3 BEST Saxophone NECK STRAPS for your COMFORT

#bettersax #saxophone #saxophonelessons
Jay Metcalf reviews and compares saxophone neck straps.
Saxholder - JazzLab
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Balam Back Strap
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Just Joe’s Gel Strap
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[@spencerknutsen464]

0:56 that explains why me and my peers act so dumb at band events

[@ofoflofo7815]

TRUE

[@kidding6712]

FAXXXX

[@courtneyalbanese1406]

This video made me feel bad about my crappy neotech that I’ve had since the fourth grade 😂

[@hughsmithau33]

ahahha! the neotech are ok but they could inprove on them!

[@gallofilm]

me too lmao

[@cazza158]

Neotech is fine but disintegrates in tropical climates

[@jamirgordon9745]

The old traditional neck strap. 3 things I hate about it. - Uncomfortable - Falls of saxophone easily - Just sucks.

[@treesap3656]

Wow

[@danieltapia-ruano1056]

Yea it pops off like 20 times in an hour and I’ll be playing and then bam my sax hits my chair really hard cause it disconnects

[@MegaMech]

Wait, you're telling me the reason I couldn't play well in Jazz band was because my neck strap was choking me? Why didn't I buy a neck-strap two years ago...

[@nrosendahl6400]

Hi Jay, I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your videos. I’m a professional saxophonist in Australia and I recently stumbled across your channel while doing some online research into buying a new horn. It’s really awesome to see “real talk” educational online content that you’ve created and presented so well, and in such an enjoyable and authentic manner. Can’t wait to hear and see more. Best 👍👍

[@lylecrawford2794]

After purchasing the Jazzlab Saxholder for my Mark 7 tenor last year, I could never go back to a conventional strap. It almost felt like my sax was just floating in front of me when I first tried it, although I still find the ergonomics on this horn less than ideal for my small hands.

[@adonisdiaz969]

My favorite is the jazzlab sax holder, I'm going to ask for it for christmas. (I mainly play bari sax)

[@haydenjt0327]

Aye same

[@scubadiva666]

Link to this?

[@adonisdiaz969]

Just search it on Amazon

[@jackguhl4556]

Use the link in the description, it’s in affiliate so better say can make some more money, especially with COPPA coming up

[@liljuicebox5789]

Bro I just got mine today it is the best thing ever I play tenor but I think it would be great for bari it’s epic

[@817bgar123]

I have a variety of saxophones... my favorite is a Voodo Rex tenor because, for me, it's easy to play and like the tone. However, it's mostly copper and pretty heavy. And, for an old geezer (70), it can get pretty tough on the old bones. I have found that a shoulder harness works best for me for longer plays.

[@nicholas-ewing]

I’ve just always used a nice neotech neck strap it’s amazing

[@aboveaveragebayleaf9216]

I, and most sax teachers I know don't recommend those, because they allow the horn to bounce. It isn't good to have the horn moving up, and down while playing.

[@nicholas-ewing]

@@aboveaveragebayleaf9216 How does it allow the horn to bounce? I have never had problems like that with mine.

[@aboveaveragebayleaf9216]

@@nicholas-ewing there is stretch in the strap. It is not a steady support.

[@nicholas-ewing]

Clayton Kwater I know that there is a stretchy part in the strap but I’ve still never had the problem of it bouncing. Maybe it’s just the way some people like to play that causes a bounce but it has never been a problem for me.

[@Michaelsax5]

Me too Peanut!

[@saxd0ct0r]

Just found your channel and have really enjoyed your content. Keep up the good work! I have used the Just Joe's for several years and just recently started using the Sax Holder. Two things I have noticed are: 1) the Just Joe's strap would stain the collar of my shirts, which is not an issue with the Sax Holder; and 2) the Sax Holder can fit under my jacket, making it practically invisible. For me as a military musician, these considerations make it well worth the money invested in finding the right strap.

[@capailldubh]

Have the JazzLab. I am a newbie but find I can practice standing for a long time without strain using it. I sometimes sit on a high stool and can play the tenor no problem to the side. It just pulls slightly to the left shoulder. Sure beats the jury rigged camera strap I was using. I'm 62 and could not care less what I look like. The sax is usually in front of it anyway :-) You have to take the time to rebend the arms to suit your shape. Great for the price.

