Best Violin Shoulder Rests in 2024

With the upcoming Violin competition just around the corner, it is important that violinists equip their violins with shoulder rests that will provide optimal support and stability during such a crucial performance.

Shoulder rests are an important part of any violinist’s setup and should be owned by every player. Some shoulder rests are more expensive than others, but some come at a low cost and still offer high-quality construction (without breaking your budget).

When looking for violin shoulder rests, there are several factors that you should consider. You need to make sure that the rest is comfortable, adjustable, and will meet your needs in the long term. A good shoulder rest will last you for years, so make sure to find one that fits in with your budget and style.

In the guide below, we’ll show you what to look for when shopping for an optimal shoulder rest for your violin. We’ll also be reviewing the best violin shoulder rests on the market, so you can confidently buy a product that will last you for years.

Buying Guide

Since the violins of the world go through a tough time, it is very important to take care of them. For instruments such as violins and guitars, there is no way we can avoid these step-by-step exercises. Therefore, this article focuses on how you can choose the best violin shoulder rests in the 2024 budget to premium.

1. First things first

According to some experts, choosing a violin shoulder rest means avoiding those who are too huge and huge too tightly at the same time.

For this reason, the best violin shoulder rests in the market today are those who are lightweight, yet firm enough to not burst or wobble. Popular brands such as Martin, Kovačič, Vienna, Nieuw Amsterdam, and others have set their standard on these things for almost two centuries now.

2. Second

You need to choose your musician’s orientation first. A violin shoulder rests for left-handed players are different than the one for right-handed players.

3. Third

It is also very important to consider the designs of these violin shoulder rests. You may want to be creative with your own designs, but still, you need to make sure that things are working well enough with the quality of your instrument.

4. Fourth

Another valuable thing you need to know is that some people prefer using classical violin vibrato, while others like using straight ones. It is best to choose the violin shoulder rests that give you the best options and that do not cause problems with your vintage or new ones.

5 Best Violin Shoulder Rests (Budget to Premium)

Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

1. Bonmusica 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest

Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Bonmusica 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest is a handmade, high-quality, durable violin shoulder rest that provides stability and comfort. The rubber on the outside of the rest creates friction on your shoulder so there’s no slippage. The 2 strap system also ensures complete stability for you and your instrument while playing.

Pros :

• Comfortable
• High
• Durable
• Affordable

Cons :

• You’ll need to build a few steps or place your violin on top of a stool.
• Your violin’s bottom curve becomes exposed and will eventually become dirty and tarnished, which can be removed with sandpaper and clamps.
• Some Bonmusica users have found the design too distracting or inconvenient to use, preferring to use it in conjunction with another shoulder rest.

2. Pirastro Korfker Violin Shoulder Rest

Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Pirastro Korfker Violin Shoulder Rest is a violin shoulder rest that was created by the maker of the Pirastro. The shoulder rest has a foam pad on it and is meant to be used on any violin given its adjustable strap. It also has a plastic plate that will keep your chin from scraping against the strings while you play.

Pros :

• Easy to install and remove
• Soft and light, reducing the weight on string instruments
• Excellent quality control

Cons :

• Easy to install and remove
• Soft and light, reducing the weight on string instruments
• Excellent quality control

3. Fiddlerman Wood Violin Shoulder Rest for 4/4 and 3/4 with Collapsible and Height Adjustable Feet

Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Fiddlerman wooden violin shoulder rest is designed for 4/4 and 3/4 size with collapsible and height-adjustable feet. The material is durable maple wood, hand-carved in Vermont by Daniel Reifsnyder.

Pros :

• Fits both 4/4 and 3/4 sizes, making it ideal for the high schooler looking to transition from their smaller violin.
• Collapsible and height adjustable feet allow for a perfect fit, even if you have a wider or narrower neck.
• Minimal assembly required.

Cons :

• The product is a DIY Violin Shoulder Rest
• DIY projects can be tricky and frustrating
• You have to put the rest together once you purchase it

4. NANYI Violin Shoulder Rest for 4/4 and 3/4 with Collapsible and Height Adjustable Feet, Imitation wood grain.

Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

NANYI Violin Shoulder Rest for 4/4 and 3/4 with Collapsible and Height Adjustable Feet, Imitation wood grain, is a multifunctional shoulder rest that’s suitable for all violins. It is manufactured with high-quality materials to ensure the safety of your instrument. It has adjustable height and collapsible feet to fit perfectly on any violin.

Pros :

• Great for violin players
• Fashionable design
• Holds instrument firmly in place while playing

Cons :

• The general consensus is that it isn’t very stable.
• It is not adjustable for different body needs.
• The material may have an odor, but this goes away with time.

5. Kun Original 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest

Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Kun Original 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest is one of the newest developments in violin accessories. It was designed to give players a better way to support their instruments without disturbing their posture. While playing, the player’s back muscles are constantly tense, which can lead to neck and shoulder tension.

Pros :

• Great for beginners
• Economical for students and amateurs
• Aesthetically pleasing

Cons :

• The unevenness of the chest plate can cause playing to be uncomfortable.
• It is very difficult to get all of the pieces in place without using any tools.
• Assembling it properly could be difficult for some users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many shoulders rests to choose from depending on your budget. Our favorite is the Fiddlerman because it offers great value and has been tried and tested by professionals for over fifteen years. If you have a slightly bigger budget, we recommend the Hinged Shoulder Rests or one that provides more comfort for your shoulder like the Mendini Deluxe.