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Extra-curricular activities

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Original poster

Violin chin rests (not to be confused with similarly titled thread that was about shoulder rests)

13 replies

4strings · 27/05/2019 11:26

Dd1 (11.5) has been having a few issues with her chin rest. She says it’s uncomfortable. Her technique/posture is pretty good so I don’t think it’s that. She’s growing seemingly before my eyes - we go through shoulder rests at a rate of knots as a result.

She plays a lot so has definite preferences but I’m not a violinist and a bit clueless. If I take her plus her violin to a music shop will they help?

OP posts:
folkmamma · 27/05/2019 12:53

Bless her, yes some chin rests can be quite uncomfortable and it's totally personal!! DD and I both quite like Wittner branded ones, and you can also get them centre mounted or side mounted. However, beware as this can totally change the position of the violin and therefore posture! I'd talk to teacher to see what they advise and based on that, go to a violin shop that stocks a few options she can try...

Original poster
4strings · 27/05/2019 15:49

Thanks, she won’t ask her teacher though Hmm. No idea why!

OP posts:
GrannyHaddock · 27/05/2019 20:40

What size violin is she using? I expect it's smaller than full size which might limit your choices. Only she will know if she is comfortable so I can see that the teacher may not be able to help.
Ideally you need to find a shop that can let her try out chin rests at home, in orchestra, etc, since playing for a few minutes in a shop simply isn't going to tell her if it is going to be suitable long-term. Some players spend their whole lives looking for the perfect combination of shoulder and chin rest. An expensive hobby. Most players would have at least a few discarded rests gathering dust.You'll need a chin rest key, (a very simple cheap device).

Original poster
4strings · 27/05/2019 20:55

She’s on a 4/4 - she’s 5’2”!

I think she’s on her 4th shoulder rest since last summer. Yes, it’s definitely an expensive hobby! I change the her strings every three months, too. Combo of Dominants and currently a Pirastro (Eva something?) E. Again, £££!

I don’t mind though - she’s very committed Smile

OP posts:
NeleusTheStatue · 27/05/2019 22:35

Cardiff Violin dose chin rest fitting. They charge for the service though. X

BlueberriesAndCream · 28/05/2019 08:49

You could look up the Kreddle chin rest - it's a new design, and adjusts 360 degrees, so has lots of possibilities to make it comfortable. There are a couple of different chin-plates you can get to go on it as well. Not the cheapest option, but might save you buying many more in the future as she changes what position she prefers etc.

There are also chin rests with height adjustments, which can help.

i found that it's not always a question that can be asked independently of the shoulder rest issue, as they both work together to provide comfort and support (or not, in some cases! I've got the best I can come up with now, but am still not sure it's right for me, but viola is even harder)

thirdfiddle · 28/05/2019 16:06

Could she ask friends to try theirs and base on that? I'm sure a violin shop would help put one on to try, but you can't really do a direct comparison back and forwards as they're a pain to switch. Teacher will notice if she has a different one anyway, really would be better to ask advice up front. Could you ask for her?

Original poster
4strings · 28/05/2019 17:07

I'm going to bite the bullet and text her teacher after half term - whether or not she wants me to!!!

Sadly she doesn't have any violin-playing friends who could help out with this, good suggestion though.

OP posts:
TaggieOHara · 29/05/2019 11:49

Have a look at this site for some ideas www.chinrests.com/chinrestline.php

DS2 has quite a round face, and has benefited from moving to a flatter more centrally fitted chin rest. We tried a few in the shop, and it was obvious which one was most comfortable. He has a medium height chin rest and a low shoulder rest, which allows maximum flexibility for his back and shoulders. Important for him to maintain balance.

Original poster
4strings · 29/05/2019 12:27

That site's great, thanks so much Taggie.

She's changing teacher in September anyway, but I want her to be comfortable until then.

OP posts:
Original poster
4strings · 01/06/2019 16:39

So we went to the violin shop we bought dd’s violin from and they fitted a Wittner chin rest - she seems much happier! They said if she’s changing teacher don’t do too much in the way of set up, but at least this new chin rest will help in the meantime. They also recommended she try her previous shoulder rests with the new chin rest and see if she can find a combo to keep her happy.

OP posts:
thirdfiddle · 01/06/2019 20:03

Well done! They sound really helpful.

TaggieOHara · 02/06/2019 06:07

That’s great to hear! Particularly as she plays a lot, a well fitting chin rest will make a big difference

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