7/21/2014

Make The Right Choice Between Different Violin Chinrest Styles

By Marylou Forbes


Chin rests have been used to free the left hand so that the violin player can concentrate on strings. There are different violin chinrest styles that enhance the quality of sound produced. This accessory has transformed the way this instrument is used. It is acquired as a customized addition to violins depending on personal preference for each player.

Each player has a different style which is determined by the music and training. The right choice of a rest will help in mastery of technical skills and improve sound production for the instrument. Supporting your instrument well helps to improve balance between the left hand and collarbone. This is necessary for mastery of technical skills.

Failure to place the chin rest in the right position can be identified naturally. This is signaled by pains or aches which are followed by clenching challenges after a prolonged period with the instrument. This happens because of the pressure that comes with positioning the violin at the same place for too long.

Any discomfort during play should alert you of a challenge with positioning. Tilting the head to the right or left in order to accommodate positioning is not the best approach. It makes it difficult to master technical skills and affects your professionalism. This position is not natural and will hinder the player from performing maximally.

Sound quality is easily affected by the manner of clipping the rest. The styles vary from one violinist to the other. Classical violinists did not use the caps. These caps were introduced later and had a transformational effect on flexibility and dexterity in play. They made fingering boards easier to access.

Caps are advisable for violinists with oily skins to protect the varnish from being eaten away. Comfort depends largely on personal preference. This means that each violinist has a different style and understanding of comfort.

It takes time and attention to identify the best cap for you and the right position. Clipping of rests is either done on the left or center of the board. This is largely an individual effort. The best position is adopted during practice where the guidance of an experienced tutor is highly recommended. This will help the instrumentalist to achieve full potential depending on the music.

Freeing the left arm that comes with use of a cap helps violinists to master their technical skills. It takes pressure of the neck and jaws allowing better mastery of fingering. This means that the violinist can master technical skills and improve on his style of play. There is likelihood to develop a bump on the neck after several hours of continuous play.

The manner in which the rest is clipped affects sound production and its quality. The sound vibrates less when the clip is placed deeper into the body. This comes with reduced resonance and depth. Every violinist should be concerned about the style of clipping. Instruments that are either too small or too big are adapted using the caps.

Chin rests have been used to make instruments more fashionable. Violinists have chosen complementary colors and patterns to customize the caps. Any modification must not affect sound quality.




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