Patent Publication Number: US-8978945-B2

Title: Musical instrument strap and musical instrument connector

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a musical instrument strap for attaching a musical instrument and a musical instrument connector used in that musical instrument strap, and more specifically relates to a musical instrument strap and musical instrument connector for hanging a musical instrument such as a saxophone. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     As conventional musical instrument straps of this type, there have been various proposals. Broadly classified, there are “neck straps” that are hung from a player&#39;s neck, “shoulder straps” that are hung from one shoulder, and also “harness straps” that are hung from both shoulders. 
     For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a shoulder strap. This shoulder strap is configured so that a one-sided strap is fixed using an abdominal belt. With this shoulder strap, it is possible to lighten the load on the neck of a player. 
     Patent Document 2 discloses a harness strap. In the case of this harness strap as well, the advantage that it is possible to likewise lighten the load on the neck of a player is recognized. 
     Patent Document 1: JP 3095362Y 
     Patent Document 2: JP H5-71896U 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     However, a “neck strap” has the disadvantage that because a heavy musical instrument is hung from a hanger with the strap worn on the player&#39;s neck, all of the weight of the musical instrument is concentrated on the player&#39;s neck. Accordingly, there is the problem that the player naturally slouches forward, so the player&#39;s neck hurts, and also, there is pressure on the lungs, so breathing becomes difficult. Furthermore, tension of the neck muscles is made unavoidable, and as a result, the throat is constricted, and tension is also produced in the shoulders and face muscles, which adversely affects sound quality and timbre. 
     With a “shoulder strap” that is hung from a shoulder, the weight of the musical instrument is supported by the shoulder, so the player is liberated from weight of the musical instrument on the neck, but there is the disadvantage that because the musical instrument is supported in a tilted state, the musical instrument is not stable, and is played in a difficult posture. 
     Furthermore, because there is strong pressure on the front and back of the chest, a state of complete liberation from the weight of the musical instrument is far from being achieved, so breathing is difficult, which adversely affects sound quality and timbre. 
     With a “harness strap”, the load is distributed to both shoulders, but both shoulders, the chest, and the abdomen are bound from four directions so subtle operation is difficult, and an effect on playing is unavoidable. Also, because the chest or abdomen is sandwiched from the front and back, an effect on breathing is unavoidable, thereby adversely affecting sound quality and timbre. 
     Also, in the case of the shoulder strap disclosed in Patent Document 1, the abdomen is fixed in a form like a belt, so there is pressure on the abdomen, and thus stability is inadequate. 
     Furthermore, in the case of the harness strap disclosed in Patent Document 2 as well, the strap protrudes to the front of the body from below both armpits, so pressure on the chest is unavoidable. In addition, the strap for both shoulders is not fixed, so there is a possibility of the strap slipping down, and thus stability is inadequate. 
     The present invention was made in view of the foregoing points, and it is an object thereof to provide a musical strap and a musical instrument connector whereby there is little burden on the player. It is a further object to provide a musical instrument strap and a musical instrument connector that insure free musical operation while playing, so that improved sound quality and timbre can be expected. 
     Solution to Problem 
     A musical instrument strap according to a first aspect is provided with a neck band worn on the back of the neck of a musical instrument player; and
     a musical instrument connector that is connected to both ends of the neck band extending forward respectively from the left and right of the neck, and connects the neck band to a musical instrument;   the musical instrument connector having:   a distance maintaining member that prevents a right portion of the neck band that extends forward from the right side of the neck, and a left portion of the neck band that extends forward from the left side of the neck, from approaching each other, thereby maintaining the distance between the right portion and the left portion; and   an engaging member that is capable of engaging with the musical instrument;   the distance maintaining member having a first connecting portion where a right end of the neck band is connected, and a second connecting portion where a left end of the neck band is connected, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance.   

     A musical instrument strap according to a second aspect is provided with a neck band worn on the back of the neck of a musical instrument player;
     a musical instrument connector that is connected to both ends of the neck band extending forward respectively from the left and right of the neck, and connects the neck band to a musical instrument; and   a distance maintaining member that prevents a right portion of the neck band that extends forward from the right side of the neck, and a left portion of the neck band that extends forward from the left side of the neck, from approaching each other, thereby maintaining the distance between the right portion and the left portion;   the distance maintaining member having a first catch that is fastened to a portion of the neck band that is towards the neck from the right end of the neck band, and a second catch that is fastened to a portion of the neck band that is towards the neck from the left end of the neck band, the first catch and the second catch being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance.   

     A musical instrument connector according to a third aspect connects a neck band worn on the back of the neck of a musical instrument player to a musical instrument, and is provided with:
     a distance maintaining member that prevents a right portion of the neck band that extends forward from the right side of the neck, and a left portion of the neck band that extends forward from the left side of the neck, from approaching each other, thereby maintaining the distance between the right portion and the left portion; and   an engaging member that is connected to the distance maintaining member, and is capable of engaging with the musical instrument;   the distance maintaining member having a first connecting portion where a right end of the neck band is connected, and a second connecting portion where a left end of the neck band is connected, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion being spaced from each other by a predetermined distance.   

     The above objects of the present invention, as well as other objects, features, and advantages of the invention, will be made clear from the below detailed description of embodiments, with reference to the attached drawings. 
     Advantageous Effects of Invention 
     According to a musical instrument strap and musical instrument connector of the invention, the load of a musical instrument is distributed to the shoulders of the player, and without constricting the neck, the burden on the neck is lightened. Also, with the invention, there are very advantageous effects such as that because the chest is not constricted, the burden on the player is reduced, liberating the player from a difficult posture, so comfortable breathing can be achieved, and thus improved sound quality and timbre can be expected. 
     Also, it is possible to insure free musical operation when playing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a flat plate provided in a musical instrument connector according to Embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 2  is a front view of the flat plate provided in the musical instrument connector according to Embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of a modified example of a flat plate. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of another modified example of a flat plate. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view that shows the configuration of a musical instrument strap according to Embodiment 1. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view that schematically illustrates a state in which the musical instrument strap according to Embodiment 1 is being worn by a musical instrument player. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear view that schematically illustrates a state in which the musical instrument strap according to Embodiment 1 is being worn by a musical instrument player. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view that shows the configuration of a musical instrument strap according to Embodiment 2. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view that shows the configuration of a musical instrument strap according to Embodiment 3. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view that shows the configuration of a musical instrument strap according to Embodiment 4. 
