4/19/2014

Making The Right Choice Between Different Violin Chinrest Styles

By Essie Osborn


Chinrests are used to free the left hand without exposing you to the risk of dropping your instrument. Finding the right style enhances your technical ability by eliminating physical barriers. Many players may not be aware of the importance of getting this aspect right. They probably got theirs with the instrument and never gave it a second thought.

There are different violin chinrest styles to fit individual tastes and preferences. The choice made affects the posture of play. An instrument that is well supported helps the player to find balance between the left hand and the collarbone. The player has a chance to concentrate and therefore improve on his technical skills.

An ill fitted chin rest is likely to cause aches and pains as well as problems with clenching. The parts under stress are likely to get sore. The sores come from the fact that a particular part of your violin is resting and thus applying pressure on a single area on your neck.

Signs such as discomfort while playing are an indication that something is wrong with the chin rest. The head may tilt left and right as you attempt to maintain a comfortable playing position. This causes players to adapt unnatural positions that affect their style of play. Bypassing a crucial issue like positioning makes the player unprofessional and thus unable to achieve his full potential.

Emphasis on a stylish chin rest is likely to affect sound production. It must be suitable for individual style of play because of how each player positions his instrument. The cap was not in use during classical eras but its introduction has led to a new style of play that offers dexterity and flexibility. The fingering board is easy to access.

Using a chin rest prevents a player with an oily skin from ruining the varnish. The degree of comfort offered by different chinrests depends on the body structure of an individual. Some have thin chins while others are broader. These are vital considerations when making a decision on what style to adapt.

It takes time to identify the best style for you. Some players would prefer one that is capped on the side because of how they position their violin. Others prefer a centrally placed cap for personal reasons. After using each of these options for a while, a player is able to identify what suits his style of play.

A free left hand helps to improve technical playing skills as the player moves the fingers over the board. Undue pressure is not applied on the neck or the jaw which translates into an incredible experience during practice or concerts. The bump on the neck is never painful and does not change features on your face.

The clipping end for chinrests determines the level of resonance achieved during play. Center mount or side mount distinguish the accessories and either enhance or inhibit resonance. The level is determined by the amount of wood that is covered in the process. The right rest allows you to adapt to smaller or larger instruments.

Chinrests have been used to add an element of style to violins. They are matched with the color or pattern. Fancy designs affect appearance which should not be allowed to overshadow sound quality. It is upon the player to find a perfect balance between these aspects.




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