How to choose the right violin shoulder rest

Violin shoulder rests explained

In this video, Lora shows you easy-to-understand tips to choose a shoulder rest that is right for you. At the same time, she reviews some of the best-known shoulder rests on the market with pros and cons of each one. Watch this video, because finding the right shoulder rest isn't as simple as you may think!

Released on November 5, 2013

DISCLAIMER: The views and the opinions expressed in this video are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Virtual Sheet Music and its employees.

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Comments, Questions, Requests:

Colin Hesketh on July 7, 2018 @6:49 am PST

Hi Lora Greetings from the UK. Your recent post on Bon-musica shoulder rest..Where you had a whoopsie drilling a new hole so you could swing out the shoulder rest part for a better fit. I have lost the post so I can't re-watch it again. Can you help me please Lora.

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Lora * VSM MEMBER * on July 7, 2018 @9:55 am PST

Hi Colin! Yes, I had a major whoopsie, but was able to salvage the shoulder rest, and in fact, I am using it now....I think I like it better than my Mach One. Here is the link to part 1: https://youtu.be/LX-tNDYQCQQ

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Colin Hesketh on July 8, 2018 @6:15 am PST

Glad to hear it. Thanks so much for the reply.
Best Wishes
Colin Hesketh.

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Lora * VSM MEMBER * on July 7, 2018 @9:56 am PST

Here is the link to Part 2: https://youtu.be/IxqtFoK2Xxg

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Brent Zackery Aquino on September 8, 2017 @4:11 am PST

Is the bon musica shoulder rest friendly for people with really short necks?

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Lora * VSM MEMBER * on July 7, 2018 @10:01 am PST

Brent, the Bon Musica is incredibly versatile, so it works for people with long or short necks, broad or narrow shoulders. HOWEVER: If you have a short neck, that is more a function of your chin rest. I have just learned of a super low chin rest called the "Brandt". It is AMAZING. It is shaped like my beloved Stuber, but it's way shorter.
You can get it form Gary Frisch at chinrests.com.

But back to the Bon Musica: short neck people will attempt to put the shoulder screw as low as possible, and that is the BIGGEST DRAWBACK of the Bon Musica.....when that screw is set at its shortest, you only have 1-2 mm clearance between a big metal bracket and the back of your violin. It's HORRIBLE, because it will be highly likely that you will clamp down at some point and gouge your violin.

I am going to place a corn-pad on my Bon Musica because I already made a tiny dent in my violin. NOT COOL AT ALL.

Have you tried the Kun? The Kun is versatile, safe on the violin, and works well for short necks. Feel free to ask a follow up if you need.

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Sanipan on February 15, 2016 @10:18 pm PST

Hi,
Your video was most helpful. I have a short neck (similar to yours) and I am stuck between purchasing Kun bravo or VLM diamond (or any other low profile shoulder rest). Can you recommend a shoulder rest which can be set to the lowest height? I am unable to try them as we don't have stores to purchase locally.

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Lora * VSM MEMBER * on February 17, 2016 @7:52 am PST

Hi Sanipan,
I do not know offhand the height range of each. But if it were me, I would first try a google search. If that didn't give me an answer, then I would call a super-store that sells them, and ask. I don't know where you are, but hopefully you are in a country where there is a music super-store. But I bet you will find an answer by trying various searches online like, "short violin shoulder rest", "lowest violin shoulder rest" "height measurements of VLM diamond" etc. Good luck! Both of those sound like great choices. I have not played with a Diamond, but have seen pictures.

OH, VERY IMPORTANT: You can purchase extra tall or extra short feet for your shoulder rests.....so the important thing is to know that the screws on the rest you buy are compatible with the replacement screws. I know Kun uses standard parts.

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Fabrizio Ferrari - moderator, on February 17, 2016 @8:30 am PST

Sanipam besides what Lora is suggesting, you may also try shoulder pads instead than regular shoulder rests. They are usually shorter. Friends of mine with short necks used them successfully. Good luck!

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