[@guywithdogs]

I have the Jazzlab for my bari. It's great for playing standing up, though I've had a couple of times where it would start to "climb" off my shoulders. Not sure if it was shirt, adjustment, humidity at a gig, or what. But it's been really few, and it's great for standing and playing the bari. I can't play it sitting down, though. Have to use a regular strap for that.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Why would anyone spend hundreds to several thousand dollars on a sax, then cheap out on the strap you have to live with every time you have your hands on it?? Bad money management? :)

[@capailldubh]

Not with you Winds. The Jazzlab feels secure and works for me regardless of the price. Don't worry, I can manage my own money ;-)

[@matsmanteatern698]

As usual very good and informative video Jay! My main strap is the Jazzlab. Because to me, its the one that puts the weight of the tenor away from my neck the best way. I don’t find any problem with sitting down and playing. Okey it looks a bit odd, so I have a Balam that works ok for gigs. But my neck is definitely most happy with the jazz lab. Haven’t tried just joes, but it looks much like a conventional neck strap with just some extra padding..as you say, probably works great for soprano and alto..

[@oatjohnsonmeal3292]

juStBuY a NeoTEch

[@ofoflofo7815]

INR

[@GodzUnit01]

Ofof lofo what does INR stand for?

[@wildsmiley]

GodzUnit01 I think he meant IKR, which stands for “I know, really”

[@Error-zu2fw]

Thank you for the video, I put a list of this stuff for my parents to consider!

[@AndrewSmith-ks9xi]

Which saxophone do you main?

[@ianshaw7052]

I use the Balam premium neck strap and I play more Bari than tenor. My question is, do you have any suggestions to avoid the strap sliding down while playing?

[@vncstudio]

It's shocking how bad straps for sax are. The straps just stops the blood from flowing to the brain. LOL. I'm going to try a BG leather harness. I'm a guitarist now getting back to alto sax as an additional instrument. I use ergonomic straps and other supports depending on the type of guitar.

[@isnow8278]

What strap did Bill Clinton use on sax? p.s. Am I the only one here who is f'n around on sax without being in band? Lone wolf over here haha

[@k9m42]

Just Joe works well for the alto but only the SaxHolder works for me with the tenor, anything else I’ll get bad neck pain after a few days of playing.

[@claude5125]

Thanks, very interesting,,,, almost never we hear about the importance of the stretching. Hands, arms, neck, shoulders support weight. A lot of people may feel tension after playing any instrument. Stretching could reduce the risks of tendinitis.

[@BullsFan09]

I've used the saxholder for nearly 6 years now. One of the best buys I ever made for my Cannoball Big Bell tenor 😁

[@bettersax]

Yeah, definitely a good investment.

[@directcurrent5751]

Best saxophone channel on Y T.

[@stratusphunk]

I’ve been using the Balam standard back strap for 2 years and was happy with it. But while I was practising yesterday, the cord that holds the spreader located above the hook broke without warning where it attaches to the left aluminum shoulder piece. It looks like it frayed where it contacts with the edge of a metal adjustment ferrule. Fortunately, I was holding my tenor saxophone at the time or it would have fallen to the floor and been damaged. After 2 years of daily use, the strap cord shows slight fraying where it passes through the spreader holes, but where the cord broke is hidden by a ferrule, so I couldn’t see that it had frayed through until after it broke. The hook is showing significant wear, too, where the sax hangs. Users should check the cord and hook periodically for wear and be aware they may need to be replaced after a couple of years.

[@siliconvalleytechlaw]

