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So, I am just curious.. who here uses a shoulder rest? Why are your for the shoulder rest? Why are you against or pick not to use a shoulder rest?
I pick to use a shoulder rest, due to the fact of having a very long neck. I can play for short periods of time without one but eventually the chin rest pieces will start bothering my neck, and yes I know fiddlerman made a video this just a couple weeks ago. It looks very unnatural to have such a long neck holding a violin without a shoulder rest and it feels that way too!! Though I may be a little sensitive there due to some past stuff. (getting caught in tree by neck, and more..) My teacher is very pro shoulder rest as well.. but my cousin can not stand using one.
So what do you use? Do you think that a shoulder rest should only be temporarily used by starting students, permanent use, or none at all?
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I use a shoulder rest when playing my electric, I prefer no shoulder rest for playing acoustic.
I think it all comes down to how your shoulder, collarbone and jaw are shaped, and the height of your chinrest and etc. You want to be comfortable when you play.
"This young wine may have a lot of tannins now, but in 5 or 10 years it is going to be spectacular, despite the fact that right now it tastes like crude oil. You know this is how it is supposed to taste at this stage of development." ~ Itzhak Perlman
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I started out not using a shoulder rest (I was young and apparently had it in my head that it wasn't "cool" to use one). Coming back to it now, realizing that I had developed a ton of bad habits, I do now have a Kun shoulder rest. I feel like the violin is more secure using it and I'm working on breaking the habit of using my left hand to support the violin. I have ordered one of the red round pads with my last order from fiddlershop as I'm still not completely happy with the kun (I have it on the lowest setting and it still feels too high), so I thought the pad might help with it slipping from my shoulder without the kun. I'll find the right thing eventually.
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I've been using a shoulder rest since I began playing, almost three years ago. I have a long neck as well, so playing without one is very uncomfortable. I purchased my shoulder rest 1 week after I purchased my violin, because it was hurting my neck's muscles, and never stopped using it to this day.
I used to own 2 violins, and since I only have 1 shoulder rest, whenever I wanted to play with my older one I wouldn't use it. I eventually developed my "holding technique" a bit further, but using a shoulder rest is just much better, and I feel like it's easier to make shifts while using one.
Skype: augustoad Email: augustoaguieiras@hotmail.com Phone number/whatsapp: +55 42 9861-4084. I'd be happy to talk anything fiddle-related to anyone! :)
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According to some research that I did, the most dangerous instrument, for career ending injuries, is the viola, but the violin isn't far behind. It has been estimated that 25% of all viola players, at some point, injure their necks and/or shoulders -- sometimes very seriously.
The goal when playing is to have a stable instrument that can be held without the aid of ones hand for long periods of time without undo stress on either the neck or the shoulder.
Each person has a different anatomy and therefore, there is no universal best solution. Each person must select (if required) the shoulder rest and/or chin rest that allows them to hold the violin, in the correct position, hands free without requiring contortion or exertion of the neck, jaw, or shoulder muscles. An improper set up can and eventually likely will result in serious neck and/or shoulder pain. If one starts to experience pain, then it is time to rethink the current setup, before it becomes a serious issue requiring medical intervention. Or so I'm told.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright
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I'm really impressed by all the answers you guys are giving.
Whether you use a shoulder rest or not, the important thing is to be comfortable and not have the need to squeeze the instrument.
Relaxation is the key. Some times a shoulder rest will make it easier to relax and sometimes they will give the impression that you need to hold tighter. Mostly it depends on your build.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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My back and shoulders have been killing me. I am now noticing this more as my practice sessions have grown longer. Looking for some honest comparisons, pros and cons between the Slipper Rest for Viola and the Bon Musica Shoulder Rest. I am a bit taller with a long neck. Thanks
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Ripton said
My back and shoulders have been killing me. I am now noticing this more as my practice sessions have grown longer. Looking for some honest comparisons, pros and cons between the Slipper Rest for Viola and the Bon Musica Shoulder Rest. I am a bit taller with a long neck. Thanks
@Ripton After trying several shoulder rests, I eventually settled on the Bon Musica. It is very adjustable and should be able to accommodate most people. It does, however, require quite a bit of tweaking before it fits perfectly. Once you find that perfect adjustment, though, it's great. Even the metal part that fits over the shoulder can be bent so that it conforms perfectly to your shoulder and chest. I'm not very familiar with the Slipper Rest, except that it is made out of wood, which is not pliable and as a result not as adjustable as the Bon Musica.
It is important to have a proper, firm, foundation for the instrument and you may have to experiment until you find a set up that works best for you. If you are experiencing pain I would suggest that you do not delay getting that fixed. At best it will make practicing uncomfortable and at worst, cause actual physical damage.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. ~Herm Albright
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http://fiddlershop.com/bon-mus.....-rest.html
I believe that Fred has a great return policy in case you want to test the slipper.
http://www.theslipperrest.com/.....rn-policy/
Returns – We offer a 14-day unconditional money-back guarantee, when you return the item without damage in its original condition and in its original packaging. Buyer is responsible for return shipping and upon receipt of the returned unit we will immediately refund your purchase price.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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I just started using a shoulder rest as a friend gave me one for free. OHHH the freedom it brings to ones left hand...so far I like it. I do believe I was being a bit squeezy at times before, especially in 1st position. My fingers feel freer and shifting has never been easier....I was really suprised.
Although, I like the shoulder rest higher when I'm sitting down and lower a bit when I'm playing standing up. So, I may have to get another one and use two of them, pre-adjusted depending on whether I'm on my butt or standing up LOL
I guess I'm a little weird like that..
I've also experiemnted with folding a light towel into like a square shape under the Violin between my chest/shoulder and the bottom...with some promising results.
Seems there's a few ways to skin a shoulder rest cat!
" I just keep telling myself...."It's all about becoming one with your bow"
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Hi Jerusha77,
I use a shoulder rest. Here's why :
(rather than just put it in a big long post, I say it in a video I made) :
Mr Jim 
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...and just in case things get too serious round here, have a look at my other video :
How To Fit A Shoulder Rest :
Mr Jim
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Is there any sound on that "How to fit a shoulder rest" video? I didn't get any but I'm not sure if it's the video or my browser.
Funny in any case.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Is there any sound on that "How to fit a shoulder rest" video? I didn't get any but I'm not sure if it's the video or my browser.
No sound. I couldn't stop giggling while making the video, so I just muted the audio track
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ROFL
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Worldfiddler said
No sound. I couldn't stop giggling while making the video, so I just muted the audio track
Thanks for that instructional video, Mr. Jim. That sure takes care of that whole "sliding around on my shoulder" problem.
Now if I can just stop the bleeding, I'll be all set to go. 
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