There are a few violin chinrest styles for players to pick from when shopping for a new one. Most stringed instruments require a chinrest to assist players in properly positioning their chin. It is largely considered an important accessory for all violinists. While a properly fitting piece could easily enhance the player's performance, a poor fit could make playing more awkward and it could even become painful.
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.
This is because the proper chin position will allow a player to move freely, which makes it easier to make transitions while playing. Therefore, it is likely to improve the player's performance. Unfortunately, if the size and shape are not well suited for an individual, it can negatively effect their ability to play. A poor fit could make playing some notes more difficult and could cause the o need for frequent breaks. In addition, if a player is forced to tilt their neck too much, or tighten their neck or jaw muscles, it could possible cause an injury. However, when this accessory is properly fitted, it can become an excellent tool for the violinist.
The good news is that players can choose from several different types. Most of these can be easily purchased in a good instrument shop. Because of this, some research and a bit of guidance from someone who specializes in the field will make finding the right fit simple. The side mount, center mount and Guarneri models are the three main types.
The most common style is the Guarneri. The chin bed on this model is positioned to the left side of the tailpiece. It attaches to the violin in the center. The side mount and the center mount are positioned as their names would suggest, with the side mount being positioned to the left of the tailpiece, including the clamp, and the center mount being positioned directly in the center.
While violinists need to consider both the style and shape for the best chinrest, they must also consider what it's made from. Most of these are made out of wood, with boxwood, ebony and rosewood being the most common. However, some are made from plastic which is considered more hypoallergenic.
While it is best to seek professional help when choosing the best fit, it is thought that a player can judge a good fit if they can actually comfortably hold an instrument using only their chin. In addition to fit, it is always important to think about the material it's made from. Some players have been known to have allergies to the more popular woods, which would make plastic a better option.
With a bit of guidance, any player should be able to pick an appropriate option from the violin chinrest styles available on the market. A good fit can vastly improve the player's performance and could potentially help them avoid an injury. Therefore, having proper chin placement is an important consideration for any player.
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.
This is because the proper chin position will allow a player to move freely, which makes it easier to make transitions while playing. Therefore, it is likely to improve the player's performance. Unfortunately, if the size and shape are not well suited for an individual, it can negatively effect their ability to play. A poor fit could make playing some notes more difficult and could cause the o need for frequent breaks. In addition, if a player is forced to tilt their neck too much, or tighten their neck or jaw muscles, it could possible cause an injury. However, when this accessory is properly fitted, it can become an excellent tool for the violinist.
The good news is that players can choose from several different types. Most of these can be easily purchased in a good instrument shop. Because of this, some research and a bit of guidance from someone who specializes in the field will make finding the right fit simple. The side mount, center mount and Guarneri models are the three main types.
The most common style is the Guarneri. The chin bed on this model is positioned to the left side of the tailpiece. It attaches to the violin in the center. The side mount and the center mount are positioned as their names would suggest, with the side mount being positioned to the left of the tailpiece, including the clamp, and the center mount being positioned directly in the center.
While violinists need to consider both the style and shape for the best chinrest, they must also consider what it's made from. Most of these are made out of wood, with boxwood, ebony and rosewood being the most common. However, some are made from plastic which is considered more hypoallergenic.
While it is best to seek professional help when choosing the best fit, it is thought that a player can judge a good fit if they can actually comfortably hold an instrument using only their chin. In addition to fit, it is always important to think about the material it's made from. Some players have been known to have allergies to the more popular woods, which would make plastic a better option.
With a bit of guidance, any player should be able to pick an appropriate option from the violin chinrest styles available on the market. A good fit can vastly improve the player's performance and could potentially help them avoid an injury. Therefore, having proper chin placement is an important consideration for any player.
