Finding a comfy shoulder rest for 13 inch viola can be a bit of the head-scratcher because you're essentially playing a good instrument that resides in two different worlds. Since a 13-inch viola is basically the same entire body length as a full-size (4/4) violin, a lot associated with people think these people can just grab any old violin rest and contact it each day. While that's often genuine, there are the few quirks regarding the viola—like the deeper ribs and wider bouts—that could make the fit experience just a small bit "off" in the event that you don't select the right one.
If you're a student moving up through a smaller violin or an grownup using a smaller framework, getting this item of gear right is the difference between enjoying your practice and ending up using a literal pain in the neck. Let's break down what actually works for this specific size and how to make certain you're not combating your instrument.
Why 13-inch violas really are a special situation
Most 13-inch violas are constructed using a design very similar in order to a standard violin, but they're designed to produce that deeper, darker viola shade. Because of this particular, the lower bout (the bottom "curve" of the instrument) is normally the same width being a violin. This is great news because it indicates your choices for the shoulder rest for 13 inch viola are actually quite broad. You aren't stuck looking for "specialty" viola gear that costs a fortune; you are able to usually look from high-quality 4/4 violin rests.
However, the "ribs"—the edges of the viola—are often slightly deeper compared to a violin's. This particular means the device sits a small higher off your collarbone naturally. If you utilize a shoulder rest that will is too high, you might find yourself straining your neck or lifting your shoulder simply to keep the particular instrument stable. It's about finding that will sweet spot exactly where the viola seems like an extension associated with your body, not really a heavy wood box you're wanting to balance.
The classic bar-style sits
When a person shop around a youth orchestra or the college studio, you're going to get a lot of bar-style rests. These are the ones with a padded bar plus "feet" that cut onto the sides of the device. For a 13-inch viola, these are usually generally the nearly all reliable choice due to the fact they offer the most adjustment.
Kun is basically your family name here. Their "Original" or "Collapsible" models for 4/4 violin fit 13-inch violas like a glove. The reason they work so well is the screw-in feet. You are able to change the height of either side individually. This is massive because most gamers need the side close to the neck to be lower plus the side close to the shoulder to be a bit increased. If you possess a lengthy neck, a person can just unscrew the feet a little more to get the particular height you will need.
Another solid contender is Everest . These are a little bit cheaper than Kun but are incredibly sturdy. They have got a fixed curve that many gamers find more ergonomic. If you're buying for a more youthful student who is likely to be a little rough on their gear, an Everest rest is nearly indestructible. The feet are produced of a gentle but grippy rubber that won't munch in the varnish upon a nice 13-inch viola.
Gentle rests and sponges
Sometimes, the hard bar-style rest just feels intrusive. If you're only starting or if you find that the plastic material frames of conventional rests dig in to your collarbone, the sponge or a soft "pad" rest might be the method to go.
The Wolf shoulder rests are a bit associated with a middle ground. they have the flexible metal backing that you can literally flex to suit the shape of your shoulder. For a 13-inch viola, the Hair Forte Secondo is a popular pick. It's adjustable in width, so even if your viola has slightly wider bouts than the standard violin, it'll still fit safely.
For extremely young players or even those who need "closer" feel, there's always the traditional foam sponge. You can purchase fancy ones like the AcousTop or simply use a thick makeup sponge kept on with the rubber band. The particular downside? They don't offer much elevation. But if a person have a smaller neck, a cloth or sponge might actually provide better posture than a bulky mechanised rest.
Obtaining the fit just right
Once you've actually picked out there a shoulder rest for 13 inch viola , the true work starts. You can't just clip it on and assume it's ideal. Most people make the error of placing the particular rest too significantly back. You would like to slide it up the lower fight until it feels secure, but create sure it's angled slightly.
Think of it such as this: the rest should follow the natural slope associated with your collarbone. If this feels like the viola is sliding off your shoulder towards your chest, consider angling the rest therefore the "shoulder" aspect is further down the instrument than the "chest" part.
- Height matters: If you're hunched over, the rest is too low. If your own chin is straining to reach typically the chinrest, it's way too high.
- The "No-Hands" Test: You ought to be in a position to keep the viola between shoulder and mouth without using your left hand from all. If it seems like it's going to drop, you require to adjust the width or the position of the feet.
- Varnish protection: Always check the particular rubber tips on the feet of your rest. If the particular rubber wears away, the metal or even plastic underneath will scratch the wooden of your viola.
Does material really change the sound?
This can be a bit of a hot subject among string players. Some people vow that a wooden shoulder rest, like all those made by Mach One or Pirastro , makes the instrument audio better. The theory is that wood vibrates more naturally than plastic or even carbon fiber.
For a 13-inch viola, which can sometimes find it difficult to task as much as a 16-inch animal, every little little bit of resonance assists. Wooden rests are usually beautiful and light, but they are also more costly plus less adjustable. In the event that you're a beginner or an more advanced player, stay with a high-quality plastic or even carbon fiber rest. You'll get more mileage out associated with the adjustability compared to you will through the subtle tonal differences of a maple wood rest.
Common pitfalls to avoid
One of the biggest mistakes I notice is people buying a "Viola" size shoulder rest for their 13-inch instrument. Standard viola sets are built for 15-inch to 17-inch instruments. They are usually way too wide. In the event that you attempt to pressure one onto a 13-inch viola, the feet will get loose and the rest will fall off constantly, generally right in the center of a performance. Always look for 4/4 violin or "small viola" specific sizing.
Another thing to view out for will be the case. Some shoulder rests are fairly bulky. If a person have a shaped case (the ones that appear to be the particular instrument), a non-collapsible Kun or even a high Everest might not match inside the accessories compartment. If you're traveling a lot, look for the "collapsible" model exactly where the feet fold down. It'll save you a great deal of frustration whenever you're looking to zip up your situation at the finish of a session.
Trusting your own personal comfort
At the end of the day, your teacher can provide you with advice and I can write a thousand words regarding it, but your body is the greatest judge. Everyone's physiology is different. Some individuals have broad shoulder muscles, some have small ones; some have got long necks, a few have almost nothing.
When you can, go to a local music shop and get a several different models. Place the shoulder rest for 13 inch viola on your own instrument, tuck it under your chin, and play for 5 minutes. If you feel any pinching, poking, or tension within your still left shoulder, it's not really the one for you. You would like to feel "open" and relaxed.
The correct equipment should basically disappear while you're playing. It's there to support the instrument so you can focus on your intonation and that lovely, chocolatey viola vibrato. Don't resolve for something that's "good enough"—keep tweaking and trying different styles unless you discover the one that will makes your 13-inch viola feel like it was custom-made for you.