Image: MomJunction Design Team
In both pop and jazz, the saxophone is one of the most prominent wind instruments. It is frequently played standing up, and a neck strap aids with positioning. The best saxophone neck strap improves the player’s performance by uniformly distributing the instrument’s weight and reducing neck and back strain.
A neck strap also makes the instrument light in the hands and aids the musician’s performance. Therefore, choosing the correct strap is critical whether you are a novice or a professional saxophonist.
We’ve compiled a list of exclusive saxophone neck straps from the various versions available in the market. So keep scrolling and take your pick.
Top Picks
11 Best Saxophone Neck Straps
1. Best Comfortable:Neotech Saxophone Strap Regular Swivel hook
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 3,087 positive reviews on Amazon.
The Neotech saxophone harness has an innovative design made of neoprene material. It is ideal for instruments with small eyelets, including saxophones, bass clarinets, English horns, oboes, bassoons, etc. The swivel on-and-off hook keeps the instrument safe in place. This one-of-a-kind unisex strap is available in three sizes, regular, junior, and extra-long loop.
Pros
- Comfortable and durable neoprene padding
- Swivel metal hook prevents snapping
- Fully adjustable nylon straps
- Reduces fatigue, bounce, and neck and shoulder pressure
- Makes your instrument feel 50% lighter
Cons
- Foam rubber on the padding may cause sweat
"The thick, foam cushioning is a relief for my long hours of practice. It gets bonus points for the included swivel hook, which keeps my sax securely in place during performance."
Quick tip2. Best Breathable: D’Addario Woodwinds Store Rico Padded Saxophone Strap
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 704 customers on Amazon have opined that this is one of the best products in its category.
The Rico Padded Saxophone Strap from D’Addario Woodwinds Store comes in two styles for Soprano/Alto and Tenor/Baritone sax players. It features a unique adjuster to alter the length and uses less cumbersome cords than traditional webbing. This tried-and-tested comfortable strap comes in both snap and metal hook variants.
Pros
- Memory foam padding eliminates the strain on the neck
- Soft and breathable strap material
- Strap is long enough to accommodate a tall player
- Comfortable to wear
- Easy to use
- Attractive price
Cons
- Thick padding may build up the heat around the neck
"Even for a beginner like me, this strap is user-friendly with its easy-adjust feature. It's comfortable, too, with the soft padding, and the hook design is secure and supportive enough to keep my instrument steady."
3. Best Adjustable:Yinama Saxophone Neck Strap
The Yinama Saxophone Neck Strap is an ultra-thick comfortable leather strap with a protective rubber casing. This leather saxophone neck strap measures two inches thick and is fully adjustable between 17 and 21 inches. Loved by many reviewers, it is suitable for saxophones, as well as English horns, bassoons, oboe, and clarinets. You can choose it as a gift for saxophone enthusiasts, family, friends, or yourself.
Pros
- Comfortable neck pad
- Adjustable and flexible strap
- Durable and lightweight
- Metal hook gives good latch
- Easy to use
Cons
- Clip is rigid and difficult to move
"It is decently padded around the neck, which gives me enough comfort without overheating. Also, its adjustable design ensures it fits me well."
Point to consider4. Best Padded:ProTec N310M 22-Inch Padded Neoprene Saxophone Neck Strap
ProTec’s premium saxophone neck strap is crafted from neoprene and rubber. It features a metal trigger or swivel snap with easy-grip length adjustment. Neck strap measures 1.5in wide, and you can adjust it between 18 and 22 inches from the neck strap to the bottom of the hook. Unlike regular straps that come in a single size, this is available in three sizes–junior, regular, and tall.
Pros
- High-quality padded neoprene offers comfort
- Straps provide a secure fit without the annoying stretch
- Reduces fatigue, bounce, and neck pain
- Easy adjustment mechanism
Cons
- Neck cushioning is relatively less
"This strap has been incredibly helpful during my saxophone classes, which can go on for hours. It evenly distributes the instrument's weight, reducing the strain on my neck. The rubber-coated metal hook, though a bit slippery, has been helpful in keeping my sax damage-free."
