Best
Budget Shoulder Rest
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Overall: Clamping foot design for securing around your viola
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Best Feature: With flexible backplate moulds to your shoulder's profile
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Overall Shoulder
Rest
Rest THE PERFECT STORAGE SOLUTION
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Overall: Secures firmly without restricting your sound with Kun's patented locking end members
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Best Feature: Adjust to be your perfect fit with height and width adjustments
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TedScore™: 8.5/10
Best
Quality Shoulder Rest
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Overall: Ergonomic design that is both width and height adjustable
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Best Feature: Carved from lightweight maple
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TedScore™: 9.5/10
Do you play the viola and understand how crucial it is to have the *perfect* shoulder rest?
A good shoulder rest can make all the difference in your playing experience by supporting and providing comfort and stability while you practice and perform.
But with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start.
Don’t sweat it, though! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we have options to suit your needs and budget.
From classic models to innovative designs, I’ve got you covered. And I’m happy to declare from the outset, I use the Kun Original Viola Shoulder Rest. I’m not saying it’s the best, but it’s the right one for me.
But there are other fabulous options out there – so read on to find out what they are and why…
Why You Need a
Shoulder Rest for Your Viola
If you’re a viola player, you know that playing for extended periods can be uncomfortable. You may experience neck, shoulders, or back discomfort without proper support. This is where a shoulder rest comes in.
A shoulder rest is essential for any violist, providing comfort and support while playing.
You must hold the viola in a stable, comfortable position when playing it. You may find yourself twisting your neck and shoulders without a shoulder rest, leading to physical problems.
A shoulder rest helps to keep the instrument in the right position, so you don’t have to strain it to hold it up.
Not only does a shoulder rest provide support, but it can also improve the sound quality of violin and your playing.
When the viola is held correctly, it can vibrate freely, producing a more resonant and full-bodied sound.
Types of Shoulder Rests Available for Violas
When choosing a shoulder rest for your viola, several types are available to suit your needs. Here are the most common types:
Foam shoulder rests are lightweight and affordable, making them popular for beginner and intermediate players.
They usually have rubber feet to prevent slipping and folding legs are available in different thicknesses to suit different players’ needs.
Plastic shoulder rests are also popular among beginner and intermediate players. They’re lightweight and affordable but less comfortable than foam or wooden shoulder rests.
They usually have adjustable legs and rubber feet to prevent slipping.
Wooden shoulder rests are more expensive than foam or plastic shoulder rests, but they’re also more comfortable and durable.
They’re available in different types of wood and can be adjusted to fit different viola sizes. Wooden shoulder rests usually have rubber feet to prevent slipping and come in different shapes and sizes to suit different players’ needs.
Carbon fibre viola shoulder rests are lightweight and durable, making them popular among professional players.
They’re more expensive than foam, plastic, or wooden shoulder rests but offer superior comfort and stability.
Carbon fibre shoulder rests usually have adjustable legs and rubber feet to prevent slipping.
Metal viola shoulder rests are the most durable and stable type of shoulder rest. They’re usually made of aluminium or other metals and are designed for professional players who require maximum comfort and stability.
They usually have adjustable legs and rubber feet to prevent slipping.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Viola Shoulder Rest
Design
Some viola shoulder rests are designed to be contoured to fit the shape of your shoulder, while others have a more basic design.
You will also want to consider the materials used to construct the shoulder rest. Some popular materials include plastic, wood, aluminium, carbon fibre, and sponge.
You may also want an adjustable shoulder rest to customize the fit to your specific needs.
Fit
Your viola shoulder rest fit is crucial to your comfort and playing experience. You’ll want to measure the width of your viola and choose a shoulder rest designed to fit that size.
Consider the height of the shoulder rest, as this can affect the angle at which you hold your viola.
A good fit will help distribute the viola’s weight evenly across your shoulder and prevent discomfort or strain.
Comfort
Please look for a shoulder rest with adequate padding to cushion your shoulder and prevent any discomfort.
Consider the weight of the shoulder rest, as a heavier rest can add additional strain to your shoulder.
Some viola shoulder rests are designed to be collapsible or compact, making them easier to transport and store.
Tension
Some viola shoulder rests have adjustable tension, allowing you to customize the pressure applied to your shoulder.
