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I get along OK without padding per se, and my 40K is a fairly heavy model, but it has a contoured brass shoulder plate that distributes the weight. I noticed recently that a seam in my t-shirt can get uncomfortable after a while, so I'd take a tip from the bicyclists who wear special shorts that don't have seams where you sit. So far I haven't figured out how to get the shorts on over my head, but I'm working on it.

Hi-
Neotech shoulder and bottom bow pad(s) on my silver 4v H.N. White/King BBb raincatcher--excellent protection and comfort. Highly recommended!
Mark

I have black Yamaha pad and bow protector on my Conn 4v BBb - they seem well made and have held up for almost 10 years now. The nylon web straps are easy to attach, but they are a bit long. I have used the horn without the pad, it is not as comfortable over a long set.

I have a white pad and bow protector for my plastic Reynolds BBb - got them from The Tuba Exchange many years ago. (Not sure who actually made them, but I think they are not ProTec.) The white leather (vinyl?) shows dirt a bit, but they have held up well. I suppose I could use the horn without the pad but I carry it for very long gigs & parades and the extra padding helps!

jonesmj wrote:Hi-
Neotech shoulder and bottom bow pad(s) on my silver 4v H.N. White/King BBb raincatcher--excellent protection and comfort. Highly recommended!
Mark

Agreed. I use the same pads. They work fine.

Butch

Pondering on the physics, I feel like a pad on the instruments just dulls the pressure. I've been wanting to try a football/hockey/lacrosse shoulder pad. That way, the horn sits on the hard plastic and more evenly distributes the weight across one's shoulder/trap.
Anyone tried this?
BTW Miraphone 4v BBb, heavy as hell.

Since you seem to have a vast supply of this as you frequently recommend it on the board for many different applications - why don't you just lather your shoulder/self up with:

Curmudgeon wrote:Rancid bear grease.

Added bonus: it should affect the opposite sex as much as Love Potion No. 9

I don't use a pad on my 48K... mainly because I just don't use it that often either sitting or standing. I keep it in a play stand.

However... I have a custom 4V helicon that I use for stand-up gigs and it gets pretty 'hurty' after a couple of hours. I use foam pipe insulation bound with black electrical tape to keep that one of my back!

burningchrome wrote: Anyone tried this?

Not as an accessory, but a brass plate more or less like that is part of my 40K. Works great.