Though very slightly on the pricey side for what is, actually, a piece of carved rubbber-foam, this Belvelin wedge / ‘spacer’ is beautifully conceived - minimal (although available in three sizes) yet highly effective when attached to the violin with an elastic band, or, as I much prefer, placed under your shirt, blouse or jacket. It is very stable and ‘grippy’ and when combined with a chin rest that possesses a slight ‘lip’, like the ‘Spohr’ or ‘Varga’ model - (all available through Thomann….) it is deceptively simple but highly effective - - granting freedom, elegance, stability and most importantly small, yet wide and easy to explore, adjustability.
I have bought and used several of these over the years and they have also been something of a hit with my students at all stages. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity and (relatively) low cost of these wonderful wedges- they are an entry point into a fabulously organic way of playing - helping you learn to support the violin by gaining proper feedback from the left hand and avoiding the common tendency that many players have of fixing the violin in one place. With this wedge the shoulder plays little part in supporting the violin, encouraging support mainly from the collarbone and left arm.
They are also pretty light in weight, very durable, and…..they will fit in your case, I promise!
