There are a few qualities that really set the arcrest apart. First of all, its size and design allow freedom of movement (particularly of the left shoulder) with and around the instrument.

Second, it allows optimal resonance of the instrument as it is super light weight, only touches it at 4 tiny points, and the arc creates the necessary space between the pad and the instrument to allow the instrument to resonate better.

Third, it helps develop better posture and playing habits as it requires the player to learn to balance the violin in the hand. It is worth remembering that violinists and violists need to learn to balance their instrument on three contact points (collar bone, jaw and hand) with a portion of the weight being in the hand. The arcrest will allow you to approach the instrument in this more natural way and will also give enough support to make it easier. It comes in different heights to accommodate different body types. It attaches to the instrument by a high quality silicone band which will hold your arcrest firmly in place and never scratch the sides of your instrument.

Fitting the arcrest violin viola shoulder pad

arcrest Shoulder Pad System for violins & violas made in the USA

The design of the ArcRest is based on the great players of the 20th century who balanced the violin on three points: the collarbone, the jaw, and the hand.

Unlike other shoulder pads, the ArcRest does not disturb the natural relationship between the instrument and the player. The violin is not elevated, but sits in its natural position on the collarbone, supported by the ArcRest. This allows the player to move the violin freely while playing.

This natural, proper setup is especially important for violinists who are just beginning, as it will help them form good habits in holding and playing that will stick with them as they progress.

Aaron Bailey and Tigran Vardanyan jointly developed the arcrest out of a desire to have a shoulder pad that would allow the violin to be held naturally and move freely to maintain good posture, all while not damping the sound. Originally developed for themselves, other violinists saw (and heard!) the advantages of the ArcRest.

Currently there are many violinists, both amateur and professional, who are using the arcrest to improve their violin playing experience. These include members of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and Pacific Symphony.

arcrest shoulder buddy

Get the little ones off to a great start with a Shoulder Buddy by arcrest. Fits fractional size violins from 1/16 to 1/2! They come in 6 fun colours (red, orange, green, blue, purple and pink, and each set comes with 2 pads to get just the right fit now and as they grow!