5. Best Easy-To-Clean:Kuwan Saxophone Neck Strap
The Kuwan Saxophone Neck Strap is made from nylon and leather, which give it a classic appearance. There is neoprene padding for the neck to reduce neck pain or strain. This tried-and-tested neoprene saxophone strap is adjustable from 5.2 to 17.6 inches and is two inches wide. The swivel hook attaches to the horn and allows you to move flexibly around while playing. This is a versatile option as it is suitable for most saxophones, bass clarinets, English horns, oboes, and bassoons.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable padded strap
- Large and secured hook
- Strong and durable construction
- Easily adjustable
- Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
- Mixed reviews on durability
"I find this strap truly comfortable for its padded design. Though it's not compatible with all kinds of saxophones, it fits mine well. Overall, it has been a decent buy."
6. Best Handcrafted:Adorence Premium Saxophone Neck Strap
This unique saxophone neck strap is specially handcrafted by skilled craftsmen using genuine leather and soft padded material. Measuring 20.5 inches in length and weighing 5oz, this breathable saxophone neck strap fits and suits most saxophonists. It has two metal hanger rings for carrying brooch, tassels, or badges.
Pros
- Ergonomic fit around the neck
- Attractive design
- Elastic padding reduces sweat
- Reduces neck and shoulder pressure
- Patented Y-shaped adjustable design makes it easy to push and pull the sling
Cons
- Some may find it stiff at the neck region
"I've found this strap quite practical for effortlessly switching between instruments during gigs. Though it doesn't have a hook system, the locking mechanism is sufficiently secure. Also, the leather is visually appealing."
7. Best Easy-To-Install:Pangda Saxophone Neck Adjustable Strap
The Pangda Saxophone Neck Strap is crafted from high-quality nylon and PU leather. This neck accessory is suitable for many instruments, including most baritone saxophones, English horns, oboe, bassoons, and clarinets. The strap width is one inch, and the length is adjustable from 15.7 to 21.2 inches. Tested by many reviewers, the lightweight saxophone neck strap comes with a sturdy metal hook for a good and secure fit.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable pad releases pressure from neck and shoulder
- Durable metal hook provides stability and security
- Easy to install and remove the saxophone
- Compact design
- Suitable for players of different ages and postures
Cons
- Some may find it bulky and uncomfortable
"Switching to this wider, padded neck strap has been a good decision—it has helped alleviate my shoulder and neck pain. It stays comfortable throughout the practice sessions and provides incredible support. The included bag has not been of much help to me, though."
8. Best Ergonomic Fit:Rinastore Saxophone Strap Genuine Leather Sax Neck Strap
Rinastore’s quality neck strap makes you feel comfortable with its 100% real leather double-layered construction. The rope connecting the leather can withstand a capacity of more than 66lb. The ergonomic saxophone strap fits most saxophones (Alto, Soprano, Tenor), English horns, bass clarinets, oboes, and bassoons. It is 2.3 inches wide and 17.3 to 22 inches long.
Pros
- Soft and breathable leather
- Thick neck padding relieves neck pressure and pain
- Secure fit
- Closed swivel hook design offers security
- Easy to install and remove the saxophone
- Ideal design for musicians as well as students
Cons
- Relatively short for tall people
"I've used this strap with different styles of saxophones, and it has been secure enough for each. The metal hook seems sturdy and durable. Also, it's well-balanced and adjustable, making frequent movement during performance a breeze."
9. Best Swivel Hook:Movo MS-20R-B Music Instrument Neck Strap
The Movo strap is made of soft padded neoprene, and its wide yoke eases the instrument’s weight, thus reducing the strain. It features a universal swivel hook that supports most saxophones, bass clarinets, horns, oboes, and bassoons. It features an adjustable length of up to 19.6 inches to enhance comfort levels. The exclusive saxophone strap with a swivel hook has a colorful design and comes in short, medium, and long sizes and in four colors.
Pros
- Neoprene pad offers superior comfort and support
- Relieves stress on the neck and shoulders
- Can be adjustable to the desired length
- Hook gives you the ability to change instruments on the fly quickly
- Comes with a one-year warranty
Cons
- Some may find the edges of the pad rough on their neck
"I appreciate how this sturdy strap tackles different saxophone types, except for the larger ones, without being bulky or uncomfortable. It certainly has made those long practice sessions more manageable."
