Let me caution anyone out there who wants to buy a Cannonball tenor. i am currently playing a Vintage Reborn tenor 6 nights a week 3 45 minutes sets a night standing. Although the horn is great I would not recommend it. It has wrecked my left shoulder with how much it weighs. So much so that I have to ship my vintage Super 20 which is way lighter and before all you neck strap freaks start responding I have tried everything from the sax holder pro which is a very hard rubber on your shoulders and has no cushion on your shoulders to the Boston sax strap with the t bar and also the Jupiter gig strap, which also has no cushion for your shoulders it is very hard metal. Both of the shoulder straps dig into your shoulders which is very painful. All of these have not worked and I believe it is because of the weight of this horn. Maybe the vintage horn makers new better than to make horns so heavy they are uncomfortable to play. Taiwan and Cannonball should get a clue from the vintage horn makers.
Big problem with Cannonball tenors
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Question asked about dogs on CL.
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of course weight is not , in itself, necessarily a problem if a person can play a baritone with a strap (or bass as discussed and shown in the other thread where yo made the same point) that is way heavier than a tenor.... and there are lots who do.
As for the saxholder being hard on the shoulders, well, I have been using one (I am now on my second the pro model) I haven't noticed yet, it im fact helped me with my shoulder problems ( didn't get those because of the saxophone playing just old age).
He plays (professionally every day he is not yet cripled by the experiemce) bass with a strap, doesn't seem to mind the weight, bass is heavier than any cannonball sax
As for the saxholder being hard on the shoulders, well, I have been using one (I am now on my second the pro model) I haven't noticed yet, it im fact helped me with my shoulder problems ( didn't get those because of the saxophone playing just old age).
He plays (professionally every day he is not yet cripled by the experiemce) bass with a strap, doesn't seem to mind the weight, bass is heavier than any cannonball sax
I think that has a lot to do with it.
I wouldn't own a Cannonball but I think you have to be careful how you stand and hold the sax. I try to shift my weight from one foot to the other. Take advantage of the time you're not playing by sitting down on the breaks helps me a lot.
I just use a Ray Hyman strap and always wear a collared shirt. I make sure I get the strap as far down towards my back and not high on my neck.
Having your sax in good repair helps a lot so you you don't use the "gorilla grip" and cause more strain.
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It would be interesting and informative to compare the weight of different brands and models of saxophones to quantify the difference. From a manufacturing and repair perspective, features that make a saxophone more "sturdy" such as ribbed posts and added braces are going to add some additional weight. It is a trade off between lighter with less reinforcement or heavier providing more protection if the instrument takes a fall or knock.
Anyone concerned with the weight of their saxophone should take a look at the Vandoren Support Harness. I have used one playing bari sax for several years and it is amazingly comfortable with the weight distributed to the shoulders and abdomen. They cost a bit more, but my neck and back at age 72 are worth every penny.
Anyone concerned with the weight of their saxophone should take a look at the Vandoren Support Harness. I have used one playing bari sax for several years and it is amazingly comfortable with the weight distributed to the shoulders and abdomen. They cost a bit more, but my neck and back at age 72 are worth every penny.
Hey Kenny Z my posture is fine i have been a core based trainer assuming you know what core means for 12 years. Im not crippled I just think that having pins and needles go down my left arm every night after playing is not a very pleasant experience and I have been playing professionally for over 45 years. I hope getting my vintage horn which is way lighter will help. Its funny when my repairman played my VR he said it feels like I have an anchor around my neck. Nothing against the horn its awesome but he even said way to heavy.
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My Mk VI was heavy. My CC saxes are heavy. In '79, I went to a spine specialist who determined that I had a touch of scoliosis-- curvature of the spine, something that is most commonly found in women. I'm not a woman, but back then, I was a musical maniac: anywhere, any time. After that, I changed my posture. Standing upright didn't seem as cool as hunching over my horn and playing into a cheap mic, but it did help the back pain.
I think that all tenor saxophones are too heavy for the neck and back and should be attached to a harness that distributes the weight across the back. Practice sitting and standing up straight.
And wear ear plugs or refuse to play with guitarists.
I think that all tenor saxophones are too heavy for the neck and back and should be attached to a harness that distributes the weight across the back. Practice sitting and standing up straight.
And wear ear plugs or refuse to play with guitarists.
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It has been done before
https://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?13843-How-much-does-your-Tenor-weigh
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Cannonball VR tenors are about 8 lbs. Not much more or less in weight than others.
The OP complained about the Saxholder Pro’s lack of padding. But that’s easily remedied if actually a problem.
Notice the OP didn’t say what strap he has been using.
The OP complained about the Saxholder Pro’s lack of padding. But that’s easily remedied if actually a problem.
Notice the OP didn’t say what strap he has been using.
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Here is a quote from that thread on the range of weights for tenors:
Post number 58
Tenors
sample size: 42
minimum: 6.000 lbs / 2.722 kg
average: 7.312 lbs / 3.317 kg
maximum: 8.375 lbs / 3.799 kg
range: 2.375 lbs / 1.077 kg
std dev: 0.417 lbs / 0.189 kg
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Wrap the shoulder pieces with a soft material. Or properly adjust.
I don't find it bothersome at all.
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ditch it and get this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RHCYB3D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
ALTO: Medusa- 82zii, TENOR: Medusa, BARI: b901, SOP: sc991
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Get a Selmer mark VI. They are lighter and the neck angle is much more ergonomic. They sound pretty good And they are very cheap second hand. 😁
Actually, check out the Kielworth solid nickel saxophones, (not nickel plated). They are extremely light. and do yourself a favor. Try the Just Joe’s neck straps.
Actually, check out the Kielworth solid nickel saxophones, (not nickel plated). They are extremely light. and do yourself a favor. Try the Just Joe’s neck straps.
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I recently got this harness: https://www.wwbw.com/Protec-Univers...wbw?source=TXBACR&CA_6C15C=120302520000180211
Inexpensive, and very, very comfortable; it takes all the weight off the neck.
Inexpensive, and very, very comfortable; it takes all the weight off the neck.
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