Friday, November 8, 2013

The Different Violin Chinrest Styles

By Katrina Wheeler


There are various violin chinrest styles in today's market. However, the majority of them can easily fit into just two categories. There are the extended chinrests that can be mounted under the instrument's button and go past the tailpiece, and there are the regular chinrests that can be mounted on the instrument's side and don't go past the tailpiece.

These chin rests exist in a lot of different sizes, shapes and materials. They can be called Guarneri, Hill, Strad, Flesch, Wittner, Tekka or Dresdren. Some even have lips that can fit the jaw shape of the violinist, while others seem to have an appearance that is more flat.

Generally speaking, there is no preferred model out there since people generally have different tastes. Since people aren't built in the same ways, either, what one violinist might find utterly comfortable might not be that comfortable for another. So, as long as you realize that your chinrest is no longer comfortable for you, it would be highly advisable to visit an instrument shop nearby and try out different ones for a change.

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.

Other than that, gel rests are also beneficial in various other ways. As mentioned earlier, it consists of a hypoallergenic gel, so it won't irritate the skin in any way. Aside from that, it will never make your chin slip, no matter how much you sweat. It can also help support the neck better whenever you play the violin. Plus, due to the friction that will occur between the body and the cushion during play, the neck won't cramp up in any way, making playing much more comfortable overall.

While it is vital to check out different violin chinrest styles in today's market, it would also be vital to check out their overall fit. It would also be vital to check out the shoulder rest at the same time. After all, the shoulder rest's design will influence the necessary traits in a matching chin rest, thus ensuring that they produce a secure fit in the end.




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