10. Best Durable:Xinlink Professional Black Soft Padded Saxophone Neck Strap
An ergonomic option, the Xinlink padded neck saxophone strap with quick-release buckle has an easy-grip length adjustment mechanism. It is made of nylon and cotton that offer extra durability. This works perfectly for professional sax players and is helpful for heavier saxophones such as Baritone and Tenor. The one-inch wide unisex strap is adjustable from 17.5 to 21.5 inches in length.
Pros
- Soft padded design relieves neck pain
- Durable plastic swivel hook
- Easy to install and remove the saxophone
- Adjustable to the desired length
Cons
- May not be durable
"Though not entirely breathable, the soft-padded neck strap has a plush-like feel to it, making it my favorite pick during practice. The length is perfect for my alto and soprano saxes, and the clip is sturdy."
11. Best Sweat Absorbing:Focusound Upgraded Length Saxophone Neck Strap
The Focusound Upgraded Length Saxophone Neck Strap is suitable for sax players of all ages and sizes. Its length is adjustable from 17 to 22.8 inches and has a weight capacity of 42lb. This saxophone harness has a comfortable design and is suitable for long-term practice and concert play. It is universally compatible with Tenor and Alto saxophones. This Alto and Tenor saxophone neck strap is made of quality leather and nylon and features plastic swivel hooks.
Pros
- Quick and easy to install
- Strong and durable construction
- Breathable and sweat absorbing material
- Sturdy plastic swivel hooks
- Ultra-comfortable and supple leather pad prevents neck pain and pressure
Cons
- Plastic hook may not be as durable
"This neck strap has been my constant companion during my day-to-day practice. It's comfortable and has certainly reduced neck strain during the long sessions. The adjustment slider tends to slip occasionally, so ensure it fits properly."
How To Choose The Right Saxophone Neck Strap?
You can consider the following factors to pick a saxophone neck strap that offers the needed comfort and support while playing the instrument.
- Material: Most saxophone neck slings or straps use nylon or cotton webbed construction. Some also use natural leather that is more durable than webbed straps.
- Padding: Different straps have different padding materials to enhance softness and comfort levels. Choose a strap with padding that feels soft on your neck.
- Hook: A strong hook keeps the instrument safe from a fall. Beginners who are learning to play need hooks that can clasp in place. Choose straps with quality hooks made of metal and not plastic. Swivel hooks with safety hatches are less likely to break or snap.
- Length of the strap: Adjustable long neck straps are easy to set according to your height. A strap that is too long will make you slouch as you bend your body, and one that is too short changes the angle of the mouthpiece. So, prefer buying an adjustable neck strap.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I wash a saxophone neck strap?
It’s often recommended to clean a saxophone neck strap with a damp cloth or gently handwash them. Cleaning them in the machine or dryer can damage both the machine and the strap. It is recommended to go through the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
2. Can the neck strap be adjusted on a saxophone?
Most saxophone neck straps can be adjusted according to your need and torso length.
3. Are saxophone neck straps interchangeable?
Yes, most neck straps mentioned above can be used for baritone soprano, alto, and tenor saxophones.
4. How often should I change the saxophone neck strap?
On average, they can be cleaned and switched once a month. However, it depends on how much you sweat and how frequently you use them.
5. Which material is best for straps?
Ultra-soft and supple leather padded straps or breathable neoprene-based straps are suitable for preventing neck pain.
Having the best saxophone neck straps helps avoid neck pain and keeps you comfortable. Our list of products has been curated to help you make an informed decision. There are various saxophone neck straps, which you may choose based on your convenience. You may buy one that is your size or with adjustable straps. Playing saxophone without a neck or an inappropriate strap can affect the performance. You may also use straps with a pad on the neck for superior comfort while playing the instrument. We recommend the adjustable Yinama Saxophone Neck Strap with a premium rubber casing, and the Neotech Saxophone Strap with a swivel hook for safe instrument placement. With its breathable memory foam, the D’Addario Saxophone Neck Strap is suitable for tall users.
Infographic: What To Look For In A Saxophone Neck Strap?
Saxophones are heavy and large, requiring one to stand and play. Therefore, neck straps can help carry the instrument easily while reducing neck strain and shoulder pressure. Refer to the below infographic to learn about a few features you should consider when choosing a neck strap for the saxophone.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
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