The violin shoulder rest is among the most useful accessories that violinists use. It is attached to the edge of the violin at the backside and usually contains feet that are either rubber padded or comprise soft plastic.
Why do you need a violin shoulder rest?
The primary purpose of using a rest is preventing the violin from slipping during the practice and performance and adding some height to the shoulder.
Although it is not essential to use one if you are in your learning stages, using a shoulder rest would be very helpful. If you are a newbie, you must buy a shoulder rest. It will help you to adopt and maintain the right playing posture. Additionally, using a rest will help you to prevent neck stretching and back hunching.
Furthermore, it also removes the violin’s pressure from the player’s collarbone and makes the play painless. Most importantly, if you are practicing with rigid pieces or you planning to practice for an extended period of time, using a shoulder rest would make it more comforting for you to play.
What are the Best Violin Shoulder Rests to Buy?
2) Bonmusica 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest
- High Durability
- Reliable Structural Design
- High Quality
1) Fiddlerman 4/4 Wood Violin Shoulder Rest
- High Quality
- Affordable Price
- High Longevity
- Woody Body
3) Kun Original 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Old Handmade Models
- High Quality
- Great Value
How to choose the right violin shoulder rest?
The first thing that you are required to determine is what type of shoulder rest is more suitable for you. Many models are soft to touch and offer more convenience for your shoulder.
Besides, some shoulder rests are not very soft, but they provide high stability and keep the violin right in place. Also, your body features including the breadth of shoulder and neck height should also be kept in mind while choosing a shoulder rest for yourself.
Many known companies produce high-quality violin shoulder rest. Majority of these can also be bought online. The easy availability and such a vast diversity can overwhelm the players and finding the right one can take a lot of your time.
If you want to buy a violin shoulder rest and don’t know where to begin your search with, don’t worry, we have got your back. For making your search more comfortable and less time consuming, we have shortlisted some of the tops, mostly used and most recommended models from different brands. Take a quick look at their specific features and make the right decision as per your personal choice.
19 Best Violin Shoulder Rest Reviews and the Best Violin Shoulder Rest Brands
1) Fiddlerman Wood Violin Shoulder Rest for 4/4 and 3/4 with Collapsible and Height Adjustable Feet
Fiddlerman is a world-famous company known best for quality, affordability and high longevity. The model mentioned is among their most promising models of violin shoulder rests.
If you aim to buy a robust model for long-term use, this one would be a fantastic choice. The woody body backs a warm resonance, and supreme quality foam padding adds to extra comfort and support. It comes with feet for adjusting the height so that you can enjoy a perfect fit.
The size measurements are 8 x 1.5 x 2.5 inches. Moreover, total weight is only 2.4 ounces. The feet added are collapsible and you can conveniently store them in your violin case.
2) Bonmusica 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest
Bon musica is a famous company that manufactures a vast variety of violin shoulder rests along with other relevant accessories. The model included here is among their most selling options, and it is a preferred choice because of high durability and reliable structural design as it features customizable height, width and curve. Besides, the Bon musica shoulder rest has dense foam padding for your ease.
This model fits the 4/4 violin perfectly. It measures 9.4 x 3.9 x 1.6 inches in size, and the total weight is only 4.2 ounces. If you want a stable choice for enjoying enhanced ease during the performance at a competitive price, here is a favorable choice indeed.
3) Kun Original 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest
Here is another simple yet sturdy model of shoulder rest designed for your 4/4 violins. It has a decent design which is based on the old handmade models. It is made to be adjustable in all the three directions, to ensure a comfortable fit.
Moreover, the integration of the locking device makes sure that the rest does not touch the instrument, and prevent any scratch to the violin’s varnish. Its size dimensions are 7 x 2 x 3 inches while the total weight is 6.4 ounces. Buy this one for a comfy experience, and you would love it for sure.
4) Kun 830350 Collapsible 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest
Among the wide range of shoulder rests presented by Kun, the one included here is the most used options. If you are looking for a resilient choice for your violin, the Kun is a reliable pick.
It has an elegant outlook, simple structure, and practical design. The premium quality material is used to ensure high longevity and both the new learners and professionals love using this rest. It measures 7 x 2 x 3 inches in size. Additionally, the weight is only 6.4 ounces. The shoulder rest is a remarkable choice for your 4/4 violin.
5) Wolf Forte Secondo Violin Shoulder Rest Violin 4/4-3/4 Size
Wolf Music products are known all over the world. It is a trustworthy one of the oldest names that specialize in high-class violin shoulder rests and a wide range of accessories. For those who are in search of an economical yet robust model, here is an excellent choice. It has adjustable height and width and curved bar design.
