Violin Chinrest Styles For All Players

By Jerri Perry


There are a few violin chinrest styles for players to pick from when shopping for a new one. Most stringed instruments require a chinrest to assist players in properly positioning their chin. It is largely considered an important accessory for all violinists. While a properly fitting piece could easily enhance the player's performance, a poor fit could make playing more awkward and it could even become painful.

Those who have never played a violin or any other string instrument probably wouldn't realize that a chinrest is not permanently attached to the instrument. It actually comes as a separate piece which is added to the instrument for proper chin positioning. Believe it or not, the instrument is sometimes played without it.

Despite this fact, a properly fitted piece is a valuable accessory for any violinist. Having the proper chin position lets a player move freely and makes transitioning throughout a performance much easier. Therefore, a player's performance can be vastly improved. However, the wrong size or shape can negatively effect a violinist's playing ability. Hitting certain notes could be tougher due to a poor fit, and it could also cause the need for more frequent breaks. Most importantly, tilting the head too much, clenching jaw muscles or tightening the neck can possibly cause an injury.

Fortunately, there are a few different options for violinists to pick from, and they are readily available in most instrument stores. Because of this, it should be fairly simple to find something that works, especially after doing a bit of research and preferably getting some help from a professional. The are three main types, including the center mount, the side mount, and the Guarneri model.

The Guarneri is the most well known. On this one, the chin bed gets placed to the left of the tailpiece. It is attached in the center. The side mounted model and the center mounted model are both positioned just as their names suggest. The side mount and the clamps are positioned left of the tailpiece. The center mount option is positioned in the center.

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 is often suggested that the correct fit means that a player can hold the instrument using only their chin without any discomfort. However, size and shape are not the only factors, as considering the material it's made from is also important. Some individuals can have skin issues from the wood options, which would make plastic more suitable. Getting help with your choice from a professional may be the best bet.

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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