Best Overall Sax
Sax Neck Strap
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: Easy Cleaning
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TedScore: 9/10
Best Strap
Comfort
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Overall: 8.8/10
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Best Feature: Extra comfort around the neck
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TedScore: 8.8/10
Best Budget Sax
Neck Strap
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Overall: 8/10
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Best Feature: Breathable material
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TedScore: 8/10
Choosing the right saxophone neck strap can make a real difference in your playing experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced saxophonist, comfort and security are crucial.
Picture no more neck pain and confidently securing your sax during intense performances. I’ve explored various options and gathered the best straps available. We’ll look at handmade, leather, padded, and stylish designs that offer comfort and convenience.
Are you ready to find the perfect companion for your musical journeys? Let’s make your saxophone playing more enjoyable and pain-free!
What is a Saxophone Neck Strap and Why is it Important?
A saxophone neck strap is an adjustable strap used to secure a saxophone around the neck of the musician.
Neck straps are typically made of leather, rubber, or padded material, and can come in various colours and designs. They’re important for providing comfort and support while playing the instrument, as well as helping you maintain good posture.
Unlike traditional strap-based instruments such as guitars, neck straps also provide additional support to the saxophone mouthpiece.
Besides comfort, they also offer sax players the option to add a bit of style or flair to their performances with various neck straps available in different designs and colours.
4 Features to Look For When Choosing the Best Sax Neck Strap
The Material
Several materials are used to make saxophone neck straps, including leather, neoprene, and genuine leather. Some saxophone straps are designed to reduce neck and shoulder pressure, while others are made to prevent the saxophone from bouncing.
Some straps feature an adjustable design with a Y-shaped strap, while others have a rubber-coated metal swivel snap for attaching the neck strap to the saxophone.
Neoprene straps are made from neoprene with a stretch backing and offer even weight distribution. These straps feel comfortable and lightweight, making it easier to perform longer sets without neck strain or pain.
The Padding
A good saxophone neck strap should feature slings with thick padding to relieve neck pressure and pain. Some straps have paddings covered with water-resistant ballistic nylon, which allows for more comfort and reduces the risk of direct spine pressure.
Other straps use a neoprene pad that offers extra comfort and support.
The Hooks
The hook of a good saxophone neck strap should be strong enough to support the instrument’s weight without sagging or causing damage.
This makes it easy to switch between instruments quickly and safely. Some straps feature a closed swivel hook design for extra security.
Others have an open hook that allows you to accessorize the neck strap with brooches, tassels, or badges for added style and customization.
Finally, handmade straps often have two metal hanger rings for carrying other accessories. These handy add-ons make it easier to carry discrete items such as keys or snacks while out and about playing saxophone.
The Price
When it comes to buying a good neck strap, you want to make sure you spend your money wisely.
It’s essential to consider the price of the saxophone neck strap, along with its other features, before making your purchase. You can search online for reviews and comparisons of saxophone neck straps to help you narrow down your options.
Our Top Pick for the Best Saxophone Neck Straps
Easy-to-Adjust Strap: Rico Padded Saxophone Strap
The Rico Padded Saxophone Strap is designed for saxophonists to provide extra comfort on your neck with its plush memory foam padding. It’s covered in breathable material to keep you dry and comfortable during long gigs.
The strap features a durable plastic snap hook or a curved metal hook connector, which stays securely on your instrument without scratching it.
FEATURES:
*Padded with memory foam and covered with a breathable material
*Curved metal hook connector makes inserting and removing easier
Rico Padded Saxophone Strap, Black
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Quick-adjust slider for simple, precise length adjustments
- Uses a cord that's much less cumbersome than webbing Cons: