Chin rest for violin and viola

The chin rest is used together with the violin or viola to achieve a natural, comfortable position of the head, which supports the free playing of instruments positively. It is clamped around the rib and unlike the shoulder rest not removed after playing the instrument. THere are chin rests for every size and in many different shapes and designs. These are both the individual shape of the violins and violas owed, as well as the width of the chin and the neck length of the player. Most chinrests are made of ebony. There are also models of rosewood, boxwood or plastic. The best-known models are the Guarneri chinrest and Wittner chinrest.

Important characteristics of the chin rest

A good chin rest ensures a secure hold the violin or viola. An important requirement is, of course, that it feels „good“  - so individually fit to each player. The wide range of different models makes the decision a little more difficult, but therefore almost everyone will find the "right" chinrest for their instrument. On a high instrumental level applies to the chinrest, that it may have a clearly audible effect on the sound of the instrument. This depends on both the materials used, but above all by the attachment of the chin-rest. The larger (and heavier) the chin rest, such as a Guarneri or Teka, the greater the tendency of attenuation of the instrument. For the screws one uses a special chinrest key. Too tight tightened chinrest screws could adversely affect here. In addition to the "classic" bracket there is an alternative, the so-called HILL chinrest screws. By a reduced contact with the surface they try to counteract the damping effect. The viola screws are of course a bit wider and taller than those for violins. For players who have problems with allergic reactions, there are also anti-allergic chinrests, for example, the "Wittner antiallergic Chinrest", or you can use titanium screws.

Shape of the chin rest

Alternative chinrest pad

Skin sensitivity and perspiration are the main reason for the so-called chin rest pad. From Strad Pad for example, there are skin-friendly, anti-allergic pads made of pure latex, which is drawn with a Velcro fastening easy on the chinrest. Even those supporting products should be in every store!