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Chin Rests & Shoulder Rests for Violin and Viola




Chin Rests          Shoulder Rests























Chin Rests




When choosing a violin chin rest, there are several well-known brands that offer a variety of styles, each designed to enhance comfort and improve playing technique. 

  1. Stradivarius Chin Rest: Named after the famous luthier Antonio Stradivari, this chin rest features a relatively flat design with a simple, traditional shape. It provides a broad surface for players who prefer a more relaxed, less restricted feel. Its minimal curvature makes it ideal for players with longer necks or those who enjoy a less aggressive playing posture. It’s one of the most common designs and offers versatility.

  2. Guarneri Chin Rest: The Guarneri chin rest is more contoured than the Stradivarius, offering a slightly curved shape that supports the chin more securely. It's popular with players who want a more fixed position for their head while playing. This style is often favored by those with smaller chins or players who prefer a more ergonomic fit. The contoured design can help reduce neck strain during long practice sessions.

  3. Dresden Chin Rest: The Dresden chin rest is a popular choice for young players due to its minimalist design, which provides comfort and stability. Its shape allows for a more natural, relaxed posture, reducing strain on the neck and jaw. This enhances playing endurance and facilitates smoother bowing techniques, making it ideal for many musicians.
  4. Teka Chin Rest: The Teka chin rest is larger and more ergonomic than the others, extending further out to the left side of the violin. It is ideal for players with a broad neck or those who require additional support for their jaw. Its wide, rounded shape provides extra comfort and reduces pressure, making it a favorite among violinists who want a more stable feel.
  5. Wittner Chin Rest: Known for its modern, lightweight materials, Wittner chin rests offer good durability and comfort. They are lighter and often preferred by players who need a more breathable option, and have plastic legs so players with nickel sensitivities have relief from the legs rubbing against their neck.  Wittner is recognized for quality craftsmanship and functional designs. They come in both Side and Center mount options, which is good for young players. 
  6. Kaufman Chin Rest: Kaufman chin rests are known for their simple sloped design, offering a high level of comfort. They tend to have a medium height, providing balanced support for players looking for something between the flat Stradivarius and the more contoured Guarneri. 


Conclusion:
Each chin rest brand offers unique features that cater to different needs. The Stradivarius and Guarneri styles are classic and provide versatility, with Stradivarius offering a flatter design and Guarneri offering more contour. The Teka chin rest is great for players who need more space and support. Wittner offers modern, lightweight options. Kaufman and Flesch are known for their ergonomic comfort. Ultimately, the right chin rest depends on your playing style, comfort needs, and personal preference.










































































Shoulder Rests




Violin shoulder rests are essential accessories for players, offering support and comfort by stabilizing the instrument during performance. They help to distribute the weight of the violin more evenly across the shoulder, reducing physical strain and improving posture. Several well-known brands offer a variety of models, including Everest, Kun, BonMusica, and Wolf, each with unique features and advantages.

Everest shoulder rests are known for their affordability and adjustable design. They feature a lightweight, plastic frame with adjustable feet that can be positioned to suit the player's body type. The foam padding is comfortable, though some players find it less durable over time compared to higher-end models. Everest rests are a great option for students or musicians seeking a simple, budget-friendly solution.

Kun is one of the most popular shoulder rest brands, favored by both amateur and professional violinists. The Kun shoulder rest is highly adjustable, offering flexible positioning for the feet and a smooth, ergonomic curve that contours to the shoulder. Its rubber feet provide a secure grip, making it a stable option for players. Some models also feature a removable foam pad, which enhances comfort. However, Kun rests can sometimes be too rigid for players with more pronounced shoulder contours.

BonMusica is known for its highly customizable design, particularly for players who need specific adjustments. The BonMusica's flexible, steel frame provides excellent support, though its bulkier design might not suit everyone, especially those who prefer a minimalist feel. For players who have bonier shoulders or find their instrument slipping off their shoulder, the BonMusica rest has a "hook" shape that many players find relieves this slippage. 

Wolf shoulder rests are designed with premium materials and craftsmanship, offering a comfortable fit and great stability. Wolf rests are often favored by professional players for their high level of customization and durability, though their higher price point may be a consideration for some.


Ultimately, the best shoulder rest depends on personal preferences, body type, and the level of comfort and adjustability desired. Each brand offers distinct features to accommodate a wide range of players.


WARNING: The shoulder rest should be removed and stored off of the instrument when not in use. Do not leave it on the instrument while in the case! Since cases are designed to accommodate only the height of the instrument itself, it can cause extensive damage if the instrument were to get crushed, as well as also damaging the case by over-filling it and crushing the internal foam.
Get in the habit of removing it after every playing session and storing it either in a designated area in the case, or in a separate carrying bag. A common solution is to attach a pencil pouch to your case with a zip-tie or clip so the shoulder rest is always within reach of the violin or viola.