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The standard chin rest on my Cecilio electric is gonna send me to the chiropractor soon enough, so I've been looking around online at different types of chin rests, shoulder rests, and shoulder pads. So far, I'm leaning towards using a taller chin rest with a Strad Pad, and an exfoliating pad rubber-banded to the back of the violin in place of a shoulder rest.
I normally like to try out a ton of options in person before I make a purchase, but Broward County (South Florida) has almost no music stores that carry anything for the violin; everything is guitar and drums here. Therefore, I've turned to the Internet for a casual survey: what are you using when you practice or perform, and what led you to that setup?
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I use a Kun shoulder rest. Whenever I try out other violins I can usually just adjust the shoulder rest to preferred height/angle so that the change in chin rest wouldn't bother me that much. Sorry if I'm not much help...
Like you said, It'd be optimal if you were able to try out gear in person because what one person finds comfortable may not be true for another person.
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Halzen, I can sympathise. The area I live in is a mining area, known for country music and occasionally rock. Violin accessories ??? Forget it !!
I also use a sponge (the dishwashing type) for a shoulder pad, held in place with rubber bands. Works for me.
I don't know if I need a new chin rest, I have nothing to compare with. I'd also be keen to know others' thoughts. At the same time, what works for one might not work for me, so I'll just keep on with the equipment I have for now.
If you think you can, or you think you can't, you're probably right.
That's my stuff.I don't remember, what the name of the soulder-rest – it's a Russian one. Aluminium i guess- it bends in any way you want =) And standart chin-rest. I've sanded it a bit – edges were too sharp =)
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Halzen, I live in Broward. Victoria Park, Fort Lauderdale.
Don't they have any shoulder rests at Sam Ash?
There is one in Margate which is only about 20 minutes from me.
I know they have a string department but I haven't checked out the shoulder-rests. I'm opening an online shop on the first of Jan. but Florida residents will be the only ones needing to pay sale tax. 
Margate, FL
5460 W. Sample Rd.
Margate, FL 33073-3454
Phone:954-975-3390
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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Word, Pierre, I'm in Coral Springs. My girlfriend recommended Sam Ash, so I'll be heading over there within the next week or two. I'm just not incredibly confident; the severe lack of violin material in general (even the Barnes & Noble has ZERO books on the violin) has me feeling like quite the hopeless shopper. Looking forward to your online shop – that'll be one more place to look for gear.
Thanks to everyone who's chimed in so far. Sanding down the sharp edge actually seems like a good idea; both chin rests I've tried so far have had this lip on the edge that just poke my neck and irritate me the whole time I'm playing.
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Halzen said:
Word, Pierre, I'm in Coral Springs. My girlfriend recommended Sam Ash, so I'll be heading over there within the next week or two. I'm just not incredibly confident; the severe lack of violin material in general (even the Barnes & Noble has ZERO books on the violin) has me feeling like quite the hopeless shopper. Looking forward to your online shop – that'll be one more place to look for gear.
Thanks to everyone who's chimed in so far. Sanding down the sharp edge actually seems like a good idea; both chin rests I've tried so far have had this lip on the edge that just poke my neck and irritate me the whole time I'm playing.
Sam Ash has a decent selection of music too, particularly the classic method and exercise books.
I use one of the KUN style ones, and the only problem I have with them is the rubber feet have worn bare spots on my violin. I tried the old fashioned rounded one covered in velvet with a leather strap, but it wasn't as comfortable and secure as my Kun style one, and it didn't give me the height. I have chronic back problems anyway, so it is hard for me to tell what is violin playing related or just my usual back problems. i usually don't notice while I am playing, until I put my violin down- ouch! I can sympathize with you on the pain.
Obviously, the more your violin is up and more or less in line with your shoulder and left arm and not towards the front is best for the neck and back, and it should feel secure enough with the right shoulder rest where your left hand can be free to tune fine tuners or turn a page without having to strain your chin, shoulder, and neck to hold the violin. if your violin is facing more toward the front of your body, you are using your chin and neck to hold it, which wreaks havoc on ones neck and back.
Hopefully you will soon find a solution that works for you, and one that will provide you some relief (:
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Barry said:
I look forward to seeing your online shop Pierre. Will you be able to compete price wise with stores like southwest strings and shar ?
That is a great question Barry. I won't be able to beat all their prices but I'll do my best. Especially for my members. I have the same distributors but if I don't buy the same bulk as they do than I don't get the same price. The more people that buy from me the more competitive I can be. I'll be able to compete much better with bigger products where there is a little better margin. Strings can sell with 5 or 10 dollar margins and I have to add shipping and if I don't carry them at home I'll have to pay a processing fee for drop shipping. I've seen strings selling cheaper than cost on some sites. They buy bulk and sell thousands just to get the clients hoping they'll buy other stuff and I won't be able to do that for a while.
Some companies have a strict MAP pricing policy which means that I cannot go below a certain price but neither can anyone else.
When I open in Jan, I'll give you all a coupon code to enter for additional savings and I'll work with you guys. My reason for having the poll with which strings you use is to stock up and offer special prices on everyones favorite strings.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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I sure had the same problems with my Cecilio violins too! No stores by me that I could find to get a proper chin rest but CatMcCall on here told me how you can adjust the chin rest and They work great for me now. I still don't like the Cecilio shoulder rests. I was using the cleaning cloth with a rubber band and that was working better and even tried a kitchen sponge but wasn't happy. Dang fiddle would keep slipping off my shoulder. I found a Mach One shoulder pad online that is adjustable with a swede leather pad that works great for me.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com.....ulder-rest
And FM, I can't wait to checkout your online store!
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I use a KUN shoulder rest, cranked as long as it will go on the front, and a Berber style chinrest raised up with cork (I have a long neck and straight, square shoulders.) I really like the over-the-tailpiece chinrests and have used a Fleish in the past. Here's my setup -
Not very pretty, but I haven't yet found time to carve some wood feet for the chinrest to make it look more intentional.
Mary in Springfield, Oregon http://www.thefiddleandbanjopr.....dpress.com
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myguitarnow said:
CatMcCall on here told me how you can adjust the chin rest and They work great for me now.
Would you be kind enough to divulge that information? 
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Halzen said:
myguitarnow said:
CatMcCall on here told me how you can adjust the chin rest and They work great for me now.
Would you be kind enough to divulge that information?
I just suggested adding some cork (or other soft substance) under the feet of the chinrest to raise it up. If you need more cork than your chinrest brackets will allow, you can order new brackets made for violas.
You can order taller chinrests in many styles, as I did for the Red Fiddle for MGN.
Other chinrests are known for standing up higher off the fiddle face, like the Flesch model.
Some are adjustable, but darned if I can remember the name. You can also add a Strad Pad or similar to the top of the chinrest to adjust the height.
Unfortunately, it's a bit of a crap shoot if you don't have anyone to watch you play and hold the fiddle - sometimes another person will instantly see what the trouble is and you get a "Eureka!" moment.
Mary in Springfield, Oregon http://www.thefiddleandbanjopr.....dpress.com
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