Playing the violin comfortably and enjoyably requires proper posture and positioning. One essential accessory that aids this is a shoulder rest, which is recommended for violinists of all abilities, especially those at beginner or intermediate levels as it ensures you have the best possible foundation to learn and build your skill.
In this article, we’ll explore the best violin shoulder rests on the market to help you find the right one for you.
In a hurry?
Here are our top three shoulder rests and why we like them:
Pirastro KorfkerRest Luna Violin Shoulder | Extremely lightweight. | Check the current price |
Kun Collapsible Violin Shoulder Rest, 4/4 Size | Collapsible for easy storage. | Check the current price |
Violin Shoulder Rest 4/4 or 3/4 Size by Gear4music | Fits both 3/4 and 4/4 violins. | Check the current price |
Types of violin shoulder rests
Clip-on shoulder rests (sliding or collapsible)
Clip-on shoulder rests are practical and flexible. They usually feature a sliding design or collapsible feet and can be easily attached or detached as needed. Plus, they allow for personal adjustments, so you can achieve the optimal position for your playing.
Foam pads
The foam pad style of rest is an inexpensive and simple way of ensuring your violin sits comfortably on your shoulder. In essence, it’s a sponge that is attached to the instrument using rubber bands. They offer less support than clip-on rests, but they can be better suited to younger players as they’re lightweight, affordable, and can be adjusted to the preferred height.
Suction models
Suction models provide less height than other types. These shoulder rests use suction cups to attach to the violin, allowing for easy installation and removal. They’re particularly useful for violinists with shorter necks, as they provide a more comfortable fit, and those who want a lightweight rest that’s easy to attach. However, it’s worth bearing in mind the suction cup isn’t as secure as some other rests.
The best violin shoulder rests
1. Everest Violin Shoulder Rest
The best rest for gigging players
Key features
- Ergonomic design
- Patent pending grip design
- Durable foam padding
Pros
- Provides excellent grip on violin
- Durable ABS construction
- Helpful for long practice sessions
Cons
- Only caters to limited violin size ranges
The Everest Violin Shoulder Rest is clip-on. With an ergonomic shape, it’s designed to comfortably conform to your shoulder, making it perfect for long playing sessions.
The shoulder rest’s adjustable design not only ensures a perfect fit but also accommodates different violin sizes. This kind of flexibility is ideal for violinists who have a range of violins or parents who want a shoulder rest that their child can keep as they move up through violin sizes.
Better still, its foam padding and high-grade ABS construction provide both comfort and durability.
The rest has a firm grip on the violin ensuring the instrument stays in place, even through various playing movements.
2. Bon Musica Violin Shoulder Rest, 4/4 Size
The best rest for professional players looking for a sturdy shoulder rest
Key features
- Adjustable hook
- Thick foam rubber padding
- Robust metal base
Pros
- Promotes proper playing posture
- Allows for a custom fit
- Offers enhanced comfort for long sessions
Cons
- Might initially feel uncomfortable due to its rigidity
The Bon Musica Violin Shoulder Rest is known for its high-quality construction which makes it ideal for professional or advanced players. Its signature feature is its pliable baseplate that allows you to mould the rest to your violin and shoulder, giving you the perfect custom fit.
There’s an adjustable hook, which securely clips to the violin, holding it in place and promoting confident performance.
Plus, it has been constructed with a robust metal base and foam rubber padding – the perfect mix of robustness and comfort.
3. Wolf Forte Primo Violin Shoulder Rest
The best rest for a custom fit
Key features
- Adjustable height, width, and angle
- Rubber grips
- Aluminium backplate
Pros
- Flexible design can be tailored to your preference
- Rubber feet ends grip the violin without scratching it
- Clamping mechanism is extremely secure
Cons
- May require occasional adjustments for optimal fit
The Wolf Forte Primo Violin Shoulder Rest is a great rest for players looking for something that suits their exact profile. It’s suitable for 3/4 and 4/4 size violins, making it a versatile choice for a broad spectrum of players.
Equipped with rubber padding and a flexible backplate that moulds to your shoulder profile, the rest offers enhanced comfort, ideal for prolonged practice sessions and performances.
The robust metal base is durable and, thanks to its secure grip, you can perform with complete stability. You don’t need to worry about damaging your violin either – the rubber grips on each clip ensure the rest is clamped safely without scratching the finish of your violin.
4. Viva Original Violin Shoulder Rest, 3/4 – 4/4 Size
The best lightweight rest
Key features
- Three-point grip
- Ergonomic shape
- Tough rubber padding
Pros
- Caters to 3/4 to 4/4 size violins
- Rubber surface doesn’t scratch the instrument’s finish
- Highly durable, ensuring long-lasting use
Cons
- Might slide on certain violin finishes
The Viva Original Violin Shoulder Rest caters to 3/4 and 4/4 violins. Complete with a three-point grip attachment, it allows your violin to resonate freely and clearly. It’s quick to attach too, thanks to the easy screw adjustment, whilst the rubber surface ensures your violin’s finish remains unscratched.
