Tuba harness

[bsptuba]

Does anybody know of a tuba harness that distributes the weight more on to the top of the pelvis rather than the shoulder/chest area. I have been in consultation with the physio at work and she suggested that it would be better to have the weight there rather than over the shoulder/neck area. I also think it would also have a more positive effect on breathing when standing up or marching.

Cheers
Bjorn

[cambrook]

Hey Bjorn,

There's this - as used by Mnozil Brass

http://members.aon.at/tubtub.at/The_tuba_belt.pdf" target="_blank

Cheers,

Cam

[bsptuba]

Cheers Cam
That maybe worth a try
It looks very comfortable and could work with our jackets quiet well

Thanks
Bjorn

[Bill Troiano]

I've posted on this subject before, with no responses. The tuba belt does seem like the ideal way to go,to me. I contacted the company in the link and the price for this set up was somewhere around $300. I decided that I did not want to spend that much on the system. I thought I could come up with something like it on my own, but I haven't attempted it yet.

[scottw]

There is another topic going on about harnesses. My recommendation is the Meinl-Weston harness [about $100.-125.] the weight is distributed very well and relies on much the same arrangement of a bottom hook as does the Mnozil belt, but, as I said, the weight is spread out very well. This is a very well-made/engineered piece of equipment which will last a lifetime and works well on my awful back and shoulders.

[Dan Schultz]

There is another topic going on about harnesses. My recommendation is the Meinl-Weston harness [about $100.-125.] the weight is distributed very well and relies on much the same arrangement of a bottom hook as does the Mnozil belt, but, as I said, the weight is spread out very well. This is a very well-made/engineered piece of equipment which will last a lifetime and works well on my awful back and shoulders.

I'll second the Meinl harness inasmuch as it is a 'hands free' system. I don't think you could take your hands off the horn is using one of the belts mentioned.

[dentaltuba]

I agrre with MW Harness.You will never go back.Great for concert play also.Takes stress off back andallows you to rest between #,s

[tubaspmcc]

Funny - I was just about to post a question about harnesses. I too am having issues with my back

I have been trying to find more info on the MW harnesses, but there doesn't seem to be much and I can't find a picture anywhere.

Bjorn - You and I should keep each other updated with what we do so we can push things at a higher level together.


Simon

[cambrook]

The so-called "MW tuba harness" is not made by MW, I bought one from http://www.thomann.de" target="_blank

http://www.thomann.de/de/schwarz_tragri ... uzgurt.htm" target="_blank

The extra strap is

http://www.thomann.de/de/stoelzel_594_8 ... hlaufe.htm" target="_blank

The price shown on the pages includes the local taxes which don't apply for export. Email them and ask what the price is including shipping to the US (or wherever you are:-)

brassATthomannDOTde

Cheers,

Cam

[Dan Schultz]

I bought my Meinl-Weston tuba harness from Woodwind/Brasswind a few years back. I see that they still list a Meinl-Weston harness but also mention "that an image is coming". Maybe Roger Lewis can shed some light on this.

http://www.wwbw.com/Meinl-Weston-Tuba-H ... 14027.wwbw

[Wyvern]

I also use the so called Meinl-Weston tuba harness and find it just what I have been looking for to carry tuba. I have stood/marched with CC for 2 hours using this harness and not experienced any back-ache, although I did previously with a much lighter Eb using a strap.

So I would also highly recommend!

[humphrey]

Following on from Cameron's post.............

Thomann have an english language version of their website here http://www.thomann.de/gb/index.html

The english version of the tuba harness page is herehttp://www.thomann.de/gb/schwarz_tragri ... uzgurt.htm

and the page for the extra strap is here http://www.thomann.de/gb/stoelzel_594_8 ... hlaufe.htm

I've dealt with Thomann quite a few times & always found their delivery service excellent. Here in the UK they have a flat fee delivery charge (regardless of size,weight etc) of 10 euros on orders up to 199 euros. Beyond that price it's free delivery. Obviously these charges won't apply to orders shipped to the US but they charge only the actual shipping costs on overseas orders. I'd be surprised if they didn't have VERY favourable shipping rates due to the volume of shipped orders. they can be contacted via email at international@thomann.de" target="_blank for actual quotes.

I'm now interested in getting one of these straps myself..... My tuba of choice does have carrying rings but they're not in the right place due to a replacement bell & leadpipe having been fitted sometime in the past.

Cheers

Russ

[Wyvern]

Schwarz also make a "Tommy" version of the harness with adjustable hook straps from each shoulder to fit a British Style tuba (thus the name), or any tuba without that bottom bow central hook. I have tried one of those in the past and did not find anywhere near so good - very difficult to get tuba hanging well. The German bottom bow hook system is much better!

[bsptuba]

Thanks for the info guys. I currently use the MW harness made by Rudolf Schwarz and do find it very good however I find it a bit restrictive around the chest. I also use strap that attaches to the bottom bow as our tubas need to be held upright. One of the issues that I have is that I have a female in my section and the harness does not seem to fit with the female anatomy very well. This is only a problem as our employer wants us all to look uniform hence the the need for something that fits both female and male. I also have thought that if the weight is distributed more evenly with not so much pressure on the shoulders it may be better for breathing.

Cheers
Bjorn

[bsptuba]

Funny - I was just about to post a question about harnesses. I too am having issues with my back

I have been trying to find more info on the MW harnesses, but there doesn't seem to be much and I can't find a picture anywhere.

Bjorn - You and I should keep each other updated with what we do so we can push things at a higher level together.


Simon

Simon
Check your PM

Cheers
Bjorn

[Wyvern]

Bjorn, If you get the Tuba Belt then let us know how you find. It looks a possibly good alternative to the harness and may well be better for the female anatomy.

[rodgeman]

Is there still interest in a usable & comfortable tuba harness? I was dissatisfied with being tied to the chair, so I worked up a belt harness with a single shoulder strap. It works well for me and my Yamaha 641. I've used it for everything from waltzing around the stage playing 'Sleeping Beauty', to playing RVW's Concerto with orchestra. I use it seated as well, and it frees my breathing and relaxes me from having to hold the 'beast' for hours of rehearsal. Keep in mind that this is a home made belt, but I have a friend who's used one of my prototypes since the early 90's, and every time I ask how it's held up, he has no complaints. I'd gladly supply pictures and more details if there's an interest. And I'd be happy to make some for a lot less than the MW.

I would like to see some pictures. Would it work for a Conn 20J?

[Dan Schultz]

Just popped up on the auction...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWAX:IT