Belvelin Fiolosofen Shoulder Rest Large

Though very slightly on the pricey side for what is, actually, a piece of carved rubbber-foam, this Belvelin wedge / ‘spacer’ is beautifully conceived - minimal (although available in three sizes) yet highly effective when attached to the violin with an elastic band, or, as I much prefer, placed under your shirt, blouse or jacket. It is very stable and ‘grippy’ and when combined with a chin rest that possesses a slight ‘lip’, like the ‘Spohr’ or ‘Varga’ model - (all available through Thomann….) it is deceptively simple but highly effective - - granting freedom, elegance, stability and most importantly small, yet wide and easy to explore, adjustability.
I have bought and used several of these over the years and they have also been something of a hit with my students at all stages. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity and (relatively) low cost of these wonderful wedges- they are an entry point into a fabulously organic way of playing - helping you learn to support the violin by gaining proper feedback from the left hand and avoiding the common tendency that many players have of fixing the violin in one place. With this wedge the shoulder plays little part in supporting the violin, encouraging support mainly from the collarbone and left arm.
They are also pretty light in weight, very durable, and…..they will fit in your case, I promise!

It's an alternative to a shoulder rest. I have spent many (many) hours and bucks trying to find a shoulder rest that fits me with variable results - although you have a better chance if you spend more bucks. This little apparatus tucks under your violin and changes to fit you, so you don't have to change to fit it. Very simple and I now use it all the time. I find it comfortable and reliable.

For the price this is a worthwhile experiment for anyone having difficulty 'fitting into' their violin.