I've had the Balam Classic for almost a year now and I play tenor almost exclusively. I always found traditional neck straps to eventually start to make my neck sore which affected how long I would practice. Having the weight on your shoulders really makes a huge difference because I basically forget I even have a strap, which is cool, so I would personally recommend any strap to a tenor (and bari player) that shifts the weight to your shoulders. You'll be amazed at the difference. Three things I would share if someone is looking to buy a Balam. First, there are lots of ways to adjust it, including bending the aluminum straps (covered in leather) and also the back area behind the neck. I had to make adjustments to form a "V" shape behind my neck that caused the curved portion over my shoulders to spread out, otherwise it would dig into the sides of my neck if the curved portion on your shoulders went straight from back to front (if that makes sense). It's obviously very body specific but playing around with the adjustment behind your neck can be beneficial and isn't really obvious. The second thing is, as Jay mentions, the slider doesn't work great. It slips down constantly because the cord is slippery and the slider isn't very tight so you have to continually re-adjust the length. After awhile this can get annoying. The newer model tried to solve this problem with a hook that is part of the slider so you can prevent the slider from coming down. I ended up putting an "S" shaped thin rod cut from a coat hanger through the slider that hooks into the top and bottom of the slider. What that does is add pressure to the cords running through the slide and causes the slider to stay put. You could probably gently flatten out the slider (which is round) and get the same effect. The third thing I would mention is that I don't think you have to spend the extra $$ on the newest model because honestly, at least in my experience, you don't need the padding on the strap where they added it, I don't think it really does anything. The pressure is all on your shoulders where there is padding already on the Classic, having the padding on the part that sits on your chest to me is just marketing spin to make you buy the newer model but won't add anything in terms of comfort. Just my $.02.

[@bettersax]

Thanks for this additional info. The Balam strap is quite new to me. The locking mechanism on the premium version is not great. It doesn't attache easily, and when you attach it, the slider always slips a bit. Then you have to undo the lock before you can lower the slider to take the strap off. I don't find that this version slips very badly though. Maybe the different cord setup helps as well?

[@siliconvalleytechlaw]

@@bettersax Yeah, I made a piece that emulated the hook on the new version so I could hook the slider and found it was a complete PIA and actually made the situation worse because I had to screw around with it way too much. It seems funny that something like a slider would be a big deal but when you're using it daily it really becomes pretty annoying and is definitely a design "challenge" with the Balam. The Balam is the best looking saxophone strap that has probably ever been built, it's like somebody in the jewelry business took a swipe at designing a saxophone strap, but that has it's negative points as well. Too complicated of a design in many ways and the slider seems to be a last second thought be a non-player. I have a photo of what solve the problem for me but I don't think I can upload it. Over time it seems like the slider issue gets worse as the cord almost gets slipperier the more you use it.

[@nathanmartens726]

I got a bari recently and I’ve been having to wear a neck strap with no padding and I have a sunburn on my neck

[@fc1lyles]

The Jazzlab is the way to go. I play alto, I found that the back of my neck would start feeling numb during long practice sessions. The Jazzlab puts no weight at all on the neck. Looks funny, but the best neck strap I've ever used.

[@bettersax]

Yeah, wish it looked less weird, but it does what it says it does.

[@IsteadAl]

@@bettersax I use the JazzLab for Tenor, no neck or back pain. Agree that it looks a bit weird which is the only drawback. The guys in my band call it the Stethoscope.

[@matsmanteatern698]

Agree with both in this thread: I’m a tenor player and I’ve had the Saxholder for about 3 years. I was curious on the Balam and bought one couple a months ago. For me the Saxholder is the one that puts the weight of my neck the best! Absolutely the best for long practicing sessions. Don’t think sitting down and playing with the sax on the side is any problem. Only backdraw is the look and maybe the size. That’s why I don’t regret buying the Balam strap wich works fine for the gigs! PS. The Saxholder now has a upgraded new version with some small improvements...there’s always some new gear to buy..😏

[@fosbury68]

I've acquired all 3. For alto I strongly prefer the Balam. You can adjust the cords to make them the right length.

[@uh._.]

Our baritone sax player had an unpadded neck strap and constantly had a rash around his neck, yikes!

[@JSWilliamssr]

I play alto and I have spinal arthritis. Using ANY kind of neck strap is a non-starter. It causes excruciating pain. I bought a Sax Holder from Jazz Lab and I absolutely love it. It causes NO PAIN whatsoever. It does make me feel kind of dorky, like I'm wearing an alien from outer space or something, but it functions like a champ! Highly recommended. Great video!

[@jennifermancia8702]

I love watching your video ! I really needed suggestions for neck straps thank you !!!🙂

[@bettersax]

Thanks

[@Michaelsax5]

Which one did you purchase from this review Jennifer?

