I was inspired to become involved in the area of violin ergonomics to ease a nagging pain I had in my back, near my shoulder blade, while fiddling. I tried different stretching excercises, postures, and shoulder rests but the pain remained. I had a pretty nice hickie scar too, but, being a silent-suffering male type, I just accepted that.

Inspiration came one evening as I sat down at my computer desk while practicing for an upcoming gig. In those days, I needed a break every 20 minutes to let my back relax. As I sat, my hand reached over and landed on my new gel wrist rest I had just bought for my computer mouse. The "light bulb" was about to go off.

For the first time, I began to suspect my chinrest as a possible source of my shoulder discomfort. And, as I kneaded that gel wrist rest,  I knew just the material I wanted to work with.

It required a lot of trial and error to develop, but gel really is the perfect material for the chinrest of a violin. Here's why:

(1) Gel's texture is very similar to human flesh, so it feels very natural against the skin (that's why we all love to squeeze gel).

(2) Because it's moldable, like all plastics, gel can be cast into many shapes, so you're sure to find one that fits your chinrest. We currently have molds to fit 8 of the most common chinrest shapes, with more planned.

(3) Gel easily accepts color, so colors are available that match the ebony, rosewood, and boxwood typically used for carving the chinrest. In fact, the GelRest is the only chinrest accessory that has this powerful combination of attractive styling and serious comfort.

(4) Gel is easy to clean because it is non-absorbent. Dirt and sweat just wipe right off. Or, simply peel the GelRest off and wash it in the sink with a drop of dishwashing liquid or other mild soap. Pat dry and re-install.

(5)  The unique gel used in the GelRest has a non-slip surface, which makes holding the instrument easier, even when wet -- a very useful feature when playing outside on a hot day.

Try it and you'll know why I say, "You'll wonder how you ever played without it!"

Stephen Kallai
Inventor of the GelRest

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