Although there is considerable debate about using the best violin shoulder rest, it is a really important accessory. Almost every beginner performers utilize the rest when he/she starts learning the violin. It is appended to the back of the instrument which for the most part contains legs that are either adaptable or strong acrylic.

The rest as proposed by the name is nothing more than an accessory that puts between the body of the violin and the shoulder of a player. It improves the functioning of the instrument by bringing it lower from the body to let the player’s body move. Be that as it may, using this item isn’t critical to play the violin, however, it is able to ease long training hours. There are varieties of the violin shoulder pad, so, normally, some testing is needed to determine which is suited for setting up your violin.

I’ve checked out these products, and you can use this guide as a point of insight to find a shoulder rest for violin.

Violin Shoulder Rest Reviews

Bonmusica 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest

Bonmusica 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest
The Bonmusica shoulder rest is a German-planned shoulder rest that is increasingly well established. Strengthened base circles over the artist’s shoulders, holding the device as opposed to slipping off to the foot. This encourages great strategy and fast-moving and vibrating. This needs to be adjusted exactly in keeping with the shoulder of the player in order to render it as friendly as could reasonably be expected. The base can be modified as well.

The rest of the Bonmusica Violin arm is completely customizable, making it comfortable as much as possible. This brand is strong, safe, and adjustable. I can add that it’s flexible as well. The Bon Musica is adjustable, sloping sideways, separating the shoulder, and has a range to reach out around different widths of violins and violas (in measurement, 4/4, and so on). The fragment of the snare can be mounted in 3 unique settings for slanted and tight shoulders and long or short chest areas.

The silicone coating is incredibly safe to wear. Bon Musica shoulder rests, as opposed to most different items, can be useful for left-gave players. Just turn it around so the snare sits on the right side and grab the left-handed shoulder rest! It is estimated that 9.4 x 3.9x 1.6 inches long and weighs just 4.2 ounces.

Pros

  • Enhances sound.
  • Comfortable on the shoulders.
  • Great quality.

Cons

  • Not easy to adjust.
  • No directional manual to help players.

Kun Original 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest

Kun Original 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest
The first thing that is worth noting is the relief that the Kun Original 4/4 was going to give. I can guarantee that in the event that you’re searching for convenience, it operates at that level. The parity of the rest makes it transferable in three different ways. From under the chin, across the shoulder, and between the shoulder and the forearm.

The produced form helps spread tension in the same way, so you can play without feeling tired for a long time. The Kun Original 4/4 can be changed in almost any possible way, the main thing you need to do is find a spot that offers you a decent degree of comfort.

The reduced size makes it easy to stack it without crumbling. Usually, you may move it on your hands without getting another bag to bring it in. The remainder of the arm requires exceptional strength. You may change the foot’s position, the foot’s stature, and the foot’s edge. The Kun violin shoulder rest enables the violin to fit a range of body shapes and functions.

There is a reasonable cushioning on the plate. The Kun Original is made of plastic and metal. A major advantage, as it may be, is that there is no visible rubber. The shoulder rest legs allow no metal to come in contact with your instrument. However, it’s a big one. Something Kun has accomplished is to look for a procedure to cover the leg in the fullest and most powerful way possible.

Pros

  • Strong construction.
  • Lightweight.
  • Affordable.

Cons

  • Padding quality is relatively lower than the rest.
  • Beam contour can be improved.
  • In terms of body size, it does not sit for thinner body frames.

Fiddlerman Wood Violin Shoulder Rest for 4/4 and 3/4

Fiddlerman Wood Violin Shoulder Rest for 4/4 and 3/4
Searching for a shoulder rest that will go well with your old-style violin and will reduce shoulder fatigue? The Fiddlerman Wood Violin Shoulder Rest for 4/4 and 3⁄4 could be an outstanding decision, this ergonomically structured, strong wood-amassed option is totally fitted and enormous adjustable. It likewise joins an outstanding side-long change structure to make playing significantly simpler and won’t cause shoulder fatigue.

The gold-plated fittings and walnut wood make a look of significant worth. Violin is 14 inches long and can achieve a length of 8.8 x 2 x 1.6inches. It is excessively lightweight, with just 16 oz.

Pros

  • The 3⁄4 can shift to 4/4 so once a student moves up, you don’t have to purchase another one.

Cons

  • It is not completely collapsible.

Everest EZ4A Violin Shoulder Rest 4/4 Size

Everest EZ4A Violin Shoulder Rest 4/4 Size
When looking for the best violin shoulder rest, do not miss this portable model. So, players using both regular and student violins were recommended this shoulder rest. Because of its portability, it can fit different-size players. Another version is Everest’s EZ4A.

This inexpensive shoulder rest can be used for 4/4 or 3⁄4 violins, making it one of the most popular models in this price class. It can also be put on violas 13 and 14 inches long. Integrated with variable leg height, the one-piece body means there are no angle braces or swivel structures to crack, and no thumb knobs to misplace. Made of solid, high-grade ABS polymer that provides strength and flexibility, this rest maximizes convenience while being of high quality.

The Everest violin shoulder rest is constructed from composite materials and rocks a foundation of thin foam on the edges. The ends make easy to attach to the device. These were made of hard rubber to avoid damaging the finish of the piece.

Pros

  • Convertible.
  • Easy to use.
  • Great for students/beginners.

Cons

  • Too basic construction.
  • One side is higher than the other.
  • Too bulky to fit most cases.

Wolf Forte Secondo Violin Shoulder Rest Violin 4/4-3/4 Size

Wolf Forte Secondo Violin Shoulder Rest Violin 4/4-3/4 Size
Adjusts in a range from 1-1/4 to 3 inches, the Wolf Forte Secondo can be recommended for both amateur and experienced musicians and violists. So, it’s no big surprise why this shoulder rest is high performing.

The Wolf shoulder rest ensures the violin’s weight is distributed evenly around the body, leaving no region vulnerable to more stress than required. It increases its convenience.

With completely flexible stature and pitch, the player can be sure that it will fit. The sliding width change takes into consideration for all intents and purposes boundless arrangement along the body of the instrument so you can locate a decent area that won’t just make you feel increasingly loose, yet in addition, it will help you to perform on the shows.

Pros

  • Easy to use.
  • Broad surface ensures a strong grip.
  • Easy to mount on and off the shoulders.

Cons

  • Not suitable for beginners.
  • Leg slip sometimes.

Violin Shoulder Rest Adjustable 4/4-3/4 size

Violin Shoulder Rest Adjustable 4/4-3/4 size
It’s an incredibly lightweight decision that won’t add any weight to your instrument because of the creative structure which evenly distributes weight. It helps avoid wounds on the player’s shoulder that generally happen without shoulder rest.

With an exquisite elastic spread securing your shoulders, the rest easily attaches to your instrument, yet it will likewise prevent scratches on your violin. The 360-degree rotation gives incredible item adaptability, guaranteeing you can alter it always before you arrive at the spot that works for you. The wooden establishment part utilizes an ergonomic plan to frame the neck of the violin. The item that performs similarly just as it looks and also sustains the fixation of the violin to the shoulder.

Pros

  • Affordable.
  • Comfortable to use.

Cons

  • Made of weak wood construction.

Mach One 3/4-4/4 Violin Maple Wood Shoulder Rest

Mach One 3/4-4/4 Violin Maple Wood Shoulder Rest
The Mach one shoulder rest is significantly more ergonomic than the previous model. The point is to hold the shoulder as far as possible, as if is a hook on the shoulder. Dwindle Mach’s thought was to make the slimmest rest ever.

This is a 5.5 mm thick Shoulder Rest! The thick unattractive froth cushions are expelled and supplanted with good quality nubuck cowhide mats. This most recent rest suits so well, and as it doesn’t sneak off the back, it nearly replaces the calfskin cushion use. Such Rests are hand-produced using a solitary bit of wood. The Mach One Wood Shoulder Rest consolidates a molded, thin “S” structure for ideal convenience.

These models are hand-cut from maple and are very attractive. They are lightweight, strong, agreeable and easy fit to the instrument. Wear-safe elastic leg coordinate stature and width. It is built with more bend (or snare) to the handle. The Mach One snare shoulder rest accompanies a beaded string burgundy plush pocket. The rest is carefully assembled into an S-formed compositional structure made considering players ‘ ease. The dimension is 8.8 x 2.6 x 0.1 inches, weighing just 2.4 ounces.

Pros

  • Strong build.
  • Long-lasting due to the nylon leg cover.

Cons

  • Shoulder rest often slips off.

Buyer’s Guide

How to Place a Shoulder Rest over a Violin

Take a closer look at the model that you need to place. What are its dimensions, what are its legs, where are they. Try several positions on your shoulder just to know how high or low the rest should be placed on your shoulder.

After figuring out where to position the base, start screwing them to the rest of the parts. The remainder piece comes with two placeholders, one at the end. When you get the shoulder rest first, they’ll likely be expanded to the limit in order to reduce the space needed to fit the attachment.

You need to play with placeholders and change them somewhat based on how well the other sides on the instrument suits. Then you have to add the shoulder rest to your violin. Follow the steps below to learn how to how to put a shoulder rest on a violin.

Step 1: Sit at the edge of your chair with your knees in front of you.

Step 2: Place the violin on your side, keep it horizontally. Turn it around to see the backside. Never move against its body. So switch it around, so the neck faces down and the lower part of the instrument, the position where the arm would settle upwards.

Step 3: Hold the violin between your knees while applying gentle pressure. You do this to get better control over it and use both your sides. Rest the shoulder and hold it as if it smiled at you. If you have a shoulder-clip-on brace, slip softly on the sides of the instrument. Ensure everything’s okay.

How to Play Violin Without a Shoulder Rest

There are as many ways to hold the violin as violinists do. When you feel comfortable using a shoulder rest and the arm to support you when playing the violin, otherwise continue as you are. This is just one approach for violinists involved in learning how to hold a violin without a shoulder rest.

Step 1: First, the violin is not carried but placed on the collarbone and with the left hand. Start by holding your left violin loosely hanging next to your leg.

Step 2: Take the violin with your left hand and support at the corner with your right hand if you need to. Head up slightly, creating space for the violin to fit into the area between your chin and your collarbone, and put it on the back of the bottom of your left collarbone. Place the head gently down on the lip pad. The head’s natural weight should be enough to hold the instrument in place.

Step 3: Try to balance the violin’s neck between the left index finger’s lower proximal phalanx and the left thumb phalanx around the joint. The violin’s target height should be about perpendicular to the surface, and you should feel like an archer or sniper shooting.

The exact way you handle violin and which body parts it hits is impossible to say, particularly without watching the individual with the instrument in hand. Everyone’s physiology is unique, with different lengths, forms, body parts widths, and bone placements.

What to Consider Before Buying a Violin Shoulder Rest

If you want to buy for a violin shoulder rest, the primary reason is that you want to be able to perform over longer periods of time without feeling tired and having bruises. Therefore, comfort should be the main criteria for targeting the brand. Consider the points below when choosing the best viola shoulder rest.

If your brand is anything but convenient, the primary purpose failed. When buying shoulder rest, consider its size and shape. Weight is a thing that is easier to handle today, as most options are fully adjustable. It ensures you can adjust the size to match your shoulders and instrument.

You need to be careful when choosing an item that has a fixed width or height that can not be modified. You want your body to match weight and height. If you have a long neck, you need a violin neck rest. A good product will help you keep the instrument under the chin when making you feel relaxed.

You also need to remember the product’s form because it can influence your instrument’s tone. For instance, a shoulder rest that rests against your instrument’s back like a sponge may end up causing the instrument’s sound to mutate.

On the other side, bar-style rests with only a few touch points on the instrument cause the music to echo more under your neck.

To make sure that the item is worth your money, you need to verify that it will survive the time test. You must test that the locking mechanism is robust and user-friendly. Likewise, be sure that its legs are made from a soft material without sharp edges. Another way to ensure the service is of great quality is to opt for reputable brands.

While most rests are constructed of rubber or acrylic, there’s also a wooden shoulder rest. The hardwood alternative will resonate more, making them a great choice for more experienced artists who want to sound as good as possible. What you should never do is base your decision on the product’s look. Product design and look can help you decide between two or more options with similar specifications. It should never be the most important factor.