The arcrest Shoulder Pad System for Violins and Violas Handcrafted 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.