[@Joe7166]

I have used the same basic strap for years ..even in High School marching band playing for an hour or more..Sure I felt some discomfort but I accepted it as normal..Really doesn't bother me..Once playing, it's out of mind

[@substantialfault7871]

You know ur a nerd when ur idol is a saxophone lesson person

[@bettersax]

#saxnerdforlife

[@apistosig4173]

Jay - Just Joe's is excellent plus I also bought the Balam. JJs mostly for alto & teaching / Balam mostly for tenor - excellent reviews Jay - thanks

[@gerhardeckley7281]

I have a strap that hooks around my neck and back and meets in the middle of mu chest for my tenor and it takes away all the stress on my neck. I also got it for a very cheap price.

[@jnaime]

Hi Jay, I use Just Joe's one since 1 week, and I'm very happy with it (I play on Alto). Very confortable and compact ! My previous strap was more like a "seat bell" cord and was very slippy, far away from Just Joe's one ! :) Your video confirm me that I made a good choice, thank you !

[@bettersax]

Great, I think you'll get many years use out of that.

[@chriscoulter1358]

@@bettersax Jay I’ve used a BG Harness ( Jimmy Heath recommended) on tenor after having developed arthritic bone chips in my neck after many years of Ray Hyman/Neotech et al. The harness saved my playing career. That said I think it has puts undue stress on my LH octave key thumb( arthritis there now too)! Have you heard of this? Would you say one of these would be worth checking given my history? Thanks so much for your great videos. I share them with my middle school band students!

[@kpoudavoff]

I play with BG one , leather one . Very comfortable

[@hughsmithau33]

yeah!! they are really good the BG neck straps!

[@bfarm44]

First thing I replaced along side the ligature

[@ririmr4978]

Just got an Alto Sax today, SOOOOOOOO excited! Thank you for your vid it is very informative! Gonna go with the Just Joe's :)

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Don't, read (*DO NOT*) go with the cheap one with the plastic clips, padded or not. My rule is: hands on instrument, whatever it is, at ALL times. If your strap gives out, you are still covered because of that rule. Today, the cheap strap i was given unhooked. Lucky for me, thanks to the ironclad rule (hands on sax at ALL times) i was supporting it when it unhooked. It's new, no reason i could figure. It isn't easy to even get on the hook in the first place. So, that's going away immediately.

[@loopingmadman]

Still playing?

[@jesseserranoll39]

I have really enjoyed the Marmaduke Strap, which seems to be similar to the Ballam, though it works smoothly and has a lot of range. I needed something that I could quickly transition between horns especially in the funk band I am in. The Marmaduke easily slides and switches between Bari, Alto and Tenor and is very secure. I have never used a strap with my Soprano, however, in the other band I am in, I play Soprano, Alto and Tenor and the Marmaduke actually makes that transition as well! Thanks to Matt over at West Coast Sax for the recommendation! Never had a problem with it tangling up either!

[@eliwyatt2292]

You know the balam premium has a locking mechanism, right? The boston sax shop has a video on his channel about it

[@georgemonroe9683]

I was looking for a strap that works well if you sit so this video was very informative and it helped me to decide which strap I will get. Thanks you.

[@zachattack4982]

My worst experience came this year at a football game. My cheap but comfortable neotech broke on me so I was stuck on a alto strap with no padding while playing a tenor. I had to stand for an entire 3 hours in freezing Minesota temps (somewhere around 30°F).

[@TheDocCrvtte]

Hello Jay, I love all you do for us sax players, and I have learned so much from you! I used to study with Tony Campise when I was a kid, did you ever know or meet him? Your improv stuff reminds me a lot of some stuff he used to do.

[@lushlife4]

Hi Jay. Was looking into a new neck strap since there have been some innovations over the 20 year old strap that’s cut off the blood flow to my already tiny brain. Great to see what’s out there now and just curious if there’s anything new and exciting since this video was uploaded that you’ve discovered. Thanks a mil for the great educational and entertaining content.

[@bettersax]

Nothing new and exciting since this video that I've come accross.

[@lushlife4]

@@bettersax Much appreciated. Thank you. Don't know if you celebrate on the other side of the pond but I'll say happy 4th of July anyway. Take care.

