Do you have any experience playing the violin? If you do, then you can attest to the fact that it’s not a very comfortable instrument to play. Thankfully, there are several attachments designed to improve your violin playing experience.
One such accessory is a shoulder rest. Though it seems trivial and is often neglected by professional violinists, it plays several crucial roles. In the following guide, we highlighted the benefits of buying the best violin shoulder rests and advice to help you choose one.
Reviews of the Best Violin Shoulder Rests
1. Kun Collapsible Shoulder Rest
Want to invest in the best violin shoulder rest on the market? If you do, you should check out the Kun Collapsible Shoulder Rest.
One of the key features that make this shoulder rest so attractive entails its minimalist and practical design. Its adjusting system is incredibly simple, which is why it’s adored by beginner and professional players alike.
Worried that your first shoulder rest will take up too much space in your violin case? Worry no more as the Kun shoulder rest includes collapsible feet. All you need to do is fold them down and the rest will fit perfectly in the case.
Pros
Cons
At an unbeatable price, the Nanyi is the best violin shoulder rest for beginners. It’s one of the most affordable options available.
The standard Nanyi shoulder rest is designed for 4/4 size violins. But thanks to the adjustments available, it also attaches securely to ¾-size violins.
Another thing you’ll be impressed with is the range of materials used for its construction. It’s made of a high-strength PVC board alongside an imitation wood grain. This gives it a nice rustic look that complements the violin body nicely.
The height-adjustable feet make the Nanyi unit to be among the most versatile shoulder rests. The fact that you can adjust the feet makes this a great rest for different neck lengths. And to top it all off, it has a 1-year warranty.
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Cons
It’s not unusual for violin players to suffer injuries when they’re playing an instrument. Thankfully, the Bonmusica violin shoulder rest was designed to shield them from such.
The rest, which is made in Germany, is perfect for players who have suffered injuries or arthritis in the past. What makes it suitable for this application is the fact that it's a fully adjustable rest. You can adjust the height and width so that it fits your shoulder area more comfortably.
Another element worth mentioning is the base of the Bonmusica violin shoulder rest. Not only is it padded but it’s also curved; allowing it to fit snugly. Plus, it boasts an ergonomic design that provides hands-free stability whenever you're switching up the position of your fingers.
Taking all these features into account, it is no wonder that the shoulder rest comes with a hefty price tag.
Pros
Cons
Have you been searching for the best violin shoulder rest for long necks? If you have, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better model than Wolf Shoulder Rest.
Its feet are designed to twist further out, resulting in a better fit. Moreover, the screws or height adjusters also come in an ultra-thick profile.
This ensures that the shoulder rest doesn’t wobble even if you configure the feet for a taller height. To be a little more specific, you’ll be able to adjust the height between 1 ¼ to 3 inches.
Another key highlight of the Wolf Forte shoulder rest is the fact that it can be flexed. This, in turn, allows the rest to follow the precise shape of your collar bone. With other shoulder rests - especially those made of wood or plastic - it’s very hard to find one with such capabilities.
Lastly, we like that this shoulder rest has a curved bar. This allows the rest to contact more body area, providing a more secure hold.
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Cons
Are you in need of a shoulder rest that can be used with multiple string instruments? Then, the Everest EZ-4A Shoulder Rest is just what you need.
It’s designed to fit a 4/4 size violin. However, it comes with several adjustments that make it possible to fit a ¾ violin. To add to this, it’s compatible with 13” and 14” violas as well. So if you like to play both the violin and viola, the Everest shoulder rest comes in handy.
Another thing we like about this shoulder rest is that it hits the sweet spot between strength and durability. It has a light weight profile but is also very sturdy. This enhances its comfort without compromising on durability.
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Cons
Do you prefer an air cushion shoulder rest to other types? If you answered yes, check out the Playonair Deluxe Violin Shoulder Rest.
At its core, this is a velour-encased air-filled cushion fitted with an adjustable strap. What we like about this air cushion is that it changes concurrently with your body movements.
This allows it to conform to any postural changes you make while you play the violin. And with regards to compatibility, it can fit violin sizes 1/2 to 4/4.
That said, the Playonair shoulder rest isn’t for everyone. Many violinists who prefer the traditional shoulder rest find it a tad uncomfortable.
Generally, it’s best suited for a violin player who finds a standard shoulder rest too bulky or heavy. It’s also great if you’re not looking for a lot of support.
So just how do you inflate this accessory? Well, it comes with its own blow tube, allowing you to inflate it to your preferred firmness with ease. However, you’ll have to be very careful when deflating it. If you remove the air filling wrongly, you could puncture the shoulder pad
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If you've been in the music industry for a while, you must have heard about the Kennedy brand, and its reputation for quality products. if you haven't, the Portland Gold Violin Shoulder Rest is a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship.
This rest comes in every size possible, making it easy to find one that's compatible with your violin. These include 1/2, 1/8, 1/4, 3/4 and 4/4.
Another feature that impressed us entails its sturdy construction. It's made of wood to provide maximum strength and longevity. Plus, it's fairly easy to install thanks to the elegant gold brass screws that it comes with.
