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.
Those who have never played a violin or any other string instrument probably wouldn't realize that a chinrest is not permanently attached to the instrument. It actually comes as a separate piece which is added to the instrument for proper chin positioning. Believe it or not, the instrument is sometimes 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 several different types to choose from. All of them are readily available on the market. This means with a little bit of research and preferably a little help from a professional, it should be easy to find the right fit. The three main types are the side mount, center mount and 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.
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.
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.
Proper chin positioning is important for all players. A well-fitted chinrest can improve a player's performance and may even help avoid injury. With a little guidance, every player should be able to choose the best fitting option among all the violin chinrest styles currently available.
Those who have never played a violin or any other string instrument probably wouldn't realize that a chinrest is not permanently attached to the instrument. It actually comes as a separate piece which is added to the instrument for proper chin positioning. Believe it or not, the instrument is sometimes 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 several different types to choose from. All of them are readily available on the market. This means with a little bit of research and preferably a little help from a professional, it should be easy to find the right fit. The three main types are the side mount, center mount and 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.
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.
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.
Proper chin positioning is important for all players. A well-fitted chinrest can improve a player's performance and may even help avoid injury. With a little guidance, every player should be able to choose the best fitting option among all the violin chinrest styles currently available.
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