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Look, if you're not actually playing the saxophone or similar instrument, trying to get the best tones out of your horn and winding up for one of those great solos, it might seem to you like the neck strap is just a generic accessory, and what you choose doesn't make any difference. But talk to experienced saxophone players, and you'll hear a different tune – no pun intended.

The reason that saxophone neck straps and similar gear are so important relates to the ergonomics and comfort of playing one of these horns. Even the smaller student saxophone is a pretty large object – and hanging that in front of your body requires some level of coordination and strength! That means that you need the best support over time to be the best you can be. 

Lanyard-Style Saxophone Neck Straps

One of the more basic forms of saxophone neck straps is a lanyard style strap that just suspends the horn from a single line hooked to a loop that fits around your collar.

In some cases, a simple lanyard style neck strap works. In other cases, the player will want something a little more evolved, either because of health conditions or other concerns. You want to make sure that the strap helps the horn to “fit” your body the right way – for ultimate comfort and feasibility as you play.

Holster or Diagonal Neck Straps

Most of us will be familiar with these types of saxophone neck straps, because they look a lot like straps for various kinds of pack bags that we would use to carry around cameras or other gear. The straps go from one shoulder to the waist, in order to distribute weight evenly.

Then you have your harness style saxophone neck straps which also serve this purpose pretty well. Look at different shapes and sizes to get an idea of what’s available for you. 

Collar Padding

Here's another neat feature that some of the best saxophone neck straps have built in.

With a lanyard style strap, you may have a thick padded collar piece that rests on both shoulders. This helps to prevent the weight of the horn from digging into your neck and clavicle, and so it also distributes the weight in its own way.

Turn to WestCoast Sax for advice on saxophone neck straps and much more. We are horn players, and we understand the nuts and bolts of getting the most out of your saxophone over time. Take a page from an established seller of sax gear and purveyor of sax wisdom around.