Better still, there’s a large adjustment range, meaning it can be made to suit you and your preferences.
5. Pirastro Korfker Rest Violin Shoulder Rest
A go-to for professional violinists
Key features
- Flexible maple tonewood
- Lightweight design
- Adjustable for customised positioning and comfort
Pros
- Enhances tone thanks to minimal use of rubber
- Supports various violin sizes
- Highly flexible for optimal fit
Cons
- Higher price point than other models
The Pirastro Korfker Rest Violin Shoulder Rest is a great rest for professional players wanting a clip-on shoulder rest with precision adjustment. Made from bendable maple, this rest is durable, making it a smart choice for serious violinists looking to play for long periods, whilst the clip-on element means it’s easy to attach without damaging your instrument.
Despite its robust construction, the rest remains lightweight, ensuring the overall sound of the violin isn’t compromised.
The Korfker Rest is highly adjustable, catering to your needs as a violinist. It’s also remarkably flexible, and it can accommodate various violin sizes, enhancing its versatility. Even better, it only uses rubber where necessary, minimising any dampening of sound and ensuring your violin can vibrate freely.
6. Wolf Superflexible Violin/Viola Shoulder Rest
Best for players who want a shoulder rest to fit violas and violins of different sizes.
Key features
- Adjustable height (up to 8cm)
- Broad size range for violins and violas
- Durable aluminium and rubber construction
Pros
- Height and angle can be adjusted
- Caters to a wide variety of instrument sizes
- Ensures longevity with sturdy construction
Cons
- It might require frequent readjustments
The Wolf Superflexible Violin/Viola Shoulder Rest has superior flexibility. Crafted to suit the individual needs of violinists and violists, its flexible clip-on design and adjustable height and angle ensure an impeccable fit. This rest extends to 8cm in height, accommodating a wide variety of violins and violas.
Built with robust metal and rubber, this shoulder rest can withstand the demands of regular use, whilst its secure grip ensures it stays stable and unmoving even during the most rigorous of playing.
7. Pirastro KorfkerRest Luna Violin Shoulder Rest
The best rest for a lightweight playing feel and custom fit
Key features
- Lightweight design
- Adjustable wings for a custom fit
- Crafted from premium maple wood
Pros
- Folds up small enough to fit in your pocket
- Comes with interchangeable legs
- Premium build resonates with the violin
Cons
- Pricier than other models
The Pirastro KorfkerRest Luna Violin Shoulder Rest is featherlight, weighing 32 grams, making it perfect for extended playing sessions. Crafted from composite polymer, it resonates with your violin with no impact on the sound whatsoever. Plus, the design allows for minimal contact with your collarbone thanks to its curved shape, which allows for an incredibly comfortable playing experience.
Simply clip the rest onto your violin for reliable playing support.
Included with the shoulder rest are six interchangeable legs, meaning it can be tailored to fit your specific requirements.
8. SAS Adjustable & Ergonomic Violin Shoulder Rest
The best rest for switching between 3/4 and 4/4 violins
Key features
- Lightweight carbon composite material
- Adjustable in height and width
- 360-degree rotation of the feet
Pros
- Allows for a custom fit thanks to easy adjustability
- Lightweight design means you can play for hours
- Adjustable feet provide a custom fit
Cons
- Might be less stable on some violins
The SAS Adjustable & Ergonomic Violin Shoulder Rest is designed with an ergonomically friendly build. Its adjustable design has 360-degree rotation for optimal positioning, whilst adjustable height and width give you even more of a custom fit.
Crafted from lightweight carbon composite material, this shoulder rest is extremely durable, whilst offering a lightweight playing feel.
9. Gewa Shoulder Rest, Magic Pad
The best shoulder rest for younger players
Key features
- Unique whale-shaped design
- Comfortable and skin-friendly foam
- Easy to attach and remove from the violin
Pros
- Fun design
- Offers comfort during extended playing sessions
- Allows for quick and convenient setup
Cons
- May not fit larger violin sizes
Shaped like a whale, the Gewa Shoulder Rest, Magic Pad is perfect for children who are just discovering the violin. Known as a “foam violin rest”, this model is both comfortable (it’s made from skin-friendly foam) and easy to attach – ideal for young beginners. It’s self-adhesive, so you can position it anywhere on the violin without leaving residue marks.
10. Kun Collapsible Violin Shoulder Rest, 4/4 Size
Great for professional players wanting a compact shoulder rest
Key features
- Strong thermoplastic
- Collapsible design
- Kun’s patented locking end members
Pros
- Secures firmly to your violin
- Easy adjustable in height and width
- Soft sponge rubber pad is comfortable to rest on your shoulder
Cons
- It is not ideal for players with smaller violins or violas
The Kun Collapsible Violin Shoulder Rest, 4/4 Size brings together style, functionality, and comfort. It’s designed with the needs of the modern violinist in mind, featuring fully adjustable width and height to ensure the perfect fit. This clip-on rest is also collapsible, making it incredibly portable and easy to store and throw into your violin case.
