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Which shoulder rest would you guy's recommend?
A shoulder rest is really a choice based on your particular shape and length of neck. I used a Kun for several years but never really liked it. I settled on a Bon Musica. It is very height adjustable and the shoulder pad is set on a metal base that can be shaped to your personal need. R/
I've tried several fiddles (and even a viola) with kun rests, and I didn't like any of them (the rests, the fiddles were fine) I used to use a folded cloth attached with a rubber band, (a solution which I do recommend!) But now I use nothing, as I find the fiddle to not be uncomfortable. I've played one fiddle with a comfortable shoulder rest, and I think it was a bonmusica, but I'm not sure about that cuz I didn't ask
I have several Kuns, but now i'd go with Everest.
I second the Everest. I have two.
I really like Kun rests in general but the Kun doesn't have a fine enough fiddle width adjustment to properly fit my slightly narrower than normal Dimbath...the favorite among my trio of fiddles. To the rescue came a ninety-nine percent as comfortable and much cheaper(!) Artino.
The key is to get the right size for your neck.
I have the Kuhn with the extended screws.
This topic interests me because I struggle a bit trying to find the right shoulder rest position that doesn't slip. So I was thinking of trying one of those sling things that goes round the neck or neck and shoulder. Are they any good?
quote:
Originally posted by HectorThis topic interests me because I struggle a bit trying to find the right shoulder rest position that doesn't slip. So I was thinking of trying one of those sling things that goes round the neck or neck and shoulder. Are they any good?
Had an old fellow fiddler used one.http://www.danielbrauchli.com/Violin_Harness.htm
(Lowest most picture in the link.) Hard to explain how it works, but quite simple.
One advantage i thought, it frees up your jaw, so you can sing and play. Never done it, but. . .
Edited by - farmerjones on 12/16/2019 16:57:42
Are those sling things still available? I haven't been able to find one.
I would make one out of either a leather strap or a boot lace. Once one arrives at the proper length/size it shouldn't vary. Maybe get the length right with a bootlace, then find something with a more comfortable width.
I think I'd try whatever kind Tommy Jarrell used.
Kun Bravo collapsible.
Need to be able to hold fiddle level with just the weight of your head on the chinrest, with the neck and left shoulder relaxed. Thataway you can shift and stop strings without supporting the instrument with left hand. Same concept as balanced shoulderstrap for a lead guitar, mandolin, or banjer.
quote:
Originally posted by HectorSo I was thinking of trying one of those sling things that goes round the neck or neck and shoulder. Are they any good?
I have a clip which claps on the fiddle and the strap goes under my right arm.
The fiddle can be quickly detached from the strap.
This is where I got it from.....
Edited by - buckhenry on 12/16/2019 18:55:02
quote:
Originally posted by buckhenryquote:
Originally posted by HectorSo I was thinking of trying one of those sling things that goes round the neck or neck and shoulder. Are they any good?
I have a clip which claps on the fiddle and the strap goes under my right arm.
The fiddle can be quickly detached from the strap.
This is where I got it from.....
http://www.facebook.com/moffittmandolins/
The cool factor on that is pretty high. Can you play a break on a different instrument while you leave the fiddle attached to play later?
The Everest is also inexpensive, $12US
Edited by - ChickenMan on 12/16/2019 20:17:07
quote:
Originally posted by Flat_the_3rd_n7th
Can you play a break on a different instrument while you leave the fiddle attached to play later?
I'll let you know when I figure out why I would need to do that............
The pictures of the slings look impressive and I would like to try something like that. Trouble is, I think my nice old German fiddle has had some repairs done on the tail pin, because the two sides aren't quite level at the glue joint. So I'm nervous about putting any strain on the pin. Maybe I'll look for a cheap fiddle to try out the sling.
youtu.be/qXTndusM7A8
Now, the old fellar i saw just had it around his neck. But the way the stap engages the fiddle is the same, around the lower bouts, across the back. No stress on the end pin.
I prefer the "Bon Musica". Very adjustable and well built.
One more thing. Many fiddlers are not satisfied with their chin rest. In some cases the problem arises because the chin rest is not adjusted correctly, or the user does not know how to use a chin rest. Having a knowledgeable person set up the chin rest and show you how to use it can prevent problems.
Thanks Farmer Jones. That looks the business!
Thanks farmerjones.
I'm all for it,as I can see the relief obtained by this design.
Sorry to hijack this thread but just want to sing praises for the Bon Musica shoulder rest.
Based on comments in this thread (thanks Richard and Dick), I just bought the Bon Musica shoulder rest. I love it. It is adjustable 3 ways: the height, the angle of the feet, and the metal bar can be shaped to fit my body. I like how one end hooks on to my shoulder and how the other end can be bent so that it rests on my chest.
I was never quite comfortable with the Everest or Kun, which are only height adjustable.
Thanks guys.
I have been using the Fiddlerman wood rest. Very comfortable, good adjustment, and it says where you put it. I used a Kun original for sometime, but found the curvature a bit much. The Fiddlerman wooden rest is just right for me.
I've just recently, finally, figured out what works for me: I've taken my Bon Musica, put it on the fiddle upside-down - i.e., the curvy shoulder part is down on my chest - I've unscrewed/extended the what-is-now-top part as far as it will go, and set the whole thing at a 45 degree angle across the back of the fiddle from a bottom 'corner' (pointy bit) to almost back of the chin rest. Don't worry if you can't visualize that; the point is that you can experiment and come up with whatever works for you - and the Bon Musica is more flexible and adaptable than most shoulder rests.
On the other hand ... I avoided using the Bon Musica for many years because it looks so clunky - it seems to be from the 'WWII prosthetic' school of fashion. But I've finally admitted to myself that I need it - and whatever else I can find that helps .... I envy those of you who can just pick up the damn fiddle and hold it any old way and start sawing away at 'er .....
"WWII prosthetic' school of fashion"
Great description. 
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