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.

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 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.

While it is important that violinists choose the correct chinrest style and shape for their build and their playing style, they must also choose the material it is made from. They are mostly made from wood, with the most common woods being boxwood, rosewood and ebony. They may also be made from plastic, which is considered the most 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.

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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