When it comes to selecting the best saxophone strap, the most important factor to consider is comfort. Straps are available in a variety of styles and materials to help relieve pressure on the neck and back. Many straps are designed for specific woodwind instruments, so make sure you get the right one for your saxophone. Reading user reviews and comments on blogs, forums, and music-related websites, as well as speaking with other saxophonists, can help you find the right saxophone strap. Keep in mind, though, that the strap should serve primarily as a safety precaution, with your arms and muscles supporting the instrument.
Saxophones, particularly baritone and tenor instruments, are heavy instruments, and a well-designed strap can help bear that weight while reducing fatigue and pain. Padding in the load-bearing areas of the strap — typically the widest area that rests on the back of the neck and shoulders — is strategically placed in well-designed straps. For padding, the best quality straps use highly resilient memory foam that molds to your body’s contours. Cheap saxophone straps usually have minimal padding that wears out over time, making them a bad investment.
If you’re shopping for a saxophone strap in person, bring your instrument with you so you can see how well the strap fits. Observe how well the strap distributes the weight of your sax across the back of your neck and shoulders after you’ve attached it. Make sure the strap isn’t digging into your skin and isn’t putting pressure on your carotid artery in your neck. Keep in mind that minor discomfort can quickly escalate into a major neck ache if you play for an extended period of time.
Many manufacturers tailor their straps to the player’s height as well as the type of saxophone used. Depending on the musician’s height and the size of the instrument, well-stocked music stores and online music gear sellers typically offer several sizes. Tenor and baritone saxophone straps are typically thicker in construction and have a wider, thicker padded area. The padding on a saxophone strap designed for alto or soprano saxophones is typically less dense. The majority of designs include an adjustable cord lanyard for adjusting the instrument’s resting height.
Saxophone straps are made of a variety of materials, the most common of which are leather and nylon. A well-tooled and stitched leather saxophone strap can give your instrument a sophisticated look. If you’re in a marching band or frequently perform outdoors, you might want to consider a strap made of moisture-resistant nylon or polyester webbing. In outdoor settings, synthetic strap ends can also be more durable than leather. Colorful designs are often printed on cotton or polyester webbing straps, which can add some flair to your onstage presence.