No Strap seems good for me.....

[New_Alex]

Neotech --- So stretchy, non controlable
BG, ---- Just ordinary straps that choke you
Other Brands --- I don't know them, so I don't trust them.

THere is no simple solution for me people :cry:

When I put on the straps I got at home I feel like something around my neck is choking me....

Someone could say....Why don't you use a harness or a spinstrap?

Answer
Harness strap is a device that puts the weight of
the sax on both shoulders. The usual deficiency of the harness is that,
for some, the saxophone can't be held in the desired position.
Spinstrap is a padded strap that passes over one shoulder and has the same problem as the harness strap.

Any advice?

Thank you

Alex
-----

Here is how I see the different types of straps!!!

http://photos.imageevent.com/artistic/website/worsebest.gif

[retread]

Bari, tenor, alto? How long have you been playing?

[New_Alex]

I play the Yamaha YAS62 II Tenor.

I can not hold it more than 20 minuites around my neck without a brake...

Please check above, the diagram of how I concieve the best strap....

Alex

[Clarinophonist]

The selmer one that came with my alto i have use on a tenor, and i found no problems IMO. The sax didnt turn and my neck was fine. According to the laws of physics the greater the surface area the less pressure on one spot, therefore a wider strap will hurt your neck less. So not really the most padded strap will help, but more of a wider strap.
Hope this helps

[Bill Mecca]

I use a Spinstrap, and have for years. At first it was a bit odd, but after playing with the adjustments it works fine. I can't use a neck strap after an auto ax a few years back.

make sure any neck strap rides low on your neck, actually more your shoulders then neck. that should give you a break.

[saxmanglen]

Check out Neotechs "Neo sling". I've found it to work well for tenor use. I don't like it as well for alto.

Here's a link:

http://www.optechusa.com/nwind.htm

[retread]

For tenor I use the traditional Ray Hyman because a narrow strap actually is more comfortable than a wide one (for me). Not being a massochist, I use a BG sling, and sometimes a Neotech harness, on bari. The BG sling does give a good degree of movement, but nothing like a strap. The important thing is your posture...erect, whether sitting or standing. If you bend forward it will not only inhibit your air support, it'll play hell with your back. If you keep your back straight almost any strap will put a good part of the weight on your shoulders rather than your neck.

[super20dan]

i agree! ive been using a regular ray hyman for 35 years with no problem.

[jaankaden]

i've always used a very, very basic neckstrap that i knicked off a friend's yamaha yas23 (came with it) many years ago. however, might i suggest you try the brancher neck strap available at saxforte? haven't personally tried it myself, but many here have spoken great things about it.

[bruce bailey]

I still use an old Ray Hyman strap that has the metal hook covered in vinyl. Easy to adjust and light.

[xuanvu]

I second the brancher, it's great and very easy to adjusts.

[Vortex]

Sorry man, suck it up and get used to it or switch to soprano/clarinet.

i agree! ive been using a regular ray hyman for 35 years with no problem.

I second the vote for that one. Simple, light, inexpensive, doesn't stretch, and you can sew a pad onto it if you want.

[rcsq]

www.studiospace.com/rcsq/harness.htm

[saxchado]

I love the regular hyman for alto and soprano, but for tenor, it's not quite enough. I love the Hyman "super sling" it's a wider band than the Hayman, but with a great lay and the same wonderful quality. I've played for hours and hours with literally no discomfort associated with the strap. I even use it on bari in a pinch.

[sax_appeal]

I use a regular unpadded Yamaha strap. I find its best if I wear it 'under' a collar on a collared shirt, much like a tie.

[rini]

NewAlex,
How long have you been playing the sax? Are you a student?, middle-aged?, a late bloomer? Hobbyist or a professional?
From my own experience I might know something that may (or may not, depending on your case) help you.

rini

[goodsax]

I use a Neotech for alto and tenor, no strap for sop and a no-name red one for baritone (used only the few times I've been called to sit in for bari players who can't make the gig).

The Neotech is flexible but it's not an issue for me since I've gotten used to them after many playing hours on alto and tenor (two different length Neotech straps).

However, this input may not be worth much since I do most of my playing sitting down, in concert and big swing dance bands.

[WriterMom]

Definitely try one of the regular Brancher straps. I like it more than any of the other straps I've used.

[jvsax]

I've been using the Ray Hyman wide strap for years. I found it to be more comfortable than the standard narrow Hyman strap. Also, the hook is nylon, which is gentle to the sax strap ring.

[Bar-Ron]

Invent something new so we can all try it.
Try an over the shoulder sling type. Certainly will take the load off your neck.

[ReedSplitterRev]

I ended the 'comfy strap' search when my tech sold me the deJacques strap. I was a bit skeptical and leary because of the price and it didn't look super comfy, but man, does this thing rock (as far as neckstraps can rock). Super simple and very comfy for my tenor (King Super 20). If all else fails, play through the pain, it's worth it...afterall, you're making music.
Trev

[MJ]

Trev, where'd you get your deJacques? Is it specifically the sax strap or the bassoon version like wwbw sells? Thanks for the information.

[ReedSplitterRev]

That looks like the one (wwbw site). I got mine from Ken Fornetran Woodwinds here in Toronto. Click the link to find a retailer in your area...
http://www.dejacques.com/text/dstrap/dstrap.html

[saxamaphonegirl]

there's always the sax support on wwbw. it's like a seat strap for bassoon, but for the sax. it's item 97124.

there's a picture in the catalog, but not the site. i could scan it and email it to you, if you like.

why not just try the shoulder slings or various types of harness straps? there are many different brands with different designs.

believe me, the people in this forum know their stuff, they wouldn't steer you in the wrong direction.

I used to have neck issues (numbness) until i switched to a neotech and did a little fiddling to prevent the extra sagging that can happen over time. a little bit of extra black elastic can go a long way.

hope you find your answer.

[Mike_K]

Trev, where'd you get your deJacques? Is it specifically the sax strap or the bassoon version like wwbw sells? Thanks for the information.

FWIW - the version WWBW sells is for sax and bassoon. It's too bad that WWBW only lists is for bassoon. It's a great sax strap.