Violin accessories affect the sound of the instrument and also the comfort of the player. Even a student violin will have a rich full tone if it is adjusted properly and fitted with appropriate accessories. The most important of these are chin and shoulder rests. Rosin and mutes are other accessories.
Every violinist will have an opinion on the best type of chin and shoulder rest. Much depends on a person's body shape and physique. The length of the neck will influence a person's decision. A chin rest which suits someone with chiseled features will not be a good fit for a person with fleshy jowls and a receding chin. It is best to try a number of types. Trial each style for a few weeks at least. If you begin to have sore shoulders or a stiff neck, you probably need a different style.
There is a great deal of difference in the various shoulder rests available. Some feel too remote from their instrument if they use a commercial shoulder rest. They may use a sponge or folded towel. Take the advice of your teacher until you have mastered the correct position when playing. If you think your chin or shoulder rest could be improved try something different.
Chin rests are easily removed from the instrument so it isn't difficult to swap these (as long as you do it carefully). It may take a while for you to find one that fits your body shape. Again, you may get soreness and stiffness if the chin rest is not right for you.
As might be expected, mutes deaden the sound. They clip onto the bridge and stop the strings vibrating so much. The tone is softened and muffled. You can choose from leather, wooden, metal or plastic mutes.
Some mutes completely cover the bridge. Others clip to the strings or between the strings. The latter are easily brought into play and are often used by orchestral players. The cheaper plastic types may mark the bridge and should not be used on valuable instruments. Mutes affect the tone color and may be used for effect rather than just to soften the sound.
The hair on the bow is always rosined before practicing or performing. Rosin is manufactured from tree sap. Applying it to the bow creates friction when the bow is drawn across the strings. This causes them to vibrate. If there were no friction between string and bow, very little sound would be produced. Rosins vary a great deal in price. Some are mixed with various metals such as gold, silver or crystal to create a richer tone. If your violin is very valuable be careful if attaching cheap violin accessories as they may mark the wood.
Every violinist will have an opinion on the best type of chin and shoulder rest. Much depends on a person's body shape and physique. The length of the neck will influence a person's decision. A chin rest which suits someone with chiseled features will not be a good fit for a person with fleshy jowls and a receding chin. It is best to try a number of types. Trial each style for a few weeks at least. If you begin to have sore shoulders or a stiff neck, you probably need a different style.
There is a great deal of difference in the various shoulder rests available. Some feel too remote from their instrument if they use a commercial shoulder rest. They may use a sponge or folded towel. Take the advice of your teacher until you have mastered the correct position when playing. If you think your chin or shoulder rest could be improved try something different.
Chin rests are easily removed from the instrument so it isn't difficult to swap these (as long as you do it carefully). It may take a while for you to find one that fits your body shape. Again, you may get soreness and stiffness if the chin rest is not right for you.
As might be expected, mutes deaden the sound. They clip onto the bridge and stop the strings vibrating so much. The tone is softened and muffled. You can choose from leather, wooden, metal or plastic mutes.
Some mutes completely cover the bridge. Others clip to the strings or between the strings. The latter are easily brought into play and are often used by orchestral players. The cheaper plastic types may mark the bridge and should not be used on valuable instruments. Mutes affect the tone color and may be used for effect rather than just to soften the sound.
The hair on the bow is always rosined before practicing or performing. Rosin is manufactured from tree sap. Applying it to the bow creates friction when the bow is drawn across the strings. This causes them to vibrate. If there were no friction between string and bow, very little sound would be produced. Rosins vary a great deal in price. Some are mixed with various metals such as gold, silver or crystal to create a richer tone. If your violin is very valuable be careful if attaching cheap violin accessories as they may mark the wood.
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