Ergonomic Sax Strap or Harness

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Ergonomic Sax Strap or Harness

Melvin Llord (Admin)
- 538 posts
February 3, 2011 1:37:20 PM EST

Ergonomic Sax Strap

I've been looking for a better strap to reduce the discomfort on my neck when I play. has anyone tried the Oleg Strap?

"Designed to alleviate pressure-caused discomforts of conventional straps, the Oleg Ergonomic strap features a recessed neck cushion, smooth action sliders and an easy release hook."

This post was edited by Melvin Llord (Admin) at February 3, 2011 1:37:51 PM EST
Roy Elder
- 1 posts
February 3, 2011 2:26:08 PM EST

I´ve found that the harness is the best. Nothing better although slighltly unconfortable BUT VERY HEALTHY!!!
Melvin Llord (Admin)
- 538 posts
March 5, 2011 7:45:14 AM EST

I am a bit hesitant to use it sometimes, but I agree with you. It is definitely better to avoid neck pains! Specially for me, since I have 4 herniated disc on my neck.
Deleted Member
August 2, 2011 9:15:40 AM EDT

Which instrument are you looking to pair this strap with? I have tried a whole plethora of neck straps, and agree with Roy - nothing that goes around your neck will ever compare to use a harness, which will put the weight on your body instead. The ultimate solution for bari players would be a stand (made by ADAMS), but that I can see how that would not be practical for all purposes.
Robert Smith
- 21 posts
June 18, 2012 1:10:25 PM EDT

I use a shoulder sling that I made myself. It spreads the weight across my left shoulder and back, and is more comfortable to me than a harness. I've used every stand made, including the Adams. I find that as a tall person, I have to accomodate the limitations of the stand with my posture, resulting in severe lower back pain. So I only use a stand for gigs where I have the need for speedy doubles changes.
Melvin Llord (Admin)
- 538 posts
June 18, 2012 1:26:44 PM EDT

I'll probably need to pay you to make one for me too! lol.. can you tell me how you made it?
Robert Smith
- 21 posts
June 19, 2012 11:11:59 PM EDT

I'll post some pictures soon and a parts list as well. It was custom fit to me, which is part of why it works so well.
Michael Collins
- 1 posts
August 14, 2012 3:41:27 PM EDT

I've been using the Oleg strap with my Tenor for last few years but recently I've been suffering from a numbness in my 'little' finger, after a visit to my doctor etc he recommended that I try to ease off playing?? I'm a full time musician so that wasnt an option. after some research and trial and error Iam at the moment using a new device called a "SaxHolder" that I sourced here - http://www.sax.co.uk/acatalog/Saxholder.html

I find it brilliant!! all the weight of my Tenor is evenly distributed over my shoulders and the centre abdominal rest. took a few gigs to get used to it but cant see myself ever going back to a strap!
Melvin Llord (Admin)
- 538 posts
August 14, 2012 4:16:27 PM EDT

I tried the sax holder at NAMM. It seems to work for a lot of people.
Courtney Kuhn
- 1 posts
February 7, 2013 11:32:10 PM EST

I recently purchased something called a "breathtaking" saxophone strap, which serves as a harness but centers the weight on your shoulders, instead of your back or neck. I suffer from severe low back pain, and harnesses always increased that problem. This strap is the best thing for ergonomic saxophone playing, especially for those who suffer with neck and back pain. It also transforms your breathing and really opens up your chest.

Unfortunately they are expensive and hard to obtain. They are only made and distributed in Japan, so I got mine from a friend of my teacher's named Jun Okada, a pianist who distributes them in the US. Her email is Pianistjunokada@gmail.com and she's pretty good about responding.

Hope this helps... if you're serious about saxophone and play for 5+ hours a day, this is very worth the price. Cost range is about $190-$260.

This post was edited by Courtney Kuhn at April 25, 2013 3:23:32 PM EDT
Melvin Llord (Admin)
- 538 posts
February 7, 2013 11:36:26 PM EST

Thanks Courtney, I heard about these, very interesting. This may be a good investment for me when I get my tax return lol.
Curtis Swift
- 1 posts
April 23, 2013 12:24:10 AM EDT

The best neckstrap harness I have found is from saxharness.com

Total neck freedom. Very comfortable, easily adjustable.