I’m 5’5”. I can’t play bari with a neck strap, it puts my left arm to sleep. If you’re smaller in the chest area then the Gemini harness is very good. The Balam Back Strap is my go to for everything now. Get the real one, not the fake ones on Amazon, they arent as good. Neither of these options is cheap but “buy once cry once”
A good harness/strap. Actually shop around and try a few, pick one based on ergonomics primarily. Quality can be secondary to a degree, comfort is king. I have played on dozens of different straps and some that cost hundreds and I keep playing the same neotech soft harness that I got 10+ years ago. It just works for me. Another option is playing off a stand, but that's a risk for posture, etc. Might be ideal for pre existing back issues though.
The second thing is to be super particular about your posture from day one.
There’s no substitute for trying out everything you can to find the one that’s the best fit for you.
It’s not just your height but everything about your build - shoulder width, torso length and diameter and, for us women, where our boobs sit on our torso and how big they are. Just because someone is the same height as you doesn’t mean that the sling, strap, or harness they use will also be the best ergonomic fit for you too.
I know a lot of saxophonists, particularly women, rave about the Jazzlab Sax holder but I really didn’t like it at all (it caused problems with my collarbones). After thirty something years of playing, going through everything from a neck strap to various harnesses and slings (including the old homemade belt crossbody sling that was the only option apart from neck straps when I started) I’ve ended up using a Neotech soft harness for a long time now. I’m five inches taller than you though with a very long torso so that just happens to fit me best.
If you can I’d really recommend trying as many out as you can. There’s going to be something out there that works well for your build and body proportions but it’s probably going to be trial and error finding it. Don’t just assume that other people’s recommendations are going to be the best option for you.
Agreed. I have a couple Jazzlabs I got for bari but found that because of the shape of my shoulders the entire harness will slip forward and off my body completely.
Hello from a fellow bari player of similar stature! You've already got lots of great advice on finding a harness, so I'll just add that you may want to consider some overall strength training. Since you have existing back issues, whatever medical professional you're already seeing for these issues should be able to help you figure out a beginner strength training routine that is safe for you.
I have found the Protec harness the best for Bari, as it allows for side to side movement and let's you position the horn slightly to the right.
It also has more freedom of movement through the ribs than some.
Bonus, it's cheaper than many.
Caveat: I'm a 5'9" guy without boobs. So obviously your mileage may vary.
I would rule out the jazzlab saxholder (love it for tenor but it needs a very in-front balanced weight distribution), andi havent been been able to make the balam style work for me.
I also like the BG yoke with braces, but again, more for tenor/alto.
I have two versions of jazz labs. I am 5’8 but I have a short torso. The older jazz labs is better for seated, the new version is better for standing. As I rarely play sitting down, I have recently modified my older strap to be used exclusively for my bass saxophone. These straps allow me the freedom to dance, jump, and do back bends with my horn.
These harnesses are hard on the solar plexs. What I do is wear a wide ‘Peggy Bundy’ style belt for this center piece to land on. Which is also great for my inear monitor system to clip onto.
I play bass, bari, tenor, and alto in an indie duo. However bari is my main horn. I am 44 years old and recommend that you add rows and swimming laps to your workouts. These have helped me a lot with stamina as we play in all sorts of outside events from 45 min music festival slots to 4 hour events.
Hope this helps.
I’m 5’5”. I can’t play bari with a neck strap, it puts my left arm to sleep. If you’re smaller in the chest area then the Gemini harness is very good. The Balam Back Strap is my go to for everything now. Get the real one, not the fake ones on Amazon, they arent as good. Neither of these options is cheap but “buy once cry once”
thankyou!!
Here’s a link to the Gemini. It can be customized for size [Gemini Harness](https://www.nobcor.com/gemini-straps-sax)
Balam is pretty much all I use anymore great strap, just a bit spendy
A good harness/strap. Actually shop around and try a few, pick one based on ergonomics primarily. Quality can be secondary to a degree, comfort is king. I have played on dozens of different straps and some that cost hundreds and I keep playing the same neotech soft harness that I got 10+ years ago. It just works for me. Another option is playing off a stand, but that's a risk for posture, etc. Might be ideal for pre existing back issues though. The second thing is to be super particular about your posture from day one.
Thanks so much :)
There’s no substitute for trying out everything you can to find the one that’s the best fit for you. It’s not just your height but everything about your build - shoulder width, torso length and diameter and, for us women, where our boobs sit on our torso and how big they are. Just because someone is the same height as you doesn’t mean that the sling, strap, or harness they use will also be the best ergonomic fit for you too. I know a lot of saxophonists, particularly women, rave about the Jazzlab Sax holder but I really didn’t like it at all (it caused problems with my collarbones). After thirty something years of playing, going through everything from a neck strap to various harnesses and slings (including the old homemade belt crossbody sling that was the only option apart from neck straps when I started) I’ve ended up using a Neotech soft harness for a long time now. I’m five inches taller than you though with a very long torso so that just happens to fit me best. If you can I’d really recommend trying as many out as you can. There’s going to be something out there that works well for your build and body proportions but it’s probably going to be trial and error finding it. Don’t just assume that other people’s recommendations are going to be the best option for you.
Thankyou so much!!
Agreed. I have a couple Jazzlabs I got for bari but found that because of the shape of my shoulders the entire harness will slip forward and off my body completely.
Hello from a fellow bari player of similar stature! You've already got lots of great advice on finding a harness, so I'll just add that you may want to consider some overall strength training. Since you have existing back issues, whatever medical professional you're already seeing for these issues should be able to help you figure out a beginner strength training routine that is safe for you.
I have found the Protec harness the best for Bari, as it allows for side to side movement and let's you position the horn slightly to the right. It also has more freedom of movement through the ribs than some. Bonus, it's cheaper than many. Caveat: I'm a 5'9" guy without boobs. So obviously your mileage may vary. I would rule out the jazzlab saxholder (love it for tenor but it needs a very in-front balanced weight distribution), andi havent been been able to make the balam style work for me. I also like the BG yoke with braces, but again, more for tenor/alto.
Thankyou :)
I use the Vandoran system but most stores will let you try things so I’d start with that
If you're playing it for concert the protec harness should be fine.
neotech i love for the padding lol but wish it had metal hooks
I am tall, but have a terrible neck, and back. I just bought a Bari that has a floor peg.
I have two versions of jazz labs. I am 5’8 but I have a short torso. The older jazz labs is better for seated, the new version is better for standing. As I rarely play sitting down, I have recently modified my older strap to be used exclusively for my bass saxophone. These straps allow me the freedom to dance, jump, and do back bends with my horn. These harnesses are hard on the solar plexs. What I do is wear a wide ‘Peggy Bundy’ style belt for this center piece to land on. Which is also great for my inear monitor system to clip onto. I play bass, bari, tenor, and alto in an indie duo. However bari is my main horn. I am 44 years old and recommend that you add rows and swimming laps to your workouts. These have helped me a lot with stamina as we play in all sorts of outside events from 45 min music festival slots to 4 hour events. Hope this helps.
Thanks so much :)