Reminds me of:

Patient: "Doc, it hurts when I __________ ."

Doc: "Well then stop __________ ."

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I've had some back problems even before I took up banjo.... unless it's only for a minute or two, I've only ever played sitting down.

I don't put it out as a "solution," but a decade or so back I think I got some benefit from "The McGill Big Three" back/core exercises.

At 65, I’m back to using a heavy banjo, after periods of not being able too, and a period of using a 4 pound open back banjo for playing out. The gym works, but the dedication needed is more than most folks are willing to put in. I’m at it 2-3 hours a day, but it’s been worth it, to negate a history of back injury and problems.

Another option is to check out Steve Martins Clawgrass banjo, that he plays with his band. It’s got a full blown bluegrass tone ring, only it’s an open back banjo, which is 4 pounds lighter than a resonator banjo, and hangs closer to your body, and much easier on your back. Deering makes a Sierra version, which is the same banjo, with less bling. I have one and LOVE IT. It works fantastic for jamming and playing out, and counterintuitive as it may seem, with an open back, more sound surrounds you and your gut, and I like it better than a resonator banjo, for that reason. Especially if you are playing into a mic, this would be a great option.

A cradle strap will help not only distribute the weight, but there's padding on the shoulder which helps that problem, too.

I gigged/jammed for many years with a 12 plus pound Stelling and definitely recommend the cradle strap. Can't do it at all now standing up, so I have to sit in a chair. Some bands/festivals allow that, some don't.

I've used a percussion strap from Neotech before that has 2 shoulder supports. That works pretty well to unload the muscles but can be a little finicky with positioning.

These days I just alternate between having the strap on my left shoulder and right shoulder to mix it up. The bonus is when it's on the right shoulder you feel cool like an old school player.

I like playing out with the choice of sitting or standing,depending on how I feel.
I can't think of any place I play that wouldn't let me sit if I wanted to.

I play a heavy Stelling. I've been using the Neotech Super Straps for Banjo for years. Best I've ever used to distribute the weight.

Rick

Eddie Adcock used to use some sort of instrument stand that would hold his banjo in a standing playing position where he could walk up to it and play. He often used it when he'd switch from guitar to banjo back and forth in the same song. I haven't looked yet but surely there must be videos of Eddie using that instrument stand holding his banjo.

I've also seen Junior Brown using some sort of stand holding one of his instruments in a playing position when he stands at it and plays away...

So, something like that?

My lower back is a train wreck and despite being a 20 year military Vet, the VA won't help me. My OME weighs 16 pounds and I HAVE to sit down to play. That's what I do.

That's too bad,Mike.
My VA healthcare has sent me to Brigham and Women's for brain surgery (2018) and regular MRIs ever since,glaucoma surgery in Boston last fall and regular screenings after that and many other appointments over the last almost 20 years.

I'm 73 and have two heavy banjos ..,.Gold Star GF 85 and 1970's Tokai Hummingbird. Both of these are around 3.5kg/7.7lbs
I have given up on leather straps and have gone to Neotech straps for both Neotech banjo strap.

I have modified mine by removing the plastic end hooks and fitting to the strap clips extra strap cut down from a belt and riveted together. The strap, being wider, is much more comfortable.

Just my 2c worth.

I’m 64 and play banjo and guitar in church on a Sunday or two each month. Most of the musicians and singers are much younger. They thankfully put a stool and SM57 microphone back by the piano for this old guy. I prefer it that way. Maybe I should be insulted because they never asked me, lol…I prob just look like I need a stool, lol.

Could always show up in a wheelchair.....

Yep, 64, retired and no firetrucks to give. If they don't like me sitting they can get someone else.

I made a harness with a strap on each shoulder to distribute the load. For the straps, I used some 2" seatbelt webbing I had. I attach the shoulder strap from both the front and back of my body to the cradle strap on the banjo. It works for being able to stand for an hour with my trapezoid muscle destroyed.

It's awkward to put on and off, SO, I am trying to re-invent it using an Amazon "posture corrector brace" which has wider shoulder straps and a thing in the back where everything comes together. If I come up with something useful, I'll post it later.

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Originally posted by randybartlett

I made a harness with a strap on each shoulder to distribute the load. For the straps, I used some 2" seatbelt webbing I had. I attach the shoulder strap from both the front and back of my body to the cradle strap on the banjo. It works for being able to stand for an hour with my trapezoid muscle destroyed.

It's awkward to put on and off, SO, I am trying to re-invent it using an Amazon "posture corrector brace" which has wider shoulder straps and a thing in the back where everything comes together. If I come up with something useful, I'll post it later.

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I like thinkers...

Post picks of yer project..please...

My favorite strap is an old $20 Blue Note strap made from a wide lifting strap with a 3" wide shoulder pad.

How does Jens kruger deal with it?

I use the 3 inch wide Lakota leathers cradle strap and I hold my Huber up between songs as much as I can. I’ve been able to manage so far on a 2 hour set.
I’m 73.

Two for the price of one .... onto a tangent AND nit-picking:  Would the 3.5 Kg / 7.7 lb banjos mentioned ^^ generally be considered as "heavy"?    [The lighter (?) of my two banjos is about 8.5 lb.  ]

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Originally posted by STUD figmo Al

quote:

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Originally posted by randybartlett

I made a harness with a strap on each shoulder to distribute the load. For the straps, I used some 2" seatbelt webbing I had. I attach the shoulder strap from both the front and back of my body to the cradle strap on the banjo. It works for being able to stand for an hour with my trapezoid muscle destroyed.

It's awkward to put on and off, SO, I am trying to re-invent it using an Amazon "posture corrector brace" which has wider shoulder straps and a thing in the back where everything comes together. If I come up with something useful, I'll post it later.

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I like thinkers...

Post picks of yer project..please...

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Here's what I made.  With the buckle releases, it is easy-on, easy-off.  Weight distribution is excellent. Strap is 5/8".  Easy to adjust height. Everything is black and I perform in a black shirt so it might become invisible. No metal to scratch anything.  

I don't like that triangular connection point to the body straps.  I plan to think about that some more.

What do you think?

Years ago I suggested to Tom Nechville that he develop a helium module to ease the weight problem.

Surprised nobody has mentioned banjo stands yet. I've seen several performers have a stand support the banjo while they play with no strap at all. I can't quite recall who it was, maybe Eddie Adcock? Just walk up to it and start playing.

I don't ask permission.If someone were to have an opinion about how I decide to play I would ignore them.It's none of their business.
Sometimes I strap up and sometimes (today and quite hot) I use my $12 WalMart stool.
The strap is always attached to my banjo (fits in the case attached) in case I decide to stand.

Sweetwater sells a guitar performance stand which should work for a banjo.

I broke my collarbone (in 2 places) and six ribs in February. The Neotech strap made a big difference.

The great jazz plectrum player, Cynthia Sayer, replaced the resonator on her Ome with an acrylic disc. This lightened it up considerably for her. I’ve done this to two of my own banjos; it works quite well. You can find photos of it easily enough.