Phantom rest

Recommendations and reviews from 1 person

• Referral from April 27, 2014
  

  Josie M. asked:

  Does anyone have and recommendations for violin shoulder rest? I use a Kun but it just isn't working for me I was thinking of trying a Bon Musica.

  

  Lisa F. replied:

  I think Kun must be the most popular one on the planet. I felt the same way about mine until my position was analyzed by a panel of specialist including an expert in ergonomics, a luthier, and a physical therapist specializing in musicians. Conclusion: my violin was too big (probably made for a tall man and I'm a woman), my body position was atrocious (the comment was, "How can you play that well with such bad posture?"), and finally that my shoulder rest was not at all in the ideal position. They fiddled around with it and now I don't even notice it. I had it too close to my neck, which caused my violin to be in an odd position (far from horizontal), and added to my bad posture. So, fool around with where you position it, move it farther up the body of the violin. At first you'll feel less secure, but in the long run it helps. Here is an article from Strings Magazine that might be helpful: http://web.archive.org/web/20061109144905/http://www.stringsmagazine.com/issues/strings127/yourinstrument_127.html I've used Kun, Wolf, and Mach One. Here is what I don't like about each. Kun - Love the shape but there is no way to properly glue the foam back on when it starts to come off, you end up having to buy a new one. Wolf: love the foam but don't like shape and the feet are not a solid piece but are metal. They have rubber tubing over them which gets old cracks. You can seriously scratch your violin then. Ever tried to put a new one on? It's frustratingly difficult (although baby powder seems to help a bit). Mach One: Love the simple sexy design, the feet are great, but like the Kun, the foam came off or one side was flapping all the time. Also, you can't fold the legs under since it's all one piece. I had a problem fitting it into my case. Of them all, Kun was the best all around for me. I want to try the Phantom Shoulder Rest. It looks interesting! It doesn't squeeze your violin so doesn't interfere with it's sound. http://www.phantomrest.com/index.php

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