Weight of the saxophone really stresses my neck

[hebron454]

I have been playing the alto sax for a couple of months. Some days, the weight of the instrument puts severe stress on my neck. I was wondering if a harness would help. Or does anyone have any other suggestions? Thank you.

[kcp]

Is it just me? Seems like harnesses are becomming more and more popular among alto players now? Before you'd see them worn espescially by bari player (and undersized tenor players such as me :wink: )

For me, the harness was the solution to my neck and back pains. I use BG France harness, those are made in different sizes, for men, women and kids. I see more and more alto players having them now. 3 out of 4 saxophonists in my band have them too.

But everybody is different. Harnesses do hold the sax pretty high and close to the player's chest. Some folks don't like that. If you are one of them well, the harness is not for you. Take the time to look around and try some straps. There are plenty of different models, neckstraps, slings, shoulder straps, by different makers such as Oleg, Neotech, BG who carry different models.

Hope this helps you out a little.
Take care :D

[MicheleK]

I play bari and alto (always standing up, mind you), and I'm fond of my big Neotech strap. It's very padded, and has quite a bit of cushion and 'give' to it, which cuts down on getting yanked on the back of the neck by the strap as the horn moves. It's neoprene (reminds me of my old wetsuit) and well padded. My neck does get tired, but I'm able to do at least 4 hours without getting *too* fatigued.

I didn't like the harness I tried, but I think it's a personal taste/size/instrument thing... I'm kind of small to be playing bari and I felt like no matter how I adjusted it, it seemed like the horn was too close to my body, and jammed up into my mouth... (I'm 5'7", 110 pounds - let this be an inspiration to you - ha ha).

Naturally, my advice is go to a store that has a lot of different ones (if you can), and try a bunch out with your horn. You will probably have a good idea right away which one will work best for you. Good luck - this was a real sticking point for me for a while...

[tplyons]

Make sure the strap is around the base of your neck and not up around your chin; that'll take some stress off. Also, sit up, bending over puts more of a forward stress on your neck. And if you're tall enough, play with the sax between your legs. I do this for alto, don't play with a strap and when necessary, you can rest your sax on your chair.

[electricninja]

For me the secret was finding a strap that removes the involvement of the neck ENTIRELY. And so far the best one for me was the SpinStrap. A tad pricey, but well worth it.

The spine tends to be extra fragile and finicky (especially as you grow older and have to deal with back and neck pain), don't be lugging heavy things like saxophones on it.

[tubbycub]

If you are wearing a collared shirt, I suggest you place the strap beneath the collar like the way you wear a tie (I do this all the time and it helps). Otherwise, get a harness as the pressure sits on your shoulders instead of your neck.

[larry]

One other thing - an alto isn't that heavy - is it possible that you're pulling DOWN on the horn while you're playing? That would put additional stress on your neck.

Adjust the strap so that the mouthpiece hangs right at mouth level, then raise your hands so they fit onto the keys. If you then pull the horn down or away from your body as you're playing, it'll pull on your neck. Don't do that! Just hold the horn comfortably.

If you're holding the horn off to the side, try holding it in front of you (between your legs if you're sitting). That also might help.

[TerraNova]

Yeah, I too have a BG France brace, and my playing and comfort has improved significantly since... and I CANT STAND NECK STRAPS ANYMORE! They are SO uncomfortable once you've switched to a brace!! I bought my for $AU50, and it was the best money I have ever spent on my sax... (well, cept for buying the thing!!).

I would def. recommend that if you're still having hassles after revising your technique, or want a "quick fix", get a harness. COMFORT +!

[timobrien]

I've posted this before, but the Neotech harness saved my sax playing.

I have degenerative arthritis of the spine (started when I was a teen) and had put down the sax for many years. The Neotech harness was a lifesafer and I won't play without one now.

They're only $35 and if you ask a local music shop, maybe they'll order one in for you to try-before-you-buy.