What is the purpose of the comfort bar on the Protec NB310M?

The comfort bar acts as a spreader to create a larger opening for the neck. By doing so, it draws the weight of the saxophone to either side of the neck, reducing direct pressure on the spine.

Does the neoprene pad stretch during use?

No, the neoprene used in the NB310M is designed to be non-stretch. This ensures that the saxophone stays at the exact height the player sets, providing consistent ergonomics throughout a performance.

Is the strap moisture-resistant?

The strap features a moisture-wicking neck pad. This material is designed to draw sweat away from the player's skin, keeping the neck dry and comfortable during extended playing sessions.

Will the Protec NB310M fit inside a saxophone case?

Yes, despite the rigid comfort bar, the strap is lightweight and designed to be folded. It can easily fit into standard accessory pockets or sheet music compartments within most saxophone cases.

What material is used for the main support line?

The strap utilizes a high-tensile cord rather than traditional canvas. This choice reduces bulk and makes the strap feel less cumbersome while maintaining high strength and durability.

How long is the Protec NB310M strap?

The strap has a length of 22 inches (approximately 56 cm). This length is standard for many saxophone players, providing enough adjustment range for common instrument sizes.

How does this model differ from the Protec NC310M?

While both share high-quality materials, the NB310M includes the specialized comfort bar. The NC310M is a more traditional strap design without the weight-spreading bar feature.

What is the typical price for this strap in the UK?

The typical price range for the Protec NB310M in the United Kingdom is approximately £23. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Is this strap suitable for heavy saxophones like tenors?

Yes, the weight-redistribution properties of the comfort bar and the high-tensile cord make it highly suitable for supporting the weight of larger saxophones like the tenor.

Does the strap use a swivel hook?

The manufacturer description specifies the use of high-tensile cord for the connection. For specific hook types like those found on the Neotech Soft Sax Strap, players should verify the specific clip version provided with the NB310M.

Can this strap be used for other woodwind instruments?

While designed for the saxophone, its ergonomic spreader bar design is similar in concept to straps used for other heavy woodwinds, such as the BG Oboe Zen Strap. However, its 22-inch length is optimized for saxophone positioning.

Is the neck pad soft to the touch?

Yes, the strap features a soft neoprene neck pad. This material is chosen for its cushioning properties to prevent the cord from digging into the player's shoulders.

Gear article

Protec NB310M Saxophone Strap with Comfort Bar

The Protec NB310M is a specialist 22-inch saxophone strap designed to redistribute instrument weight away from the neck using a built-in comfort bar. It features a moisture-wicking neoprene neck pad and a high-tensile cord system to provide stable support for various saxophone types.

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Design and Ergonomics

The Protec NB310M distinguishes itself from standard neck straps through the inclusion of a 'Comfort Bar'. This rigid component acts as a spreader, creating a wider opening that draws the instrument's weight to either side of the player's neck rather than centralising pressure on the cervical vertebrae. This design is intended to reduce the strain typically associated with long practice sessions or heavy instruments.

Constructed with a soft neoprene pad, the strap provides cushioning while incorporating moisture-wicking properties. Unlike some elasticated alternatives, this neoprene pad is engineered not to stretch over time, ensuring the instrument remains at a consistent playing height once adjusted.

Mechanical Features

The NB310M replaces traditional canvas webbing with a high-tensile cord system. This cord-based design offers a less cumbersome profile than wider straps, while maintaining the strength necessary to support the saxophone.

Key features include: * Moisture Wicking: The neck pad is designed to remain comfortable during perspiration. * Portability: Despite the inclusion of the rigid comfort bar, the strap remains lightweight and can be folded to fit into standard accessory compartments or sheet music pockets within most saxophone cases. * 22-inch Length: This specific measurement (55.88 cm) provides the necessary reach for alto and tenor saxophone configurations.

User Profile

This strap is primarily suited for saxophonists who experience neck fatigue or strain when using traditional thin straps. Because it spreads weight across both shoulders, it is an appropriate choice for student and professional players alike. It serves as a middle ground between a basic neck strap and a full body harness, offering ergonomic benefits without the bulk of a multi-strap harness system.

Market Comparisons

Within the Protec range, the NB310M is a more specialised version of the NC310M, with the primary difference being the inclusion of the spreader bar. When compared to the Neotech Soft Sax Strap, the Protec model offers a more rigid support structure via its cord and bar system, whereas the Neotech often relies on more flexible, elasticated materials.

Other ergonomic alternatives in the woodwind market include the BG Oboe Zen Strap, which similarly uses a spacer bar to relieve pressure, though the Protec NB310M is specifically tailored for the weight and attachment points of the saxophone.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the comfort bar on the Protec NB310M?: The comfort bar acts as a spreader to create a larger opening for the neck. By doing so, it draws the weight of the saxophone to either side of the neck, reducing direct pressure on the spine.
Does the neoprene pad stretch during use?: No, the neoprene used in the NB310M is designed to be non-stretch. This ensures that the saxophone stays at the exact height the player sets, providing consistent ergonomics throughout a performance.
Is the strap moisture-resistant?: The strap features a moisture-wicking neck pad. This material is designed to draw sweat away from the player's skin, keeping the neck dry and comfortable during extended playing sessions.
Will the Protec NB310M fit inside a saxophone case?: Yes, despite the rigid comfort bar, the strap is lightweight and designed to be folded. It can easily fit into standard accessory pockets or sheet music compartments within most saxophone cases.
What material is used for the main support line?: The strap utilizes a high-tensile cord rather than traditional canvas. This choice reduces bulk and makes the strap feel less cumbersome while maintaining high strength and durability.
How long is the Protec NB310M strap?: The strap has a length of 22 inches (approximately 56 cm). This length is standard for many saxophone players, providing enough adjustment range for common instrument sizes.
How does this model differ from the Protec NC310M?: While both share high-quality materials, the NB310M includes the specialized comfort bar. The NC310M is a more traditional strap design without the weight-spreading bar feature.
What is the typical price for this strap in the UK?: The typical price range for the Protec NB310M in the United Kingdom is approximately £23. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Is this strap suitable for heavy saxophones like tenors?: Yes, the weight-redistribution properties of the comfort bar and the high-tensile cord make it highly suitable for supporting the weight of larger saxophones like the tenor.
Does the strap use a swivel hook?: The manufacturer description specifies the use of high-tensile cord for the connection. For specific hook types like those found on the Neotech Soft Sax Strap, players should verify the specific clip version provided with the NB310M.
Can this strap be used for other woodwind instruments?: While designed for the saxophone, its ergonomic spreader bar design is similar in concept to straps used for other heavy woodwinds, such as the BG Oboe Zen Strap. However, its 22-inch length is optimized for saxophone positioning.
Is the neck pad soft to the touch?: Yes, the strap features a soft neoprene neck pad. This material is chosen for its cushioning properties to prevent the cord from digging into the player's shoulders.