Best
Shoulder Rest For Overall
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Overall: Any beginner to intermediate player
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Best Feature: A Patent Pending Grip Design
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Shoulder Rest For Young Students
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Overall: Violinists looking for a budget alternative
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Best Feature: A lightweight Plastic Construction
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Shoulder Rest For Intermediate
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Overall: Rest that suits their exact profile
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Best Feature: Backplate Moulds to Your Shoulder's Profile
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TedScore™: 7/10
Discovering the top-notch violin shoulder rest really makes a difference in your playing adventure. This guide takes you through the leading choices that tick all the boxes for comfort, flexibility, and your own playing flair.
Violin shoulder rests come in different sizes and are designed for various sizes of violins. These are 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4 (full size). Make sure you check the size of the violin you are buying for.
A tip I have found is that a 1/2 can generally be adjusted to fit a 3/4-size violin.
Are you wondering which shoulder rest can improve your playing posture and support? Read on, and let’s find the perfect match for your violin journey!
Best Shoulder Rest For Players With Long Necks
When it comes to finding the best violin shoulder rest for long necks, musicians with these physical attributes may face a specific challenge.
Designed to provide optimal comfort and support, these shoulder rests have features such as adjustable height and angle to accommodate longer neck lengths. These features ensure that the violinist maintains proper posture and reduces strain while playing. Here are some of the best ones:
1. Wolf Forte Primo Shoulder Rest:
A Rest With A Clamping Mechanism That Securely Locks Into Place:
This Rest has the ability to go very high, and with that, you can bend the angle of the feet of the rest, which is why it is ideal if you need a bit more height.
The backplate on the Wolf shoulder rest is made from aluminum which is both strong and slightly flexible for encouraging the correct posture.
DESIGNED FOR: Violinists who require a rest that suits their exact profile
FEATURES: A Flexible Backplate That Moulds to Your Shoulder's Profile
OTHER INFO: Rubber Grips Prevent Damaging Violin's Finish
Wolf Forte Primo Violin Shoulder Rest
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Metal plate that can be moulded to the shoulder, giving a more individual fit.
- Wide shoulder pad which can angle from side to side.
- The feet can be bent into different angles which helps students with their posture.
- Height adjustable feet that go quite high, so good for longer necks.
- The feet screws are pretty loose, which I find then causes the feet to move around and the rest to slip off the violin. They are also tricky to adjust into position.
- Because of the more adjustable parts and ability to bend, I find the feet often become misshapen, and the overall rest becomes loose.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
2. Kun Super Violin Shoulder Rest
One Of The Popular Standard Shoulder Rests:
Like the Wolf, the Kun collapsible shoulder rest has height-adjustable feet so it can be raised quite high, although the pad is much narrower, and the foam wears much quicker than the Wolf.
DESIGNED FOR: Beginners on a budget
FEATURES: Sturdy T-shaped feet
OTHER INFO: The kun should rest is one of the most popular shoulder rests on the market
Kun Super Violin Shoulder Rest
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Is Practical and well-designed
- Embodies Kun's vision of the most ergonomically-correct shoulder rest
- The foam can wear out quickly
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
3. Pirastro Korfker Shoulder Rest
This is very much a luxury rest (which I go into detail about below), but this is a great option for a higher shoulder rest for a long neck.
DESIGNED FOR: professional players
FEATURES: Allows Main Body of the Violin to Vibrate Freely
OTHER INFO: Allows a Wider Diversity in Note Articulation and Dynamics
Pirastro Korfker Rest Violin Shoulder Rest
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Offers Precise Personal Adjustment of Position, Height and Tilt
- Minimal Use of Rubber Improves Sound Characteristics
- Minimal Use of Rubber Improves Sound Characteristics
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best Shoulder Rest For Children
1. Everest Violin Shoulder Rest
Excellent price for the quality of rest, really durable, comfy and excellent, grippy fit on the violin which means it does not move around on the Violin.
Unlike other models, the Everest shoulder rest features adjustable and collapsible feet, allowing for a customized fit to the player’s shoulder and providing added stability during performances.
Using the Everest Violin Shoulder Rest during practice feels incredibly comfortable and supportive, allowing your little ones to improve their posture and enhance their playing experience.
One potential downside of this product is that the rubber feet may wear out over time with heavy use, requiring replacement. However, the Everest shoulder rest’s superior comfort, adjustable design, and its ability to enhance playing posture make it a worthwhile investment for violinists seeking a reliable and supportive shoulder rest for extended practice and performances.
Plus, it now comes in different colours which are fun for children!
DESIGNED FOR: Any beginner to intermediate player
FEATURES: A Patent Pending Grip Design
OTHER INFO: Adhesive Is Included
Everest Shoulder Rest
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Has extremely grippy feet, so doesn't slip off the Violin and the height can be adjusted.
- It has a wide, really grippy foam pad which doesn't slip on the shoulder.
- It feels solid, and there are no components that snap.
- It is not too expensive and there is now a cool range of colours!
