FAQ's

How is SoliRest different from my current setup?

For centuries, violinists and violists have compromised between comfortable playing and polished sound. SoliRest is the first shoulder rest to remove that compromise. It is fully customizable and adaptable to your body's changes. The pad forms to your body, and it also moves slightly while you play, allowing for more freedom of movement.

It sits away from your instrument and is lightweight, so it won't detract from your sound.

No more restrictive plastic or dampening foam pads.

Will my SoliRest properly fit my violin/viola?

The violin model has three hole options to match how tightly or loosely you prefer the shoulder rest to grip your instrument. We currently offer the violin model in 4/4, 3/4, and 7/8 sizes.

The viola model has more hole options, to accommodate for the many variations of viola sizes. The viola model can fit 15"- 17" violas (including Tertis models).

If you have a custom instrument with unique bout measurements, and you find your SoliRest does not fit properly, send us a message, and we can clarify your sizing needs and send you a custom-fit frame.

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How difficult is the setup process?

Forming the shoulder rest to your shoulder and customizing your perfect setup should only take 10 minutes. Watch our tutorial videos to ensure the process is short and simple.

If you don't get the forming process perfectly on the first try, your pad can be re-formed any number of times.

Tutorials

What playing styles/body types is this designed for?

We designed a product that is suitable for every body type, but we found SoliRest to be especially helpful for players who struggle with tension-related injury or hypermobility. Many musicians with hypermobile joints are forced to play with discomfort, or to use foam pads that dampen their instrument's sound. SoliRest provides comfort without damaging sound production, making it a fitting solution for professional musicians.

In addition to being used by professionals, SoliRest has also been helpful for students who are still learning proper posture and technique, as it provides more stability and comfort than traditional shoulder rests.

Can I change my customization if my needs change?

Yes, you can re-form the pad and change the riser heights whenever you desire.

Bodies naturally change over time, so changing your setup occasionally is necessary.

Some users even found it helpful to change the riser heights to correspond with their clothing (wearing casual clothes vs. a bulky suit jacket).

How do I ensure my SoliRest fits me properly?

Because the SoliRest is so different than traditional shoulder rests, it may require a short adjustment period.

Some people find they need to form the pad more than once to optimize the fit. If you've played for some time and don't feel perfectly comfortable, try re-forming the pad holding your instrument at a slightly different angle. It is crucial to hold your instrument during the forming process as closely to your preferred playing position as possible.

Remember to experiment with the riser heights as well. You can change the height whenever you desire.

Will the forming process damage my instrument?

No, the forming process will not damage your instrument. The formable pad cools rapidly when removed from the hot water, and it becomes safe to touch instantly.

Be sure to dry the pad carefully before attaching to your instrument, to ensure no water remains. Given that you dry the pad properly, the forming process will not pose any danger to your instrument.

Do you ship internationally?

Currently, we are able to ship to residents of the US and Canada.

We hope to offer our product globally in the near future.

What is your return policy?

Returns are refunded if completed within 30 days of purchase.

If your frame does not fit your instrument optimally, we also offer custom frame sizing.