Monday, February 17, 2014

Violin Chinrest Styles For All Players

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By Jerri Perry


There are a few violin chinrest styles for players to pick from when shopping for a new one. Most stringed instruments require a chinrest to assist players in properly positioning their chin. It is largely considered an important accessory for all violinists. While a properly fitting piece could easily enhance the player's performance, a poor fit could make playing more awkward and it could even become painful.

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.

However, when properly fitted, this accessory actually becomes a valuable tool for most violinists. This is because proper chin positioning allows the player to move more freely, making it easier to transition throughout a piece, thus it can vastly improve a player's performance. Unfortunately, one that is not the correct size or shape for an individual can actually have a negative effect on a violinist's ability to play. The poor fit may make it difficult to play certain notes or cause the player to need frequent breaks. Furthermore, if it causes the player to tilt their head too far, clench their jaw or tighten their neck muscles, it may even lead to 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 most common style is the Guarneri. The chin bed on this model is positioned to the left side of the tailpiece. It attaches to the violin in the center. The side mount and the center mount are positioned as their names would suggest, with the side mount being positioned to the left of the tailpiece, including the clamp, and the center mount being positioned directly in the center.

When choosing the best chinrest, it is important to consider the correct shape and style. However, they must also consider what type of material it was made from. Most of them are made from wood, with the most common being rosewood, ebony and boxwood. However, they are also sometimes made from plastic, which is often considered a more hypoallergenic option.

It may be best to get help from a professional when choosing the best option. However, it is suggested that when the fit is correct, the player should be able to hold the instrument without any discomfort, using only their chin. It is also important to consider the material when making your selection as some individuals may be sensitive to the wood options, making plastic more suitable.

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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