Constructed from thermoplastic, it can withstand extensive use whilst the sponge rubber pad ensures the rest is gentle on your shoulder.
The rest is specifically designed for 4/4-sized violins.
11. Kun Original Violin Shoulder Rest, 4/4, Black
Suited to players of all abilities
Key features
- Thermoplastic frame
- Soft sponge rubber pad
- Fully adjustable height
Pros
- Lightweight design reduces shoulder discomfort
- Secure, sturdy T-shaped feet
- Contoured shape matches your shoulder
Cons
- May require adjustment to fit
The Kun Original Violin Shoulder Rest is designed exclusively for 4/4 violin sizes, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. The ergonomic design of the rest allows for seamless playability, reducing the discomfort that often comes with prolonged practice or performance sessions.
Constructed with durability in mind, this is a clip-on rest made from thermoplastic and soft sponge rubber, designed to withstand extensive use while maintaining its integrity. It has T-shaped feet for a secure hold on the base of the violin to allow the violin to resonate fully.
12. Wittner Isny Shoulder Rest, Standard Fit, 4/4 – 3/4 Size
A great all-rounder
Key features
- Designed to be used with the Wittner Side, Central, or Augsburg chinrest
- Flexible in movement for optimal positioning
- Suitable for both 4/4 and 3/4 violin sizes
Pros
- Provides maximum comfort
- Fosters optimal sound resonance
- Durable and long-lasting construction
Cons
- Needs to be used alongside specific chinrests
The Wittner Isny Shoulder Rest is lightweight and designed to adapt to your shoulder, adjustable from the central mounting attachment. Suiting 3/4 and 4/4 violin sizes, it’s ideal for those who have multiple violins or beginners who may progress up to a larger size.
What’s great about this rest is that it’s compatible with the Wittner Side, Central, and Augsburg chinrest – and through using it with one of these, the structure of the rest doesn’t touch the back of the violin, allowing for optimal violin resonance.
13. Violin Shoulder Rest 4/4 or 3/4 Size by Gear4music
Ideal for players wanting a versatile shoulder rest
Key features
- Suitable for 4/4 and 3/4 violins
- Adjustable for personal comfort
- Durable and lightweight design
Pros
- Enhances playing technique and comfort
- Offers a customisable fit
- Ensures long-lasting use
Cons
- Better suited to beginner players
The Violin Shoulder Rest 4/4 or 3/4 Size by Gear4music is an affordable, comfortable rest for beginner players.
Constructed from robust materials, this shoulder rest is not only durable, ensuring it can endure extensive use, but also lightweight, enhancing the overall playing experience by not adding unnecessary weight to your instrument.
How to choose the right shoulder rest
One of the first considerations to make is the attachment method. Some shoulder rests have feet that securely grip the edges of the violin, providing stability, while others are merely pads that rest on your shoulder.
As with anything, you also need to think about your budget! The price range of shoulder rests varies, and while investing in a high-quality rest can improve your playing experience, many affordable options provide excellent comfort and durability.
You should also pay attention to the shape of the shoulder rest. For a comfortable fit, it needs to align with the natural curvature of your shoulder.
The material of the rest, often wood, foam, or plastic, can also affect its weight, durability, and the sound of your violin. Try different materials and choose one that feels most comfortable and lets the violin vibrate and resonate well.
Do I need a shoulder rest?
We highly recommend a shoulder rest, particularly for beginner players and those who play for extended periods.
Firstly, it provides essential support and comfort. Designed to fit the contour of your shoulder, it helps maintain the violin’s position while reducing strain on your neck and shoulder. This makes it an especially valuable tool for beginners who are still adjusting to holding the violin correctly.
Secondly, shoulder rests are ideal for long-term performances or practice sessions as they reduce fatigue and discomfort.
Finally, a shoulder rest provides stability, reducing the need to grip the violin tightly. This not only makes the violin more comfortable to play, but it also preserves the instrument’s sound quality, as a tight grasp can often inhibit the natural vibrations.
FAQs
Do most violinists use a shoulder rest?
The majority of violinists do indeed utilise a shoulder rest for their instrument. These practical accessories offer vital support and comfort, helping to maintain the violin’s position while alleviating neck and shoulder strain. They’re particularly beneficial during extended practice sessions, where they can help mitigate fatigue and enhance overall playing performance.
What kind of shoulder rest does Hilary Hahn use?
Hilary Hahn, the acclaimed violinist, is known for using a Wolf shoulder rest. This popular brand provides excellent support and comfort, aligning with Hahn’s needs as a professional performer. Wolf shoulder rests are adjustable and known for their durability, making them a favourite among many violinists.
Why do some violinists not use a shoulder rest?
While many violinists use shoulder rests, some prefer not to. This is often a matter of personal comfort and playing style. Some violinists find that not using a shoulder rest allows for greater freedom of movement and a more intimate connection with the instrument.
Final thoughts
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a rest to suit your first violin or you’re an advanced player looking to upgrade your setup, we hope this list of the best violin shoulder rests has helped you choose the perfect one for you!
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