Avoid neck pain on saxophone with these strap alternatives

From Back Pain to Breakthrough: How Joel Beat Saxophone Strain with One Smart Tool

Opening: A Real Struggle

“It was either quit playing—or fix the pain.”

That’s how Sax School tutor Joel Purnell describes the turning point in his saxophone career. After years of discomfort, including torn ligaments and chronic back strain, the thing he loved most—playing sax—was becoming a source of frustration.

And here’s the kicker: it all started with a neck strap.

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The Hidden Problem with Neck Straps

For decades, saxophonists have relied on neck straps as the default setup. But as Joel and Nigel discuss in this podcast episode, that tried-and-true strap might be sabotaging your playing more than you realise.

“Our neck’s not meant to take weight,” says Nigel. “Especially not a chunk of metal for hours on end.”

Most straps place pressure on the cervical spine—specifically the C3–C4 vertebrae, one of the weakest points. For many adult beginners or returning players over 40, that pressure builds up fast, especially if posture or core strength is lacking.

A Journey Through the Alternatives

Before Joel found a solution, he tried just about everything:

• Harnesses? Too restrictive—“I felt like a T-Rex,” he jokes.
• Sling variations? Better, but still painful.
• Custom inventions? Joel literally built his own spike-based support system with an engineer friend, clamping it to the bell of his sax.

Each option had its strengths—but also its compromises. And while some, like the Jazz Labs Sax Holder, worked well for others, Joel still needed something more tailored.

Enter ERGOSax: The Breakthrough

Then came the ERGOsax—a new product designed to offload the entire weight of the sax from your neck and shoulders using a floor-based support pole. Unlike Joel’s homemade setup, this one doesn’t require modifying your instrument. It clips directly onto your sax’s existing neck-strap ring.

“I actually found myself able to play long, technical passages—without even thinking about pain,” says Nigel.

How the ERGOsax Works

At its core, the ERGOsax is a lightweight, telescoping pole that takes all the sax’s weight and transfers it to the floor via a foot anchor.

Attaching the ERGOsax:

• Clip the support bracket to your sax’s neck strap ring.
• Adjust the angle using the gooseneck arm for comfort.
• Set the pole to the correct height using one of two mechanisms:
  • Twist-lock system for Alto/Tenor
  • Ratchet-click system for Baritone

 

Finding your balance: Both Nigel and Joel found success by placing the base of the ERGOsax just inside the back heel of their shoe. This positioning helps centre the sax and avoids the sensation of the horn falling forward—an issue that occurs without the typical neck strap “pull-back.”

Alto/Tenor vs. Baritone Versions: What’s Different?

Feature	Alto/Tenor ErgoSax	Baritone ErgoSax
Pole mechanism	Twist-lock adjustment	Ratchet-click for added rigidity
Size & Weight	Slim and light	More robust and stable
Use with neck strap (optional)	Yes	Yes
Flexibility	Good for most players	Excellent for taller/heavier setups
Recommended for	Alto, Tenor, some Sopranos	Baritone (or as a heavy-duty tenor option)

But What If You Sit to Play?

Here’s the honest truth: ERGOsax is best for standing players.

If sitting is essential, you might explore the Sax Seat—a fully built chair system with a sax support arm. It’s sturdy and supportive, though heavier and more expensive.

There’s also the Jazz Labs Sax Holder for a middle-ground option—great for seated or standing players, with less adjustment required.

So, Should You Try ERGOsax?

If you’re:

• Struggling with pain or posture
• Looking to play saxophone with confidence
• Eager to learn saxophone online without limitations

Then yes, ERGOsax could be a brilliant investment. Especially for those who practice daily and are in it for the long haul.

Want More Tips on Playing Comfortably?

• Saxophone Embouchure: 5 Mistakes to Avoid
• Posture & Neck Strap Advice
• Warmups That Actually Work
• Essential Kit for Adult Beginners

Final Thought: The Pain-Free Path to Progress

Neck and back pain shouldn’t be part of your sax journey. Whether you’re brand new or returning to the horn after years away, the right setup can be the difference between burnout and breakthrough.

Just ask Joel.

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About the Tutors

Joel Purnell is regarded as one of the top jazz educators and performers in the UK and has taught for over 20 years at the prestigious Leeds Conservatoire.

Nigel McGill created Sax School Online to share his decades of bandleading experience. His lessons and courses have reached millions of players worldwide.

More info and links:

Check out the ErgoSax support system here.