Thursday, February 13, 2014

Violin Chinrest Styles For All Players

By Jerri Perry


The chinrest on a stringed instrument assists the player in the proper positioning of the chin and is an important accessory for violinists of all levels and abilities. Getting the proper fit can greatly enhance a player's performance, while a poor fit can make playing more difficult and even painful. Fortunately, there are several violin chinrest styles for players to choose from.

Anyone who does not play the violin or other similar stringed instrument may not realize that the chinrest is not actually part of the instrument. It is a separate accessory which can be added to the instrument to properly position the player's chin. In fact, the instrument can technically be played without it.

Despite this fact, a properly fitted piece is a valuable accessory for any violinist. Having the proper chin position lets a player move freely and makes transitioning throughout a performance much easier. Therefore, a player's performance can be vastly improved. However, the wrong size or shape can negatively effect a violinist's playing ability. Hitting certain notes could be tougher due to a poor fit, and it could also cause the need for more frequent breaks. Most importantly, tilting the head too much, clenching jaw muscles or tightening the neck can possibly cause an injury.

Fortunately, there are a few different options for violinists to pick from, and they are readily available in most instrument stores. Because of this, it should be fairly simple to find something that works, especially after doing a bit of research and preferably getting some help from a professional. The are three main types, including the center mount, the side mount, and the Guarneri model.

The Guarneri is the most well known. On this one, the chin bed gets placed to the left of the tailpiece. It is attached in the center. The side mounted model and the center mounted model are both positioned just as their names suggest. The side mount and the clamps are positioned left of the tailpiece. The center mount option is positioned in the center.

When choosing the best chinrest, it is important to consider the correct shape and style. However, they must also consider what type of material it was made from. Most of them are made from wood, with the most common being rosewood, ebony and boxwood. However, they are also sometimes made from plastic, which is often considered a more hypoallergenic option.

It is often suggested that the correct fit means that a player can hold the instrument using only their chin without any discomfort. However, size and shape are not the only factors, as considering the material it's made from is also important. Some individuals can have skin issues from the wood options, which would make plastic more suitable. Getting help with your choice from a professional may be the best bet.

All players should consider proper chin placement. A chinrest that fits well can improve the performance of a player and it will likely help them avoid any injuries. Some guidance from a professional will help players should choose the most well suited option from all of the available violin chinrest styles.




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