GelRest Chin Gels
A violin or viola chin rest is usually carved from hard wood or made of plastic. Contact between this hard chinrest surface and the delicate skin on faces, chins, and necks has caused generations of violinists, from beginners to professionals, to experience skin irritations, bruises, and red spots.
Often called a violin hickey or rose patch, these bruises are more than just unsightly; they can be quite painful and typically result in a reduction in practice time, at the very least.
Worse yet, if your chin rest is gouging into your face the tension that results can easily travel to your hand and fingers, especially in the left hand, and can cause back and shoulder pain which can affect your bowing arm.
Having a comfortable instrument is crucial for mastering basic techniques like playing in tune, vibrato, and even bowing.
GelRest pads offer a soft protective surface between the chin rest and your skin. They are low profile and attractive. GelRests are available in different shapes with each one designed to fit a wide variety of chinrests. Viola chinrests are often exactly like violin chinrests so GelRest chin gels will fit.
Designs available: Teka, Flesch, Guarneri, Guarneri 1/2, Strad, Ohrenform/Berber, Kaufman.
Wittner style for plastic chinrests - ebony only.
Colours Available: Ebony, Boxwood and Rosewood
Each GelRest Chin Gel is made in the USA from a special vinyl gel material that has the feel and texture of our own human skin. It is form-fitting and makes any violin chinrest feel like it's custom made. You really have to feel it to believe it!
While they stick tightly, GelRests are also easy to remove. To remove slide a nail under both the GelRest and the adhesive and gently pull up. To clean, spray any mild, streak-free cleaner on a soft cloth or paper towel and wipe on and off. As with most adhesives the GelRest adhesive lasts longer if it is not removed too often.
Clean your GelRest in place rather than removing for cleaning. GelRests can be trimmed for exact fitting. Use scissors or a sharp knife. GelRests are not slippery, even when wet. So holding your instrument is comfortable and effortless in both hot and cold conditions.
Fitting your GelRest
Fitting your GelRest is simple but you must make sure that your chinrest is smooth and clean from dirt or oils. We recommend that you:
Remove the chinrest from the instrument. Ensure that the chinrest is clean, dry and grease free. *Use the enclosed swab - UK ONLY - to finally clean the surface.
Remove the two-part backing paper to expose the adhesive and fit the GelRest firmly to the chinrest working from the centre outwards. The backing paper peels from the GelRest easily if you carefully slide a fingernail underneath it. Note the adhesive on the back of GelRests is rated removable not permanent.
Wait 15 minutes before use. *Swab contains alcohol! Avoid contact with varnish!