- This is less adjustable than other brands (the feet angle cannot be changed) and has less height adjustment compared to other brands.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
2. Fom Standard Plastic Shoulder Rest
Good value for money as this rest is well made and durable. It is a good size for children to use as it is not too bulky. It feels very solid, and like the Fom, doesn’t tend to move around.
DESIGNED FOR: Violinists looking for a budget alternative
FEATURES: A lightweight Plastic Construction
OTHER INFO: Comes in a Black Finish
Fom Standard Plastic Shoulder Rest
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- One of the best budget shoulder rests on the market
- Has good rubber feet that grip the violin well.
- It has height adjustable feet and to a good height.
- The overall feel is solid and well made (not of flimsy plastic!) despite it being a cheaper option.
- Slightly smaller and has a less chunky design, so it suits younger students better.
- It has a less durable rubber, which can wear away after a while and cause it to slip, and it is not as sturdy on the violin as the Everest.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
3. Viva Flex Violin Shoulder Rest
This benefits from feet that can be rotated to give the exact fit to the instrument, as well as being height adjustable. I also like the wide, slightly shaped shoulder pad.
However, it has collapsible feet which tend not to stay upright in position.
DESIGNED FOR: Those looking for a cheaper alternative to the Everest
FEATURES: 360 Degree Rotation Allows Comfort for Any Preference
OTHER INFO: Features A 3 Point Grip to Allow Instrument Resonance
Viva Flex Violin Shoulder Rest
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Rubber Attachments Don't Damage Your Viola's Finish
- Lightweight Plastic Frame for Easy Portability
- The plastic is a little cheap feeling
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best slide-on luxury rests
1. Pirastro Korfker Shoulder Rest
This is the most expensive shoulder rest on the market and the rest that I use!
I often get asked “is it worth the money?” and at around £/$300, it’s hard to justify the purchase.
However it is the lightest on the market and can be adjusted to the perfect millimetre to fit the violin that it’s on, and the shoulder and neck shape of its owner- the unique feature of this rest is the bendable wood that can be bent into shape, as well as having fully adjustable feet.
It is tricky to adjust and get perfect (requiring patience and a unique Allen key), and the grippy foam has been known to wear out (they do give you some spare!), but it is a wonderful shoulder rest and particularly good for long necks as it adjusts pretty high.
It really does feel like there is nothing attached to the violin as it is so lightweight, and this in turn is supposed to allow the violin to vibrate more helping you produce the best sound quality.
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate to Professional players
FEATURES: A Minimal Use of Rubber Improves Sound Characteristics
OTHER INFO: Handcrafted in Germany using only precision-engineered parts
Pirastro Korfker Shoulder Rest
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- A high end shoulder rest that Offers Precise Personal Adjustment of Position, Height and Tilt
- Allows a Wider Diversity in Note Articulation and Dynamics
- Allows Body of the Violin to Vibrate Freely
- It's expensive - but I think worth the money
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
2. Bon Musica Shoulder Rest
This violin shoulder rest is used by several famous Violin soloists, as well as some of my colleagues!
It is not the most expensive option, but it benefits from a metal plate on the rest which can be bent around and across the shoulder for a fit specific to its user- it almost hooks over the shoulder.
It is easier to shape than the Pirastro wood violin shoulder rest, and indeed cheaper, but it is bulkier and heavier.
DESIGNED FOR: Intermediate to Professional players
FEATURES: A Minimal Use of Rubber Improves Sound
OTHER INFO: Handcrafted in Germany using only precision-engineered parts
Bon Musica Shoulder Rest
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- A high end shoulder rest that Offers Precise Personal Adjustment of Position, Height and Tilt
- Allows a Wider Diversity in Note Articulation and Dynamics
- Allows Body of the Violin to Vibrate Freely
- It's expensive - but I think worth the money
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
3. Wittner Isny
This is an unusual design that attaches to the back of the violin, but ‘floats’ from a central mount.
It can be adjusted to any angle and can create quite a bit of height. It doesn’t have a very padded design, and the rest is relatively flat and cannot mold to the shoulder like the Pirastro rest or the Bon Musica rest.
With minimal contact with the instrument, it enables vibration and a better sound from your instrument.
FEATURES: A design that has been specifically made to reduce the dampening of sound, meaning that it won't affect your performance in any way
OTHER INFO Universal adjustment allows you to find your ideal position
Wittner Isny
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- One of the best violin shoulder rests on the market
- Fairly expensive compared with other options
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Tips for using slide-on shoulder rests
Attaching:
Hook the right side feet onto the side of the violin before sliding the left side up. The shape should make a ‘sad face’ as you attach it, but as you raise the violin to play, it turns into a ‘happy face’!
If the shoulder rest keeps slipping off, then check you have pushed the feet up far enough on each side of the violin. If they don’t reach both sides of the violin on the back of the instrument, then you might need to adjust the screws on the back of the feet attachments to widen the rest.
If they are still not wide enough to reach across, then you likely have the wrong-sized rest for the violin you are using.
