Chin gels — Violin & Viola

GelRest — chin gels for violin & viola

Soft, low-profile pads that protect delicate skin and make a chinrest feel more comfortable. Available in popular shapes to fit a wide range of violin and viola chinrests.

GelRest pad fitted to a carved wooden chinrest

GelRest pad fitted to a carved wooden chinrest

Supply update

Production of GelRest was stopped in late 2024 / early 2025 by the new maker, JLSmith in the USA. We do not yet have an ETA for when GelRest may be available again. We hold limited stocks in the United Kingdom, and some designs or colours may be low or unavailable. We are in touch with the maker and hope production will resume.

Why players use GelRest

Kinder to skin: creates a soft barrier between hard chinrests and sensitive skin to help prevent irritation and bruising.

Comfort that lasts: special vinyl-gel “skin feel” surface; low profile; not slippery even when wet; comfortable in hot or cold conditions.

Fits many chinrests: multiple shapes suit most violin and viola models; a Wittner version is available for plastic chinrests.

Instruments
Violin · Viola
Designs
Guarneri · Ohrenform/Berber · Flesch · Kaufman · Teka · Wittner (plastic)
Colours
Ebony · Boxwood · Rosewood (Wittner: Ebony only)
Adhesive
Removable; press firmly and wait 15 minutes before use
Origin
Made in the USA

Designs & fit

Choose the shape that matches your chinrest style. Viola chinrests are often identical to violin models, so these fit both.

Colours

Available finishes are Ebony, Boxwood and Rosewood. Wittner style is available in Ebony only.

GelRest colour swatches in Ebony, Boxwood and Rosewood

Fitting & care

Before fitting: remove your chinrest and clean it so it is smooth, dry and grease-free. In the UK, a small alcohol swab is included; avoid contact with varnish.

  1. Peel the two-part backing to expose the removable adhesive.
  2. Apply the GelRest, working from the centre outwards; press firmly and wait 15 minutes before use.

Cleaning: wipe in place with a mild, streak-free cleaner on a soft cloth. Avoid frequent removal to extend adhesive life.

  • Can be trimmed carefully with scissors or a sharp knife for a precise fit.
  • Not slippery even when wet; comfortable in hot and cold conditions.

Buying & trade