Tuesday 19 November 2013

How To Choose Violin Chinrest Styles

By Katrina Wheeler


There are a lot of different violin chinrest styles out there. The majority of them fit into two main categories, though. There are the chin rests that go past the tailpiece to be mounted under the button, and there are the chin rests that are mounted on the side but don't extend past the tailpiece.

Chinrests can normally be found in all sorts of materials, shapes and sizes. They can also be found with all sorts of names, including Strad, Hill, Guarneri, Wittner, Dresden, Flesch and Tekka. Some of them also have special 'lips', which can fit your jaw shape perfectly if needed. Then there are those that just look flat.

It is hard to decide which model would be the best one for you to get, though. This is because everybody is different. While one violinist might find a certain chinrest exceedingly comfortable, another one might not like its fit at all. So, the minute you realize that you aren't comfortable with your violin's chinrest, make it a point to visit an instrument store nearby and try out different ones. This would be a much better idea than asking other violinists which ones to get and following their advice.

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.

This particular gel rest can actually found in all sorts of shapes, too. However, its most distinguishing feature would be the fact that it comes with a cushion that consists of a hypoallergenic non-irritating gel that can be fitted over the rest's wood. The manufacturer of this particular gel rest also provides separate gel toppers that can make for double-layered version for people with taller necks.

This product comes with all sorts of different advantages. For starters, its cushioning reduces skin irritation from the actual chin rest. Secondly, it will not slip when it is hot and when sweating abounds. Thirdly, it will help the neck support the instrument through the friction provided between the gel and the neck. Lastly, the cushion tends to be more forgiving overall in terms of the neck and is usually much more comfortable for violinists, as well.

Aside from evaluating violin chinrest styles, you shouldn't forget to evaluate shoulder rest styles, either. After all, both of these designs will play a big part in how safe, secure and comfortable your violin will actually be in the end.




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