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Does a violin need a chin rest?
Before that, musicians held their instruments under their chins, with the skin contacting the surface next to the tailpiece. Many very old instruments still show wear and damage from the pressure and body chemistry from centuries ago, so one function of the chin rest is simply to protect the violin.
Do professional violin players use shoulder rests?
Chinrests and shoulder rests are very personal and must be adjusted to the individual player. Also the choice whether or not to use them is highly personal. There are fantastic violinists playing without shoulder rest and there are fantastic violinists playing with shoulder rest.
Are violin and viola shoulder rests the same?
All violins and violas are required to use a shoulder rest. The goal of a shoulder rest is to provide the student with a more comfortable position while playing by adding height to the shoulder and preventing the instrument from slipping.
Can you play viola without a shoulder rest?
I had been searching for a way to hold the viola comfortably and without tension for many years. I found a comfortable and balanced way to play the viola without a shoulder rest and have been doing so since 2015. Playing the viola without tension is a lifetime issue.
Can you use a violin chinrest on a viola?
To minimize neck abrasions, some violists also find it helpful to either place a scarf or cloth over their chin rest, or to use a chin rest cover. If you play a small viola, you may want to use a violin shoulder rest (a 14″ viola would be comparable to a full-size 4/4 violin).
How do you pick a chin rest?
The proper height for a chin rest is one that leaves a gap of about one finger-width between the top of the rest and the jaw when the eyes are looking forward (and not looking up or down). If one must nod down in an exaggerated fashion to touch the top of the chin rest, it is too short.
Do I need a chin rest?
The reason for using a chin rest is that it enables the player to use their jaw bone for extra stability so that the left hand is freer to move around on the fingerboard.
Why do some violinists not use a shoulder rest?
Holding a violin without a shoulder rest will allow you to play better in tune with less practice. It will also allow your sound to become richer, deeper, and more natural. Finally, it will allowy you to play with less tension and become almost immediately more comfortable.
Are violin and viola chin rests the same?
The chinrest is different, though, although feels nearly the same. I may change that to match as well. On the viola, I use the “Hollywood” chinrest – not easy to find anymore for some reason. I has a fairly prominent hump, and sits on the left side of the tailpiece but has a part that extends over the tailpiece.
Where should chin rest go on a violin?
If the chin rest has a cup on the side but mounted in the middle, it’s okay. A highly-scooped chin rest (e.g Flesch) or a side-mounted chin rest is not comfortable for me. March 25, 2017 at 12:05 AM · Chin cup on side, mounted on side.
How do I pick a violin chin rest?
How to Choose a Violin Chinrest
- Check your playing position. How do you feel most comfortable playing?
- Locate the position of your chin on your instrument.
- Decide what shape rest fits your jawline.
- Decide the height of the chinrest you will need.
- Decide what material you would like for your chinrest.
Why do Violinist use a towel?
Others use cloths because the skin of their neck suffers an allergic reaction to the (zinc/nickel) metal pieces of the chinrest, or the even varnish. It can also help stop that violin neck rash that some players develop (esp.
What is the most comfortable violin shoulder rest?
Everest Shoulder Rest The rest firmly grips the violin which means it doesn’t fall off easily when kids are practicing. It is also one of the most affordable ergonomical shoulder rests on the market, making it a great option for violinists on a budget that still want to get a customizable rest.
Do you need a shoulder rest for viola?
It’s true in life and it’s true with playing the violin and viola. Violinists and violists use shoulder rests to help support the instrument and to keep it in a stable, comfortable position so that you’re not twisting your neck and shoulders, which can lead to all sorts of physical problems.
Why do violinists shake their hands?
It is a wavering effect of tone obtained by rapidly shaking the string that the finger is stopping, notes the Schirmer Pocket Manual of Musical Terms. The technique is used on notes of longer duration—notes of shorter duration usually are played without vibrato.
What is a chin rest on a violin?
Chin rests have been around since the 1820s when they were introduced by German composer and violinist Louis Spohr. One of the earliest designs was an odd-looking, wooden ridge shaped like a tiny banana and clamped to the edge of the violin.
What are the different types of violin and viola chinrests?
There is a vast amount of different shapes and sizes when it comes to violin and viola chinrests. At Caswells we stock the four most common being the Teka, Strad, Flesch and Guarneri pattern. All four are available in ebony, rosewood or boxwood and with a selection of clamps.
Is the Guarneri chin rest right for your violin or viola?
When you bought your violin or viola, it probably came with some variant of the popular and fairly universal Guarneri-style chin rest, but that doesn’t mean that this type is right for you.
How can I keep my violin from slipping from under my chin?
Some violinists (especially beginners or intermediate players) have a hard time keeping their instrument from slipping from under the chin. In some cases, a chin rest with a deeper cup might help, but often the teacher or fellow player might be the best resource for advice.