Back ache

[Ben Cain]

I have suffered from back ache for some years and use jusrt a padded neck strap when playing my JK tenor.
This has the unfortunate effect of bringing back severe back ache when pulling down on my neck.
Anyone got any advice or recommendations of harnesses etc that may help.
Sorry this is not a joyous topic but the pain on my face tends to draw attention away from my music.
Thanks in advance

 

[TomMapfumo]

Play a recorder and ditch the strap. There are certain harnesses around which are recommended, and worth a try (do a search to see what you find). I would imagine that playing a Tenor is not a wise activity given your back problem. The Neotech Super Harness looks possible. Otherwise is it time to consider a change of instrument, maybe.

Kind regards
Tom 8)

 

[stephanie]

Ben Cain wrote:
I have suffered from back ache for some years and use jusrt a padded neck strap when playing my JK tenor.
This has the unfortunate effect of bringing back severe back ache when pulling down on my neck.
Anyone got any advice or recommendations of harnesses etc that may help.
Sorry this is not a joyous topic but the pain on my face tends to draw attention away from my music.
Thanks in advance

Harnesses are the answer. I suffered badly from backache playing tenor with a neckstrap, and bought a harness (BG), since when I haven't had a problem. I use it for the alto as well, and would heartily recommend them.

You might just be able to see it in my picture to your left - but I tend to wear black tops playing so it is a bit invisible.

And at least you won't have the problem I do, which is getting it adjusted so it doesn't look like a slightly kinky wonderbra...
:laugh:

 

[losaavedra]

When I started on alto I sometimes got severe neck ache but a couple of weeks of using a (supplied with it) harness instead stopped that completely. Whereas a neck strap presses all the nerves in your neck (with all the 'transferred' discomfort that might entail because that's the way they all go to the rest of you), a harness instead puts the load on your shoulders which, in comparison, you won't even notice. I don't get neck ache anymore with a strap ... so maybe things toughen up a bit eventually anyway ...

 

[Pjonah]

I got a BG harness for the baritone, does wonders for the man boobs....not.

They are pretty cheap (?25) but good, don't ditch the tenor yet bud, you don't get off that lightly!

 

[thomsax]

Try a harness or a shoulder strap. I use harness on bari and shoulder strap on alto and tenor. My Harness is a BG and the shoulder strap is a Neotech.

Thomas

 

[Rogerb]

I have arthritis of the neck and use a Neotech shoulder strap which goes over my left shoulder & under my right armpit...works well for me...although I don't play for hours at a time!

 

[young_col]

I too have arthritis in the neck - the C4 vertebrae I am told, but playing sax has not made it any worse. I use a padded Rico neck strap. I go to a chiroprator every three months (and did so before starting playing). My chiropractor, who is an amateur musician as well, reckons it is as much to do with saxophonists' typically bad posture as anything. I am bit of a sloucher as well, so I have to remember to keep my back and neck straight. And if it does feel as though it is tightening up, keep it all moving, don't tense up (counter-intuitive, but it works).
Colin