Review of Pirastro's Korfker Shoulder Rest + Sound Test

[@LordCarmesimXXVII]

I've used Wolf, Kun Collapsible, Kun Bravo, VLM Diamond, VLM Professional, VLM Artist. The Korfker is by far the most comfortable for me, I wish I had tried it earlier.

[@RedDesertViolin]

Really? That is amazing, and good to learn this feedback. I love the Korkfer. It's just a little too high for me. The inventer wrote to me and enocuraged me to gently bend a scoop into the Korkfer to make it a bit lower....if I get brave, I'll do just that. Because my violin sounds great with it.....and my notes speak more quickly with it.

[@LordCarmesimXXVII]

@@RedDesertViolin yes the standard one is too high. I bought a smaller foot for the shoulder side, you should do the same.

[@RedDesertViolin]

@@LordCarmesimXXVII Hi David, yes, I got the shorter foot. I still need to bend the rest a little bit more when I get brave enough!

[@lucascamargo4135]

Korkfer 11:01 Kun 12:46 Korkfer 13:21 Mach One 13:55 Erics 15:04

[@RedDesertViolin]

Thanks for those markers, Lucas!

[@KrisKajiura]

11:34 Bonmusica

[@DivaDeb1234]

I'm thinking about trying the pirastro Luna

[@RedDesertViolin]

I have one online student who got the Luna and loves it. (she tried Bon Musica and Kun and they didn't work for her)

[@DivaDeb1234]

@@RedDesertViolin I've been using my now for several weeks and I'm definitely keeping this one. It's really light. It makes a violin resonator bit more which is always nice. And I've been able to use it with quite a bit less tension and pain in my left shoulder and neck area. All in all I would certainly recommend it if people haven't found their forever shoulder rest. The Luna is a little over $250 but well worth it if you can get comfort

[@jonhh6918]

I play with A. Markov Resonant shoulder rests for violin and viola. They are great for freedom of movement, the sound, and you customize the height.

[@RedDesertFiddle]

Oooh, I looked those up. Never tried them. They look nice. Man, more and more options pop up every year! It's a great renaissance of ergonomic violin playing!

[@user-xn1vd8nx9r]

That’s an interesting shoulder rest! It looks very pretty. I have a long neck so I’m a big fan of Wolfe shoulder rests. They have legs that you can screw out to make the legs longer with these plastic washers to make them stable when they are extended longer. The body of the rest is metal with foam on it and the metal is flexible so you can bend it like this one.

[@RedDesertViolin]

I am very familiar with the Wolf rests. I agree wholeheartedly--they are great for people with long necks, or prominent collar bones. But they can even work for short people too. But all tall-ish people who ask me for help, I recommend the Wolf or Bon Musica to them for starters. GOod luck!

[@rafaeltodes616]

Thank you so much for such an informative review.

[@mccypr]

I’m not sure that I ever thought of the shoulder rest affecting the violins sound. Cool review! $300.+ for a shoulder rest!!? I purchased an Everest rest. The one without the folding feet. I don’t like the feet suddenly collapsing when I play. I bought it based upon an review in a KZbin video. I’m glad that I did. It holds to my violins very well and it’s comfortable and lightweight. Thanks much! Happy Thanksgiving! 😎🌞✌️🎻🦃

[@RedDesertViolin]

Everest is a great shoulder rest....that squishy/grippy material is so nice!

[@Caleb-ee2nt]

Dear RedDesertViolin. Is that the Machone hook (extra curvy) or the Machone standard shoulder rest? Thanks. Your videos have helped me a lot over the years.

[@boromcom]

Thank you for your review! I found that Bon Musica dim the sound, good secure and heavy. Korfker help the violin vibrate more, super light.

[@RedDesertViolin]

I agree with your assessment. But the Korkfer is just a wee bit too high for me....so it's Mach One or Bon Musica for me!

