Violin Shoulder Rest

Violin shoulder rest is quite a recent invention and is a common accessory among many modern violinists. It is fixed on the back of the violin, and provides support, and adding height to the shoulder of the violinist. It prevents violin from slipping too.

Even though the shoulder rest do assist a violinist, some professional violinists do not use them, and this makes us wonder what are the pros and cons of the violin shoulder rest.

How it will help you...

The shoulder rest will support the bottom of the violin against your shoulder. While shifting positions during play, the violinist may not need to raise their shoulder to bring the violin closer to them, and to hold it in place. This will prevent continuous muscle tension, which may lead to injury in the long run.

Student violinists may find that the shoulder rest provides them some comfort to their shoulders and neck while playing the violin. They can grip the instrument easier too.

How it will Not help you...

The shoulder rest can hinder your playing, by dampening the violin's tone, and may reduce more than half of the violin's natural volume. It decreases the vibrations of the back of the violin.

Many world-renowned violinists, like Itzhark Perlman did not use a shoulder rest while playing. Instruments can also be damaged or scratched by the shoulder rest, and devalued as a result.

Should I, or should I not?

Even though using the shoulder rest has its pros and cons, the ultimate decision of using it should be of one's preference.

Violin teachers usually recommend shoulder rests for their beginner violin players, to help them hold the instrument properly and easier. In smaller violins, sponges are attached for similar comfort.

During performances, some violin players use the shoulder rest to prevent the violin from slipping off their smooth shoulders, especially if they are wearing elegant gowns or dresses.

The shoulder rest may help us in some ways, but there should not be an over-reliance on it. After all, there must be some obvious reasons why some of the great violinists did not use a violin shoulder rest, and violinists of the past never learn playing with a shoulder rest.

However, there are also some great modern violinists who play with shoulder rests too! If using a shoulder rest will help you to handle the instrument better and perform better, why not?

Buying one?

Visit our violin shop, to see the wide range of suitable shoulder rests!