Gear article
Bon Musica Violin Shoulder Rest (1/8 Size)
The Bon Musica 1/8 size violin shoulder rest is a highly adjustable support system designed in Germany for young students. It features a unique pliable metal baseplate that allows for a bespoke fit to the player's shoulder contour and a hooked design for enhanced stability.
See live pricesOverview
The Bon Musica 1/8 size shoulder rest is a professional-grade ergonomic accessory tailored for fractional-sized violins. Unlike standard rigid rests, this model is defined by its versatility and ability to adapt to the specific anatomy of the musician. It is particularly noted for its 'hook' design, which sits over the player's shoulder to prevent the instrument from sliding, providing a secure foundation for developing proper technique.
Design and Construction
Designed in Germany, the rest is constructed from a pliable metal baseplate. This material choice is critical, as it allows the user to manually bend and shape the rest to match their shoulder's curvature. For comfort, the plate is topped with thick foam rubber padding, which helps mitigate pressure during long practice sessions. The mounting system is designed to be measured at the violin's specific mounting point to ensure a precise fit for 1/8 scale instruments.
Ergonomics and Stability
The primary functional advantage of the Bon Musica is its stability. The hook design effectively locks the instrument into a consistent position, which is often beneficial for younger players who struggle with the violin shifting. By custom-fitting the baseplate, players can achieve a neutral neck position, reducing the strain associated with 'clamping' the violin between the chin and shoulder.
Target Audience
This 1/8 size model is specifically aimed at young beginners and junior students using fractional instruments like the Stentor Graduate or Stentor Messina series. It is an ideal choice for students who find standard wooden or plastic rests uncomfortable or insecure, and for those who require a higher degree of height and angle customisation than typical entry-level rests provide.
Comparison to Alternatives
Compared to traditional rests, the Bon Musica offers significantly more customisation through its bendable plate. While standard models rely on fixed curves, this rest can be adjusted in height, tilt, and contour. While it commands a higher price point than basic plastic models, its durability and the ability to fit the rest to the individual's body often make it a preferred choice for serious students.
Related gear
£299.99 ($381)G4M
G4M Solus Electric Violin Midnight Ebony
£227.00 ($288)Stentor
Stentor Graduate Violin Outfit 1/8
£453.00 ($575)Stentor
Stentor Messina Violin 3/4 Instrument Only
£25.00 ($32)Wittner
Wittner Violin Tailpiece Position Adjustable 4/4 Size
£205.00 ($260)Hidersine
Hidersine Premium Unidirectional Carbon Violin Bow 4/4
£44.00 ($56)Conrad Goetz
Goetz Kaufmann Style Viola Chinrest Boxwood Gold Hill Screws
£69.00 ($88)Conrad Goetz
Goetz Stuber Style Violin Chinrest Boxwood Titanium Screws
£19.60 ($25)P&H Bows
P&H Viola Bowhair Hank 15-16 Inch
Frequently asked questions
- What size violin does this specific Bon Musica rest fit?
- This model is specifically designed for 1/8 size violins. It is important to measure the instrument at the mounting point to ensure compatibility before purchase.
- Where is the Bon Musica shoulder rest designed?
- The Bon Musica shoulder rest features a unique style that is designed in Germany. This ensures a high standard of engineering and ergonomic focus.
- Can the shape of the rest be changed?
- Yes, the baseplate is made from a pliable material. This allows the user to bend the rest to custom fit their specific shoulder shape and height preferences.
- What material is used for the padding?
- The rest uses thick foam rubber padding. This layer is designed to provide comfort and prevent the metal baseplate from causing pressure points during use.
- How does the 'hook' feature help the player?
- The rest hooks over the player's shoulder to provide a secure fit. This prevents the violin from sliding forward or down, which is a common issue for beginners.
- Is this shoulder rest suitable for electric violins?
- While designed for acoustic violins, it may fit electric models like the G4M Solus if the mounting points match standard 1/8 violin dimensions. Always check the width of the instrument's lower bout.
- What is the typical price for the 1/8 size model?
- The typical price range for this shoulder rest is approximately £58.00. This reflects its German design and high degree of adjustability.
- Does this rest fit a 3/4 size violin?
- No, this specific version is for 1/8 size instruments. For a larger instrument like a Stentor Messina 3/4, you would need to purchase the corresponding larger size of Bon Musica rest.
- Can the height of the rest be adjusted?
- Yes, the Bon Musica system is highly versatile and allows for height and tilt adjustments in addition to the pliable baseplate contouring.
- How do I know if I have the right size?
- You should measure the width of your violin at the point where the feet of the shoulder rest will attach. This measurement should correspond to the 1/8 size specification.
- Is the baseplate rigid or flexible?
- The baseplate is purposefully pliable. This flexibility is a key feature, allowing the owner to work the product around their own body shape for a custom fit.
- Would this rest work for a viola?
- No, this model is for 1/8 size violins. For violas, you would typically look for a dedicated Bon Musica viola rest or accessories like a Goetz Kaufmann Style Viola Chinrest.