         FIG. 11  is a front view that shows the configuration of a distance maintaining member according to Embodiment 4. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view that shows one end of a flat plate in another configuration example. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view that shows another configuration example of a distance maintaining member. 
         FIG. 14  is a plan view that shows another configuration example of an upper band of a neck band. 
     
    
    
     REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 
     
         
           1  flat plate 
           3  hole 
           5  hook 
           6  support ring 
           10  musical instrument connector 
           100  musical instrument strap 
           101  neck band 
           102  supplemental band 
           103  right band 
           104  left band 
           200  musical instrument strap 
           201  neck band 
           210  musical instrument connector 
           300  musical instrument strap 
           301  neck band 
           302  supplemental band 
           303  right band 
           304  left band 
           310  musical instrument connector 
           311  distance maintaining member 
           311   a  ring-like portion 
           311   b  ring-like portion 
           312  length adjusting portion 
           313  hook 
           400  musical instrument strap 
           401  neck band 
           402  supplemental band 
           403  right band 
           404  left band 
           410  musical instrument connector 
           411  attachment fitting 
           412  length adjusting portion 
           413  hook 
           420  distance maintaining member 
       
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Following is a description of embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. 
     Embodiment 1 
       FIG. 1  is a plan view of a flat plate provided in a musical instrument connector according to Embodiment 1, and  FIG. 2  is a front view of the same flat plate. A musical instrument connector  10  according to Embodiment 1 has a pair of protrusions  2  provided near the center of a flat plate  1 , and connecting portions  3  that connect to a strap at both ends of the flat plate  1 . 
     The flat plate  1  is strong enough to be capable of maintaining its shape when used connected to the strap. As long as the flat plate  1  is strong enough to have that shape, the item used for the flat plate  1  is not limited, and for example, it is possible use a metal plate, plastic, or the like for the flat plate  1 . 
     Also, by using an item such that the weight resistance of the flat plate  1  is at least 5 kg, the burden on a player can be lightened even when playing for a long time, which is particularly preferred when using a large musical instrument. 
     Further, the shape of the flat plate  1  may be a flat shape, or may be slightly bent in the center as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     The protrusions  2  are provided so that a musical instrument attachment hook  5  (see  FIG. 5 ) used when attaching a musical instrument to the connector does not easily move from a predetermined position. The attachment position of the protrusions  2  may be selected as appropriate according to the player and the type of musical instrument, but it is beneficial that the position of the musical instrument attachment hook is fixed such that free playing is not hindered. 
     Next is a description of the configuration of a musical instrument strap according to Embodiment 1.  FIG. 5  is a perspective view that shows the configuration of the musical instrument strap according to this embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 5 , a musical instrument strap  100  is provided with a neck band  101  that is worn on the back of the neck of the musical instrument player, and a supplemental band  102  that is worn from the back to the abdomen of the musical instrument player. The neck band  101  includes a right band  103  that is worn on the right shoulder of the musical instrument player, and a left band  104  that is worn on the left shoulder of the musical instrument player. The right band  103  is configured from an upper band  103   a  and a lower band  103   b  extending from the upper band  103   a , and the left band  104  is configured from an upper band  104   a  and a lower band  104   b  extending from the upper band  104   a . The two upper bands  103   a  and  104   a  are connected by a triangular ring-like fastener  105 . More specifically, one end of the upper band  103   a  for the right shoulder is attached to one side of the fastener  105 , and one end of the upper band  104   a  for the left shoulder is attached to another side of the fastener  105 . Thus, the upper band  103   a  for the right shoulder and the upper band  104   a  for the left shoulder respectively extend to the right and left separated by an angle that corresponds to the angle between the two sides of the fastener  105 . The upper band  103   a  and the upper band  104   a  are configured with a sponge covered by a flexible leather, such that the musical instrument player does not feel any pain when the upper band  103   a  and the upper band  104   a  are in contact with the neck and shoulders of the musical instrument player. 
     The musical instrument strap  100  is worn by the musical instrument player with the fastener  105  positioned on the back of the musical instrument player. The upper band  103   a  for the right shoulder is worn from the back of the neck forward via the right shoulder of the musical instrument player, and the upper band  104   a  for the left shoulder is worn from the back of the neck forward via the left shoulder of the musical instrument player. When being worn, the upper bands  103   a  and  104   a  each end at a position near the collarbone of the musical instrument player. The lower bands  103   b  and  104   b , which are thinner than the upper bands  103   a  and  104   a , respectively extend from the front end of the upper bands  103   a  and  104   b . Only one end of the lower bands  103   b  and  104   b  is connected to the upper bands  103   a  and  104   a , and the other end is folded back at some intermediate point and fastened to adjusting fittings  103   c  and  104   c  used for length adjustment. With the adjusting fittings  103   c  and  104   c , it is possible to adjust the length of the fold-back of the lower bands  103   b  and  104   b , and thus it is possible to respectively adjust the length of the lower bands  103   b  and  104   b . Also, the end of the right lower band  103   b  that has been folded back is connected to the right end of the flat plate  1  of the musical instrument connector  10  via a support ring  6 , and the end of the left lower band  104   b  that has been folded back is connected to the left end of the flat plate  1  via the support ring  6 . 
     As described above, the upper band  103   a  for the right shoulder is attached to one side of the fastener  105 , and the upper band  104   a  for the left shoulder is attached to another side of the fastener  105 . One end of the supplemental band  102  is attached to the remaining side of the fastener  105 . The supplemental band  102  is configured with an upper band  102   a  attached to the fastener  105  and a lower band  102   b  extending from the tip end of the upper band  102   a . The upper band  102   a , like the upper bands  103   a  and  104   a , is configured with a sponge covered by a flexible leather, in order to insure cushioning. Also, the lower band  102   b  is a band with a narrower width than the upper band  102   a , and the tip end of the lower band  102   b  is connected to the left end of the flat plate  1  of the musical instrument connector  10  via the support ring  6 . 
