3/14/2014

A Guide To Violin Chinrest Styles

By Jaclyn Hurley


There are various things to consider when you play an instrument. Part of the process is making sure you know how to play the instrument and that you get the best from it. Another important aspect is making sure that you feel physically comfortable while you are playing an instrument. This is especially important while you are playing a violin. If you want to play your violin comfortably it is recommended that you use a rest. There are various types of violin chinrest styles and it is worth considering what is best suited to your needs.

You may wonder why a rest is important. Indeed some musicians do not like to use a rest because they consider that this creates a distance between themselves and the instrument. Therefore they suffer discomfort because they feel that this physicality adds to the performance while they are playing. There is also an argument that many of the greatest musicians did not use chinrests and feel that the sound is maximised without the use of them.

There is also the theory that using a rest affects the sound. They argue that a number of the great classical musicians did not use a rest. Whether or not this is true or not is debatable.

What is true is that playing without a rest can make people uncomfortable. In simple terms this is because people are placing a wooden object on their chin for hours at a time. This is both in terms of practising and when playing a piece during a concert. Therefore if you do wish to use a rest it is vital to choose the right one.

For some people it is simply a case of going with one they receive when they purchase or rent their violin. The problem with this is that it will not be specifically shaped for their chin. This can mean discomfort in the long term as the musician has problems adjusting on the rest while they are playing.

Some musicians create their own rests. They use sponges or blocks of wood to place under their chin. This is good for musicians who are experienced enough to know where to place the makeshift rest in order to feel comfortable. If you are just starting to play or are not as confident with your DIY abilities it is better to purchase your own.

Another variety is the Flesch. This has a cup placed over the centre of the tailpiece. It is best to experiment with a number of different types. With over 50 styles available you should try a number of them in order to decide which one is most comfortable for you.

One thing to be aware of is some people may be allergic to the metal used in some chinrests. There are hypo allergenic items available and if you are worried about potential allergic reactions you should look for this type. You can find these and a wide array of chinrests by using your regular search engine. It is also recommended to look for customer reviews from other musicians to find the best one to suit your needs.




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