[@lu0844]

I'm a KUN fan because of a video you made like 5yrs ago and have not changed since then. I even got me a beautiful "waves" kun special edition. This rest did call my attention because it's pirastro. That price though!!! After your review, I can see why it is so pricey! Nice sound, I bet you can really feel the vibration

[@RedDesertViolin]

Oh, glad to know you like the Kun. It changed the universe when it came out, and I still love it. Yeah, I thought the sound difference would be more dramatic on the video.....but it is negligible, barely noticeable. So when it all comes down to it, it's about comfort, support, stability.

[@pinch_of_gngr]

i've noticed the bon musica dampens my sound a bit on my viola. i've been wanting the korfker for years, i set it as a for reward myself my next promotion at work to motivate me (and justify the cost!). hopefully it doesn't let me down!

[@RedDesertViolin]

As long as you go in with your eyes wide open, you won't be disappointed. It's just important for people to know that if you are on the "shorter" side, the rest might be too tall for you, and also, that dialing it in to your personal preferences is a long process, but worth it. Good luck!

[@a95180]

Great review. One thing that draws my attention is the appearance of foot at the shoulder end of the shoulder rest. It looks higher than anything I’ve ever seen.

[@RedDesertViolin]

Hi Jonas, yes.....it's my one complaint....and that is the "special" extra-short part that the company sent to me. So that is as SHORT as it gets. It's almost short enough for me.....I like the piece alot.....I'm using it more and more now....I just have to remember not to clamp my jaw or neck.

[@MrAlexminsk]

Thanks for amazing rewiew!

[@loralynstaples5483]

Thanks for watching!

[@SteelMyr]

Is that the Mach one hook or regular Mach one? Is there a reason you use that one over the other version?

[@Konachee]

Very interesting.

[@RedDesertViolin]

Yes, and lately, the more I play on the Korkfer, the better I like it. It's so light and minimalistic.

[@DieterLo1]

Thanks for the video! I just started to learn violin few days ago. But good to listen about shoulder rest, because I realized that it can be a problem if it is not comfortable!

[@RedDesertViolin]

Absolutely. It is so important to find a good fit. Good luck!

[@DieterLo1]

@@RedDesertViolin No it is better and also I have the better Violine and so far it is successfully getting better day by day as beginner.

[@DivaDeb1234]

I've had the Luna already for a while but I splurged for the original.

[@anja9528]

And, what is the verdict? Which one is better for the sound?

[@brunobruzzese234]

I have a Bon Musica and no matter how I adjust it, it's too tall for my neck. I'm interested in the Pirastro, but do you think the Pirastro can be adjusted shorter than the Bon Musica?

[@RedDesertViolin]

Definitely NOT. I had to order their special "shortest" leg, and even that is a bit taller than the Bon Musica or Mach One. (DISCLAIMER: I didn't really bend a deep scoop into the Korfker....I was afraid I would break it. IF you can achieve a deep scoop, it would probably be as short as a Bon Musica. Just be very careful and slow when you bend it.

[@brunobruzzese234]

@@RedDesertViolin thanks.

[@deborahdey2003]

I really want the Pirastro Luna but $300 omg ..

[@RedDesertViolin]

Yep, it is steep. But if it is a solution to pain and posture, then it is worth every penny. I think Luna is even better than the original. It looks MUCH easier to deal with.

[@DivaDeb1234]

@@RedDesertViolin one amazing thing about the Luna is that legs fold in and it even fits in my little tiny mini carbon fiber case that I'll be taking on the airplane ...very compact

[@Chris-cn8ru]

I have a korfker, and i had a question. For me it was working fine for a while, but now it keeps collapsing on me. Im wondering if you ever ran into this issue or know what to do to fix this.

[@RedDesertViolin]

Hey Chris, I have not had that problem, but Korfker customer service is very responsive, I would email them. Meanwhile, a couple suggestions: tighten all the screws on the shoulder rest....see if that solves it. See if the screws are stripped? Finally, ask yourself if you are crushing the korfker with excessive shoulder/neck/jaw pressure? Because I suspect it is collapsing under excessive tension from you. Food for thought.

