Getting comfortable with your violin is an important for successful practice and performance. The instrument is cradled intimately against the body, yet we are all shaped differently. In response to this ongoing issue, I’ve developed a new shoulder rest that should bring a higher level of comfort and support to many players.
The new “Custom” Shoulder Rest can be formed by the player to fit his or her body shape. Firm foam is backed by a layer of malleable aluminum that can be bent with thumb and forefingers to mold the rest into virtually any shape, as shown in the picture below.
Once the shoulder rest is formed, the shape remains fixed, providing a secure structural platform. It does take a little trial and error to find the ideal shape, but the benefit can be quite dramatic. Through the development process I’ve heard the happy oohs and ahhs from players getting really comfortable for the first time. In combination with the new NS Adjsutable Chin Rest, virtually any body shape and style of play can be accommodated with amazing comfort.
I’m very happy to finally be at the point where these products are available to everyone.
For more information, or to purchase one of the shoulder rests, talk to your NS Dealer, email sales@nedsteinberger.com, or give us a call at 866 NS DESIGN (866 673 3744).
Helen says
Hi,
How does the shoulder rest attach to the violin? – it’s not very clear from the picture. I have a very long neck and am currently using the bonmusica adjustable rest, but I still experience a lot of pain down my neck and back. Help!
Thank you
Helen
NS Design says
Hi Helen,
I’m sorry it took a while to reply to you—and sorry about your shoulder problems. Are you an acoustic player? I suspect you are since you said you’re using a Bonmusica. The custom shoulder rest only fits NS Electric Violins (it clamps in using a special attchment—just like the standard shoulder rest).
If you’re looking for a different approach to holding your violin, I’d strongly recommend the Balanced Shoulder Rest—it’s on our website here: https://thinkns.com/instruments/bsr.php . It fits both acoustic and the NS Electric Violins. (I use one on my acoustic and it’s amazing—feels like the instrument isn’t even there!)
Hope that helps. Good luck!
Alden
Jen says
Will you make a viola model?
NS Design says
Jenny,
We’re working on a viola version. Keep your eyes peeled and sign up for our newsletter to hear the announcement.
Cheers,
Alden
Don Wells says
I wish this and the Balanced Shoulder Rest were available a couple years ago. When I tried the NS violin I couldn’t seem to set the shoulder rest just right so I didn’t have to hold it with my left hand. I ended up with a different electric that didn’t sound as good just because it could hold my Bon Musica.
This is a huge step forward in flexability for the NS line. I am considering buying an NS now just so I can use the Balanced Shoulder Rest, which doesn’t fit most other electrics.
NS Design says
We hope you do. Sorry the BSR wasn’t there earlier, but we hope you get to enjoy it now!
Rob says
Good news as the old design was very hard to get comfortable-I’ve had many potential customers turned off the NS Wav because of this–so I hope sales will go up now
Great work you guys…. Rob