What material is this chinrest made from?

The chinrest is crafted from carefully selected boxwood, which provides a traditional look and a smooth, comfortable feel for the player.

What size viola does this chinrest fit?

This specific model is designed to fit full-sized 4/4 violas, ensuring proper proportions and secure attachment.

What is the 'Old Flesch' style?

The Old Flesch style refers to a chinrest design that is typically mounted centrally over the tailpiece, offering a specific ergonomic profile favoured by many classical musicians.

How does this chinrest protect the instrument's surface?

The feet of the chinrest feature padded cork ends. These provide a soft contact surface that prevents the hardware from scratching or damaging the viola's varnish.

What type of screws are included with this model?

This chinrest includes Goetz closed-style screws. These are designed to be easily tightened to the user's exact requirements for a secure fit.

Does this chinrest affect the sound of the viola?

Yes, it is designed with minimal instrument contact in mind. This helps to retain the natural tone and resonance of the instrument by allowing the wood to vibrate more freely.

What is the typical price for this chinrest?

The Conrad Goetz Old Flesch Style Viola Chinrest in Boxwood typically retails for approximately £31.00.

Is boxwood a durable material for a chinrest?

Yes, boxwood is a traditional and durable hardwood used in instrument making. It is chosen for its strength as well as its smooth finish.

How does this compare to the Kaufmann style chinrest?

While both are made by Conrad Goetz, the Old Flesch has a different ergonomic shape and central mounting position compared to the Kaufmann, which may feature different screw types like Gold Hill screws.

Can this chinrest be adjusted easily?

Yes, the closed-style screws can be tightened to the player's exact requirement, allowing for a custom and secure fit on the instrument.

Why should a musician choose a boxwood chinrest?

Musicians often choose boxwood for its traditional aesthetic, lightweight properties, and the comfortable, smooth texture it provides against the jaw.

Does Conrad Goetz offer this style with other hardware?

Conrad Goetz produces various models; for example, their Stuber style chinrest is available with titanium screws, whereas this Old Flesch model uses their closed-style screws.

Gear article

Conrad Goetz Goetz Old Flesch Style Viola Chinrest Boxwood

The Conrad Goetz Old Flesch Style Viola Chinrest is a high-quality boxwood accessory designed to offer a traditional aesthetic and ergonomic support. Featuring a central mounting position and closed-style screws, it is engineered to provide stability for 4/4 violas while minimising instrument contact to preserve acoustic resonance.

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Overview and Design

The Conrad Goetz Old Flesch Style Viola Chinrest is crafted from carefully selected boxwood, a material favoured by classical musicians for its balance of durability and traditional appearance. The 'Old Flesch' design is characterised by its central positioning over the tailpiece, providing a specific ergonomic profile for players who prefer a symmetrical stance. The boxwood itself is precisely finished to ensure a smooth, comfortable surface against the player's skin, reducing the risk of irritation during extended practice sessions.

Construction and Fitting

A primary feature of this chinrest is its mounting hardware. It utilises Goetz closed-style screws, which allow for precise tensioning to ensure the rest remains securely attached to the instrument. To protect the viola's varnish, the feet are fitted with padded cork ends. This creates a softer contact point that prevents scratching or indentations. The design specifically aims for minimal instrument contact, a crucial factor in allowing the viola's body to vibrate freely and maintain its full tonal potential.

Sound and Ergonomics

While chinrests are primarily ergonomic tools, their impact on sound is significant. By minimising the physical footprint on the instrument's surface, the Goetz Old Flesch helps retain the natural tone of the viola. The boxwood material is lightweight compared to some ebony alternatives, which can subtly influence the balance of the instrument. The central 'Flesch' contour is designed to help the player maintain a stable head position, which is essential for proper technique and comfort.

Comparative Context

Within the Conrad Goetz range, the Old Flesch Boxwood model sits alongside other traditional styles such as the Kaufmann or Stuber designs. While the Kaufmann often features different hardware options like Gold Hill screws, the Old Flesch focuses on the central mounting classicism. It serves as a premium alternative to synthetic or lower-grade wood rests, offering a distinct aesthetic that complements both modern and antique instruments.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is this chinrest made from?: The chinrest is crafted from carefully selected boxwood, which provides a traditional look and a smooth, comfortable feel for the player.
What size viola does this chinrest fit?: This specific model is designed to fit full-sized 4/4 violas, ensuring proper proportions and secure attachment.
What is the 'Old Flesch' style?: The Old Flesch style refers to a chinrest design that is typically mounted centrally over the tailpiece, offering a specific ergonomic profile favoured by many classical musicians.
How does this chinrest protect the instrument's surface?: The feet of the chinrest feature padded cork ends. These provide a soft contact surface that prevents the hardware from scratching or damaging the viola's varnish.
What type of screws are included with this model?: This chinrest includes Goetz closed-style screws. These are designed to be easily tightened to the user's exact requirements for a secure fit.
Does this chinrest affect the sound of the viola?: Yes, it is designed with minimal instrument contact in mind. This helps to retain the natural tone and resonance of the instrument by allowing the wood to vibrate more freely.
What is the typical price for this chinrest?: The Conrad Goetz Old Flesch Style Viola Chinrest in Boxwood typically retails for approximately £31.00.
Is boxwood a durable material for a chinrest?: Yes, boxwood is a traditional and durable hardwood used in instrument making. It is chosen for its strength as well as its smooth finish.
How does this compare to the Kaufmann style chinrest?: While both are made by Conrad Goetz, the Old Flesch has a different ergonomic shape and central mounting position compared to the Kaufmann, which may feature different screw types like Gold Hill screws.
Can this chinrest be adjusted easily?: Yes, the closed-style screws can be tightened to the player's exact requirement, allowing for a custom and secure fit on the instrument.
Why should a musician choose a boxwood chinrest?: Musicians often choose boxwood for its traditional aesthetic, lightweight properties, and the comfortable, smooth texture it provides against the jaw.
Does Conrad Goetz offer this style with other hardware?: Conrad Goetz produces various models; for example, their Stuber style chinrest is available with titanium screws, whereas this Old Flesch model uses their closed-style screws.