The most important viola accessories

Rosin
In the viola case there should always be some rosin. With careful selection, the sound of the instrument is refined by the rosin. It is not easy to say which rosin suits the best. The degree of hardness must fit to the bow, to the instrument and to the strings. It's best to just try it out. Rosin should not be older than two years, because if it's too old, it beginns to lubricate. Then the bow hair sticks together and the strings cannot be optimally strummed. Old rosin should be removed from the bow hair with specially developed cleaning agents. Such a special cleaner is of course available at Paganino. Before playing, the bow is treated with rosin.
A frequently used rosin is the Andrea rosin, the Amato Gold rosin, the Bernardel rosin or a rosin by Pirastro, which was designed each for certain strings.

Shoulder rest
Next to the rosin, the shoulder rest is the most important accessory for viola. With the aid of the shoulder rest the viola can be held easily. The shoulder rest enables the optimal position of the viola. So, the bow can rest optimally on the viola strings. You should pay attention that the shoulder rest has adjustable „feet“. Thus, the shoulder rest can be adapted to the individual shape of every viola. Shoulder rests are available in many different materials and designs. Simply choose a suitable one.
Shoulder rests by Kun or Wolf are frequently bought.

Chin rest
When buying a viola the chin rest is most likely to be already installed. But if the present chin rest does not fit, then it should be replaced with a more suitable one, which provides a better positioning on the instrument. There are chin rests made of ebony wood, rosewood, boxwood or plastics.
With help of a chinrest key, chin rests can be replaced very quickly.

Mutes
The mute is, like the shoulder rest, the rosin and the strings, also a constant companion in the viola case. It takes away little space but is still indispensable. Mutes are available in many designs. Rubber mutes are usually hung on the strings and then pulled on the bridge. Mutes made of wood, e.g. ebony, are simply plugged onto the bridge.

Fine tuner
With a fine tuner the instrument can be easily tuned. The fine tuners can be used quickly and easily. The strings are stretched between the vertebrae and the tailpiece. With the help of the fine tuner to tune the viola is a breeze.

Bridge
Over the years, the bridge may bend or the strings press deep grooves into it. Then you should definitely install a new bridge. Otherwise, you are risking a massive damage of the violin. Between bridge and top of the violon you can also apply a bridge protection.

Maintenance agents
The surface of bowed stringed instruments is exposed to many stresses and strains. The sensitive varnish can be damaged by humidity, dust from rosin and others. Special care and maintenance products can help here. With a good care product for the violin you cannot only remove sticking dust from rosin, but also compensate small scratches in the paint. It nourishes the varnish and gives it a new brilliance. Especially the products like Aureum or a maintenance kit by Pacato are particularly popular.

Humidifier
In the cold season the wood of bowed stringed instruments warps quickly through dry air. A humidifier provides a remedy. It is either placed in the viola case or the humidifier is attached directly to the viola. Now the wood of the viola can slowly absorb moisture and relax.