Others have a fixed tension, which may or may not suit your needs.
Finding a shoulder rest that provides enough support without being too tight or uncomfortable is important.
7 Best Viola Shoulder Rest
Kun Collapsible Viola Shoulder Rest
Kun Collapsible Viola Shoulder Rest
FEATURES: Secures firmly without restricting your sound with Kun's patented locking end members
OTHER INFO: Adjust to be your perfect fit with height and width adjustments
- With a contoured shape and soft sponge rubber pad to be gentle against your shoulder
- Experience great posture while playing with an ergonomic design
- Compact and easy to pack away
- May not fit all sizes and shapes of viola
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Mach One Viola Maple Wood Shoulder Rest
Mach One Viola Maple Wood Shoulder Rest
FEATURES: Ergonomic design that is both width and height adjustable
OTHER INFO: Carved from lightweight maple
- Made from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting
- Unique design that provides excellent support and comfort for players
- Includes a comfortable leather pad
- Comes with a hefty price tag
- Some players may find that the S-shape design does not fit their shoulders comfortably
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Wolf Standard Primo Viola Shoulder Rest
Wolf Standard Primo Viola Shoulder Rest
FEATURES: Clamping foot design for securing around your viola
OTHER INFO: With flexible backplate moulds to your shoulder's profile
- Built with foam padding for a comfortable feel
- Rubber grips prevent damaging viola's finish
- Ergonomic design encourages the correct posture for performing with ease
- Affordable and provides comfort when playing
- Fixed height may not fit all types of players
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Kun Shoulder Rest, Original
Kun Shoulder Rest
FEATURES: Provides durability and comfort with a thermoplastic frame and a soft sponge rubber pad
OTHER INFO: Secure your shoulder rest with sturdy T-shaped feet
- Lightweight and strong
- With a contoured shape to match your shoulder and improve posture
- Practical and well-designed quality
- Embodies Kun's vision of the most ergonomically designed shoulder rest
- Can be expensive compared to other shoulder rest options
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Everest Shoulder Rest
Everest Shoulder Rest
FEATURES: Made with a specially engineered (computer-designed!) fixed tilt
OTHER INFO: With improved holding legs & foam
- Simple & virtually unbreakable
- Gives an ergonomically correct and comfortable playing angle
- Some users reported that the shoulder rest is too narrow or too wide for their instrument
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
Fom K60 Viola Shoulder Rest
Fom K60 Viola Shoulder Rest
FEATURES: Has adjustable height for customization
OTHER INFO: Made of soft foam padding, which provides comfort and support
- Adjustable for most violas
- Firm foam support
- Designed to withstand wear and tear
- May not fit all viola sizes or shapes comfortably
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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™.
BonMusica Shoulder Rest for Viola
BonMusica Shoulder Rest for Viola
FEATURES: With thick foam rubber padding for comfort
OTHER INFO: Shoulder rest is designed & made in Germany
- Flexible metal base which can be bent to the required shape
- Allows for good technique, easy shifting & vibrato
- Unique ergonomic design
- Height adjustable
- Higher price range compared to other brands
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
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 Viola
Summary
Congrats on making it to the end of this article!
By now, you’re probably a shoulder rest expert and know exactly what to look for when choosing the perfect fit for your viola. But if you’re unsure, don’t worry!
If you’re a beginner, don’t be afraid to try out different materials and styles.
Foam padding is a great option to start with because it’s affordable and comfy.
But if you’re serious about playing, you should invest in a high-end shoulder rest made from materials like beautiful maple wood or carbon fibre.
My choice was the Kun Original Viola Shoulder Rest – it’s been around for a long time, and just feels great for me. But I’d also be very happy to recommend my students any of the above – I tried them all, and they all work really well.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when choosing a shoulder rest.
It’s all about finding what works best for your preferences, playing style, and body type. So take your time, try out different options, and find the one that feels just right.
I hope this article has been helpful and inspires you to keep practising and playing your heart out. With the perfect shoulder rest, you’ll be unstoppable!
Before you go…
If you’re considering buying or upgrading to a brand-new viola, we’re happy to help! Jump into this next article for our ultimate Viola Buyer’s Guide to snatch the best deal!
