2/15/2014

Violin Chinrest Styles For All Players

By Jerri Perry


The chinrest on a stringed instrument assists the player in the proper positioning of the chin and is an important accessory for violinists of all levels and abilities. Getting the proper fit can greatly enhance a player's performance, while a poor fit can make playing more difficult and even painful. Fortunately, there are several violin chinrest styles for players to choose from.

Individuals who have never played a violin or any other stringed instrument, probably don't realize that the instrument can actually be played without the chinrest. It is actually a separate accessory which can be added to the instrument. It is intended to help properly position the chin.

This is because the proper chin position will allow a player to move freely, which makes it easier to make transitions while playing. Therefore, it is likely to improve the player's performance. Unfortunately, if the size and shape are not well suited for an individual, it can negatively effect their ability to play. A poor fit could make playing some notes more difficult and could cause the o need for frequent breaks. In addition, if a player is forced to tilt their neck too much, or tighten their neck or jaw muscles, it could possible cause an injury. However, when this accessory is properly fitted, it can become an excellent tool for the violinist.

Fortunately, there are several different types to choose from. All of them are readily available on the market. This means with a little bit of research and preferably a little help from a professional, it should be easy to find the right fit. The three main types are the side mount, center mount and Guarneri model.

The Guarneri is the most well known style. On this model, the chin bed is positioned on the left of the tailpiece. The clamps are attached to the center of the violin. For the center mount and the side mount pieces, the positioning is as would be expected by their names. The side mount and its clamps are placed directly to the left of the tailpiece, and the center mount is positioned directly in the middle.

While it is important that violinists choose the correct chinrest style and shape for their build and their playing style, they must also choose the material it is made from. They are mostly made from wood, with the most common woods being boxwood, rosewood and ebony. They may also be made from plastic, which is considered the most hypoallergenic.

It may be best to get help from a professional when choosing the best option. However, it is suggested that when the fit is correct, the player should be able to hold the instrument without any discomfort, using only their chin. It is also important to consider the material when making your selection as some individuals may be sensitive to the wood options, making plastic more suitable.

All players should consider proper chin placement. A chinrest that fits well can improve the performance of a player and it will likely help them avoid any injuries. Some guidance from a professional will help players should choose the most well suited option from all of the available violin chinrest styles.




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