Learning how to play the violin is a fun and thrilling adventure. However, getting started can be a little difficult, especially if you don’t have any experience playing musical instruments.
One thing that can help is investing in accessories that smoothen your learning experience. A violin chin rest is a particularly crucial attachment.
The best violin chin rests enable you to anchor your instrument comfortably. In doing so, you’re able to play comfortably for extended periods of time without getting fatigued. If you’ve been thinking about getting a new chin rest, the following guide will come in handy.
Reviews of the 8 Best Violin Chin Rests
1. Dresden 4/4 Violin Chinrest
Have you been hunting for a more comfortable rest than your current chin rest? If you have, the Dresden chinrest is a superb option.
One reason why we consider this the best violin chin rest is the ebony wood construction. The ebony not only gives it a very stylish design but also enhances its durability.
The Dresden is one accessory that’s sure to improve your violin performance. It allows you to hold your instrument more comfortably so you can focus on your playing styles.
Pros
Cons
Center-mounted chin rests work perfectly for violinists with narrow shoulders and short arms. The Flat Flesch Violin Chinrest is a good case in point.
It’s made of ebony wood, which matches the fingerboard and tail piece of your violin beautifully. But we have to admit, it doesn’t look as stunning as its predecessor which contained a rosewood finish.
On the plus side, the manufacturer has also included a standard bracket that you can use to attach to your instrument.
Overall, the Flat Flesch violin chin rest has a nice look and feel to it. So you don’t need to worry about getting skin irritation from using it.
Pros
Cons
Would you like to buy multiple chin rests but don’t want to spend a ton of money? Then you’ll be pleased to learn about the Guarneri chinrest that comes at a pocket-friendly price.
Despite its low price tag, this chinrest doesn’t compromise on build or performance. It’s made using the finest Indian wood, optimizing its durability.
It’s a center-mounted chin rest and it comes with its own bracket for an easy installation. Important to note though is that it’s designed for use with 4/4 violins. So if you happen to own a different violin size, the Guarneri violin chinrest might not work for you.
Pros
Cons
If the Guarneri doesn’t meet your expectations, the Soarun Black Violin Chin Rest is an equally affordable alternative.
This chin rest comes with a standard mount, enabling you to attach it to the middle of your violin. Such a center mount rest is particularly good for players who lack flexibility in their shoulder joints.
Another impressive trait is the fact that it’s an ebony unit meaning it fits nicely like other ebony fittings on your violin.
We also like that the Soarun Black model is long-lasting. This way, you’ll be able to use it for a long time to come.
Pros
Cons
Violinists who prefer a side-mounted rest will be pleased to learn about the Kaufman Chinrest.
A low chin rest, it comes with a shallow cup that allows you to mount it to the left side of the tailpiece. This makes it an excellent choice for a player with a short neck.
Constructed from select Indian ebony wood, the Kaufman violin rest is guaranteed to last. But like the Soarun, it’s most compatible with 4/4 size violins.
Pros
Cons
Have you been searching for a chin rest that works not only on your violin but also on a viola? If you have, the Teka Chinrest is just what you need.
This chin rest comes with a moderate height. The fact that it’s not an overly short or high chin rest makes it ideal for a short and tall neck.
Unlike other chin rests that are designed for a specific instrument, the Teka shoulder rest is versatile. It’s compatible with both violins and violas. The only hurdle is that you’ll have to look for specific hardware to attach it to your viola.
Pros
Cons
Are you looking for a simple violin chin rest that doesn't have any bells or whistles? If you are, the Morawetz chinrest is the perfect solution.
Like other chinrests, this one is also constructed using ebony wood. This enhances its durability whilst giving it a nice rustic look.
This chin rest, which is meant to be installed over the tailpiece, is incredibly easy to set up. It comes with its own chromium brackets, eliminating the need to buy additional hardware.
Pros
Cons
Searching for the best violin chin rest for long necks? If you are, you should check out the SAS chinrest.