Like most of the other models, Wolf Forte Secondo is also very lightweight and carries 2.4 ounces. The size measurements are 8.6 x 2.9 x 0.7 inches. Using the Forte secondo shoulder rest would help you to keep the violin stable and grip it securely in place.
6) Fiddlerman Light Carbon Fiber Look Shoulder Rest
It is designed beautifully and has a unique carbon fiber look. Besides, durable feet are added, and height is adjustable. The shoulder rest is simple in structure, solid in construction and very affordable in price. The low-budget players would love using this robust model as it offers high stability and greater ease to keep the violin in place.
It is exclusively made for 4/4 violins and 14-inch violas. The size dimensions include 8.8 x 2 x 1.6 inches. It is super lightweight and carries only .16 ounces. Last but not least, it comes with a one-year warranty.
7) Kun Collapsible 3/4-1/2 Violin Shoulder Rest
Kun is a famed manufacturer of violin shoulder rests and many violin accessories. This decent model is in among the most used violin shoulder rests, and it is often preferred for robustness and enhanced stability.
Along with premium quality, it also has a sophisticated design. The size dimensions include 5 x 2 x 3 inches. Also, it is exceptionally lightweight and carries only 1.6 ounces. The shoulder rest is made for ¾ size violins. Grab this to elevate the height of violin and keep it firmly in place during the performance.
8) VALE Adjustable Violin Shoulder Rest with Free Violin Mute – Wood Style
Here is another highly economical option for you presented by Vale which is a well-known name. Don’t let the price fool you regarding quality. It is made using ABS plastic to ensure safe, flexible and long-term use. It has dense and extra soft foam padding for superb support. Moreover, rubber feet are also added that prevent any scratches on the violin. This shoulder rest is very lightweight and carries only 4 ounces.
Besides, the size dimensions are 9 x 2 x 2 inches. The height and width can be adjusted, and it is made for 3/4 and 4/4 violins.
9) EVEREST EZ-4A Violin Shoulder Rest 4/4 Size – Adjustable to 3/4 Size
Take a look at the most famous and widely used model of shoulder rest made by Everest. Its ergonomic design and indestructible structure make the EZ-4A a desirable pick for all the players. The feet are coated to avoid any harm to the violin’s finish.
The size measurements are 8 x 2 x 2.2 inches, and the total weight is 3.2 ounces. You can use it for both the 4/4 and ¾ size violins. It is made in the USA and provides a reliable platform to grip your instrument. You will not find such good quality at these rates elsewhere.
10) Everest ES4G ES Series 4/4 Violin Adjustable Shoulder Rest – Neon Green
Take a look at this simple and sturdy model made with high attention to detail. It is manufactured by Everest, which is a well-recognized name of the industry. The intricate design, vibrant color, durable structure, affordable price and easy adjustability make the ES4G a credible choice.
The size measurements are 8 x 2 x 2.2 inches. Furthermore, the weight is only 3.2 ounces. If you are looking for a robust option to keep your 4/4 violin right in place during the performance, here is what you need.
11) AcoustaGrip Concert Master Shoulder Rest Level 1 Charcoal
AcoustaGrip is the most favorite choice of professionals and new players. It offers unmatched convenience and a secure grip of the instrument without any rigidity. You will not require any glue or clamps for its attachment, and hence the violin’s finish will remain unscratched.
Using this model will prevent your collarbone, neck and chin from marks and sores. Besides, ergonomic design and secure hold make it a fantastic choice. It is super lightweight and weighs just 0.32 ounces. The size dimensions are 6.1 x 4 x 1.8 inches. You can use this rest for 4/4, ¾ and ½ size violins.
12) Mach One 3/4-4/4 Violin Maple Wood Shoulder Rest
Here is a wonderful model manufactured by Mach One, which is a renowned company. The brand deals in violin shoulder rest, and the one included here the most comfortable model, and it is among their best sellers. It is strongly built to ensure a long-term use for the growing violinists.
The rest is handcrafted with natural maple wood, and the S-shaped structural design is made by keeping in mind the ease of players. Besides, the feet included are made of pure nylon which ensures that your violin remains scratch-free. The size dimensions are 8.8 x 2.6 x 0.1 inches. Moreover, it carries 2.4 ounces weight.
13) Portland Gold Violin Shoulder Rest 3/4-4/4 Size
Take a look at this wonderful combination of class, elegance and strength. This beautiful wooden shoulder rest is presented by Kennedy Violins which is a popular name in the musical world.
The shoulder rest has all the characteristic properties of the brand, which means it is made with exclusive attention to durability and exhibits perfect workmanship with innovative design. The ergonomic curve design gives maximum support and high comfort.
