate nerve in your neck. I injured my neck in another type of accident, and the pressure on the vertebrae causes me significant pain during extended practice sessions, as well as long periods working in front of the computer.

The only real recourse is to take frequent breaks, if only for a couple of minutes. This has become especially important with my new Keilwerth tenor that seems to weigh 50 lbs.

[Andrew]

Try using a harness...that should take the weight off of your neck.

[Gandalfe]

I had a simular problem with my bari. I bought a NeoTech harness and I am very happy with the result. I can play for hours and the next day I don't have neck pains. Life is good.

[Jazzophone]

how much money do harnesses normally go for? tenor, I mean.

[Gandalfe]

The NeoTech was $38 at Mills Music.

[BayviewSax]

A teacher of mine used a luggage strap, linking it over one shoulder and around his back. It helped with his back pain, but he eventually went back to a neck strap.

[Jazzophone]

Thanks guys ... I just got a NeoTech harness yesterday at Saint John's and am experimenting with it. Seems to be working wonders right now -- at least, I could play for over an hour and I didn't have that creepy loss of circulation problem, so that's a definite plus 8)

[electricninja]

I never use neckstraps for anything heavier than a soprano. These things are lethal; the one on my baritone darn near strangled me.

[bari_sax_diva]

Same opinion here--since I'm mostly a bari player, I already had the Neotech harness, and discovered one day (by accident--I was swapping horns at a small-group gig) that it makes playing tenor a LOT more comfortable. Give it a try.

-Leanne

[brucesax]

Don't be a weinie...get a Ray Hyman & learn to live with it.

[Ritchie]

I tried the BG harness for bari but did not like it at all. It feels like being completely tied to the sax and have no room to move. So I'm back to the neck strap. Find a strap with the padding on the right places. I use a "Cebulla" for tenor and alto and a "Stella" for bari. The Cebulla does not feel comfortable for bari, maybe it's to small for the big horn. You can find pictures of the straps here: http://www.saxophon-service.de/homep/infozube/gurte.html

(I am not involved with this shop, neither do I receive money from them, but I have ordered items from them several times, and the link is to illustrate what I'm talking about)

[RS]

I use a Ray Hyman supersling to which I have affixed the padding from a Neo-tech (I don't like the bouncyness of the Neo-tech and its' thin straps make me nervous). This is a comfortable set-up. A little padding at the back of the neck really helps. A small towel placed between the strap and neck works too. But avoid narrow straps like the regular Ray Hymans. They can really cut into your neck.

[wattog]

I am awaiting the arrival of my new strap, after doing some research on the web. I play bari, and am starting to have neck discomfort towards the end of rehearsals. I almost got the Neotech harness, but changed my mind after reading a review which mentioned the clip breaking, and because photos of it made it appear as though it might restrict movement (holding the bari too close to my chest). I ended up ordering a Smart Strap, which has the straps coming off a belt (from behind), and up over the shoulders, to a V in the front. It can be worn over or under clothing, and the clip is a plastic coated metal clip which can be ordered open or closed. I'll report back on it ... but have any of you seen it or tried it?

[Howlin]

Neotech's harness is pretty basic and the average sewing machine can help you (or your mistress) create your own out of webbing if you are slow and careful while stitching. This will enable you to custom fit your strap poifect. :guns:

[timobrien]

I have arthritis of the spine and had almost given up playing due to the pain in the back of my neck. I bought a NeoTech harness last year as a last resort and can now play for extended periods again.

I'd agree that anyone playing sax should try one....