DYEMUSIC.COM/VIOLIN-SHOULDER-REST
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Many violinists these days use a little aid that is called violin shoulder rest. The reason why this little device has become so popular in such a short time is that it takes away some of the muscle strain from the player. It also helps the performer to have a better grip of the instrument and thus allowing the player to achieve smoother shifting motion on the fingerboard leading to a better performance.
Sure, many people, especially the “traditionalists” would not agree with that. They claim that the shoulder rest causes loss of vibration and that its use decreases natural volume of the instrument. Even though both of those claims might be correct, most violin musicians still prefer using the aid. It is not only because they like the benefit of a better grip, but also and probably primarily because of comfort. Holding your violin between your chin and shoulder without the shoulder rest creates tension in different groups of muscles and that tension can eventually lead to spasms. In the long run, you can develop some type of muscle disorder - something very common for people who do repetitive jobs in awkward positions. Obviously, you still have to hold your violin in almost the same position even when you are using the shoulder rest, but it does help to alleviate the problem to some extent.
There are basically two types of shoulder rests depending on the material used in their manufacturing - soft and rigid. I am assuming that most people use the rigid pieces, but I would not place a bet on it. In any case, most rigid shoulder rests are made from wood, plastic, carbon fiber, or aluminum. Soft ones are made of various foams and spongy materials. Most shoulder rests are attached to the edge of the back of the violin and have adjustable little feet that allow the performer to adjust the height, hence allowing to play in the most comfortable position.
Violin shoulder rests are available in variety of shapes, colors, and in several sizes. The usual sizes range from 1/16 - 4/4 (1/8-1/16, ˝-1/4, 4/4-3/4). Buying on the Internet is great and usually cheaper, but it is always the best to try a particular brand you are interested in and see which size fits you best. Remember, you are getting it for your comfort and not for its look!
Some of the most popular brands include Kun, Wolf, VLM Diamond, Bon Musica, Viva, Resonans, Meridian, Karacha, Lark, and Comford. The first three mentioned offer the best quality craftsmanship, but also the highest cost, which can climb up to $100 for the most luxurious models. On the other hand we have Lark, which can cost you less than ten bucks.
It is obviously your choice whether you want to use violin shoulder rest or not. I would recommend trying it out and than decide what is most important for you. Is it the comfort or is it the “purity” of sound?
Sure, many people, especially the “traditionalists” would not agree with that. They claim that the shoulder rest causes loss of vibration and that its use decreases natural volume of the instrument. Even though both of those claims might be correct, most violin musicians still prefer using the aid. It is not only because they like the benefit of a better grip, but also and probably primarily because of comfort. Holding your violin between your chin and shoulder without the shoulder rest creates tension in different groups of muscles and that tension can eventually lead to spasms. In the long run, you can develop some type of muscle disorder - something very common for people who do repetitive jobs in awkward positions. Obviously, you still have to hold your violin in almost the same position even when you are using the shoulder rest, but it does help to alleviate the problem to some extent.
There are basically two types of shoulder rests depending on the material used in their manufacturing - soft and rigid. I am assuming that most people use the rigid pieces, but I would not place a bet on it. In any case, most rigid shoulder rests are made from wood, plastic, carbon fiber, or aluminum. Soft ones are made of various foams and spongy materials. Most shoulder rests are attached to the edge of the back of the violin and have adjustable little feet that allow the performer to adjust the height, hence allowing to play in the most comfortable position.
Violin shoulder rests are available in variety of shapes, colors, and in several sizes. The usual sizes range from 1/16 - 4/4 (1/8-1/16, ˝-1/4, 4/4-3/4). Buying on the Internet is great and usually cheaper, but it is always the best to try a particular brand you are interested in and see which size fits you best. Remember, you are getting it for your comfort and not for its look!
Some of the most popular brands include Kun, Wolf, VLM Diamond, Bon Musica, Viva, Resonans, Meridian, Karacha, Lark, and Comford. The first three mentioned offer the best quality craftsmanship, but also the highest cost, which can climb up to $100 for the most luxurious models. On the other hand we have Lark, which can cost you less than ten bucks.
It is obviously your choice whether you want to use violin shoulder rest or not. I would recommend trying it out and than decide what is most important for you. Is it the comfort or is it the “purity” of sound?
THE TRUTH ABOUT VIOLIN SHOULDER RESTS
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