5:00 Nobody seems to know that you don't need to use both screws and plastic nuts underneath. With one screw you SWIVEL the plate and just tighten when you find the perfect swivel position.
I've switched back to using the Dolfinos system again back in Oct/Nov. Pricey but quite possibly the most customizable and comfortable shoulder rest and chinrest system. Easy to adjust on the fly, which I've done in the middle of a performance. Although not necessarily the main factor, I would say the system assisted me greatly in learning how to play in a much more healthy and aware manner. I'm a much more relaxed player now and I have a better sense of playing around my chronic shoulder pains.
Thanks for making this video! I was drawn to the BonMusica because of the "hook" over the shoulder, making it more secure. was reluctant to buy it because of the metal... and the price tag. But I saved my tips from work and decided to treat myself. I like it, but because my chinrest is a "basic shape" and too thick for my shorter neck anyway, it feels much too thick between the chin/shoulder rest and the violin itself. I'm still working on adjusting it so it can fit me comfortably. I'm planning on getting a thin, centered chinrest once I buy a new instrument (hopefully in the next month or so). FYI, you can make the shoulder rest more streamlined when adjusting the width/length by changing the distance between the two screws by one more space, and then using a wider set of holes on the other piece (goes sort of diagonal). Sorry, it's kinda hard to explain, but it works well, I use it this way as I have a petite frame (5'0") and like it to wrap close to my neck (without locking myself in). Here's a video that explains it better than I can: ua-cam.com/video/LtY0CbsZ_Dk/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared When I showed the shoulder rest to my teacher and fellow musicians in collegiate/community orchestra she thought I had manipulated it so much it broke, but then I showed her how I did it and she and the other old ladies were shocked, excited, and very happy (The string players are almost all 35-40yo and over, and then there's me, a 17yo highschooler). Anyways, I currently just use a Kun's collapsable, and am interested in looking into the Wolf Secondo. I can't say I'm not happy with my BonMusica, it's just some bad circumstance... My teacher and I both want to make our BonMusicas work and agree it might be a chinrest problem for us short folks. Again, thank you for sharing, and God Bless! -- Ana
Excellent review! I think this shoulder rest is amazing. I’d cover that screw end with a small plastic cap that fits tightly. That’s a no brainer. I wonder how much it costs?
I can see how people would love this shoulder rest but when I tried it I care for it. While the adjustable metal is really cool, I just felt it was oddly confining on my shoulder. Too locked in place I guess
I've used my Bonmusica for years. I've used many, many other shoulder rests but the only one that I'd use in preference to the Bonmusica is the Pirastro Korfker but I'm not independently wealthy so that one is out for the time being. They cost about 850.00 Australian dollars and would need to come down about 75% for me to look at getting one even though I've tried them and really like them but as said they are price prohibitive. I'll be sticking to my Bonmusica regardless of your aversion to it.
I posted a comparison video on TikTok playing with the Bonmusica and a KorfkerRest that was given to me. The consensus was there was definitely a difference in sound but it wasn't better or worse, just different. A couple people preferred the sound with the Bonmusica. One person thought the KorfkerRest sounded better but not enough to justify the price. The Bonmusica is much easier to customize
I don’t like this rest. I find the hook forces a static position on the player. The construction is heavy, sharp and ugly. The material is not acoustically designed for the violin. The maker has maintained the same original design that still looks prototypical and unrefined. There are so many other very good options on the market.
@@michael_koski I have a big box of shoulder rests that I have purchased and used over the years. I have even tried making my own and playing without a rest for a time. The shoulder rest is very personal. The fit and feel will be unique to each person. I am currently using the new Pirastro Luna rest. It is extremely lightweight, acoustically designed, ergonomically balanced and very comfortable. If I had to recommend one it would be this one.
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I love my Bon Musica shoulder rest; it was a game changer for me! I noticed Hilary Hahn uses it.
5:00
Nobody seems to know that you don't need to use both screws and plastic nuts underneath.
With one screw you SWIVEL the plate and just tighten when you find the perfect swivel position.
I use a Kun collapsible, but it would be very helpful if they could have an option of an extended piece that could bend over the left shoulder.