     The musical instrument connector  10  is provided with the flat plate  1  that is long in one direction, and the musical instrument attachment hook  5  that is attached to the middle portion of the flat plate  1 . The flat plate  1 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , has holes  3  used to connect the neck band  101  at both ends. Also, a hemispherical protrusion  2  is provided at each of two positions slightly nearer to both ends from the center of the flat plate  1  (see  FIG. 2 ). An attachment ring  51  of the musical instrument attachment hook  5  is installed in a portion between the two protrusions  2  of the flat plate  1 . The space between the two protrusions  2  is greater than the width of the attachment ring  51 , and the attachment ring  51  can freely move between the two protrusions  2 . Also, due to the attachment ring  51  making contact with the protrusions  2 , the protrusions  2  fulfill the role of a stopper of the attachment ring  51 , and therefore the attachment ring  51  is prevented from moving past the protrusions  2 . The protrusions  2  are made of rubber, and are configured so that a sound is not made when the attachment ring  51  contacts the protrusions  2 . The musical instrument attachment hook  5  has a hook portion  52  that is engaged with a musical instrument (saxophone), and due to this hook portion  52  being engaged with a hanging ring provided in the saxophone, the musical instrument strap  100  can be connected to the saxophone. 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the flat plate  1  is slightly bent in the center, and is formed in substantially a V shape so as to increase in height from the center towards both ends. Accordingly, the musical instrument attachment hook  5 , when a saxophone has been attached, is stably positioned at the lowest position of the center by the weight of the saxophone. On the other hand, the musical instrument attachment hook  5  is not fixed at the center of the flat plate  1 , and because the musical instrument attachment hook  5  can be moved between the two protrusions  2  as described above, when the musical instrument player wishes to move the saxophone left or right, the saxophone can be freely moved between the two protrusions  2 . 
       FIG. 6  is a front view that schematically illustrates a state in which the musical instrument strap according to Embodiment 1 is being worn by a musical instrument player, and  FIG. 7  is a rear view of that state. When the musical instrument player uses this musical instrument strap  100 , the musical instrument player wears the musical instrument strap  100  such that the fastener  105  is positioned on the player&#39;s back, the musical instrument player&#39;s neck is positioned between the upper band  103   a  for the right shoulder and the upper band  104   a  for the left shoulder, and the musical instrument connector  10  is positioned at the front of the player&#39;s body (i.e., the chest or abdomen). At this time, the upper band  103   a  for the right shoulder is positioned to the right side of the neck and the upper band  104   a  for the left shoulder is positioned to the left side of the neck. Also, the supplemental band  102  is disposed so as to pass from the back of the musical instrument player to the left side of the abdomen. The hanging ring (not shown) of the saxophone is engaged with the hook portion  52  of the musical instrument attachment hook  5 . 
     In the case of a conventional neck strap, when initially worn, even in a state in which the neck band is on the base of the neck of the musical instrument player, both ends of the neck band connected to the musical instrument are pulled downward by the weight of the musical instrument, and thus an inward-directed force acts in the left and right portions (V-shaped portion) of the neck band positioned to the front of the musical instrument player so as to reduce the space between the left and right portions (such that the angle of the V is reduced). Also, because a member that insures the space between the left and right portions of the neck band is not present in front of the chest of the musical instrument player, due to movement of the musical instrument player, the neck band gradually moves upward to a part of the neck that is less thick than the base of the neck, resulting in a posture in which the musical instrument is actually supported by only the neck. Therefore, there is a large burden on the neck of the musical instrument player, resulting in a slouching posture and therefore pressure on the lungs, so that playing is impaired with worsened sound quality and timbre, for example. On the other hand, with the musical instrument strap  100  according to this embodiment, due to the flat plate  1  that insures a wide space between the left and right portions of the neck band  101  being provided in front of the chest of the musical instrument player, the space between the left and right portions of the neck band  101  is maintained, and so the neck band  101  is prevented from moving upward from the base of the neck. Accordingly, the burden on the player&#39;s neck is lightened. 
     The length of the flat plate  1  is set to 140 mm, i.e., a space of about 140 mm is maintained between the left and right portions of the neck band  101 . As described above, with a neck strap, an inward-directed force acts in the left and right portions of the neck band, but with the musical instrument strap  100  according to Embodiment 1, the left and right portions of the neck band  101  are prevented from approaching each other by the flat plate  1 , and a space of about 140 mm, which is the length of the flat plate  1 , is maintained between the left and right portions of the neck band  101 . The length of the flat plate  1  is such that when a musical instrument player having a standard physique is wearing the musical instrument strap  100 , a portion of the right band  103  hanging forward from the right shoulder of the musical instrument player and a portion of the left band  104  hanging forward from the left shoulder of the musical instrument player are substantially parallel. That is, the right portion of the neck band  101  extending forward from the right side of the neck of the musical instrument player and the left portion of the neck band  101  extending forward from the left side of the neck each extend in the vertical direction. In this way, because the right portion and the left portion of the neck band  101  extend in the vertical direction, force acts in the lengthwise direction (vertical direction) in both the right portion and the left portion of the neck band  101  due to the weight of the musical instrument, and because inward-directed force is prevented, the effect of suppressing the neck band  101  from moving upward from the base of the neck is further improved. 
     Also, a downward force acts on the musical instrument connector  10  due to the weight of the attached saxophone, and the front end of the neck band  101  is pulled downward by this force. In addition, the supplemental band  102  connected to the musical instrument connector  10  is also pulled downward. Accordingly, by providing the supplemental band  102  as described above, the neck band  101  is pulled from the back of the musical instrument player by the supplemental band  102 , so the neck band  101  is further prevented from moving upward from the base of the neck, and therefore it is possible to further lighten the burden on the neck of the musical instrument player. As a result, a slouching playing posture of the musical instrument player is prevented, and so pressure on the lungs of the musical instrument player is prevented. 
     Also, the musical instrument player can appropriately adjust the length of the left and right lower bands  103   b  and  104   b  to adjust the vertical position of the musical instrument. Thus, it is possible for the position of the musical instrument to be adjusted to the optimal height for the musical instrument player. 
     Embodiment 2 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view that shows the configuration of a musical instrument strap  200  according to Embodiment 2. As shown in  FIG. 8 , the musical instrument strap  200  according to Embodiment 2 is provided with a neck band  201  that is worn on the back of the neck of the musical instrument player, and a musical instrument connector  210  with the same configuration as in Embodiment 1. 
     The neck band  201  is provided with an upper band  201   a  that is a single band, and two lower bands  201   b  and  201   c  that are connected to both ends of the upper band  201   a . The center portion of the upper band  201   a  is disposed at the back of the neck of the musical instrument player, one end of the upper band  201   a  is worn from the back of the neck forward via the right shoulder of the musical instrument player, and the other end of the upper band  201   a  is worn from the back of the neck forward via the left shoulder. The upper band  201   a  is a band-like member with a substantially uniform width throughout its entire length, and has a three-dimensional shape in which by draping, a face (below, referred to as the back face)  203  on the side that touches the body of the musical instrument player fits closely with the back of the neck, the shoulders, and the chest of the musical instrument player. The right portion and the left portion of the upper band  201   a , when being worn, respectively end at a position near the collarbone of the musical instrument player. Lower bands  201   b  and  201   c  that are thinner than the upper band  201   a  respectively extend from both ends of the upper band  201   a . The configuration of the lower bands  201   b  and  201   c  is the same as the configuration of the lower bands  103   b  and  104   b  described in Embodiment 1, so that description is omitted here. The upper band  201   a  is configured with a sponge being covered by a flexible leather, such that the musical instrument player does not feel any pain when the upper band  201   a  is in contact with the neck and shoulders of the musical instrument player. 
     The tip end of the right lower band  201   b  is connected to the right end of the flat plate  1  provided with the musical instrument connector  210  via a support ring  6 , and the tip end of the left lower band  201   c  is connected to the left end of the flat plate  1  via a support ring  6 . The configuration of the musical instrument connector  210  is the same as the configuration of the musical instrument connector  10  described in Embodiment 1, so the same references are assigned to the same constituent elements, and that description is omitted here. 
     When the musical instrument player uses this musical instrument strap  200 , the musical instrument player wears the musical instrument strap  200  such that the center of the neck band  201  is positioned on the player&#39;s back (on the back of the neck), the right side portion of the neck band  201  extends forward from the right side of the neck of the musical instrument player, the left side portion of the neck band  201  extends forward from the left side of the neck of the musical instrument player, and the musical instrument connector  210  is positioned at the front of the player&#39;s body (i.e., the chest or abdomen). The hanging ring (not shown) of the saxophone is engaged with the hook portion  52  of the musical instrument attachment hook  5 . 
     By adopting the above sort of configuration, as in Embodiment 1, with the musical instrument strap  200  according to this embodiment, due to the flat plate  1  that is insures a wide space between the left and right portions of the neck band  201  being provided in front of the chest of the musical instrument player, the space between the left and right portions of the neck band  201  is maintained, and so the neck band  201  is prevented from moving upward from the base of the neck. Accordingly, the burden on the player&#39;s neck is lightened. 
     Also, the musical instrument player can appropriately adjust the length of the left and right lower bands  201   b  and  201   c  to adjust the vertical position of the musical instrument. Thus, it is possible for the position of the musical instrument to be adjusted to the optimal height for the musical instrument player. 
     Embodiment 3 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view that shows the configuration of a musical instrument strap  300  according to Embodiment 3. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the musical instrument strap  300  according to Embodiment 3 is provided with a neck band  301  that is worn on the back of the neck of the musical instrument player, a supplemental band  302  that is worn from the back to the abdomen of the musical instrument player, and a musical instrument connector  310  that connects the neck band  301  to a musical instrument (saxophone). 
     The neck band  301  is provided with a right band  303  that is worn on the right shoulder of the musical instrument player, and a left band  304  that is worn on the left shoulder of the musical instrument player. The right band  303  is configured from an upper band  303   a  and a lower band  303   b  extending from the upper band  303   a , and the left band  304  is configured from an upper band  304   a  and a lower band  304   b  extending from the upper band  304   a . The two upper bands  303   a  and  304   a  are connected by a triangular ring-like fastener  305 . The upper bands  303   a  and  304   a , and the fastener  305 , have the same configuration as the upper bands  103   a  and  104   a  and the fastener  105  described in Embodiment 1, so that description is omitted here. Also, the manner in which the upper bands  303   a  and  304   a  and the supplemental band  302  are connected to the fastener  305  is the same as the manner in which the upper bands  103   a  and  104   a  and the supplemental band  102  are connected to the fastener  105  described in Embodiment 1, so that description is omitted here. 
     The lower band  303   b , which is thinner than the upper band  303   a , extends from the tip end of the upper band  303   a  of the right band  303 . The lower band  304   b , which is thinner than the upper band  304   a , extends from the tip end of the upper band  304   a  of the left band  304 . The configuration of the lower bands  303   b  and  304   b  is the same as the configuration of the lower bands  103   b  and  104   b  described in Embodiment 1, so that description is omitted here. 
     The supplemental band  302  is configured with an upper band  302   a  attached to the fastener  305 , a lower band  302   b  extending from the tip end of the upper band  302   a , and a hook portion  302   c  for connecting to the musical instrument connector  310 . The configuration of the upper band  302   a  is the same as the configuration of the upper band  102   a  described in Embodiment 1, so that description is omitted here. Only one end of the lower band  302   b  is connected to the upper band  302   a , and the other end is folded back at some intermediate point and fastened to an adjusting fitting  302   d  used for length adjustment. With the adjusting fitting  302   d , it is possible to adjust the length of the fold-back of the lower band  302   b , and thus it is possible to adjust the length of the lower band  302   b . Also, a hook portion  302   c  is connected to the end of the lower band  302   b  that has been folded back via a connection fitting  302   e.    
     Next is a detailed description of the musical instrument connector  310  according to Embodiment 3. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the musical instrument connector  310  is provided with a distance maintaining member  311  for maintaining the distance between a right portion and a left portion of the neck band  301 , a length adjusting portion  312  for adjusting length, and a musical instrument attachment hook  313  connected to a saxophone. The distance maintaining member  311  is configured using a wire-like metal. Both ends of the distance maintaining member  311  are curved in a ring shape to form ring-like portions  311   a  and  311   b . The tip of the lower band  303   b  of the right band  303  is attached to the right ring-like portion  311   a , and the tip of the lower band  304   b  of the left band  304  is attached to the left ring-like portion  311   b . Thus, the neck band  301  is connected to the distance maintaining member  311 . Also, a ring-like adjuster attachment  311   c  is provided in the center portion of the distance maintaining member  311 , and the length adjusting portion  312  is attached to the adjuster attachment  311   c . The length adjusting portion  312  has a first band  312   a  made of cloth, an attachment fitting  312   b , a second band  312   c  made of cloth, and an adjusting fitting  312   d  used for length adjustment. The first band  312   a  is connected to the adjuster attachment  311   c  of the distance maintaining member  311 . The width of the first band  312   a  is slightly less than the width of the adjuster attachment  311   c , and therefore the length adjusting portion  312  is substantially unable to move in the lateral direction relative to the distance maintaining portion  311 , i.e., is positioned in the center of the distance maintaining portion  311 . 
