Working musicians who play woodwinds always seem to get the short end of the stick. Often if you're doubling, you're playing quite a few instruments and the transitions tend to be really bad. Some composers or arrangers don't enjoy giving us breaks, I'm convinced.
Having just ::one thing:: go a little easier on stage is an absolute life saver when you're juggling so many tasks, so I was really glad to see that Neotech came out with the Doubler Strap. I know it's such a niche product, but these are things that end up making the woodwind community a much happier place.
Two horns, no waiting: The Doubler Strap makes stage life much easier for those playing multiple instruments.
If you're looking to buy one for yourself, you can get one right here
Make sure when looking at Neotech straps to look at all of the options concerning clasps. They sometimes have a few different options per strap.
Two horns, no waiting.
I've never had a Neotech strap that wasn't comfortable and easy to use, and I can say that with confidence after being a user since 1997. This strap is no different. As per usual with Neotech, you can expect a strap with some stretchy Neoprene and memory foam in it, which provides for a comfortable fit. After all, you're looking at clipping two horns here, and the weight of that can be a bit of a problem on occasion.
One of the biggest upsides of this strap is that Neotech offers a selection of three different clips available on this strap. The two different sets of instrument straps are also length-adjustable, so you can make sure that when you put the horn in your mouth, you're not going to have to play awkwardly or suffer from bad airflow, since this is setup kind of like you have two separate neck straps- a real plus!
When I ordered this strap from Neotech, I asked if they would include the closed clasp on the part of the strap I would use for my main instrument (alto/tenor sax) so that it would be secure, and an open metal hook for my doubling instrument (in the case of the test, a soprano sax) so that I could very quickly and easily disconnect my doubling instrument and get it out of the way when it was no longer needed. What a time-saver this was! When playing a gig with no second instrument attached, the second strap portion didn't get in the way of my primary strap.
Want my thoughts?
If you're doing musical theater/pit work, this strap is a must-have and an absolute time and weight saver. Using this on a gig, I had a very easy time transitioning between the two instruments and putting my doubled instrument aside very quickly when it was unneeded. The other option is to wear two different neckstraps, and you can already see why that is less of a good idea than having something like this. It also really helps that both sides of the strap are individually adjustable for the instrument that is on it, so you can guarantee that your posture and airflow will be good, and that you won't have to play your instrument awkwardly.
Why Neotech?
Based in Belgrade, Montana, Neotech has been making products for the music industry since 1986.
Being one of the most comfortable straps to wear for musicians, Neotech strives to change the way we play our instruments by making everything easier. Their website says when talking about the materials they use: "This results in the instrument feeling up to 50% lighter and 100% more comfortable", and as a user of Neotech products since 1997, I'd have to agree.
They also offer a lot of configurable options for each of their straps so that you can feel the most comfortable while using their products.
As well, they've got some of the best customer support that I've experienced in the industry. The company is also constantly looking to develop great new products, or modify existing products for best results.
Make your woodwind doubling life much easier with this product.
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