I've switched back to using the Dolfinos system again back in Oct/Nov. Pricey but quite possibly the most customizable and comfortable shoulder rest and chinrest system. Easy to adjust on the fly, which I've done in the middle of a performance. Although not necessarily the main factor, I would say the system assisted me greatly in learning how to play in a much more healthy and aware manner. I'm a much more relaxed player now and I have a better sense of playing around my chronic shoulder pains.
I’ll have to save up to try it for myself. That’s quite the expense!
@@erictheviolinist You're not wrong about the price.
Thanks for making this video!
I was drawn to the BonMusica because of the "hook" over the shoulder, making it more secure. was reluctant to buy it because of the metal... and the price tag. But I saved my tips from work and decided to treat myself. I like it, but because my chinrest is a "basic shape" and too thick for my shorter neck anyway, it feels much too thick between the chin/shoulder rest and the violin itself. I'm still working on adjusting it so it can fit me comfortably. I'm planning on getting a thin, centered chinrest once I buy a new instrument (hopefully in the next month or so).
FYI, you can make the shoulder rest more streamlined when adjusting the width/length by changing the distance between the two screws by one more space, and then using a wider set of holes on the other piece (goes sort of diagonal). Sorry, it's kinda hard to explain, but it works well, I use it this way as I have a petite frame (5'0") and like it to wrap close to my neck (without locking myself in). Here's a video that explains it better than I can: ua-cam.com/video/LtY0CbsZ_Dk/v-deo.htmlfeature=shared
When I showed the shoulder rest to my teacher and fellow musicians in collegiate/community orchestra she thought I had manipulated it so much it broke, but then I showed her how I did it and she and the other old ladies were shocked, excited, and very happy (The string players are almost all 35-40yo and over, and then there's me, a 17yo highschooler).
Anyways, I currently just use a Kun's collapsable, and am interested in looking into the Wolf Secondo. I can't say I'm not happy with my BonMusica, it's just some bad circumstance... My teacher and I both want to make our BonMusicas work and agree it might be a chinrest problem for us short folks.
Again, thank you for sharing, and God Bless!
--
Ana
I tried it briefly I really couldn't get past all those metal edges plus being heavy plus not fitting in the case and it didn't bend for me very well
Excellent review! I think this shoulder rest is amazing. I’d cover that screw end with a small plastic cap that fits tightly. That’s a no brainer.
I wonder how much it costs?
My Bonmusica I just purchased has runner nots on the topic screw. They must have listened to you!
I can see how people would love this shoulder rest but when I tried it I care for it. While the adjustable metal is really cool, I just felt it was oddly confining on my shoulder. Too locked in place I guess
I've used my Bonmusica for years. I've used many, many other shoulder rests but the only one that I'd use in preference to the Bonmusica is the Pirastro Korfker but I'm not independently wealthy so that one is out for the time being. They cost about 850.00 Australian dollars and would need to come down about 75% for me to look at getting one even though I've tried them and really like them but as said they are price prohibitive. I'll be sticking to my Bonmusica regardless of your aversion to it.
I posted a comparison video on TikTok playing with the Bonmusica and a KorfkerRest that was given to me. The consensus was there was definitely a difference in sound but it wasn't better or worse, just different. A couple people preferred the sound with the Bonmusica. One person thought the KorfkerRest sounded better but not enough to justify the price. The Bonmusica is much easier to customize
Hilary Hahn used Bon Musica
Madison looks gooooood!!!!!
I would always prefer a Kun 🎻😊
Me too
I wonder you own a electric violin.
If yes then you must have a super light one.
No I don’t
Do you teach?
Yes
@@erictheviolinist what's your email please and what are your rates?
nothing inherently wrong with most shoulder rests, has to do mostly with how you use it
I don’t like this rest. I find the hook forces a static position on the player. The construction is heavy, sharp and ugly. The material is not acoustically designed for the violin. The maker has maintained the same original design that still looks prototypical and unrefined. There are so many other very good options on the market.
Any suggestions from those other very good options on the market?
@@michael_koski I have a big box of shoulder rests that I have purchased and used over the years. I have even tried making my own and playing without a rest for a time. The shoulder rest is very personal. The fit and feel will be unique to each person. I am currently using the new Pirastro Luna rest. It is extremely lightweight, acoustically designed, ergonomically balanced and very comfortable. If I had to recommend one it would be this one.