You'll find the Portland Gold shoulder rest very comfortable to use. It boasts an ergonomic curvature that allows it to conform well to your shoulder breadth. It's also equipped with molded rubber feet for a secure grip.
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Cons
If you’re keen on the design of your musical instruments and accessories, the YMC Violin Shoulder Rest is precisely what you need. Unlike the ordinary models that are made of plastic, this one has a gorgeous wooden frame.
The manufacturer resorted to maple wood, which gives the shoulder rest a lovely wood grain. This allows the accessory to complement your violin beautifully.
Another thing we like about the YMC unit is its smooth curve. This causes the shoulder rest to conform nicely to the contour of your shoulder. As if that’s not enough, you have the freedom to adjust the height of its feet, resulting in an even better fit.
YMC also thought about a violinist’s comfort when designing this shoulder rest. This explains why it has foam padding, which not only makes it comfortable but also results in a secure grip.
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Cons
If you are after the best violin shoulder rest for short necks, look no further than the Fiddlerman Violin Shoulder Rest.
Measuring 8” by 1.5” by 2.5”, this model is slightly shorter than other shoulder rests. This is the primary reason why it’s such a great fit for players with shorter necks.
Another thing we like about this violin shoulder rest is the solid wood body. Not only does this facilitate a warm resonance but it also makes the shoulder rest durable. Not to mention, it certainly complements the wooden grain of a violin.
The feet of this Fiddlerman shoulder rest is another feature that set it apart. For one, they’re adjustable, resulting in a custom fit that works for an individual violin player. Secondly, they’re collapsible so they don’t take up a ton of storage space.
The shoulder rest, which comes fitted with foam padding, is compatible with both violins and violas. For violins, it attaches to 4/4 and ¾ sizes; and 13” to 14” violas.
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Cons
Kun is one of the most prominent shoulder rest brands. So it’s not too surprising that another one of their inventions is top-ranking.
This Kun Original Violin Shoulder Rest is relatively similar to the Kun Collapsible we reviewed earlier. The primary difference is that this one lacks collapsible feet.
In place of that, the Kun Original violin shoulder rest comes with mounting brackets. These enable you to install the violin shoulder rest in three directions.
Another thing you’ll notice is that it comes in a gorgeous crescent shape. It’s designed in this manner so that it fits snugly over your shoulder. Not only that, this shoulder section is also padded, providing maximum comfort.
Pros
Cons
Why You Should Use Shoulder Rests When Playing Violin
While a violin chin rest has been used for decades, it’s not until recently that players started embracing the idea of a shoulder rest.
So why are some violinists still reluctant to buy these accessories? One reason that violinists give for their reluctance is the fact that it doesn't impact the violin's sound quality directly.
But in our opinion, a good violin shoulder rest is an indispensable attachment. It offers many perks that improve your playing experience overall. These include:
Minimizing Tension
If you like to play the violin for long hours at a time, a shoulder rest really comes in handy. It relieves some of the pressure of holding the violin so closely between your shoulder and chin. This then makes it easier to practice different violin methods for as long as you'd like.
Height-Booster
If you have a long neck, you’ll notice that there’s more space between your collar bone and chin. This can, at times, force you to hunch awkwardly trying to hold the violin in place.
If you’re playing for extended periods, this can quickly lead to excruciating pain and discomfort. A violin shoulder rest gives you that extra height that you need to maintain the correct posture when playing the violin.
Keep the Violin in Position
An added advantage of using a shoulder rest is that it keeps the violin in place. This way, you’ll never have to worry about your instrument slipping from position when you’re in the middle of your practice.
Types of Violin Shoulder Rests
Before you buy a violin shoulder rest, you should first familiarize yourself with the different types that exist. There are three different varieties classified as follows:
Foam
This is one of the most basic designs of a shoulder rest. And as its name suggests, it comprises a foam sponge.
Most beginner violinists - especially those learning how to play within a school setting - usually start off with a foam sponge shoulder rest.
These shoulder rests attach to violins in one of two ways. The simplest option is to attach the rest with rubber bands. However, there are more advanced foam shoulder rests that include an adhesive to stick it to your instrument.
Clip-on
The clip-on violin shoulder rest is a little more sophisticated than its foam counterpart. It’s characterized by having feet on each side, which then attach the rest to your violin’s rim.
What we like about clip-on rests is that most of them include adjustable feet. Thanks to this feature, you’re able to adjust not only the height but also the angle at which the feet attach to the rear of the instrument.
Air Cushion
These shoulder rests come in the form of inflatable cushions. They’re unique to one brand: Playonair.
Another feature that sets air cushion rests apart entails their straps. These are incorporated to help you attach them to your violin’s back section.
How to Choose the Right Violin Shoulder Rest
There are a couple of points you should consider anytime you’re choosing a violin shoulder rest. These include:
Type
For starters, you’ll want to choose the type of shoulder rest that fits your needs best.
For instance, if you don’t want to spend a ton of time installing the new rest, then a clip-on or foam is the best. Air cushions take a bit of time to inflate and install.
However, if you’re looking for a violin shoulder rest that won’t take up too much space, then an air cushion is better. You only have to inflate it before use, meaning it takes up very little space the rest of the time.