It measures 8.6 x 2.7 x 2.7 inches in size, and the total weight is about 2.4 ounces. It fits both the 4/4 and ¾ violins. Lastly, it comes with a money back guarantee of 45 days along with a one year warranty.
14) Everest ES-4 Violin Shoulder Rest 4/4 – Titanium Silver
Here is another model of shoulder rest for full-size violins presented by Everest. The simple structural design makes it easy to use and offers a handy experience. High-quality titanium silver is used to make this shoulder rest which makes the model a robust one.
Its size measurements are 8.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches, and the total weight is 3.2 ounces. For those who want a credible option for delivering excellent performance with convenience, here is a brilliant choice. The best part is, you can keep using it for years.
15) BenTrop Violin Shoulder Rest
BenTrop is a dependable name known best for producing good quality violin shoulder rests. The one mentioned is suitable for the 4/4 and 4/4 violins. Both the width and height are adjustable. It is made up of ABS plastic that delivers excellent structural strength, makes it lightweight, comfortable and handy.
Moreover, EVA foam padding provides enhanced comfort. It carries just 1.6 ounces weight. Furthermore, the size dimensions are 8.3 x 2.8 x 2 inches. Also, this violin shoulder rest is very comfortable to use, and all the violinists would love it for sure.
16) Viva La Musica Artist Violin Shoulder Rest 4/4-3/4
Check out this stunning Artist shoulder rest presented by Viva La Musica. It is made of walnut wood, and the metal fittings are gold plated. Furthermore, the hardware is plain black, and the rest is beautiful in outlook.
The Artist rest is designed to last long, and it is suitable for both the ¾ and 4/4 size violins. The size dimensions are 7.5 x 2.1 x 2.1 inches, and the total weight is 2.88 ounces. The solid structural composition makes the model worth spending some money.
17) Playonair Deluxe Violin Shoulder Rest
Playonair manufactures highly durable, and well-structured shoulder rests at pocket-friendly rates. This Deluxe violin shoulder rest is highly suitable for those who have a short neck. It is made to be adjustable so that you can alter the height as per your convenience.
The size dimensions include 7.9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches, and the weight is only 2.4 ounces. The playonair shoulder rest is very comfortable on the shoulder and newbies would love to use it. Grab this shoulder rest, it will securely hold the violin in place and enable you to focus on your performance instead of handling the violin.
18) ammoon Violin Shoulder Rest Maple Wood
Check out this stunning model of violin shoulder rest presented by Ammoon which is known for producing high-quality musical instruments and accessories. Here is an excellent model of shoulder rest for both the ¾ and 4/4 violins. The solid maple wood backs the durability and adds to the visual appeal. The rubber feet added prevents the violin from scratches.
It offers easy and stable positioning of your violin and makes it convenient for you to play because a soft foam pad is added. The rates are fair as well. Its size dimensions are 8.7 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches. Moreover, the violin shoulder rest is lightweight and carries only 7 ounces.
19) Palatino PV-140 Violin Shoulder Rest
Palatino is a credible name that manufactures good quality violin shoulder rest in addition to a range of violin accessories. The PV-140 is among their most preferred options because of low price and adjustable height. For the players who want a handy, resilient and low-priced violin shoulder rest, here is a brilliant choice. It is a suitable pick for both the ¾ and 4/4 size violins.
The size dimensions include 8 x 3 x 2 inches. Moreover, it weighs about 2.4 ounces. Handling your violin is not difficult anymore. Use the violin shoulder rest to place your violin comfortably so that you can give your best performance.
Choosing the Best Violin Shoulder Rests
We have included the top and most reliable options of violin shoulder rest from multiple brands. Just like for buying any musical instrument and accessories, the most critical factor to keep in mind while purchasing a violin shoulder rest is the structural strength.
That is why we have mentioned only the strongly structured ones. Also, we have encompassed a diverse budget range to ensure that every player can find a suitable pick here. We have added some high end and expensive models for those who want to enjoy uncompromised comfort and need a long lasting model.
2) Bonmusica 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest
- High Durability
- Reliable Structural Design
- High Quality
1) Fiddlerman 4/4 Wood Violin Shoulder Rest
- High Quality
- Affordable Price
- High Longevity
- Woody Body
3) Kun Original 4/4 Violin Shoulder Rest
- Adjustable
- Comfortable
- Old Handmade Models
- High Quality
- Great Value
Similarly, some moderately priced options are also included. Even if you are a low-budget player and need to buy a cheap yet good quality -, you will definitely find some favorable models here. Choose any of the models mentioned above by keeping in mind your budget, and you won’t regret your choice.