Let the sling take the load

[biker1941]

I had a tenor 20 years ago but cannot remember the neck strain I seem to be getting with a modern instrument , Should I take a little more of the weight on the right thumb or just get a harness,I suppose I answered my own question, but what is the norm today sling or harness??
thanks
Clive

 

[jersey_mike]

i'm in the same boat--had the tenor put away for about 13 years and took it back up again--and having the same neck problems. i put the blame on getting older and the body not as strong and limber. i'd love to hear i'm wrong and it's something else, but i doubt it.

 

[phil_edwards]

I think most still use a sling rather than harness.

Check your posture, play whilst watching yourself in a mirror. Try and look side-on too (not easy because whilst trying to look sideways you will naturally move out of your 'playing position' a bit). Have a go though, and check you're not stooping down or bending to one side or other, or some similar problem.

It might just be a few muscles you haven't used for a long time but I'd spend a bit of time at the start of each session really thinking about your posture, and stop every so often to check you're still OK. It'll soon become a natural position, but until it does keep your mind on it.

I know it's tempting to just get on and play, but you could get into bad habits in the rush to make the most of your practice session by launching into playing without getting a few basics nailed.

Good luck, hope it's going well.

regards, Phil

 

[biker1941]

Thanks Phil
Most helpful
rgs.
Clive 🙂

 

[Greywolf]

In my admittedly rather limited experience, modern horns do seem to be heavier than older ones.

My Yani 991 is noticeably heavier than my 1939 Buescher. Even a few ounces can make quite a difference over a period of time.

When I first started playing I used a yoke style harness, and when I was out with the street band I use to wear a harness under my shirt and swap to that if the neck sling was getting too tiring.

I don't like the harness that much because I can't move as freely.

Nowadays however I seem to have got used to the weight and I just use a plain old neck sling.

Mind you I am seeing an osteopath at the moment for a frozen shoulder, and there seem to be a lot of knots and tight spots in my back. Perhaps that's been caused by the sax. I hadn't actually thought of that.