LOL...no you're not...

OK. The shoulder rest is AMAZING. I order all of you violinists out there to buy it ASAP. It is sooo much better. My 45 doller Kun flamed wooden shoulder rest with a very nice bag and brass holders feel like a piece of crap now! Really.

However, I am not using any shoulder rest any more. I am convinced I can hear a big change. You just have to get used to it. My neck doesn't hurt, and I've been doing it for about a month now. Just hold the violin/viola at a very high angle (not parallel to the ground as you were probably taught). The only thing is, I can't hold it as long because my very long arms get tired.

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It is our imperfections that make us who we are.

Look, personnally I know that a violin is not supposed to be held by your hands. IT MUST BE HELD BY YOUR NECK. So it depends on the size of your neck

People are allowed to play the violin anyway they want to. Unless we try new things that work, there will never be any progress. That is the way you were taught, but we aren't SUPPOSED to play it any way at all.

I think the Kun Bravo is ok. It's the best shoulder rest.
U can try playing with a stuffed cotton pad. Some people ( actually those with short necks mostly ) can do without it... they like having their instruments closer. I think it does make some difference to the tone. But it's impossible to function without one for me. I can't even do a decent vibrato without the rest.

I like my shoulder pad (ShoulderPet)...works well with both the viola and the violin...no more bruising...and I won't be using the rests any more...I should try to sell them...

...some of discomfort, I'm convinced, is due to the Guanari-type chinrests (the over-the-neck style) I now have on both instruments...but whatever, the shoulder pad really does help...ESP. with the viola...

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<span style='color:green'><span style='font-family:Optima'>Music is what feelings sound like...Anon</span>.</span>

I have been playing the violin(actually trying to!) for 3 months.I'd love to play without a shoulder rest but I find it impossible because I have a long neck

I have a very long neck as well. Try playing with the violin at different spots on the neck, and at different angles. Try holding the violin pointing up a little, instead of horizontal to the ground.

I still can't do it. It digs into my shoulder.

Well, what I mean is, if you tilt it upwards and rest it on the middle of your neck, then it shouldn't. If that still doesn't work, then just rest it at an angle between that or your neck and shoulder blade. Because the shoulder blade is hard and not that much skin is above it, then it wouldn't dampen it at all.

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It is our imperfections that make us who we are.

I think if you start with violin, it would be better WITH shoulder rest. Because it doesn't come from nowhere that it was invented. Later, if you want to play with the sound, you can play without one.

Broke my shoulder rest during my lesson and I'm not going to buy one until January. I better get used to it.

Well, I am back to using a shoulder rest again. I love it, and I suggest that you get one asap. Get the ultra-light shoulder rest from shar. A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!!!!

I have tried playing viola without a shoulder rest, but since my neck is so long, the instrument just hangs down towards the ground, which is no good.

I am wondering if anyone has trouble with their chin-rests? Mine is quite uncomfortable, as it digs into my jawbone rather harshly.

I started playing viola with a shoulder rest. Then, about a year later, it got stolen. I haven't used one since.