I’m in the market now for a new shoulder rest for my fiddle. I have a Resonans low profile rest that I used for my 3/4. It wasn’t spectacular, but it got the job done. I’m thinking about trying a Kun Origional rest, but is it worth the extra money? My local music store doen’t have much for shoulder rests right now for me to try out, so I’m asking you guys for your opinions on these products. I’m leaning towards either the Kun Original, and now maybe the Kun Collapsible. Thanks.
Hi Sara,
For whatever it’s worth, I bought a Kun Collapsable (waited three weeks for it too) and it broke inside of three months. For me, it was a total waste of money. I think the collapsable ‘feet’ of it are too complicated for its own good. It’s an expensive piece of plastic in my opinion, and it weighs more than the fiddle itself.
I’ve had a KUN collapsible for years and it hasn’t broken yet…just don’t abuse it, treat it as part of the instrument.
They’re just about $23 at quinnviolins.com
That said, if you have the room for the non-collapsible version in your fiddle case than just get that one instead.
I used a Kun collapsable for my viola for 5 years, no fuss or problem. I only did away with it last year, when I was gifted one of these by a dear friend. A little pricey, and a little big for some cases, but it feels spectacular, doesn’t slip, and contacts the instrument in places that hinder resonance less. I love these, wouldn’t use anything else!! I’m saving to buy a matching one for my violin.
Look up this brand elsewhere too, theres a silver one too, and prices might be better.
I’ve been using a Kun Original for a couple years (and occasionally a Bon Musica when the discs in my neck act up and affect the nerves in my hands).
I’d like the Kun better if it wasn’t shaped to be worn winging the fiddle off over the left shoulder (as I play fiddle with the fiddle mostly in held in front of me) but it fits me a lot better than the 4 other shoulder rests I’ve bought that now collect dust on the shelf (Resonans and Comford Cradle regular included.
The Resonans felt like a tinny piece of junk compared to the Kun and it just wouldn’t stay on my fiddle. The Comford Cradle regular was way too high for my comfort).
Just recently I bought a Kun Collapsable with the idea of just leaving it in my fiddle case (so I’d never accidently leave home without a shoulder rest) but I’ve found it to be a bit more accomodating to my body than the Kun Original so its turned into my main shoulder rest.
The plastic on the Collapsable feet seem more sturdy than the original plastic and the plastic tubing replacements I put on the Original (when they wore out after a couple years).
As meemtp suggested, there are good prices on line for these things but unless you want to end up like me with a shelf of uncomfortable to your body shoulder rests its also wise to try out different styles in a store if you can before you buy.
Shoulder rests are very personal. They have to fit both your fiddle and your body. Some folks get by with just a small hand made pillow, a piece of foam or a sponge held on with a rubber band under their fiddle.
Some folks don’t use a shoulder rest period.
The other thing you can do is try different chinrests. As hyldemoer says, these things are personal. Everyone’s anatomy is different. Although there are few who can get away without a shoulder rest and be ergonomically correct. Shoulder rests were spurned by some for years in both the classical world and the traditional. But people are finally figuring out that injuries or impaired playing aren’t worth going without adjuncts.
Just bought the Kun Original. Thanks guys! 