How To Choose Violin Chinrest Styles

By Katrina Wheeler


All sorts of violin chinrest styles abound in today's market. However, they can usually be separated into two basic categories: the regular ones and the extended ones. The regular ones are basically mounted onto the instrument's side and do not go past its tailpiece, while the extended ones need to be mounded underneath the instrument and usually go past its tailpiece.

These chin rests exist in a lot of different sizes, shapes and materials. They can be called Guarneri, Hill, Strad, Flesch, Wittner, Tekka or Dresdren. Some even have lips that can fit the jaw shape of the violinist, while others seem to have an appearance that is more flat.

There is no way to say which model is the most preferred one, in general, though. After all, people are never the same. In other words, while a chin rest might be comfortable for one person, it might not be a great fit for another person. So, if you currently have an uncomfortable chin rest, then you may want to go to a violin store and try other ones out instead of asking other people for advice on a product's comfort.

Ideally, you should look for a store that has various models on-hand, as well. This way, you can try a lot of them out at once. Conversely, you can ask your teacher to help you evaluate your choice's fit instead and give you tips as needed.

If, after trying out a lot of different products, you still can't find one that is comfortable for you, then you might want to add some padding between you and the rest instead. There are products out there that provide protective layers of cushion called gel rests, for instance. These can be found on the Internet and in various traditional stores nowadays.

What makes these cushions so great is that they are hypoallergenic and non-irritating at the same time. Plus, they can fit onto any rest perfectly. So, regardless of which one you have or end up buying, it will suit it well. Conversely, you can also buy a gel topper that can provide another extra layer for you in case you have an especially tall neck.

Cushions are very beneficial, in general, when it comes to violins. First of all, they can reduce skin irritation. Second of all, they will ensure that your instrument won't slip from your chin as you play, no matter how hot it might get or how much you might sweat. Third of all, they will support your neck properly and give enough friction as needed. They are also more forgiving, in general, so they can provide you with more comfort than mere chinrests would.

While it is vital to check out different violin chinrest styles in today's market, it would also be vital to check out their overall fit. It would also be vital to check out the shoulder rest at the same time. After all, the shoulder rest's design will influence the necessary traits in a matching chin rest, thus ensuring that they produce a secure fit in the end.




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