Hi,

A little while ago my daughter had the chance to play on a selection of brand new instruments (an open day at the Newark school of violin-making).

One of the instruments had the chin-rest set up centrally, right over the bottom bit that holds the strings, rather than to the side. She really liked it in that position.

She's been playing on a full-size for about a year, so perhaps might still have a bit of growing to do. Do you think it would be a good idea to get her a central chin-rest ? Or should she persevere with a normal one

Does anyone else play with this sort of chin-rest ?


Many thanks

My viola playing 2nd son does. It appears to be quite common with violas.

I use this kind which is sort of between a central one and the 'normal' kind
http://www.thestringzone.co.uk/guarneri-chinrest-in-ebony

I use a central one on my violin. It is called a "mushroom" and I have seen it in Beares for a small fortune! Unfortunately they are changing the mail order page on their site and no longer have a picture of it.

I tried several different designs before with limited success. This one is sooooooo comfortable that even though it cost an arm and a leg it has been worth every penny (actually it was nearly £100 the last time I looked! )

wow, that would be way out of my league, but Stringzone do seem to have quite a range of shapes for a suitable price.

My real question is whether it's a good idea to be "different", especially for when playing in rather cramped orchestra situations.

Our lead violinist plays with one
I doubt it'd make any difference whatsoever - it's only a different style of chinrest
I'm thinking of trying a central one but i haven't seen many around

I don't really think there's any such thing as a "normal" chinrest. There are many varieties to choose from, and none of them is any more normal than any other. Go with the one that's most comfortable!

for a selection of hand carved chinrests, including the 'mushroom' that mcm mentions look on The Soundpost website. (They are based in Guildford, Surrey).