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FHRED and SAMI team up to provide more flexible support
SAMI
A SAMI is basically a pocket, like a flag holder, which can be attached to a belt or a neck strap. It is made from cotton webbing and nylon cord and has a cord lock to to allow you to adjust it to the proper length. A SAMI allows you to use a FHRED when you are standing. Some players also like to use a SAMI with their FHRED when seated, however, this is a personal choice. Most players prefer a black SAMI, but a SAMI is also available in bone and camel for performers who need a lighter color to blend with concert attire.
When a SAMI is attached to a belt, the amount of additional freedom is determined by how tightly the cord is set. A SAMI can provide enough additional freedom to satisfy most players who need to give cues or use more movement when they play.
When a SAMI is attached to a neck strap, it gives a great deal more freedom of movement for "wailing" and such. When you use a SAMI with a neck strap the force on the neck and shoulders is reduced to the weight of the FHRED and your instrument. You do not need to pull or push to keep the neck strap tight. In fact when you take control of the weight, the neck strap is actually loose.
Why not just use a neck strap?
A neck strap does not support the instrument by carrying the weight down along the body, limiting the force on the neck and shoulders to the weight of the instrument. In order for the neck strap to work, the player must push up and out on the instrument to create tension on the strap. This produces a force on the neck which is equal to many times the weight of the instrument. The hands and forearms must supply this force, which changes the force on the thumb from one pushing the thumb downward to one pushing the thumb backward also causing tension in the forearms, aggravating the problems instead of alleviating them.
When a FHRED is used alone or with a SAMI attached to a belt, the entire weight of the instrument is placed on the FHRED. The chair or the waist replaces the neck and shoulders as the weight bearer. The thumb can be completely free from weight.