How to Buy a Violin Shoulder Rest

A shoulder rest can make playing a violin more comfortable and can make the violin easier to hold. Buying the right shoulder rest for you is a process that should be taken on seriously. Not all shoulder rests are exactly the same. Some have more or less foam padding for your shoulder or raise the violin higher or lower. All these factors determine how comfortable the shoulder rest is for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Have the violin that you need the shoulder rest for first, before you buy a shoulder rest. Each violin is different and no one shoulder rest will fit a violin the exact same way.

2. Research the different kinds of shoulder rests. If you already know what you are looking for in a shoulder rest then you have a place to begin your search. If you are a new musician you will need to try out each shoulder rest you can to determine which one works for you.

3. Try out shoulder rests. You will need to take the violin that you are buying the shoulder rest for with you when you are trying out the shoulder rests. Many music shops will be glad to let you try out several different kinds in the store. You will want to properly adjust each shoulder rest to your tastes and play with it. This will ensure that you get a shoulder rest that is exactly what you need to be comfortable while playing.

4. Be sure to take the time to adjust it properly once you have chosen your shoulder rest. Even small adjustments can make a big difference in how comfortable or uncomfortable the shoulder rest is.

Tips & Warnings

• If you've purchased a new violin, the shoulder rest that you have been using may not work. Each violin is unique and fits a shoulder rest differently. Check to make sure your shoulder rest fits and be sure to buy one that is comfortable for you if the old one doesn't work.