     A ring-like attachment fitting  312   b  is attached to the lower end of the first band  312   a . A hook portion  302   c  of the supplemental band  302  described above is engaged with this attachment fitting. One end of the second band  312   c  is connected to the attachment fitting  312   b . Only one end of the second band  312   c  is connected to the attachment fitting  312   b , and the other end is folded back at some intermediate point and fastened to the adjusting fitting  312   d  used for length adjustment. With the adjusting fitting  312   d , it is possible to adjust the length of the fold-back of the second band  312   c , and thus it is possible to adjust the length of the second band  312   c . Also, a base end portion of the musical instrument attachment hook  313  is connected to the end of the second band  312   c  that has been folded back. 
     When the musical instrument player uses this musical instrument strap  300 , the musical instrument player wears the musical instrument strap  300  such that the fastener  305  is positioned on the player&#39;s back, the neck of the musical instrument player is positioned between the upper band  303   a  for the right shoulder and the upper band  304   a  for the left shoulder, and the musical instrument connector  310  is positioned at the front of the player&#39;s body (i.e., the chest or abdomen). At this time, the upper band  303   a  for the right shoulder is positioned on the right side of the neck and the upper band  304   a  for the left shoulder is positioned on the left side of the neck. The supplemental band  302  is disposed so as to pass from the back of the musical instrument player through the left side of the abdomen. The hanging ring (not shown) of the saxophone is engaged with the musical instrument attachment hook  313 . 
     With the musical instrument strap  300  according to this embodiment, due to the distance maintaining member  311  that insures a wide space between the left and right portions of the neck band  301  being provided in front of the chest of the musical instrument player, the space between the left and right portions of the neck band  301  is maintained, and so the neck band  301  is prevented from moving upward from the base of the neck. Accordingly, the burden on the player&#39;s neck is lightened. 
     The length of the distance maintaining member  311  is set to 140 mm, so that a space of about 140 mm is maintained between the left and right front portions of the neck band  301 . With the musical instrument strap  300  according to Embodiment 3, the left and right portions of the neck band  301  are prevented from approaching each other by the distance maintaining member  311 , and a space of about 140 mm, which is the length of the distance maintaining member  311 , is maintained between the left and right front portions of the neck band  301 . The length of the distance maintaining member  311  is such that when a musical instrument player having a standard physique is wearing the musical instrument strap  300 , a portion of the right band  303  hanging forward from the right shoulder of the musical instrument player and a portion of the left band  304  hanging forward from the left shoulder of the musical instrument player are substantially parallel. That is, the right portion of the neck band  301  extending forward from the right side of the neck of the musical instrument player and the left portion of the neck band  301  extending forward from the left side of the neck each extend in the vertical direction. In this way, because the right portion and the left portion of the neck band  301  extend in the vertical direction, force acts in the lengthwise direction (vertical direction) in both the right portion and the left portion of the neck band  301  due to the weight of the musical instrument, and because inward-directed force is prevented, the effect of suppressing the neck band  301  from moving upward from the base of the neck is further improved. 
     Also, a downward force acts on the musical instrument connector  310  due to the weight of the attached saxophone, and the front end of the neck band  301  is pulled downward by this force. In addition, the supplemental band  302  connected to the length adjusting portion  312  is also pulled downward. Accordingly, by providing the supplemental band  302  as described above, the neck band  301  is pulled from the back of the musical instrument player by the supplemental band  302 , so the neck band  301  is further prevented from moving upward from the base of the neck, and therefore it is possible to further lighten the burden on the neck of the musical instrument player. As a result, a slouching playing posture of the musical instrument player is prevented, and so pressure on the lungs of the musical instrument player is prevented. 
     Also, the musical instrument player can appropriately adjust the length of the length adjusting portion  312  provided below the distance maintaining member  311  to adjust the vertical position of the musical instrument. Thus, it is possible for the position of the musical instrument to be adjusted to the optimal height for the musical instrument player. Furthermore, when a length adjusting portion is provided in both the left and right portions of the neck band, it is necessary to adjust the length of each length adjusting portion, but with the musical instrument strap  300  according to Embodiment 3 by comparison, it is possible to easily adjust the vertical position of the musical instrument by only adjusting the length of the one length adjusting portion  312 , so convenience for the musical instrument player is improved. 
     Furthermore, the musical instrument player can appropriately adjust the length of the supplemental band  302  by adjusting the length of the lower band  302   b  provided in the supplemental band  302 . Specifically, the fastener  305  is positioned lower when the length of the supplemental band  302  is shortened, and the fastener  305  is positioned higher when the length of the supplemental band  302  is increased, so the neck band  301  can be disposed at an optimal position (position where the weight of the musical instrument is easily supported) for the musical instrument player by appropriately adjusting the length of the supplemental band  302 . 
     Embodiment 4 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view that shows the configuration of a musical instrument strap  400  according to Embodiment 4. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the musical instrument strap  400  according to Embodiment 4 is provided with a neck band  401  that is worn on the back of the neck of the musical instrument player, a supplemental band  402  that is worn from the back to the abdomen of the musical instrument player, a musical instrument connector  410  that connects the neck band  401  to a musical instrument (saxophone), and a distance maintaining member  420  that maintains the distance between a right portion of the neck band  401  extending forward from the right side of the neck of the musical instrument player and a left portion of the neck band  401  extending forward from the left side of the neck. 
