Saturday, March 15, 2014

Various Types Of Violin Chinrest Styles

By Jaclyn Hurley


There are various factors people need to consider when playing an instrument. It is often a delicate balance between wanting to get the most out of the instrument in terms of the sound but also ensuring that the person playing the instrument feels comfortable while they do so. A good example of this is chinrests for people who play the violin and there are numerous violin chinrest styles available to help people get the most from playing their instrument.

There is a debate amongst musicians whether or not a chinrest is necessary. Some people believe that a musician should not use them. There is the argument that the rest creates a distance between the player and the instrument that they are playing. Therefore they choose not to use a rest.

For the majority of performers a rest is important. The reason is because while people are playing having an instrument placed against their chin and jaw can result in discomfort. This is especially the case when playing the instrument for long periods of time. Therefore having something appropriate for your face is vital.

What is true is that playing without a rest can make people uncomfortable. In simple terms this is because people are placing a wooden object on their chin for hours at a time. This is both in terms of practising and when playing a piece during a concert. Therefore if you do wish to use a rest it is vital to choose the right one.

For some people it is simply a case of going with one they receive when they purchase or rent their violin. The problem with this is that it will not be specifically shaped for their chin. This can mean discomfort in the long term as the musician has problems adjusting on the rest while they are playing.

Some musicians create their own rests. They use sponges or blocks of wood to place under their chin. This is good for musicians who are experienced enough to know where to place the makeshift rest in order to feel comfortable. If you are just starting to play or are not as confident with your DIY abilities it is better to purchase your own.

There are at least 50 types of rest available for you to choose from. The most well known is the Guarneri. This has the cup where the chin rests on the left side. Another variation known as the Flesch has the cup in the centre. There is no right or wrong and it is purely about choosing the one that you personally find comfortable. It is also important to note a number contain nickel so if you are allergic you should look for hypo allergenic chinrests to prevent any allergic reactions.

You can find a variety of different chinrests by looking online. As well as finding rests you can also find professionals that can cut and resize them in order to fit your chin and jawline. This will make it easier and more comfortable for you while playing. It is also worth looking online for demonstration videos and tips to show you how to position your rest to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible while playing your instrument.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment