Talon Drum Harness

[MarkinSA]

Not my usual place to post.

Both my kids are learning/playing the snare. While my son has advanced and is playing in the band, my daughter should be making the transition this year or early next year.

The band still plays with slings. Although my son will be playing in the school band as well this year (they have the carriers) I was wondering if the Talon Drum Harness might be a good option for both of them?

Do any of the drummers have a view about this harness or has played with it. The reason for considering it, is that it looks a lot lighter than the carriers and more comfortable than a sling over one shoulder.

My son is turning 13 this year and my daughter will be 10 in September.

http://www.phoenixpercussionltd.com/index.asp?mn=2



Thanks

[CJColeman]

I use, and would recommend, the Talon harness. The major selling point to me is weight distribution. Once it is fitted correctly, it should take a large portion of the weight of the drum and move it to your hips, as opposed to your shoulder/back. As I am sure you know, it's a good thing any time you can shift weight to your hips. As someone who suffers from lower back pain (most likely caused, in part, to carrying a drum for years) I find this to be very helpful.

With your kids joints and muscles still growing, I would say that this would be a beneficial purchase for them now, and in the future.

One word of warning: On a regular basis I see students in my corps trying to 'brace' the drum with their knee/thigh, putting all of their weight on one leg - I think this is an issue with many new-ish players (carrier or sling), but when the drum rests on the leg in particular -. This puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on the lower back. Make sure that they maintain good posture when using this, or they may complain of discomfort.

If you have any other questions, feel free to drop me a line at: chris.coleman@collegeofpiping.com

I hope this helps!

Chris

[drum76]

I also highly recommend the Talon. I just did a St. Patty’s parade last Saturday and various gigs throughout the rest of the day and into that night. It was a "walk in the park" with the Talon! My fellow side drummers with regular harnesses were feeling the pain that night and the next couple of days. I don't know why a pipe band drummer needs to look like an AA gunner from WWII. We don't have the movement requirements of the DCI drummers... heck they are the musical equivalent of the Blue Angels.

It is the best product to come along for the pipe band drummer since the Drumslinger dual shoulder sling (unfortunately not being produced anymore). Phoenix Percussion is currently offering discounts for group orders of the Talon.

[MarkinSA]

Thanks for the input.

I did search the forum first and there were quite a few comments, but most seemed quite old. The cost of these harness' (and any decent carrier for that matter) is quite staggering, especially when converting to South African rands.

Chris, thanks for the heads up, I'll watch my son closer the next time he is playing and make sure that he stands up straight. (I'm normally too busy trying to concentrate on my fingers )

I think I should order one, and at least get the kids to try it out. The last thing I want is to damage their backs.

[MarkinSA]

The shipping costs are frigging NUTS! Canada to South Africa.

[MarkinSA]

I have ordered the harness. It's in the postal system. Holds thumbs that it arrives!