     The neck band  401  is provided with a right band  403  worn on the right shoulder of the musical instrument player and a left band  404  worn on the left shoulder of the musical instrument player. The right band  403  is configured from an upper band  403   a  and a lower band  403   b  extending from the upper band  403   a , and the left band  404  is configured from an upper band  404   a  and a lower band  404   b  extending from the upper band  404   a . The two upper bands  403   a  and  404   a  are connected by a triangular ring-like fastener  405 . The configuration of the upper bands  403   a  and  404   a  and the fastener  405  is the same as the configuration of the upper bands  103   a  and  104   a  and the fastener  105  described in Embodiment 1, so that description is omitted here. Also, the manner in which the upper bands  403   a  and  404   a  and the supplemental band  402  are connected to the fastener  405  is the same as the manner in which the upper bands  103   a  and  104   a  and the supplemental band  102  are connected to the fastener  105  described in Embodiment 1, so that description is omitted here. 
     The lower band  403   b , which is thinner than the upper band  403   a , extends from the tip end of the upper band  403   a  of the right band  403 . The lower band  404   b , which is thinner than the upper band  404   a , extends from the tip end of the upper band  404   a  of the left band  404 . The tip ends of the lower bands  403   b  and  404   b  respectively are folded back to form a ring-like shape. The end of the right lower band  403   b  that has been folded back and the end of the left lower band  404   b  that has been folded back are each connected to the musical instrument connector  410 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the musical instrument connector  410  is provided with a length adjusting portion  412  for adjusting length and a musical instrument attachment hook  413  connected to a saxophone, which is schematically indicated in  FIG. 10  at  414 . The tip end of the lower band  403   b  and the tip end of the lower band  404   b  of the neck band  401  are connected to a ring-like attachment fitting  411 . A first band  412   a  of the length adjusting portion  412  is connected to the attachment fitting  411 . The configuration of the length adjusting portion  412  and the musical instrument attachment hook  413  is the same as the configuration of the length adjusting portion  312  and the musical instrument attachment hook  313  described in Embodiment 3, so that description is omitted here. Also, the configuration of the supplemental band  402  is the same as the configuration of the supplemental band  302  described in Embodiment 3, so that configuration is omitted here. 
     In the musical instrument strap  400  according to Embodiment 4, the distance maintaining member  420 , which prevents the right portion of the neck band  401  extending forward from the right side of the neck of the musical instrument player and the left portion of the neck band  401  extending forward from the left side of the neck from approaching each other, thereby maintaining the space between the right portion and left portion, is provided separate from the musical instrument connector  410 .  FIG. 11  is a front view that shows the configuration of the distance maintaining member according to Embodiment 4. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the distance maintaining member  420  is configured from a long, thin wire-like metal. A catch  421  that is fastened to the right portion of the neck band  401  is provided at the right end (the left end when viewing the paper face in  FIG. 11 ) of the distance maintaining member  420 , and a catch  422  that is fastened to the left portion of the neck band  401  is provided at the left end (the right end when viewing the paper face in  FIG. 11 ) of the distance maintaining member  420 . The catches  421  and  422  are each formed in a circular ring-like shape, and have horizontally long bar-like portions  421   a  and  422   a  in the center in the vertical direction. The bar-like portions  421   a  and  422   a  have substantially the same length as the width of the lower bands  403   b  and  404   b  of the neck band  401 . The lower band  403   b  is placed on the bar-like portion  421   a  of the right catch  421  and the lower band  404   b  is placed on the bar-like portion  422   a  of the left catch  422 . More specifically, in the lower band  403   b  ( 404   b ), the portion above and the portion below (semi-circular portion) from the bar-like portion  421   a  ( 422   a ) of the catch  421  ( 422 ) are each disposed on the back side of the catch  421  ( 422 ), and in the center position in the vertical direction of the catch  421  ( 422 ), the lower band  403   b  ( 404   b ) is disposed on the front side of the bar-like portion  421   a  ( 422   a ). Due to the lower bands  403   b  and  404   b  being arranged on the bar-like portions  421   a  and  422   a  in this way, the distance maintaining member  420  is fastened to the lower bands  403   b  and  404   b , so that the distance maintaining member  420  is prevented from dropping downward. 
     A middle portion  423  that connects the catches  421  and  422  of the distance maintaining member  420  is formed in a long, thin bar-like shape, and with the middle portion  423  the length of the distance maintaining member  420  is set to 140 mm. The distance maintaining member  420  is disposed at the position of the chest of the musical instrument player. As described above, the catches  421  and  422  are fastened to the lower bands  403   b  and  404   b , so the distance maintaining member  420  does not drop from the position of the chest of the musical instrument player. Moreover, by configuring the catches  421  and  422  in the above manner, the musical instrument player can easily move the distance maintaining member  420  up or down, so the distance maintaining member  420  can be disposed at an appropriate position according to the physique or desires of the musical instrument player. 
     With the musical instrument strap  400  according to this embodiment, due to the distance maintaining member  420  that insures a wide space between the left and right portions of the neck band  401  being provided in front of the chest of the musical instrument player, the space between the left and right front portions of the neck band  401  is maintained, and so the neck band  401  is prevented from moving upward from the base of the neck. Accordingly, the burden on the player&#39;s neck is lightened. 
     Also, as described above, a distance of about 140 mm is maintained between the left and right front portions of the neck band  401  by the distance maintaining member  420 . That is, with the musical instrument strap  400  according to Embodiment 4, the left and right front portions of the neck band  401  are prevented from approaching each other by the distance maintaining member  420 , and a space of about 140 mm, which is the length of the distance maintaining member  420 , is maintained between the left and right front portions of the neck band  401 . The length of the distance maintaining member  420  is such that when a musical instrument player having a standard physique is wearing the musical instrument strap  400 , a portion of the right band  403  hanging forward from the right shoulder of the musical instrument player and a portion of the left band  404  hanging forward from the left shoulder of the musical instrument player are substantially parallel. That is, the right portion of the neck band  401  extending forward from the right side of the neck of the musical instrument player and the left portion of the neck band  401  extending forward from the left side of the neck each extend in the vertical direction. In this way, because the right portion and the left portion of the neck band  401  extend in the vertical direction, force acts in the lengthwise direction (vertical direction) in both the right portion and the left portion of the neck band  401  due to the weight of the musical instrument, and because inward-directed force is prevented, the effect of suppressing the neck band  401  from moving upward from the base of the neck is further improved. 