[@veganholisticglowvictoria475]

This is a wonderful video on this shoulder rest. I have been putting off purchasing because of the high price and didn’t want to be disappointed if this didn’t work. I have a lifted fitted chinrest and a sponge shoulder rest. How would this shoulder rest work with a lifted chinrest? My left collarbone is also permanently slightly lower than the right side collarbone due to a collarbone injury. I appreciate the information and insights with this video.

[@RedDesertViolin]

If you are currently using just a sponge plus a lifted chin rest......I truly think this Korkfer would be TOO TALL for you. You are doing it right by filling the gap with your CHIN REST as much as possible.....and then, under the violin, just use whatever it takes for stability. It sounds like you are needing something a LITTLE MORE than a sponge. If you tell me what rests you have used in the past, and what you liked/disliked about them, I might be able to make a recommendation. It sounds like you will want something with a nice scoop, but a minimalist design. I'm curious if you have tried the Kun or Bon Musica or Mach One. (this will help me get into the right "zip code" of your needs) When you say your collar bone is lower on the left side....it sounds like you feel like you have more "space" to fill because of that. Is that accurate?

[@JacquesLuu]

have u tried markov shoulder rest ?

[@RedDesertViolin]

No I have not, but I just looked it up, and it looks unique, resonant, and intriguing. Shaped flat, like a sponge....it could be perfect for certain people's needs. Thank you!

[@jonhh6918]

I play with the Resonant on my violins and my violas. I have probably tried almost everything except that Pirastro. If you like the freedom you get from playing without a shoulder rest, the Markov Resonant offers more support, different heights and the sound is superb almost no dampening effect.

[@AmericaisTheBabylon]

Someone send Loralyn a Dolfinos so she can review it for us!

[@Blackrocket99]

Dolfinos compared to Pirastro would be great! Even more expensive, but maybe even better comfort. Sound qualities would make the difference.

[@DivaDeb1234]

YES

[@virnapacheco2321]

Hi! Have you tried the lune shoulder rest from pirastro? It can’t bend but is cheaper and I want to know if the different cost it’s worth it. Thanks!

[@RedDesertViolin]

I have studied it on their website. It honestly looks awesome. I think they really dialed it in during the Korfker development. The only thing you would lose with Luna is the WOOD component, (possibly slightly less resonance, but I bet in a blind test you would not hear or feel the difference) AND you GAIN the collapsible feature, so it fits in your case. I think it's probably just as good as Korfker.

[@DivaDeb1234]

What is their return policy ?

[@RedDesertViolin]

Hmmm.....offhand, I do not know their policy, but I would guess that if you have altered/bent the wood in any way, they won't return it unless there is a defect. (but that's just a guess)

[@sadhbhdelahunt]

Thanks

[@RedDesertViolin]

You're welcome!

[@DivaDeb1234]

I got one !!!!!!!

[@AmericaisTheBabylon]

from most resonant to least: Korkfer, Bon Musica, Mach One, Eric's handmade rest, Kun. HOWEVER: THE KORKFER IS GIVING OFF WOLF TONES EVERY SINGLE TIME DURING ARPEGGIO

[@AmericaisTheBabylon]

Loralyn please please please do a review on the new Dolfinos shoulder rests and chin rest combo. I see Alma Deutscher promoting it as well as Esther Abrami. It is expensive, and would love to see your thoughts.

[@traditionalirishmusic9550]

The best shoulder rest you can buy is a car washing sponge, costs about a dollar, stick a bit of cloth on the back, put it on your shoulder, violin on top, you will be amazed, most comfortable rest you ever used. If you need height, buy a taller chin rest, seriously.

[@RedDesertViolin]

Yes, sponges are GREAT. I never thought of the carwash type....good to know. Thanks!

[@thatoneguy8064]

great review, but the word is heighT, not heighTH

[@RedDesertViolin]

LOL....thank you!

[@seanleechild]

Korfker sucks! Not worth the expense. Shoulder rest enhancing tone is an illusion. Comfort is all that matters.

[@henrykxxx79]

What i can hear , Koefker does no resonant , best was Mach one , i tryed Korfker also on my violin and it does not sound good , it kills resonance