Klarinet Archive - Posting 000051.txt from 1997/04

From: "Lorne G. Buick" <lgbuick@-----.NET>
Subj: Re: Neck straps
Date: Wed, 2 Apr 1997 15:45:22 -0500

A suggestion for Cheryl and anyone else who has a problem with a neck
strap: The best solution I've ever seen was a home-made harness, made out
of an old pair of suspenders! (That's braces for our UK readers) They were
attached at the back in the usual way (clipped or buttoned to the trousers
- I suppose there could be a problem if you perform wearing a dress...),
and sewn together in front with a hook liberated from a regular sax/ bass
clarinet strap. No weight on the neck, works great.

> I do agree that certain straps can put strain on the neck, but this is a
> very personal side effect - I myself have never encountered this dilemma,
> but know of other players who have. ALso, I, like Cheryl, have recently
> put my strap away, and find more freedom in playing without it. Some of
> my tension problems returned but I"m working on relaxing - there is no
> pain anymore. Hope y'all are having a good day!!
>
[snip]
> >
> > The main problem that I found with the strap was that it created
> > unwanted tension and strain on my neck from the constant pulling. I
> > think that these straps are OK to fix short term problems such as I
> > had but they shouldn't be used on a long term basis as they could
> > create more problems than they solve :)
> >
> > Cheryl Morehouse

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
LGB Lorne G Buick St. John's
lgbuick@-----.net Newfoundland
Canada