[Flâneur]

Hi friends all,

Here is a saxophone harness I designed and have been using for almost three years. It works great for me and I use it all the time, but I realize probably more than neck straps, harnesses are very personal as far as fit and comfort are concerned and it may not be for everyone. I sold a bunch at my local sax repair shop a few years ago, but just wasn't into the whole production thing. I call it the "NECKLESS SAXOPHONE HARNESS." What works best about this for me, is that it keeps all pressure off the neck and the hook/sax roll left and right as a normal neck strap unlike other harnesses I've seen that anchor the sax uncomfortably close to the chest and IMO affect the embouchure position somewhat.

So, here is how to make one for yourself. Depending where you live you may be able to find the materials at an REI, Camping outfitter, Army Surplus, or hardware store or online.

I use 2" wide nylon strap. Try to find the thinner weave, similar to a car seatbelt although most nylon webbing will do. I'm about average height (5' 9 1/2") and 8 feet of 2" wide webbing is enough.

I use plastic fittings for all the parts except the hook. I prefer metal, but, if you are confident that the plastic hook you buy can handle the weight/stress then use that.

There is only one seam to sew and it can be done by hand or machine. You can also use rivets.

Please see the attached photos for how it looks on and off the human shaped object. Post any questions and I will cheerfully answer them.

Steve

 

[Flâneur]

BTW several months ago I pinched a nerve in my neck (unrelated to sax playing), and I was able to continue playing while recovering.

 

[Flâneur]

Has anyone seen this and had any comments to improve the design? I am curious...

 

[magical pig]

This looks like the ligaphone harness: http://www.robertoswinds.com/view_product.php?prod_id=1425

Don't you feel pressure on your chest from the strap when you play?

 

[Flâneur]

Hmmm. interesting. I haven't seen this one before. There is a minimal amount of pressure but not uncomfortable. The advantage of not straining my neck far outweighs any chest pressure. The difference in my design to the ligaphone is with mine you can move the sax left and right similarly to a neck strap. The ligaphone strap looks like it won't do that because of the hook height adjustment. Mine adjusts on the side.

 

[jetmech]

Looks interesting. I am dealing with a pinched nerve now. I may have to try it. Just Joes strap is on my xmas list.

 

[MMM]

Has anyone seen this and had any comments to improve the design? I am curious...

I'm going to try this: found the 2" webbing (seat belt stuff), but having trouble finding the fittings for that size, I seem to find only 20 and 32 mm.
Keen to get the weight off my neck: even playing tenor now hurts so I've been trying the shoulder (Klondyke) strap. it's good but puts a lot of pressure on one shoulder only. I'd like to experiment with harnesses (the Redstrap harness looks good!) but cannot afford to spend £30 to £50 just to try out, hence I will try your design!

If you know of any online retailers that sell 2" fittings in the UK, I'd love to know (google ain't helping me right now!).

Cheers,
M.

 

[Teodoro]

I just saw this design, and it looks really good. Particularly on alto it is difficult to find a harness that doesn't pin the sax to your chest like a 6 pound medal. I have made my own harness also but I think your design will be better. My Conn New Wonder II alto needs a very short sling, and I think this harness may adjust to that high spot. Thanks

 

[Captain Beeflat]

Why not loops through which your arms fit....linked together at the back?
The link to the horn could be a converging "V" from the front of the arm loops.
This would ensure that nothing comes anywhere near your neck.