If you feel your neck squeezing the instrument too much, or you feel the need to raise your left shoulder a lot, and your rest allows, unwind (loosen) the feet to find your desired height.
How to choose a Violin Shoulder Rest:
A Buyer's Guide
Proper positioning and comfort are crucial when playing the violin, and a shoulder rest can help. It’s also important to pair a good shoulder rest with a well-sized, shaped chin rest with an appropriate dip. Always check the shoulder and chin rest for optimal comfort and positioning.
Do I need a shoulder rest?
Using a violin shoulder rest is a personal choice. It provides support and comfort when holding the violin on the shoulder.
Young players often find it uncomfortable to rest the violin directly on the collarbone and tire quickly without a shoulder rest. A shoulder rest prevents the violin from slipping off the shoulder and makes using the left hand easier.
It aids stability, making fingering and shifting positions easier, and allows the left hand to relax without gripping the instrument. Different shoulder rests offer varying angles, grip levels, and heights to accommodate individual needs.
When you purchase shoulder rest, consider factors like comfort, stability, and adjustability to ensure it fits your unique needs. Investing in a quality shoulder rest can greatly improve your playing experience and prevent discomfort during extended practice sessions.
What to look for When Buying a Shoulder Rest
Materials & Shapes
Buying a cheaper shoulder rest comes with the risk that the material will be more flimsy and prone to breaking with wear. Often with cheaper options the plastic feet snap, or the rubber on the feet wears away meaning it will no longer attach to the violin.
The standard ‘moon’ shape of a shoulder rest will not vary too much, but the width of the shoulder pad will, and fundamentally the wider the foam grip, the more sturdy on the shoulder it will be.
Comfort & Playability
Choose a rest with a good depth and wide enough foam, so that the plastic material does not dig into the shoulder or collarbone. Often this is the first thing students complain about.
Grippier feet will mean the rest won’t slip on the instrument, so you can focus on playing and moving around the instrument with good support.
I believe that with the right shoulder rest, the violin will not drop. This’ll also help with playing posture and shoulder tension.
The main difficulty students have with posture, is the violin drooping downwards and then the left wrist then pulling in (to hold the violin).
With the correct violin shoulder rest and setup, this won’t happen.
What are the types of shoulder rest
There are many different designs to choose from, such as foam pad designs, sliding models and even models that use suction to attach to the back of the violin (although these are very uncommon!).
I have described the options available below:
Sliding models
These are the most commonly used sort of rest for beginner and intermediate students, and professional players. They have ‘feet’ that hook over the edge of the violin before sliding the rest into position.
They provide the most height to the violin, and ultimately the best support, anchoring the violin between the shoulder and chin.
Foam Cushions
Foam pads, and even a basic sponge give a lot less height and support. They are attached with rubber bands, so they have a tendency to move around a lot more.
Players with shorter necks may prefer these as the violin will have less height on the shoulder which means the player will find it easier to rest on the chin rest.
Suction Models
These are not often used because of the temperamental nature of the sucker on the instrument. Like the foam cushion, these have very little height, so most violinists find them uncomfortable.
CollapsIble feet models
Some brands offer a sliding rest design (such as the Kun Collapsible Shoulder rest), but with collapsable feet, the idea being that they are more compact when storing them in case.
My experience with these as a teacher is more slipping of the rest, and more parts that snap or break. In general, try and avoid!
The collapsible feet are another element which moves around, and ultimately the rest should give sturdy support. Students often complain that their rest keeps falling off, and it’s nearly always the ones with these feet.
There shouldn’t be a great need for these designs, as pretty much all cases have space for the shoulder rest, either in the case itself or in the outer pouch.
Best Violin Shoulder Rest
Summary
Hopefully you’ve found this list of violin shoulder rests useful. Try and whittle your choice down to two, and then make an informed decision as to which is the shoulder rest for you!
For all-around comfort, fit, price and quality, the most popular shoulder rest is the Everest. For me, it’s the best budget shoulder rest you can buy.
If you know you need a bit more height, then try the Everest with a higher chin rest.
If however you’re looking for a high end should rest, then I have no hesitation in recommending the Pirastro Korfker.
Drop a comment below with your choice of the best shoulder rest for violin and why.
Considering the debate between fixed and adjustable shoulder rests, does anyone feel that a specific model has improved their playability or reduced discomfort substantially? I’m revisiting the basics to refine my technique.
Hey all, just chiming in to say that while these brand recommendations are solid, don’t overlook trying out homemade options. I’ve found a few DIY adjustments that work better for my unique posture and playing style than any high-end rest. It’s all about comfort and ergonomics at the end of the day, isn’t it?
Everest honestly saved my kid from quitting violin. It fits perfectly and they don’t complain it’s uncomfortable anymore.
Has anyone here tried the Pirastro Korfker for a long-necked player? I got a pretty long neck and struggle with most rests. Thinking if it’s worth the splurge.
Alice seems to recommend it for luxury, but how about for us giraffes?
Totally worth it, ViolaGrace. It’s adjustable and super comfy for long sessions. Saved my neck and my play.