0
FRISCH AND DENIG
 VIOLIN AND VIOLA CHINREST FITTING SYSTEM
Gary S. Frisch Violinmaker, LLC and Denig Violin and Viola Studio & Chinrest Fitting, LLC
“If sound is created through movement, the quality of your sound is determined by the quality of your movements”.
- Paul Rolland, Pedagogue, Violin and Viola
FRISCH AND DENIG
 VIOLIN AND VIOLA CHINREST FITTING SYSTEM

Benefits of a Proper Fit

Comfort
You'll experience 
a new level of comfort 
as the chinrest is properly fitted 
to your body.
Learn More
Security and Balance
Security and balance 
are much improved 
resulting in better shoulder health.
Learn More
Resonance
Your instrument sounds better and musical nuance increases.
Learn More
Special note: 
  • For those with postural issues, consider working with a movement or body balance specialist such as a physical therapist and/or an Alexander Technique specialist.
  • For how to move when playing, consider a Rolland Pedagogy or a Body Mapping specialist.
  •  For those who are playing in pain, consult with your physician before beginning the fitting process. While a good-fitting chinrest can bring about changes quickly, the route to playing health also involves a body that is in balance and then, adding to that, correct movement patterns in playing. 
  • For players who have skin sensitivities, you may want to opt for wood other than rosewood or pau ferro, the woods that are most likely to cause a skin reaction. Also, we recommend that you request anodized aluminum or titanium hardware
Comfort is improved because:

  • The contour of the chinrest fits the shape of the player’s jaw. Painful, irritating pressure points along the jaw are alleviated.

  • Contour and height of the chinrest suit the player’s jaw and neck height. A raised or lifted chinrest meets the needs of longer- necked players of any age. Ease returns to the neck and shoulders.

  • The head no longer tilts excessively. Static, pain-producing tensions are lessened.

  • Instrument support is now close to the player’s neck. Shoulder-arm joints are free to move.

  •  Instrument altitude is lowered and the instrument tilt is moderated. Muscles no longer over-reach.
Security and balance are improved because:

  • The correct chinrest shape allows the head to be upright (not tilted, turned, or thrust forward). The head is free to balance out the movements of the bow hand.

  • Instrument weight is now closer to the player's neck. The instrument feels lighter.

  • The left shoulder is relieved of its instrument supporting role. Greater shoulder girdle health is finally attainable.
The instrument sounds better and musical nuance increases because:

  • Shoulder pads or a raised left shoulder can be eliminated. The instrument is free to ring.

  • Vibrato often becomes easier and more varied and expressive.

  • Static tensions are greatly relieved. Joints become softer and the body sways in response to movements of the bow arm thereby increasing bow speed and sound.

  • The instrument tilt or roll down towards the high string is lessened. Bow arm weight can easily be directed into top of the string.

  • The angle of the strings is now parallel to the floor. Natural bow arm weight rather than bow arm pressure can be used to produce a big sound.

  • The body's left side is released from constant instrument support. The left side discovers that it can counter bow arm weight all the way from the soles of the feet.

  • Head weight is lightly released into the top of the chinrest causing the scroll to rise. Rather than catching the bow as it tries to slide over the fingerboard, the bow hand resumes its job of musical nuance. 


Request a Fitting Session

EU CITIZENS: Please read our privacy policy before completing the form below.

Contact Us

I approve
Share by: