A Guide To Violin Chinrest Styles

By Jaclyn Hurley


Playing a violin can be a strain for people, especially around the chin. In order to prevent this strain a chinrest is used. In order to find the one that is best suited to you it helps to know the various types of violin chinrest styles so that you can play your instrument as comfortably as possible.

There is a debate amongst musicians whether or not a chinrest is necessary. Some people believe that a musician should not use them. There is the argument that the rest creates a distance between the player and the instrument that they are playing. Therefore they choose not to use a rest.

Other people create their own homemade rests. In some cases they may use sponges tied with rubber bands or bits of wood. The advantage of this is that you can adjust the material to suit you exactly. The disadvantage is that if you are not confident of your DIY skills you could end up making something that is not suitable.

What is true is that playing without a rest can make people uncomfortable. In simple terms this is because people are placing a wooden object on their chin for hours at a time. This is both in terms of practising and when playing a piece during a concert. Therefore if you do wish to use a rest it is vital to choose the right one.

The most popular type is known as the Guarneri. This is where an attachment is positioned in the centre of a tailpiece and a chincup is positioned on the left of the tailpiece. Another type known as the Flesch has a cup that is placed over the centre of the tailpiece. There is no right or wrong in this instance and it depends purely on what you personally find comfortable.

Whatever type you choose it is vital that it fits you. There are a number of professionals you can go to who can resize rests. This will make it easier for you to be able to play your instrument as the rest will be specifically fitted. As with any professional you should check to see how professional they are. A quick check online can help you learn more about the quality of service they have to offer and whether other people who play violins are satisfied with the service they received.

There are at least 50 types of rest available for you to choose from. The most well known is the Guarneri. This has the cup where the chin rests on the left side. Another variation known as the Flesch has the cup in the centre. There is no right or wrong and it is purely about choosing the one that you personally find comfortable. It is also important to note a number contain nickel so if you are allergic you should look for hypo allergenic chinrests to prevent any allergic reactions.

In short there are numerous options when it comes to choosing a chinrest. Check online to find professional companies that sell rests. Do not forget to check shipping costs as well. With the right approach you can find the ideal rest that will work best for your playing style and will allow you to relax and enjoy playing your instrument.




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