[@patzicari3604]

Hi…Just a couple of comments on your reviews… I Have both the saxHolder and Balam… Primarily use the Balam… and your comment about the length for Soprano and Alto is easily remedied… Make the cord shorter… which is what I did and it’s easy… and you’ll still have enough length for the Tenor and Bari adjustment you did. I don’t have the Super Deluxe one that you critiqued… and I just modified my Classic to suit me... I have a pacemaker I have to clear and the saxHolder and Classic Balam do just that. Another thing I did was “add” a saxHolder hook to the Balam (you can purchase from Jazzlab). I consider their Nylon over Stainless hook to be the best hook for saxes. My big PLUSES with Balam & saxHolder: 1. Freedom from neck pain. 2. Amount of motion allowed (unlike a sax harness). Minuses: 1. Storage in sax case… both do not fit in my cases (Alto not at all… Hiscox case. Tenor put in bell…SKB case). 2. The original metal hook on Balam… the little piece of plastic hose slips out of place and you get a metal to metal connection.

[@joelpierson2628]

I bought the Jazz Lab about a year or so ago and the excruciating neck pain has pretty much stopped. I think playing Sax was part of the cause but the cell phone played a role also.

[@bettersax]

Good to hear.

[@ramonirizargomez8887]

Thank You for your video. I´m using for tenor the Balam neck strap when I´m practicing. in the shows I ´m using Joe strap..for me is more comfortable. About Balam...perhaps some problems when I´m adjusting the strap in the correct position..it´s not easy to do it...but I think is the best to protect the pressure neck. Gracias por los videos .

[@Lukeplys]

I still use the crappy strap that came with my sax. But at my orchestra, they have a couple of accessories for players who might not have some gear, so when I play there I use the saxholder jazzlab they have. Honestly, it feels great, the look doesn't bother me the comfort is amazing, it almost feels like the weight of my alto is cut in half, I also play tenor in the orchestra so I use it on that as well, it works just as well on the tenor, feels basically the same. So I can vouch for the saxholder jazzlab strap, it's really great.

[@JBZofficial812]

My whole band uses neotech Our band teacher HATES normal nechstraps so everyone has a nice upgrade

[@Michaelsax5]

I use Neotech also, these neckstraps look really odd

[@dnydny7436]

I use a no name strap with a hand crafted cusion made by myself without any dollars paid which is going to be enough for a hobby player like me :))) Thanks for the detailed usefull infos.

[@gcrav]

Getting the load to be carried right is serious business. I know someone who can no longer play her beloved tenor because of a herniated disc. Posture is everything with a conventional neckstrap. Tuck it under the collar and stand ramrod straight to keep the weight on your shoulders and off your neck. For a while I found I was having a problem with fatigue, inconsistently, while using my Just Joe's with a tenor. It corresponded to times when I was concentrating on reading music. The problem turned out to be my tendency to hunch over slightly when reading music, causing more of the weight to be borne by my neck. The problem was solved by adjusting the height of the music stand and being conscious of posture. I like my Just Joe's, but I also see the merits to the wide yoke suspension with the Balam, the Japanese Birdstrap, and some others. It allows the load to be carried more consistently on the shoulders when the strap is in an up-adjusted position. Unfortunately, both of those straps have deal-breakers. The insecure adjustment characteristics noted by Better Sax are inexcusable on a premium strap that costs as much as the Balam. The steel hook on the Birdstrap can destroy strap rings because steel is harder than brass. Brass hooks don't have that problem because they are not harder than strap rings. If Joe were to offer a wide yoke model of his strap he'd be hitting a home run. The Casa Valdez blog also has an excellent review of a number of neckstraps.

[@ruchirsajwan]

Look at me, I'm a guitar guy and watching saxophone accessories video - such a fan of your channel and work :)

[@bettersax]

Thanks. I watch guitar videos sometimes too...

[@hobietiger]

My favorite is the 'Ergonomic Systems FREEneck 8.1K' for tenor. You can play for hours and fell free!!

[@spontaneousgroovincombusti2902]

I've loved my Just Joe's for tenor and alto for about 5 years now- practice and gigging. I'm no spring chicken but I find it quite comfortable.

[@gabeporrasd]

lmao since i play bari sax for my band class at school, i just have it under my hoodie in first period since it's an over-under shoulder strap, and wear it for 1st period because i have band 2nd period

[@numbnotz]

My alto came with a P’Mauriat neck strap, and I play well, but that thing is so uncomfortable, it just really bothers me, and other people in my section comment about how red my neck is almost every day, so I’m thinking about getting either a Neotech or a Just Joe’s.

