"Bon Musica Shoulder Rest Best for Ergonomic Playing and Comfort"

Exclusive Product Review by Rhiannon Schmitt, Fiddleheads' Owner and Instructor

Stability

German-designed and German-made "BonMusica" shoulder rests are easily unsurpassed by any other brand or design on the market.

A padded base "hooks" over the player's shoulder, holding the instrument in place and helping the player avoid the instrument sliding down towards the chest. These rests promote good technique and hands-free stability for easy shifting and vibrato.

The metal "hook" can be manipulated to fit the contour of the player's shoulder. The bottom of the base is free from the anchoring "legs," so that can be independently adjusted as well.

(click on images for closeups).

Versatility

The Bon Musica is adjustable in height, sideways slant, length over the shoulder and has a span to reach across various width violins or viola (within the instrument's size, 4/4, etc). The hook section can be placed in 3 different settings for players with sloped or small shoulders, or long or short upper bodies. (see photo on right, adjusters on underside)

Unlike models by Kun and most other rests, even the metal base itself can be manipulated to suit the player's unique body shape. The foam padding is highly resistent to wear and adds comfort.

Great for Left-Handed Players Too

Bon Musica shoulder rests, unlike most other brands, can easily be used for left-handed players. Just flip it around so the hook rests behind the right bout/side and enjoy a left-handed shoulder rest!

Ergonomics

Players who use the Bon Musica need not raise their shoulder or tense their neck to hold the instrument in place. When the Bon Musica is properly adjusted, the player needs to simply lean his or her head into the chinrest and leave the shoulder loose and relaxed. The weight of the player's head will hold the instrument firmly in place with minimal tension to muscles or tendons.

Players who suffer from previous injuries or arthritis find enourmous benefit in using the Bon Musica as it allows the shoulder to remain relaxed yet keeps the violin held at the proper, higher angle, rather than drooping forward.

All players benefit from consistentcy in technique, which will aid in intonation, proper bow placement and muscle memory.

Customer Reviews

For Owners

A bit more advice for Bon Musica owners from Fiddleheads' Rhiannon Schmitt:

Snug as a Bug in a Rug

To get the most of your rest, make sure the pads touch as much of your chest & shoulder as possible. Gaps between your chest and the rest make the rest not as effective in holding the violin securely.

Ask your teacher to assist you in manipulating the rest into its optimum position or our customers may ask us for advice.

Oh, Nuts! Replacement Parts Coming to the site soon!

Rhiannon adds that players should occasionally check that the hex and knurled nuts are all securely fastened as they will loosen with frequent use/abuse and need to be tightened by hand.

A fix for the loose hex nuts:"Lock Tite," found in any auto parts store, applied on the threads will help the nuts stay in place forever and hold the adjustment.

Some players have experienced the nuts becoming stripped with frequent loosening and tightening (or abuse).

We have located metric automotive nuts which work well as replacements. If you have lost a screw and require info on replacements visit your local auto parts store to replace it.

We found the hex nuts are "pink" in Canada and the knurled nut is size M4.

Replacement Parts Coming to the site soon!

Customer reviews

Testimonial by Canadian Fiddler Jeremy Penner

"I have used the Bon Musica rest for several years now, and have found it to be very helpful in both performance and rehearsal settings.

"I have found it especially helpful for public performances, due to the fact that I have found a typical shoulder rest can more easily slide out of position due to the various slick performance shirts and playing postures that I employ.

"After much research, Fiddleheads is the only place I have found that supplies replacement parts for the Bon Musica shoulder rest, which is hugely helpful! Thanks Fiddleheads!"

- Jeremy Penner

[Jeremy Penner photo by Dominique Secret]

Because of their excellent ergonomics and sensible design, the Bon Musica rests are the shoulder rest I use and recommend to my violin & viola students.