A General Review of Chin Rests

Introduction:  There are many different kinds of chinrests. Most fit into two categories: chinrests that extend over the tailpiece and mount under the button, and chinrests that mount on the side.  Side-mounted chinrests have gained a lot of footing in recent years, and are now the most popular choice.

Extends over tailpiece

Side-Mounted

Ohrenform

Chinrests  come in many different shapes, sizes and materials, and have names such as Guarneri, Strad, Hill, Flesch, Dresden, and Tekka.  There are certain models that tend to be preferred by teachers and students over others.  These are, in order of greatest likelihood of a good fit:

Priska

3/4 to 4/4Size Violin
1. Priska
2. Orenform/Berber
3. Zitsman
4. Genf
6. Hollywood 
5. Schmidt

1/8 to 1/2 Size Violin
1. Wittner
2. dresden

Zitsman

3. guarneri 

Hollywood

Genf

Schmidt

Dresden

Wittner

Guarneri

Price:  Chinrests vary greatly in price, even for the same model.  The main reason for this rests in the quality of the feet.  A $7.00 Dresden may sound like a good buy, until the feet bend the first time the rest is fitted to the violin.  A quality wood carved rest that will last can cost over $50.00.  Sometimes, these models are available in plastic, which can lower the price quite a bit.  Also, cheaper rests are not always shaped true to form.