[@kencalhoun777]

excellent review; good points... i've used a just joe's on tenor for years; it's great

[@JohnFoxBass]

Thoughts on the Vandoren FNH100? I just added a soprano and bari to my arsenal. (Plus A & T)

[@DiMoraDiamond]

Your videos are outstanding. Really. I'm now a subscriber and a fan. I dabble in Bari, Tenor and Alto...I look forward to learning more from your SaxShed materials and videos.

[@legoblox01]

I always want a closed neck strap hook because otherwise the chance the sax slips is wayyy greater. I'd rather not have my sax slip and have the mild convenience of the lever than have my sax slip one day.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Had that today WITH a cheap locking strap. Just sayin.

[@ramonortiz1820]

I will try the Joe's strap for my alto Sax.

[@semplefamily]

I use a neotech harness for my bari and it feels so good. It feels as if 75% of my saxophone became a cloud.

[@kingzephyr9897]

Thanks for your great informative videos Jay. I have learned tons of things watching your channel. I originally watched this video a couple years ago and it helped me because neck pain is a problem for me with tenor and bari. I got the Sax Holder Pro based on your recommendation, and learned about Just Joe's. He has come out with some improvements to his strap, most significantly I think the wide yoke that makes the strap move more away from my neck and more on my shoulders. I use it most of the time for my tenor because it works really well standing and sitting. The Sax Holder is great for taking the weight feels clumsy for me, especially sitting. Another improvement from Joe is offering the straps in different leather colors and different styles and materials for the hook. If you haven't looked at his stuff recently you might be pleasantly surprised.

[@stephengent9974]

Agree on the sax holder in the sitting position. I am still looking for the right solution for me.

[@LoganB591]

I have one of the neck straps that that have really good cushioning on the back of the neck

[@daveblinzinger]

Do you have another source for the BALAM BACK STRAP? Cant get a hold of Boston Sax Shop. Thanks - saxophonedave

[@ph2738]

I like my Jazz lab holder for tenor. I just got a bari this September and it works well except I worry that one day it’s going to pop open and drop the bari as I move around, like to keyboard. Playing standing and bari is to the side mostly. Tenor more in front. Maybe I will get a new jazz lab and it will have fresh tight joints. I used to use a fancy Selmer tenor case and put the jazz lab in the bell, but sometimes the case wouldn’t latch. Don’t see what is getting in the way. Now, I’m back to using a cheap cloth covered foam case, and it always zips up nicely and has more room for other accessories. I’m getting away from black accessories because I have a hard time finding stuff at gigs. Black jazz lab in a black bag, in a black sax case, and it just disappears. Got some bright yellow cables recently. Would like to find horn cases that lined with something other than black.

[@StevenCharlesJazz]

I bought a saxholder some years back (apparently the price has gone down?), and while I like using it at home, when I used it on a gig, I couldn't help but feel that it looked like I was wearing some sort of prosthetic device, it was not very smooth in sliding up & down, & made bending over quite challenging, as it kept wanting to slide off my shoulders. If I used it again, I'd probably see if I could put it under my shirt, which should work as sliding it the cord up/down doesn't move the strap itself, thus the point where the cord connects could fit between two buttons of a shirt. Of course, if wearing a jacket, it probably wouldn't look so odd, as well. Speaking of appearance, I think the Balam is probably the worst, with all those cords, especially behind the neck, and the front has always looked to me like someone is wearing a bolo tie, with what appears to be a longhorn steer slide! I guess I prefer straps that are as little noticed as possible.

[@brittosterloh5237]

Thanks for posting this. I’ve been wondering which strap to get for awhile.

[@Eniral441]

I used a padded neck strap for years and bari is my primary instrument. I didn't notice a problem until I got older, decades later. I developed a curvature in my neck from the weight pulling on the strap. I also threw out my back from the weight of the horn from time to time. It made a particular concert extremely painful to play in because I also used some of those muscles to breathe. That is when I switched to the Neotech harness. I changed out the hook. It may not be as convenient as the other straps, but with bari it does a better job of distributing the weight. I have not had a problem since. It is also a soft strap and folds up easily into my case.

