11/11/2013

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.

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.

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.

The best stores to visit for this are the ones with a wide range of products available. This way, there won't be a need for you to visit a lot of different stores for the trials. You'll just have to go to one and try all of the available models out there.

Whenever people try out a lot of chin rests yet still feel uncomfortable with them, they tend to find it helpful to add an extra layer of padding between their skin and that of the rest. The Strad-Pad, for example, is one of these protective layers and has a cushion known as a gel rest. This gel rest can be found all over the World Wide Web nowadays.

This cushion comes in different shapes, too. However, what really makes it stand out is the fact that it is made out of a hypoallergenic gel, which won't irritate the skin and which fits perfectly over the rest's wood as needed. If you have a tall neck, then you will be happy to hear that they also provide separate gel toppers to make violin-playing even more comfortable for you. These products usually have double layers for the utmost comfort.

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.

Aside from violin chinrest styles, don't forget to check out shoulder rest styles, either. In fact, it would be best to check out both of them at the same time in order to find the perfect match and fit for you with ease.




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