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There are similar threads out there, but they weren't so easy to find, and one was about not using a shoulder rest at all.
I've got a shoulder rest I favour for its size and design, but the rubber that comes in contact with your shoulder doesn't have much friction. @AndrewH says somewhere that he likes make-up sponges. I tried these and they have maximum friction, but they can be a bit awkward to attach with rubber bands, but then I realised I had a roll of this at the back of a cupboard, and as long as you don't mind gluing it to your shoulder-rest, it's ideal for cutting and shaping. It's designed to go between a mat and a wooden floor to stop the mat slipping.
However, gluing on those make-up sponges may be best of all, it's just that they are round, so arranging the right number and cutting them all to shape is a little trickier; and the colour is conspicuous, especially if you are wearing evening dress, lol!
Andrew
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I use those under the mat liners for just about everything. Much better than the rubbery shelf liners. What a terrific idea for shoulder rest grip, when needed. I think you have two good suggestions, there.
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@Gordon Shumway -
Can't view what you have a roll of in your post.
Latex mats are usually used under rugs, but I personally don't like the stuff - reacts w/sunlight & other things, then crumbles into a mess.
For less than $1 you can also find (even at most grocery stores) a non-slip place mat, used for table settings - just cut out your exact shape and attach with double-sided adhesive tape.
- Emily
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@Gordon Shumway -
The only problem with the perforated type roll of material you have, is what to adhere it with, if you don't want to use rubber bands.
You might be better off with a solid mat.
Oh, almost forgot!
We have some materials found in your drug store (grocery stores, too) for your feet. Some are provided in adhesive-backed sheets for you to cut out the shape you need, or some come shaped for insoles. Moleskin is one, but there is another dense foam, also (Dr Scholl's brand here).
- Emily
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ELCB said
The only problem with the perforated type roll of material you have, is what to adhere it with, if you don't want to use rubber bands.
I just use Bostik all purpose clear adhesive. Once it is dry, the perforations don't matter. Double-sided tape is probably good.
Andrew
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I had this same problem and actually bought one of those bon musica rests that curve over the shoulder. It was good at first but the violin is compltely rigid so went back to my wolf one. The matting seems like a good idea.
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I have to confess, my expenses haven't been too silly, except that I did buy a Bon Musica because I liked its curvature (and the rubber is high friction). But it is the worst purchase I ever made. It is unbelievably violin-unfriendly and can't be brought very close to the violin, so it's only OK if you have a very long neck.
Andrew
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I’ve been using a bon musica for about a year now, & I'm happy with it. I don’t think I have a long neck, but if I needed it to go shorter, I agree, it would be a problem.
Characterize people by their actions and you will never be fooled by their words.
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I really did a number on my Bonmusica - it worked pretty good until I progressed more and wanted to rotate my violin more freely.
I lengthened it, twisted it, flattened the shoulder curve and cut both adjustment screws down (1 right down to the nut plate). I got it down close so when the Bonmusica was tilted, the bar barely cleared the back of my violin.
Definitely freed up my left hand!
Now I'm back to my "SureTone" rest.
- Emily
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