     Also, a downward force acts on the musical instrument connector  410  due to the weight of the attached saxophone, and the front end of the neck band  401  is pulled downward by this force. In addition, the supplemental band  402  connected to the length adjusting portion  412  is also pulled downward. Accordingly, by providing the supplemental band  402 , the neck band  401  is pulled from the back of the musical instrument player by the supplemental band  402 , so the neck band  401  is further prevented from moving upward from the base of the neck, and therefore it is possible to further lighten the burden on the neck of the musical instrument player. As a result, a slouching playing posture of the musical instrument player is prevented, and so pressure on the lungs of the musical instrument player is prevented. 
     Also, the musical instrument player can appropriately adjust the length of the length adjusting portion  412  provided in the musical instrument connector  410  to adjust the vertical position of the musical instrument. Thus, it is possible for the position of the musical instrument to be adjusted to the optimal height for the musical instrument player. Furthermore, when a length adjusting portion is provided in both the left and right portions of the neck band, it is necessary to adjust the length of each length adjusting portion, but with the musical instrument strap  400  according to Embodiment 4 by comparison, it is possible to easily adjust the vertical position of the musical instrument by only adjusting the length of the one length adjusting portion  412 , so convenience for the musical instrument player is improved. 
     Furthermore, the musical instrument player can appropriately adjust the length of the supplemental band  402  by adjusting the length of the lower band provided in the supplemental band  402 . Specifically, the fastener  405  is positioned lower when the length of the supplemental band  402  is shortened, and the fastener  405  is positioned higher when the length of the supplemental band  402  is increased, so the neck band  401  can be disposed at an optimal position (position where the weight of the musical instrument is easily supported) for the musical instrument player by appropriately adjusting the length of the supplemental band  402 . 
     Other Embodiments 
     As described above, in Embodiment 1 the hemispherical protrusions  2  are provided on the flat plate  1 , but the shape of the protrusions  2  is not particularly limited. As long as these protrusions fulfill the role of a stopper of the attachment ring  51 , they may have a shape other than a hemispherical shape, such as the shape of a cube, rectangular solid, circular cone, triangular cone, or square cone. 
     Also, in Embodiment 1, the protrusions  2  are made of rubber, but as long as they are members such that a sound is not made between the protrusions  2  and the musical instrument attachment hook  5 , the material of the protrusions  2  is not particularly limited. These protrusions can be made of a synthetic resin, and they can also be members configured by covering the surface of a body made of metal with a synthetic resin or the like. 
     Also, in Embodiment 1, the flat plate  1  is slightly bent in the center, and is formed in substantially a V shape so as to increase in height from the center towards both ends, but this is not a limitation. As a separate mode, as shown in  FIG. 4 , by forming a depression  4  in the center of the flat plate  1 , it is possible to use the flat plate  1  also to prevent movement of the musical attachment hook. In this case, the protrusions  2  are not required. 
     The shape of the depression of the flat plate  1  is not particularly limited, but may be a concave shape or a semicircular shape, for example. 
     As long as the strap and the musical instrument connector are connected when in use, the shape of the connecting portions  3  that connect to the strap is not particularly limited. For example, a hole may be directly formed in a connector, and the strap connected via a support ring  6  passing through the hole, or both ends of the flat plate  1  may be bent, and the strap connected via a support ring  6  passing through the bent portion. 
     According to the above sort of musical instrument connector, the load of the musical instrument is distributed to the shoulders of the player, so the neck is not constricted, and no burden is placed on the neck. Also, there are the very advantageous effects that because constriction of the chest is reduced, the burden on the player is reduced, liberating the player from a difficult posture, so comfortable breathing can be attained, and thus improved sound quality and timbre can be expected. 
     Also, it is possible to insure free musical operation when playing. 
     Also, in Embodiments 1 to 3, the length of the lower bands  103   b ,  104   b ,  201   b ,  201   c ,  303   b , and  304   b  of the neck bands  101 ,  201 , and  301  can be adjusted, but this is not a limitation; a simple band whose length cannot be adjusted may be used as a lower band. Also, in Embodiments 3 and 4, the length adjusting portions  312  and  412  are provided, but this is not a limitation; a simple band whose length cannot be adjusted may be provided instead of the length adjusting portions  312  and  412 . 
     Also, in the musical instrument straps  100 ,  200 ,  300 , and  400  according to above Embodiments 1 to 4, the flat plate  1 , and the distance maintaining members  311  and  420 , have a length such that the left and right front portions of the neck bands  101 ,  201 ,  301 , and  401  are respectively parallel, but this is not a limitation; the distance between the left and right front portions of the neck bands  101 ,  201 ,  301 , and  401  may increase at lower positions. Even if the left and right front portions of the neck band, i.e., the right portion of the neck band  401  extending forward from the right side of the neck of the musical instrument player and the left portion of the neck band  401  extending forward from the left side of the neck, are not parallel, as long as the distance between those left and right front portions does not decrease at lower positions, inward-directed force due to the weight of the musical instrument is prevented from occurring in the right and left portions, and so upward movement of the neck band  101  from the base of the neck is suppressed. 
     Also, in above Embodiments 3 and 4, the supplemental bands  302  and  402  are provided, but this is not a limitation; the supplemental bands  302  and  402  are not required. Also, in Embodiments 3 and 4, the hook portion  302   c  of the supplemental bands  302  and  402  is engaged with the attachment fitting  312   b  of the length adjusting portions  312  and  412  of the musical instrument connectors  310  and  410 , but this is not a limitation; the tip end of the supplemental bands  302  and  402  may be connected to another portion of the length adjusting portions  312  and  412 , or may be directly connected to the musical instrument. Also, in the case of Embodiment 3, the tip end of the supplemental band  302  may be connected to the left end of the distance maintaining member  311 . 
     Also, in above Embodiments 1 to 4, the upper bands  103   a ,  104   a ,  102   a ,  201   a ,  303   a ,  304   a ,  302   a ,  403   a , and  404   a  are configured with a sponge covered by leather, but this is not a limitation; the sponge may be covered by another flexible material such as synthetic leather, vinyl, or cloth, and an upper band may be constituted from only a flexible material, without including a sponge. 
     Also, in above embodiments 1 to 4, the length of the flat plate  1  and the distance maintaining members  311  and  420  is set to 140 mm, but this is not a limitation. However, in order to make the right portion of the neck band extending forward from the right side of the neck of the musical instrument player and the left portion of the neck band extending forward from the left side of the neck substantially parallel, it is preferable to set the length of the flat plate  1  and the distance maintaining members  311  and  420  to 130 to 150 mm. 
     Also, in Embodiments 1 and 2, a support ring  6  is attached at both ends of the flat plate  1 , and the lower bands  103   b ,  104   b ,  201   b , and  201   c  of the neck bands  101  and  201  are connected to those support rings  6 . In this configuration, the support rings  6  are stable at a position such that the center axis of the support rings  6  extends in the front-rear direction, and therefore, the lower bands  103   b ,  104   b ,  201   b , and  201   c  are positioned such that the flat face of those lower bands follows the body surface of the chest of the player. Rather than such a configuration, a configuration can also be adopted such that the flat face of the lower bands  103   b ,  104   b ,  201   b , and  201   c  is tilted relative to the body surface of the chest of the player. For example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , a configuration is adopted in which an elongated hole  503  extending in the front-rear direction is provided slightly to the inside of both ends of a flat plate, and the lower bands  103   b ,  104   b ,  201   b , and  201   c  are passed through that elongated hole  503 . By adopting such a configuration, the lower bands  103   b ,  104   b ,  201   b , and  201   c  are oriented by the elongated hole so that their width direction is in the front-rear direction, and the portion of the neck bands  101  and  102  including the lower bands  103   b ,  104   b ,  201   b , and  201   c  that is to the front of the neck of the player is tilted relative to the body surface of the chest of the player. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reduce pressure on the chest of the player by the neck bands  101  and  201 . 
     Also, in Embodiment 4, the catches  421  and  422  are provided at the left and right ends of the distance maintaining member  420 , and each of the catches  421  and  422  is disposed such that their respective center axis directions are in the front-rear direction, but this is not a limitation.  FIG. 13  is a perspective view that shows an example of another configuration of a distance maintaining member. As shown in  FIG. 13 , a distance maintaining member  620  in this example is configured with left and right catches  621  and  622  bent forward relative to a middle portion  623 . By adopting such a configuration, same as in the configuration shown in  FIG. 12 , the flat face of the lower bands  403   b  and  404   b  is tilted relative to the body surface of the chest of the player, so it is possible to reduce the pressure on the chest of the player by the neck band  401 . The bend angle of the catches  621  and  622  relative to the middle portion  623  may be 90 degrees, or may be an angle other than 90 degrees. Also, the distance maintaining member  311  according to Embodiment 3 may be configured with the ring-like portions  311   a  and  311   b  at the left and right end each bent forward, and in this case as well, it is possible to reduce the pressure on the chest of the player by the neck band  301 . 
     Also, in Embodiment 2, the upper band  201   a  of the neck band  201  is a band-like member with a uniform width throughout its entire length, and the back face  203  has a three-dimensional shape that fits closely with the back of the neck, the shoulders, and the chest of the musical instrument player, but this is not a limitation.  FIG. 14  is an unfolded plan view of the upper band with another example configuration. An upper band  701   a  shown in  FIG. 14  does not have a uniform width, rather, the upper and lower edges of the upper band  701   a  are formed in a curved shape such that the width of the upper band  701   a  decreases from the center portion to the left and right sides. Due to the upper and lower edges being curved in this way, when the musical instrument player is wearing the upper band  701   a  from the back of the neck to the chest, pressure is applied on the shoulders of the musical instrument player. Also, the upper band  701   a  has a flattened single-layer band shape when unfolded in a plane. Accordingly, when the upper band  701   a  is worn on the back of the neck of the musical instrument player, the upper band  701   a  curves following the shape of the neck. Thus, a back face  703  only fits closely with the body of the musical instrument player on the back of the neck, and the back face  703  is tilted relative to the body surface in the portion to the front of the neck of the musical instrument player, so that a bottom edge  704  of the upper band  701   a  touches the shoulders and chest. Thus, same as the configurations provided with a flat plate or a distance maintaining member shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , it is possible to lighten the pressure on the chest of the musical instrument player. Also, other than the above sort of configuration, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the upper band is a flattened single-layer band when unfolded in a plane, and the upper and lower edges of the upper band are straight, so that the width is uniform throughout the entire length of the upper band. 
     Also, in the musical instrument strap  400  according to Embodiment 4, the catches  421  and  422  provided at both ends of the distance maintaining member  420  are each formed in a round ring-like shape, and the horizontally long bar-like portions  421   a  and  422   a  are provided in the center in the vertical direction of the catches  421  and  422 , but this is not a limitation; a catch may be formed in a square ring-like shape, a triangular ring-like shape, or the like, with a bar-like portion provided in the center in the vertical direction of the catch. Also, in Embodiment 4, the horizontally long bar-like portions  421   a  and  422   a  are provided in the catches  421  and  422 , and the distance maintaining member  420  is fastened to the lower bands  403   b  and  404   b  by the bar-like portions  421   a  and  422   a , but this is not a limitation; configurations such as those described below may also be adopted. 
     (1) A circular ring-like catch that does not include a bar-like portion is provided at both ends of a distance maintaining member, a tape having a width greater than the diameter of the catch is used as a lower band of the neck band  401 , and the lower band is passed through the catch. The lower band having a width greater than the diameter of the catch is squeezed at the position of the catch. Thus, frictional force occurs between the lower band and the catch, so that the distance maintaining member is fastened by the lower band. 
     (2) The diameter of the catch in (1) is further reduced, and rather than a tape, a rope having approximately the same diameter as the catch is used as the lower band. 
     (3) A plurality of holes are provided in the lengthwise direction in the lower band, and by passing both ends of a connector through the holes, the distance maintaining member is fastened to the lower band. 
     From the above description, many improvements or other embodiments of the present invention will be clear to a person having ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the above description is to be understood as only an example, and is provided for the purpose of teaching a person having ordinary skill in the art a preferred embodiment for executing the present invention. Details of the structure and/or function of the present invention can be substantially changed without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The musical instrument strap and musical instrument connector according to the present invention exhibit an effect in which the weight of a musical instrument is distributed to the shoulders of a player, so the player&#39;s neck is not constricted, and the burden on the neck is lightened, and therefore the musical instrument strap and musical instrument connector according to the present invention are useful as a musical instrument strap and a musical instrument connector for a saxophone or the like.