Strap or harness or bandolier

[Bassboner]

I might need/want something to help hold the tuba to my person. In the past I used a bandolier which was simple enough. The straps or harnesses look maybe more secure but also a bigger pain in the a. I don't want to use a stand. Why say you all?

[bloke]

You won't like what I've chosen to do with particular tubas of mine that I chose to rig for standing and playing, but what I have chosen to do is to solder on very very sturdy strap rings (usually, manufactured in the distant past, whereby they were actually meant to be used).

I've had someone to help me locate them precisely where they need to go, whereas by the time the strap was adjusted to the proper length, the mouthpiece would meet me exactly straight on and precisely at my mouth.

It was trouble, but - once the trouble was in the past - it was simple and no trouble at all.

When I did this, at least one of the strap ring locations was often in a place totally not where one might be placed when soldered on at a factory.

[ThirdHorn]

One variant I've used in the past, which I quite liked, did not use the strap rings at all:

https://blaasmomusikk.no/produkter/unic ... m-baryton/

There's an adjustable part of it that you tighten around the bottom bow. This part has its own strap ring, which you hook onto your bandolier. So, the instrument is only attached at one point (the bottom), meaning you have to support the instrument at all times, which is maybe a downside. However, on the plus side; if correctly adjusted, the height will always be correct, and it is very easy to change between a marching position and playing position. Additionally, no soldering needed, and should be usable for both top-action and front-action tubas.

[Bassboner]

Well, I just took a strap I already had and connected it to hooks on the horn. The strap has metal connectors which are strong, but make a lot of noise. The placement works for sitting down, but I'd have to tighten it for walking. The more involved harness just looks like too much, and after some reading, no one seems to have much nice to say about it anyway. The bandolier is easy enough on/off and has the convenience of being free. If I decide I need something more specialized later, I can make web strap hooks that I can place where ever on the horn myself. It's probably fine for the kind of playing I'll do.

20260506_141243 (1).jpg (187.16 KiB) Viewed 87 times

[Bob Kolada]

I used a rifle sling on a Miraphone 1281 F, worked pretty well but it took some time to get it right. Where I to do so now I'd try a padded, quick adjust sling that way you can easily adjust it no matter what you're wearing and it'll be more comfortable to get into. Tying it off will give you a quieter setup than a pair of clips.

I have the Neotech tuba harness in a box somewhere, never really spent any time with it and never wanted to once I had it in hand.

I think this is the belt Carol Janstch, Willie from Mnozil Brass,... uses. iirc it's surprisingly expensive, I'd rather rig something out of a neoprene work or tactical belt; probably much more comfortable than a leather belt.
https://tubtub.jimdofree.com/english/tubabelt/