stevo58 - Posted - 03/10/2026:  15:56:52

So, I was stupid enough to cross wet Basel tram tracks on my bicycle at a very shallow angle. I know better, to be honest. But now I have a double clavicle fracture (held together with a titanium plate and eleven titanium screws) as well as six broken ribs (healing together on a “maybe they’ll sort of align” process).

There’s no playing anything bigger than a mandola for a number of weeks. I should be ready to go, more or less, by mid-April.

“Ready to go” doesn’t mean “healed.” It means “I can put a limited amount of stress on what used to be the left side of my body.”

So I’ll be missing some gigs, but plan to gig again mid-April.

I play in Dixie bands. My banjo is a custom B&D Silver Bell style, so not as heavy as a Mastertone, but still pretty heavy when you have a boatload of broken bones on your left side, where all the weight sits.

I’ve told the bandleader I will have to sit if possible. That will shift all the weight to my lap. But I will have to stand at some point before the bones are fully healed, and am looking for a strap solution to take all the pressure off the shoulder with all the broken bones.

I’ve found, for example, a guitar harness from Neotech but it doesn’t look easily adaptable to banjo.

Any suggestions will be welcomed and duly considered.

Steven

Owen - Posted - 03/10/2026:  17:11:11

Bummer ... heal up quick.

No suggestions other than [from the unsolicited advice dept.]: Next time be more careful. 

Brian Murphy - Posted - 03/10/2026:  17:52:46

Sorry to hear about your injury. Neotech does make a banjo strap

Tim Mullins - Posted - 03/10/2026:  19:22:26

Some bluegrass banjo players wear their straps over their right shoulder. Not as secure, but doable with some practice.

jdeluke137 - Posted - 03/10/2026:  19:45:11

I’m not sure this will help, but it’s an interesting alternative that might help if you could have one made. I don’t think they are available for purchase anymore.



youtu.be/eWbihFNKC1s?si=a-xfJkxVqvbYnYAQ

 

stevo58 - Posted - 03/10/2026:  22:24:59

quote:

---

Originally posted by jdeluke137

I’m not sure this will help, but it’s an interesting alternative that might help if you could have one made. I don’t think they are available for purchase anymore.



youtu.be/eWbihFNKC1s?si=a-xfJkxVqvbYnYAQ

 

---

That's the sort of thing I'm looking for. If it's not available anymore, I'll see if it's possible to do something similar. 

 

I have that Neotech strap, actually. I was hoping they did something like this for banjo:

neotechstraps.com/products/gui...t-harness

thx to all

stanleytone - Posted - 03/11/2026:  03:52:47

Didnt Eddie Adcock once use a special stand that held the banjo in place without him having to hold it? Im sure it takes getting used to.

Edited by - stanleytone on 03/11/2026 03:53:04

1935tb-11 - Posted - 03/11/2026:  05:27:49

take a stool with you and just sit and pick.... i have a folding padded stool i have used a few times when my back was giving trouble.

jdeluke137 - Posted - 03/11/2026:  06:40:46

quote:

---

Originally posted by stevo58

quote:

---

Originally posted by jdeluke137

I’m not sure this will help, but it’s an interesting alternative that might help if you could have one made. I don’t think they are available for purchase anymore.



youtu.be/eWbihFNKC1s?si=a-xfJkxVqvbYnYAQ

 

---

That's the sort of thing I'm looking for. If it's not available anymore, I'll see if it's possible to do something similar. 

 

I have that Neotech strap, actually. I was hoping they did something like this for banjo:

neotechstraps.com/products/gui...t-harness

 

thx to all

 

---

Could you use the tabs at the link below with that Neotech strap?

elderly.com/products/banjo-strap-tabs

TScottHilton - Posted - 03/11/2026:  07:11:25

Normally, advice from the hangout is all you need! :)

In this circumstance you should talk specifics with your doctor. You wouldn't want to impede your healing process.

Alvin Conder - Posted - 03/11/2026:  08:33:12

Take Tyler’s advice above. An injury like that, any weight or excess stress should be discussed with your Doctor before you attempt any move ahead.

Best Of Luck and Get well.

Tracks and bikes do not mix. My sympathies.

banjonz - Posted - 03/11/2026:  13:23:15

quote:

---

Originally posted by Brian Murphy

Sorry to hear about your injury. Neotech does make a banjo strap

---

I agree. I use a Neotech on my Gold Star GF85. The banjo is 11lbs. I have modified mine with leather straps that loop round a hook. It is comfortable to use.

pghmatt - Posted - 03/11/2026:  16:35:21

My local shop gave me two chicago strap adapters to use that exact strap.

J.Albert - Posted - 03/11/2026:  17:39:08

I'd plan on sitting while playing for a while.

When your doctor says you're fully healed, maybe then try standing.

rockyjo - Posted - 04/16/2026:  20:40:14

stevo58 ,



If it’s not too late, which it probably isn’t, I’d say Nooooooo to the straps…Keep all weight of the banjo off of your body.



Please treat yourself well and gently now.



Look up on line:



Companion Banjo Stand (find this youtube video that might be with Companion Banjos, out of Michigan, USA);

Gracie Performer Stand;

KM 14761 and 14765 and other KM models.



These are stands that an instrument sits on and is adjustable in height so the player can sit or stand while playing, and the weight is entirely on the stand, so also doesn’t pull the players body in any direction(s).



Some of these are no longer made but what you find on line could help you find a used one or likely come up with ideas for how to construct one. Do some searches, others are bound to be making their own version DIY.



Look up Eddie Adcock who played using a stand.



Also, don’t $&%# carry the %#*$jo—it’s ‘weigh’ too heavy now.



Time to overdo it taking care of yourself.



Best,

Rockyjo

Edited by - rockyjo on 04/16/2026 20:40:50

LouieChee - Posted - 04/16/2026:  21:01:54

I've used the Neotech percussion strap for banjo and it works well! I've heard that Gina Furtado uses one as well. It places the weight evenly over both shoulders.

The other more accessible option is to pick it old school and wear the strap on the right shoulder.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 04/17/2026:  04:17:22

I can empathize with you. I took a fall back in November and managed to mess up my left shoulder pretty good. Any pressure at all starts pain in the shoulder that shoots up to the back of my head. Even a seat belt is too much pressure. Holding a banjo is impossible.

I'm headed to the doctor this morning to see what, if anything, can be done to alleviate the pain. If he has any ideas or suggestions, I'll post what he said and see if that might help you.

I do agree that you should check with your doctor about playing the banjo.

eagleisland - Posted - 04/17/2026:  05:43:54

No suggestions on the strap, but my very best wishes for rapid and complete healing!

Texasbanjo - Posted - 04/17/2026:  08:09:12

Well, I went to the doctor and he looked at it, poked around on the knot and said I needed to see an orthopedic. They will call him and his office will call me .... yawn ... and eventually, I'll get to see someone.

Owen - Posted - 04/17/2026:  08:19:30

 Sherry, I sure hope "eventually" happens a l-o-t faster with your diagnosis/treatment than it has with me having things about learning banjo "eventually" come together.   

Stevo58.... any news/update that's fit to print?