While it’s slightly more expensive than different models of chinrests, you won’t regret buying this accessory. Unlike other rests that cannot be adjusted, this one lets you adjust its angle in relation to your violin.
Better yet, it has a 35mm plate height, which is what makes it suitable for a player with a long neck. We also like that it can be used on ¾ to 4/4 violins and violas.
Pros
Cons
Types of Chin Rests
There are many rests available on the market. But, the easiest way to differentiate them is by their placement and height.
Position/ Placement
A violin chin rest can be placed in different positions, depending on what feels comfortable to you. Based on placement, violin chin rests are broadly categorized into two: center- or side-mounted.
With a side-mounted chin rest, the plate lies on the left with its feet mounted either over the tailpiece or on the side. Conversely, a center-mounted rest has the plate on top of the tailpiece with its feet over the tailpiece.
Not sure of the kind of chin rest to pick? Well, consider these two factors:
The flexibility of the joint on left-side shoulder
If you place the violin chin rest on the side, it means you’ll have to extend your left shoulder slightly forward. This way, you can attain the correct posture for placing your hand on the fingerboard.
If you find this position uncomfortable, this hints that you’re better off choosing the latter position where the chin rest is on top of the violin’s tailpiece.
Length of your arm
Another aspect that comes into play here is the length of your arm. If your arms are on the shorter side, you’ll have difficulty accessing the tip of the bow if the chin rest is on the side. By placing the chin rest in the middle, your violin is much closer to the tip of the bow.
Generally, violists with broad shoulders and long arms benefit from a side-mounted chin rest. Contrary, those with short arms and narrow shoulders find it easier to use a center-mounted chin rest.
Height
Apart from positioning, the height of your chin rest is another aspect you’ll want to account for. The correct height of this accessory is one that leaves enough space for about one finger width between your jaw and the chin rest.
If you’re forced to nod down so your chin reaches the rest, it’s a sign that it’s too short. On the other hand, if the nod is too shallow, it could be that the chin rest is too high.
If you aren’t sure whether a chin rest is of the correct height, consult a violin dealer. This expert has exposure to different violin methods and accessories. As such, they can guide you on how to choose correctly-sized chin rests.
Jaw Shape
Once you determine the correct chin rest height, consider your jaw shape next. Here’s the thing, no two jaws have an identical shape. And as such, certain jaw shapes correspond well with specific chin rest designs.
If you have a round and fleshy jaw, the most suitable rest is one that has a flat plate alongside a long, low ridge. Conversely, if you have a long and thin face, rests with a higher ridge will enable you to play the violin comfortably.
How to Choose the Right Violin Chin Rests
Apart from type and height, there are a few other things you should account for when choosing violin chin rests. They include:
Materials
Traditionally, chin rests have always been made using wood. The most popular species of wood used are ebony, rosewood, and boxwood.
Of the three, boxwood is the softest. It’s followed by rosewood and finally ebony, which is the hardest.
But in recent years, manufacturers have resorted to certain woods considered exotic. These include Pernambuco, datewood, and snakewood.
Regardless of the wood species though, ensure that it's ethically sourced wood. The last thing you want is to buy rests made of unsustainable farmed wood.
On a more positive note, wooden rests offer several benefits. For instance, they are aesthetically appealing. Oftentimes, you’ll notice that the chin rest match the tailpiece and pegs while beautifully complementing the color of the finish.
On the flip side, this material is susceptible to moisture- a factor that compromises its durability. Some violists may also be allergic to certain kinds of wood, although this isn’t a common occurrence.
If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic option, your best bet is to go with a plastic chinrest. It won’t have that rustic charm but it also won’t cause you any skin irritations.
Comfort
As you’ve probably realized, picking the right accessory also depends on you and not just the chinrest itself. Specifically, you’ll want to take your playing style and physical anatomy into account.
If you want comfort in the long-term, then aim to get into a playing position that feels natural and trouble-free. The easiest way to achieve this is to ensure that your shoulder and neck are in a natural and straight position.
If you tend to elevate your shoulder or tilt your neck a bit, then a higher chin rest will offer you more comfort. This will ensure that you don’t strain certain muscles.
Similarly, if you prefer to play with your chin centered, and the violin positioned higher up on your shoulder, then a Flesch or Zitsman chin rest will work for you.
But contrary to this, most violinists like to hold their instrument with the chin off to the side. Such a situation calls for a side-mounted chin rest.
Don't forget to account for the shape of your jaw. As stated earlier, rests with a higher ridge are perfect for violinists with long, thin faces.
While you're at it, consider rests like the Willy Wolf that offers adjustments. This makes it much easier to achieve a comfortable playing style.
Size & Portability
One factor that a lot of players forget to consider is the height/ size of their violin shoulder rest. But, it’s crucial to factor this in because it determines how well your instrument fits in its case.
If you’re buying a short chin rest, then it probably won’t affect the violin’s storage. However, if you’re going for something bigger, first confirm that your violin will still fit in its case with this attachment added. If it doesn’t, you may have to pick a smaller rest or look for bigger violin cases.
Design & Aesthetics
If you’re keen on design, you’ll want to pay attention to the materials used in the chin rests’ construction.
Without a doubt, violin chin rests made of wood are the most aesthetically pleasing. Often, the chin rest matches perfectly with the wooden material used on the violin itself.
That said, such chin rests will also be slightly more expensive. So if you’re working with a shoestring budget, you may have to consider cheaper materials like plastic.
Allergies
As we mentioned earlier, it’s very rare to find an individual who’s allergic to chin rest's materials. If you’re experiencing an allergic reaction, it’s likely because of the mounting hardware as opposed to the wooden material.
Some chin rest brackets are nickel-plated- a material that some people are allergic to. In fact, this is very likely to happen if the plating begins to corrode or wear off. If you encounter this issue, consider buying hypoallergenic titanium hardware.
Alternatively, consider manufacturers like Wittner who use hypoallergenic plastic material to make their chin rests and mounting brackets.
FAQs
What is the most comfortable violin chin rest?
The Dresden is one of the most comfortable violin chin rests that you’ll find on the market. The ebony-wood build makes for a cozy anchor point while giving it a rustic charm.
How do you pick a chin rest for a violin?
Whether you’re looking for a chin or shoulder rest, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First off, figure out where you prefer to place your rest, that is, on the side or over the tailpiece. Other factors you should consider are comfort, compatibility, materials, and durability.
Is a violin chin rest necessary?
Yes, it is. While you can play your violin without one, we don’t recommend doing so.
Chin rests help you to align your head, neck, and shoulders properly so you don’t get tired playing. They also provide a resting platform for your chin while freeing your left hand to do more advanced playing techniques.
Why does my chin hurt when I play the violin?
Chances are that you’ve positioned the violin chin rest incorrectly. Ideally, you should position the rest in such a way that it doesn’t come into contact with the violin’s belly or tailpiece. If this happens, it will likely end up producing a buzzing sound.
To play comfortably, experts recommend placing the chin rest between the collarbone and the jaw. In addition, consider leaving some wiggle room between your jaw and the chin rest. This gives you plenty of room to make shoulder movements while playing.
However, don’t allow it to take up too much space. If this happens, you’ll feel too tense and uncomfortable, especially if you’re playing for a long period.
How do you attach a chin rest to a violin?
The easiest way to attach chin rests is by hooking them over the edge using one or two steel clamps. There’ll be one or two buckles that serve as the slide clamping needed for attachment.
Most rests include a pin wrench, which you can use to adjust the clamping pressure. In other chinrests, you’ll also find a hex key that’s also handy for making adjustments.
Conclusion
One of the best violin chin rests is the Dresden 4/4 Rest. It has a nice selection of features and comes at a pretty affordable price too.
It’s constructed using ebony, providing exceptional comfort and stability. Plus, it comes with a standard bracket for an easy setup.