While you're at it, pay attention to shoulder pads. Contrary to popular belief, thicker shoulder pads aren't necessarily better than thinner ones.
A thick shoulder pad might end up being uncomfortable due to the rigidity of the materials used. Conversely, a shoulder rest could have a thin pad but still feel comfortable because of the material used in its cushioning.
Size
Another one of the most crucial factors to consider is the size of the shoulder rest. Ideally, the size of the shoulder rest should correspond to that of your violin.
Most manufacturers specify the violin sizes compatible with their shoulder rests, so this shouldn’t be too difficult to figure out. So if you own a 1/4 violin, then you should look for a shoulder rest that’s compatible with this size.
Don’t go for smaller or bigger violin shoulder rest, assuming that you’ll be able to make adjustments. The only aspects you can adjust are the height and position of the shoulder rest on the instrument. However, you can’t change its overall length so you’ll want to get it right from the start.
Height
Other than size, many shoulder rests also come in a wide range of heights. This is necessary so that a violin player can choose one based on the length of their neck.
If you have a short neck, then you’ll want to choose a shoulder rest that’s on the shorter side.
However, if you have a long neck, a high shoulder rest is the best choice. This will help you to fill up the space between your collar bone and chin. If the shoulder rest is too short, you’ll find yourself tilting your head excessively- which can cause unnecessary fatigue.
Having difficulty finding the right shoulder rest for your neck? You can always consult violin teachers or experts to help you make an informed decision.
Shape
One other factor that you’ll want to pay attention to is the shape of the violin shoulder rest.
These accessories come in a variety of shapes, ranging from curvy to completely flat. The rule of thumb here is to pick one that suits your body type or proportion.
For instance, if the region around your collarbone is slightly bigger, a flatter shoulder rest fits better.
Conversely, young students who have more pronounced shoulders should opt for curvier shoulder rests. This will ensure that the shoulder rest conforms to their body shape and fits nicely over their collar bone.
Comfort
While they look fairly similar, the comfort level varies from one shoulder rest to another. In our opinion, there are two aspects that determine how comfortable this accessory is.
First off, it should have a sufficient amount of in-built padding. Secondly, it should have a custom fit or shape that conforms to the shape of your body.
So how can you tell whether a given shoulder rest is comfortable? Well, the easiest way is to visit your nearest music supplies shop and try on a few. Once you’ve decided the brand of shoulder rest to buy, you can then search for an online retailer selling it at an affordable price.
Durability
You don’t want to spend your hard-earned money buying a violin shoulder rest that ends up breaking after a short while. To avoid this, check the quality of materials used in its construction.
A great shoulder rest should be made of heavy-duty plastic or wood. It should also have a decent warranty that covers any manufacturer defects.
Adjustability
The best violin shoulder rests allow you to make several adjustments. This, in turn, makes the accessory more comfortable, resulting in a smooth playing experience.
The first thing that you should be able to adjust is the height. Most shoulder rests allow you to tighten or loosen the screws to set it to a comfortable height.
Another aspect that you can adjust entails the distance between the two feet. Tweaking this interval enables you to position the shoulder rest closer to the edge of your instrument.
Some models also let you flex the shape of the curve so that it can fit nicely on your shoulder and collarbone.
Finally, a few shoulder rests let you adjust their angle. With this adjustment, you can either bend the violin shoulder rest more towards you or further away from you.
Design
At the end of the day, you don’t want to buy a shoulder rest that takes away from your violin’s look. If you have a sleek-looking violin, then you should buy a classy shoulder rest as well.
That said, the design of the violin shoulder rest shouldn’t be the main factor that you consider. Rather, it should be among the last points you take into account.
For instance, if you’re having a hard time choosing between two shoulder rests, then you can consider their designs to narrow down your options.
Portability
Most shoulder rests come in a reasonably compact size.
However, it’s good to check its dimensions, especially if you prefer to store it in your violin case. Ask yourself, “will the violin fit in the case with the shoulder rest attached? Or, will you have to uninstall the violin shoulder rest first and carry it separately?”
FAQs
Do professional violinists use shoulder rests?
Yes, they do. Every violinist- whether a professional or beginner - benefits from a good shoulder rest. It improves one’s comfort, minimizes strain on your shoulder, and keeps the violin in position.
Is it OK to leave shoulder rest on violin?
Yes, it’s totally okay to leave the shoulder rest on your violin. Just be mindful of how the instruments fit in the violin cases with the shoulder rests attached. If it doesn’t fit, you may have to detach your new rest and carry it separately.
Are all violin shoulder rests the same?
No, they are not. Even though they have a striking resemblance, these accessories vary significantly. For this reason, selecting a violin shoulder rest is always a personal matter. You should pick one based on your playing style, body structure, chinrest, and neck height.
Conclusion
Before you buy a violin shoulder rest, there are a few things you should keep in mind. These include the rest’s height, size, adjustability, comfort, and durability.
One of the best violin shoulder rests available is the Kun Collapsible Shoulder Rest. This mid-range priced accessory boasts a streamlined shape that allows it to rest comfortably on your shoulder. And, it attaches securely to both violas and violins.
