A violin shoulder rest is an accessory designed to bridge the gap between the player’s collarbone and the instrument’s back. This ergonomic tool enhances stability and comfort, allowing the player to maintain proper posture and reduce tension in the neck and shoulder. Since the rest must be removed before placing the violin in its case, proper storage is necessary to protect the instrument from damage during transport. Proper placement ensures the rest is immobilized, preventing it from shifting and potentially striking the delicate wood or varnish of the violin.
Locating the Built-In Storage Space
The most appropriate location for a standard shoulder rest is the specific compartment built into the violin case. Oblong cases, which are rectangular, typically feature ample interior space and multiple accessory compartments. These cases often have a designated section, frequently lidded and lined with the interior fabric, that is sized to hold a standard-style rest like a Kun or Wolf Forte. This compartment is usually situated near the scroll or the tailpiece end of the instrument, offering a secure, contained space.
Shaped or contoured cases are designed for minimal size and often have less storage capacity. In these cases, the built-in space for a shoulder rest is frequently a smaller, covered accessory box, sometimes positioned near the neck of the violin. Some modern shaped cases are now designed with a specific, molded area or a secured pouch to accommodate a rest, recognizing that a standard accessory compartment is often too small. Identifying these plush, lidded, or zippered sections provides the best solution, ensuring the rest is kept separate from the instrument and the bow.
Storing Non-Standard or Bulky Rests
A common difficulty arises when using specialized or oversized shoulder rests, such as a Bon Musica or ergonomic model, which often exceed the dimensions of standard built-in compartments. When the primary accessory space is insufficient, owners of oblong cases can utilize the main accessory compartment. If using this larger space, it is necessary to confirm the rest is tightly secured to prevent it from moving and striking other contents or the violin itself. For shaped cases with minimal storage, a dedicated, padded shoulder rest bag that attaches to the case’s exterior D-rings or handle is a recommended solution.
Another internal option involves using the open space beneath the violin’s neck and scroll, provided the case design offers sufficient elevation to accommodate the rest without pressure. If placing the rest here, it must be padded with a soft cloth or secured with a strap to prevent any shifting during transit. The rest should be positioned so its harder components, like the metal feet or adjustment mechanisms, do not contact the violin’s scroll or the case lining. Choosing a model that collapses or folds, such as certain collapsible Kun or Everest rests, can also mitigate storage issues by significantly reducing the rest’s profile.
Securing the Instrument and Preventing Movement
The primary safety concern with shoulder rest storage is preventing the accessory from moving and causing damage to the violin. If a rest is improperly placed, it can shift and exert pressure on the violin’s bridge or soundboard, which can lead to warping or cracking. A loose rest can also scratch the instrument’s delicate varnish finish as it rattles around during transit, especially near the pegs or the edges of the body. Always ensure the rest is fully contained within a dedicated space or securely immobilized by surrounding accessories or padding.
When placing the rest into a compartment, position it so the rubber-coated feet and the hard plastic or metal frame face the case wall. This orientation minimizes the risk of the harder materials rubbing against the violin. Under no circumstances should the shoulder rest be placed directly on top of the violin, near the bow hair, or tucked loosely into the open space around the scroll. The case should close without resistance or bulging, confirming that no part of the rest is pressing against the violin or its sensitive components.