Which Harness?

[obzi]

I'm just getting to grips with not only playing the Tenor but the handling weight too and quite like the idea of a harness rather than a sling.


I've seen pics of the BG and the Neotech online but open to suggestions/recommendations.

Thanks in advance. :S :S

 

[Pjonah]

Neotech do some pretty good slings for tenor and smaller.

I use a BG harness on Baritone, but I wouldn't for tenor.

I prefer a sling so I'd stick with it, just my opinion though, so do what you feel is right for you, you may find that a sling gives you a greater sense of freedom for sliding across the stage on your knees and the end of your ten minute solo of solos!

Thats what I do any way!

Just kidding, the splinters in my knees put an end to that activity!

Simon

 

[rhysonsax]

I've got a BG harness that came with my bari sax when I bought it. I find it holds the sax securely, but seems to constrict my breathing. I don't find any need for it on bari and wouldn't use it for tenor. I'm sure it depends on the player's physique and personal preferences as to whether they like a harness.

When I bought my bass sax, I found it was too heavy to play on a neck strap. I tried the BG harness and still found it restricting, but just about OK. The maker/previous owner of the bass used a guitar strap over the shoulders, hooking into rings fitted to the top and bottom bow of the horn. This is fairly comfortable, but the horn hangs too horizontal for me and it doesn't feel very secure, despite double hooks at each end.


Some other harnesses:

Gemini Ultimate: http://www.studiospace.com/rcsq/harness.htm

BA SLing: http://www.ba-sling.com/

Zappatini: http://static.zappatini.com/gems/musicomProspektWen.pdf

http://www.zappatini.com/musicom/

Neotech softharness: http://www.neotechstraps.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=9&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=&CATEGORY_ID=4

Lots of harness threads on SOTW, such as: http://www.saxontheweb.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=54608

Hope this helps

Rhys

 

[Linky Lee]

I much prefer the BG harness to the Neotech.

The Neotechs are made of a really weird material that can cause irritation and itchyness when hot. The Bg does a good job and is less imposing than the Neotech. It's quite easy to waer under a Jacket whereas the Neotech protudes and bulges.

The hook is quite close to the body and works well for Baritone as designed and does work for Tenor. It makes the tenor appear very very light actually, but there isn't as much freedom as with a sling.

Now I've gotten rid of my baritone I no longer have a harness so I'm back to the sling, which is heavier and does start to ache after a while. If I could spare the cash I'd probably invest in a harness, especially since I plan to spend a large number of hours practising at University.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I too have a BG, I use it on the bass. I tried a couple and had to return them (thanks sax.co.uk - very helpful) until I found the right one for me and the horn.

 

[Rogerb]

I use the Neotech sling which goes over my left shoulder and under my right arm..... It seems to put less pressure on my arthritic neck vertebrae.
I don't have any real problems with the stretchy neoprene, even here in Spain.... sure I sweat, but I don't play for hours at a time (as I understand some of you do!)

 

[scooch]

I've got the neotech neck sling and the BG harness. I always start practising with the neotech and when my neck starts to get tired I swop to the BG. The BG is certainly more comfortable, but gives less freedom of movement - plus you look a bit odd with it on!
Oh, thats on a tenor by the way.

 

[Bobby G]

I use a Neotech sling on both alto and tenor, and would probably do the same if I played a bari. If you are at all vain, a harness will somehow over-emphasise any, erm, thickening at the waist like what I've got 🙁

I must try the Rogerb sling method - is it comfortable, Roger? I don't have any arthritis, but sometimes get a strange aching between the shoulders, as well as being prone to (and sometimes prone due to) lower back problems.

All these aches and pains, I'm starting to turn into old git here :whistle:

Cheers, Bob

 

[old_git]

Wimps.
Good job Henry V didn't have you lot.🙁

Barbed wire sling
is the only thing.

(And it rhymes.) :laugh:

 

[griff136]

I use a cheese wire with a fish hook on the end!


but being serious - if its a sense of security you want then get a sling with a good plastic coated metal hook on the end. some of the plastic clips just dont seem to be strong enough.

 

[Pjonah]

Bobby G wrote:
........If you are at all vain, a harness will somehow over-emphasise any, erm, thickening at the waist like what I've got 🙁

Cheers, Bob

I hope you not referring to anyone in particular her Bob, my man boobs are coming on nicely thank you. Just as soon as I can off-load the pregnancy I recon I'll be a real corker!

Simon :laugh: