A cure for Banjo-Player's Spine

For anyone who plays banjo a lot standing up (as bluegrassers do), the weight of the instrument can cause chronic and debilitating spine problems. Kim Koskela, leader and banjo-player of the Wildwood Girls, who plays an extra-heavy top-tension banjo, has had these problems and fought back against them by inventing the No-Strap (TM), a product of Fifth Child Music.

The No-Strap transfers the weight of the banjo to the hips, just as the waist-belts used with heavy backpacks do. Full instructions for fitting the No-Strap are shown on the Fifth Child Music website. Fifth Child Music* will also be selling a new type of picks, tab books, and practice aids for the banjo.

*Ask any Bill Monroe enthusiast for the significance of the name. The answer is also on the website.