What chin rest and shoulder rest combination do you recommend?

I have tried countless combinations of accessories over a couple decades to find a solution that is comfortable for the best comfort, reliable grip, and easing tension on my neck and shoulders.

It is very important I have just the right solution since I seriously injured my cervical spine (neck) as a child, and I live with daily neck pain and stiffness. So you can trust I took the search for the perfect combination seriously.

The winning chin rest and shoulder rest configuration I discovered through much exploration is:

  1. Guarneri chin rest (standard on all our violins)

  2. Deluxe brown Strad Pad (with Velcro Fastener)

  3. Bon Musica Shoulder Rest

  4. Shoulder rest altered to include the HKG50 long claw section on both ends (owing to my very long neck, above average height, and slim build)

This chin rest with padding and shoulder rest combination works for nearly all our taller or long-necked customers, in particular, because the various components allow for much customization and comfort. 

I also recommend players lower and raise their Bonmusica height, especially on the neck end, from time to time. I do this when I notice I feel more rigid in the muscles and the change helps my body to remember to relax and not get "cemented" in one position.

[See more Bonmusica and shoulder rest advice here]

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