[@FNBRVolts]

I just started bari, and I know this comment is old, but do you still recommend a harness?

[@Eniral441]

@@FNBRVolts I do, but I'm always open to try something else. As a woman, I often have to where it under a shirt. So I'd love something else for performances, but I haven't found something better yet.

[@taralouise2194]

Thank you for a very informative video. As a more ''petite'' woman, if my strap is not fully adjusted as to wear the saxophone will hold from the hook, it is useless for me.

[@antoinepoitras67]

6:26 FASHION SHOW! like it

[@farmpunk_dan]

My number one concern is how the horn HANGS off the strap because that affects my right thumb. I have yet to find a strap or thumbrest combo for alto that doesn’t hurt my right thumb. I do not actually hold the horn on my thumb, but with the way alto usually hangs I have to push it away from my body a bit.

[@1911dawg]

Yeah I use one of those painful neck-straps and the thing is practically a noose.

[@TheWrassler]

As a Bari and Alto player, I use a Jazzlab saxholder, but my saxholder is a little different than the one in this video. Maybe it's a newer version?

[@adammantheos1335]

I received my new sax. However, the ring strap on the Sax is not in the middle/center but sort of on the left side. So, I got difficulty to hold the sax in the middle in front. How to overcome this problem ? Any device (for example ring adjuster) to help ?

[@TimurAbdullaev]

The basic beginner neck strap is very uncomfortable indeed... But if it hurts you to see other saxophone players use it, why didn't you include a better one in The Better Sax alto saxophone bundle?..

[@DuschOne]

It is very important where the saxophone ring is placed, you don't want to lean in front of the saxophone, push it away, or "hunt" the saxophone down in front of you! Altsax is not a problem, but tenor is never stable!

[@spencerknutsen464]

I actually get rashes onnmy neck from all the rinning friction. And the way my strap absorbs sweat

[@spencerknutsen464]

oh my god was i drunk when i typed this? Im underrage, how could this happen?

[@MHMBbMk7]

Any feedback on the HOOKi strap? Looks simple but practical

[@Leah1974]

Would you say that the balam would be the best choice for a tenor who plays in marching band and sitting/wind ensemble/jazz band?

[@bosshogg0713]

I appreciate you bro im a beginner sax player and i always make sure i look at your episodes you give the best advice thanks bro

[@carolbuxton2160]

I loose straps all the time cause I forget to take it off when I put my horn away ! Back in my college days I hid straps all over campus just in case I left my strap somewhere and didn’t have a spare in my case ! ( which happened frequently . )

[@masonrushton1014]

That one moment when you start a sax vid with a beautiful lick...

[@martinmiljour1095]

Bonjour très intéressant vos capsules vidéo. Est-ce qu’elle vous avez déjà essayé cette courroie pour saxophone. Protec Saxophone Harness with Deluxe Metal Trigger Snap C$36.95. C’est celle-ci que j’utilise et c’est une vraie pantoufle pour le dos.

[@BTritone]

The problem I have with the Jazz lab Holder is when I play in my jazz ensemble and lean forward it falls off my shoulders . I have adjusted it a few times because it is flexible but still to no avail! t is the old model. I do not know if the new one is more improved or not.? It fits in my Protec cases in the flute compartment outside pocket but not in my hard shell Hiscox case which only has a small inside compartment. I keep my mpc. and neck in my bell so putting the strap there is not an option.

[@usefulpineapple4538]

Only real Saxophone Players get neck strap tan lines (Mostly from marching band)

[@melvinisaac8706]

The videos mention playing 3 types of saxophones .Why are there saxophone players who exclusively identify an an alto man or a tenor or bari man.Thanks for all your valuable information.

[@danielmalleske9317]

Thanks so much for this and all of your videos. I too have started having neck issues as I get older and chose the Jazzlab sax holder. Love it! Works great with all of my horns. Comfortable and saved my neck. Interestingly, my lower register requires less adjustment to play. Also, about a year ago I was in the market for a new tenor. After watching one of your videos I went with the Yanny TWO 02. Could not be happier. Hands down my favorite sax. I pair it with the Vandoren hard rubber Large chamber mouthpiece and, for me, get a beautiful classic sound. Greatly appreciate your work.

