Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will the Phantomrest damage the end-pin and destabilize the tail-gut/ tail-piece connection?
2. In what shape should I bend the shoulder pad to achieve maximal comfort and acoustic effect?
3. Will the Phantomrest fit my viola or half size violin?
4. What is the weight of your Phantomrest?
5. What is your return policy?

1. Will the Phantomrest damage the end-pin and destabilize the tail-gut/ tail-piece connection?

   This was one of our chief concerns when we designed the Phantomrest. We discussed with our local luthiers, did extensive research on the web, consulted various treaties on violin making and came to the conclusion that the end block is one of the safest places to anchor our shoulder rest. The reason being, the end-block, in which we house the end-pin, is actually one of the two strongest structures in the violin, the other being the neck joint. When a violin is properly set up, there is a up to 60kg or so force pulling on the end-pin via the tail gut. This effectively jams the end-pin within the end-block.

   
   We have also performed an experiment with the objective of testing the maximum force one can apply to the violin. In this picture, the balloon pressure meter registered 120 mmHg when I flexed my neck with all my might. Since the resting pressure was 20mmHg, the actual force that I could apply to the violin was 120-20 or 100mmHg, which translates into 1.93 LB (0.87kg) per square inch. Since there are only about 5-8 square inches or so surface area on any chin rest, this translates into 10-16 LB (4.5-7.3kg) force.

   
   In the second set of pictures we documented the experiment we performed to test how much force that is needed to dislodge the end-pin. You can see that even up to 25 LB (11.3kg) weight over a 24-hour period did not do any visible damage to the end-pin. We therefore conclude that under normal playing condition, it is extremely unlikely that one can dislodge the end-pin using the Phantom shoulder rest.
   

   
   

2. In what shape should I bend the shoulder pad to achieve maximal comfort and acoustic effect?

   The shoulder pad part of the Phantom adjustable is designed in such a way that you can bend it in different directions to suit your shoulder contour and your support preferences. Some players like the "wrapped around" the shoulder for a secure feel. Other players prefer it really flat to allow for much rocking of the violin to facilitate string crossings. The angle of the pad can change by bending the pad close to the U shaped clamp to "raise" or "lower " the playing position of the violin. As long as the pad does not touch the back of the violin, your violin is allowed to ring free with minimum acoustic impedence from the shoulder rest.

   
   

3. Will the Phantomrest fit my viola or half size violin?

   The current Phantomrest is designed for full size violins, not violas or small violins. Having said that, there are violists who are comfortably using the Phantomrest. It all depends on the thickness of the ribs of your viola and the style and size of your viola end-pin. We suggest you go to your local retailer to see if the Phantomrest fits your viola. We are in the process of making a shoulder rest for the viola as well as ones for a smaller violins. Please stay put.

   
   

4. What is the weight of your Phantomrest?

   In terms of weight, the original is super light, less than 35 grams, the adjustable is around 78 grams.

   
   

5. What is your return policy?

   Due to the high costs in handling and administration, postal charges, etc., we do not accept any return or refund. All sales made on this website are final.