The first shoulder rest I used on the viola was the Kun Shoulder Rest (I have the collapsible model). This is probably the most famous standard shoulder rest. Fun Fact: My own Voxy Astute "carbonbuco" bow uses a carbon core with a Pernambuco exterior, which results in a very similar feel and an identical aesthetic while using a fraction of the Pernambuco material. Synthetic Double bass bows

Synthetic/Carbon fibre Double Bass bows offer playing qualities that are consistent and often comparable to much more expensive wooden Double Bass bows. It is therefore possible to produce a very reliable, balanced and consistent bow for a low price. Carbon Fibre Double Bass bows are not affected by temperature or humidity variations.

Should you need just the hex nut, this can be replaced with metric automotive nuts. Visit your local auto parts store to replace it. We found the hex nuts are pink metal in Canada. Instrument stands & hangers Stringed Instrument stands Stringed Instrument stands are an essential. There’s nothing more risky than putting a violin or viola down on a bed or standing a cello or Double bass in the corner while you have a break from practicing! One mishap could be the end of the instrument or at best a very expensive repair. Stands for violins (or violas), cellos and basses are essential for every player. If putting your violin away every time is hindering you practicing, try a violin wall hangar from Hercules or K&M – the instrument is right where you need it, when you need it!

My favorite aspect of the BonMusica is the fact that it wraps around your shoulder, doing a lot of the heavy lifting for you. I’ve used this shoulder rest when I’ve performed in operas, since I have trouble holding my viola for hours on end. It helped relieve a bit of weight in my arm, and then I had more stamina! Shoulder rest padding is made of many materials with most manufacturers using foam to pad their shoulder rests, but air and gels are also used. Rebush - Rebushing is a repair that involves filling worn-down, too large peg holes in a pegbox (or an endpin hole) with matching grained wood then varnishing the area and re-drilling the hole to fit a new set of pegs (or endpin). Don't worry, this is done on older instruments and you won't need to re-bush any of my new violins for a very long time! Finally, play with the “swivel” function of your shoulder rest. If you have it swiveled the wrong way, it won’t cradle and cling to your shoulder. Pro Tip: Don't leave your bow or open case on the grass or in long-term storage without an air-out every once in a while. Tiny grass fleas and microscopic dust mites can infest your case and get on your bow then literally eat the hairs! If this happens, leave your case in the freezer or outside in sub-zero temperatures or spray it with an insecticide and rehair your bow.

The legs are lined with rubber so that they can be placed onto violins without damaging the violins. Even if you then later buy it online, trying one in person can give you a good idea as to how comfortable certain shoulder rests are and you can see if it works with your body type. Best Shoulder Rest BrandsGoffriller - Matteo Goffriller was a Venetian luthier who made a particular mark in the cello world but crafted violins and violas as well. Active from 1685 (the same year JS Bach was born) to 1735 and was the founder of the "Venetian School" of luthiers when Venice was the center of the violin craft and is believed to have taught lauded cello maker Domenico Montagnana the craft. Similar to Strad and Guarneri models, contemporary instruments made with his unique patterns/templates are called Goffriller models. Humidifier - This is a simple, usually non-electronic device for keeping the air moist inside your case or instrument. Some humidifiers consist of a vial of water with minuscule holes and a filter that release water vapour, and others are a wetted foam sponge (see Dampit) that inserts in the F-hole. Caution: Some cheaper cases don't use a spinner but instead utilize metal hooks (yikes, scratches!) or cloth with velcro (lame solution). However, a shoulder rest might have a thin pad but its material allows the shoulder rest to provide great cushioning. Adjustability Concertmaster - In early orchestras, the best violinist was the leader of the orchestra and used their bow to conduct. As music became more difficult and required more entry cues, dynamic input and phrasing, the bow was replaced by a baton and the Conductor became the leader of the group. Still the Concertmaster remained second in charge of the group. They are responsible for tuning the orchestra (either playing a tuning note for others to match, or directing the First Oboist to play the tuning note) and only sitting down when the tuning is accurate and complete. There are other perks to earning the distinguished role of Concertmaster: When a first violin solo is written, it is played by the Concertmaster and the Concertmaster is the last musician to enter the stage at the start of a performance before the concert. Another time-honoured tradition is that the Conductor shakes the Concertmaster's hand (and sometimes the other string sectionleaders' hands) at the end of a concert as a means of thanks and respect.