[@samiksapkota]

Jazzlab wins ...experience says...!!!

[@anonymousguy7723]

I personally use the top of the line “ Brancher “ neck strap. They are made in France. It evenly distributed the weight and has a real coated metal hook. I don’t like straps with plastic hooks. I only paid $50 plus tax from John Baltimore in New York City. The price of a good neck strap prevents the devaluation and costly repair to the bow of your saxophone. And makes playing your instruments easier. My strap works easily on my soprano and vintage heavy tenor horn...

[@joer3481]

Same here, I do have a little discomfort and it's a little bit of a struggle to get the strap off the sax when I need to make a quick change.

[@anonymousguy7723]

Joe R No, it’s actually easy because it doesn’t have a locking mechanism. It’s just a heavily coated metal hook...

[@joer3481]

U r right, I just have to get used to it....thanks for your very good videos :-)...C# or Bb.

[@espr7564]

Cool video Jay just what I needed thanks

[@VintageTrailerMagazine]

Your vids are always so timely! I’ve recently moved back to my old tenor and have slipped discs in my neck so, after an hour of playing with a normal strap that I’ve padded out with a seat belt pad that I had in my car, my neck aches and I get a headache so I was content getting the Sax Holder but in the meantime I noticed watching another player on KZbin that he was wearing the neck strap over one shoulder and under the arm so I’ve been doing that lately and it seems to alleviate the strain on the back of my neck somewhat (although still pulls on that one shoulder quite a lot)

[@V081WLBlue]

Absolutely STUPID prices, wise up!!!

[@D.jfernandez]

Great video, as always, but I have a few questions for your next Q+A. What's your opinion on saxophone weights (ex: Meridian Winds resonance weight, weighted neck screws, the Klanbogen I've seen you use in some videos, Le Freque, etc.) and do they affect your sound at all? Do they help with response, and if so, what difference does it make in terms of jazz playing vs more classical playing? I'm kind of skeptical about these products despite all the positive reviews and it would be great if, perhaps, you could make a video reviewing these products as your reviews are consistently in-depth and very well though out. Keep up with the great content, thank you!!

[@bettersax]

I'm planning a video on this topic. Good suggestion.

[@DrRocketTurner]

Thank you 🙏, very clear, concise and always fair/objective! 🚀

[@bettersax]

Thanks

[@Michaelsax5]

Which neckstrap do you use Rocket?

[@menilmontant100]

.... with the alto....no problem... ...but....with the tenor...3.5 kgs....ups!

[@andytheflyer]

I've had major spinal surgery in my neck and I soon found that the usual neck strap really hurt me, no matter how much padding. I tried the Jazzholder but couldn't get on with it, I didn't like the rigid hooks over the shoulders. I eventually found the BG harness and that works for me, for both alto and tenor. The straps go over your shoulders and either clip to your trousers/skirt or loop around your belt. That transfers all the weight from your neck to your waist. It's a bit of a faff to put on, but I soon learned the technique and it only takes a few seconds. The hook height is easy to adjust. The BG harness is, though, way too expensive for what it is (~£70) - but I suppose that's a small price to pay for no neck pain.

[@JJ_Photo]

I have both. The jazzlab wins for me. The BG harness puts the tenorsax way to close to the body. Feels very limiting when playing. But we are all different. Btw, remember that you can adjust the wings on the jazzlab. They should almost touch each other on the backside. This will make it more comfortable.

[@theronhawk6700]

I make my own designer straps from neckties,will send you one of my prototypes soon. Set it then forget it.stays set,

[@derycktrahair8108]

A mate of mine has a "harness" & it looks like a Training Bra. I haven't said anything because I value his friendship. The discomfort from the old school strap can make us FOCUS on specific practice. It also reminds me not play a long & boring solo. (now I play short & boring ones). Thanks for another great video.

[@bettersax]

Yeah those things look terrible and don’t save your back anyway.

[@ntxmt]

HI Jay. I hear you. The traditional strap was trashing my neck as well. I like the Xinlink tenor/alto. It works well and doesn't cause me any shoulder or neck pain with my tenor, alto, or c melody.. (Don't have a bari or sop to try it with.) They're available on Ebay for about $25.

[@bettersax]

cool. thanks for the info.