Most quality violins come equipped with a chinrest already in place. The size, shape and type of violin chinrest can affect a player's control of the instrument as well as their comfort while playing. However, this component is very easy to replace and is one of the least expensive parts of the instrument.
The chinrest is typically made from a small piece of wood or plastic and is attached to the instrument with several metal clamps. Although it is small in size, it is also an important component of the instrument. As is evident by its name, this piece is intended to hold a players chin in proper position. The concept originated a few hundred years ago and was intended to give players better control of their instrument.
While it may not be necessary for the instrument to function, it can contribute greatly to the sound a violin produces. However, this has more to do with how it improves a players control. In fact, there are some players who play without one. The idea is that it should help properly position a player's chin. Proper chin placement will provide stability, which can help the player have more control.
Surprisingly, these can vary in many ways, such as angle, shape, height, tilt and position. They are also available in various sizes. Some of them are quite large and are formed into a cup shape, while others are a bit flat and are much smaller in size.
Woods such as boxwood, rosewood and ebony are what most chinrests are made from. However, new technology has made it possible to use hypoallergenic plastic and sometimes even gel. To minimize any scratching or other damage to the instrument, the back is often covered in cork or felt.
Many violinists find that they sometime get a rash or irritated skin on their chin or neck. This can be due to pressure caused by an ill-fitting chinrest. It could also be due to a reaction to the materials it's made from. If a player is having discomfort, they should consider trying a different shape or size. Some players find that using a cloth or padded slipcovers also eases their discomfort.
There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to selecting a chinrest. It is purely a matter of personal preference. Since there are so many types to choose from, it may be a good idea to try out a few at a local shop. The most important consideration is comfort. This is especially true for younger players who may become discouraged if playing their instrument causes them pain.
Any player who feels their violin chinrest may be causing them discomfort should consider trying out a new option. There are many different sizes, shapes and styles to choose from, so it may take some trial and error to find just the right one. However, it is probably well worth the effort, especially for beginning players who could easily get discouraged.
The chinrest is typically made from a small piece of wood or plastic and is attached to the instrument with several metal clamps. Although it is small in size, it is also an important component of the instrument. As is evident by its name, this piece is intended to hold a players chin in proper position. The concept originated a few hundred years ago and was intended to give players better control of their instrument.
While it may not be necessary for the instrument to function, it can contribute greatly to the sound a violin produces. However, this has more to do with how it improves a players control. In fact, there are some players who play without one. The idea is that it should help properly position a player's chin. Proper chin placement will provide stability, which can help the player have more control.
Surprisingly, these can vary in many ways, such as angle, shape, height, tilt and position. They are also available in various sizes. Some of them are quite large and are formed into a cup shape, while others are a bit flat and are much smaller in size.
Woods such as boxwood, rosewood and ebony are what most chinrests are made from. However, new technology has made it possible to use hypoallergenic plastic and sometimes even gel. To minimize any scratching or other damage to the instrument, the back is often covered in cork or felt.
Many violinists find that they sometime get a rash or irritated skin on their chin or neck. This can be due to pressure caused by an ill-fitting chinrest. It could also be due to a reaction to the materials it's made from. If a player is having discomfort, they should consider trying a different shape or size. Some players find that using a cloth or padded slipcovers also eases their discomfort.
There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to selecting a chinrest. It is purely a matter of personal preference. Since there are so many types to choose from, it may be a good idea to try out a few at a local shop. The most important consideration is comfort. This is especially true for younger players who may become discouraged if playing their instrument causes them pain.
Any player who feels their violin chinrest may be causing them discomfort should consider trying out a new option. There are many different sizes, shapes and styles to choose from, so it may take some trial and error to find just the right one. However, it is probably well worth the effort, especially for beginning players who could easily get discouraged.
