In 1979 I started suffering from chronic neck pain.  The pain was a result of my new hobby: playing 5-string banjo in a Bluegrass band.  The average 5-string banjo weighs about 13 pounds.  My banjo was a top tension, which added 2 lbs to the total weight.  Standing for 4 hours a day with a banjo on my shoulder pulled my neck, back muscles and tendons out of balance.

This imbalance over the years manifested itself into a debilitating condition called a reverse curve of the neck. The condition became so bad I walked into the Doctor’s office holding my head up only with the support of my hands. The Doctor’s diagnoses was simple, “You need to play banjo sitting down or play a different type of instrument”. Anyone that has seen a live bluegrass band can contest that most musicians stand while entertaining.  I began work on the No-Strap™ (patent pending). After years of research and development there now is a strap designed to relieve tired shoulders and place instrument weight on the hips. Learn More »