Neck angles... do they make a difference?

[Konrad]

Some of you know that I have been wrestling unsuccessfully with tenor for a while now. It seems as if I can never get comfortable, that I need to lean back to play and that too much pressure is on my thumb and hands.

Altos feel great, but I love the sound of tenor.

Anyway, I noticed that Selmers have two necks available, one for sitting and one for standing... Would a different neck curve make a big difference? On my Yamaha I've noticed I feel great sitting down to play, but the problem comes when I'm standing up. I'm beginning to think my problem does not lie in the keys, but in how the sax sits next to me.

Opinions?

K

[Roger McWilliams]

Konrad, maybe you've already done the following but here is a simple suggestion. Before going into neck issues and expenses, I would suggest trying different neck strap positions and even types ranging to including a harness. There is a range of playing positions possible with tenor while sitting going from horn in front to horn at the side. And how the strap supports and how much your thumbs support varies a lot. If you can't find a comfortable arrangement then get a lesson with a very mature pro who has seen it all in positions. You might find a setting which works, maybe you have an alto mindset that does not lead to comfortable tenor position. Or maybe your body dimensions really don't fit tenor well and some other change like a different neck is in order.

Necks do effect tone but not so hugely. There are even straight tenors out there. So, I imagine some combination of position will work, and failing that there may be a tenor or neck out there which works well.

[MS]

This is a very small detail, but most players find that they must raise their neckstrap just slightly when going from a sitting to standing position. And conversly readjust slightly lower when going from standing to sitting. Might be worth investigating that possibility. It's just avery small amount.

[Konrad]

Thanks guys...

Maybe I should look at some other neck straps...

A harness?

K

[Konrad]

I BOUGHT A NEW NECK STRAP AND IT MAKES A BIG, BIG DIFFERENCE!!!


Thanks guys!

K

[Mad Duran]

I know the most important concept for me in positioning any sax to myself for correct posture is to make the horn is coming to me. And not me going to the horn. I see so many people that adjust their heads to accommodate the instrument. If you are planning a lifetime of playing saxophone this basic concept is something every saxophonist should make a point to utilize. It's very simple and easy to remember; stand looking at the mirror, the biggest one possible, just stand there without your instrument, standing straight and well balanced, head is looking forward, etc...when pick up your horn and watch what you do when you put the mouthpiece in your mouth to get ready to play. If your head and body go to accommodate the instrument, you will have problems. If you are able to have the same posture with or without the horn that is what you are striving for.


Players come to me all the time complaining about their ailments. I'm no doctors, but posture is so important for good pain free health. I highly recommend studying Alexander Technique for all of you that have any pain that you may think it is related to the saxophone.

About 10 years ago I had neck pain, I was practicing alot playing tenor, I thought the weight of the saxophone 12lbs. was getting to me. I changed to a harness neck strap, it helped a little but I didn't like the harness but ....well I'm a girl.... But then I went to see an Alexander teacher. Within 5 minutes of my first lesson he told me I was placing my head too forward from the center of my body and therefore putting unnecessary strain on my neck. Not saxophone related pain you see. In fact I never even brought my instrument into the lesson in six mouths of lessons. What I believe is the saxophone playing can aggravate a situation, but it's probably not the cause. just my two cents.

Neck curves can make a big difference in comfont level on the saxophone. I have had the pleasure and opportunity to play many different brands of saxophones, they all have a different ergonomics. And necks can really help lower the center of the horn to make it more comfortable. I have played a Martin tenor curve on my Selmer, I really like the neck on my MK VI, the response, the sound, it plays great, but it does put the horn in somewhat different position. I never played the neck long enough to see if I could make an adjustment easily without thinking about the difference with my MK VI curve.

[Mbijay]

Hi
You need to so many exercise for neck in order to keep you fit.

[wersax]

Hi
You need to so many exercise for neck in order to keep you fit.

Huh??? :?