New Flesch Chinrest Viola in Rosewood, ZK-V300R
ZK-V300R
Mounted centrally over the tailpiece, with a gently rising curve and a clearly defined dip. Rosewood with a warm reddish brown figure and the white Götz mark.
- Central mounting brings the neck of the instrument in front of the body's centre line; for bowing this is more ergonomic than a purely side-mounted rest
- Screws and barrels in metal
- Supplied with one pair of barrels each in 32 mm and 35 mm
Technical data
| Model | New Flesch |
| Material | Rosewood |
| Fittings | Screws and barrels in metal |
| Instrument | Viola |
| Item number | ZK-V300R |
Features
- Contact points lined with Portuguese cork
- Alongside the Slim Style, one of the two models we also make for fractional sizes
- Height means the distance between the top and the plate. It depends on neck length and shoulder rest: those who set the instrument high get by with a flat chin rest, those who carry it lower need more height
- Higher models are usually heavier. In our experience a heavier chin rest makes the sound a little warmer and darker; a light one leaves it more open
Sound and physics
Viola barrels come in 32 mm and 35 mm; many viola models are supplied with one pair in each length. What counts for the choice is the rib height at the lower bout, measured from back to top.
Acoustically, the chin rest adds a mass with its own damping to the edge of the body through a few contact points. It therefore mainly slows those natural vibrations of the body that move strongly at these contact points, and leaves free those that have a node (a point at rest) there.
The viola chin rests we have weighed come to between around 55 g and 67 g including screws.
The rosewood of our chin rests is East Indian rosewood, botanically Dalbergia latifolia, Palisander in German. Its density at 12 % moisture content is 820 to 920 kg/m³. Among the three woods we use for chin rests, rosewood therefore sits in the middle: denser than boxwood, lighter than ebony.
For the same model the dimensions are the same in every wood; in height two pieces may differ by up to 1 mm, because each is made by hand from natural wood.
Both Flesch shapes are mounted centrally over the tailpiece. At around 2.5 cm the New Flesch is a little higher than the Flesch Traditionell at around 2.0 cm; the Traditional in turn has a higher chin hump in the centre that supports the chin in the middle. The New Flesch sits further from the outer arching and closer to the chin and has no strongly curved contour, so it finds its position easily on many instruments.
With centrally mounted models, the height of the tailpiece above the top sets the minimum height of the chin rest. The viola version ZKV4880 also weighs 67 g with the same plate.
Our experience
When we advise on a viola, we ask for the rib height and then put together the matching pair of barrels. Our experience with tightening applies to the viola as well: only firmly enough that the chin rest holds securely, because the rib beside the bottom block is more delicate than the spot directly over the block.
When a chin rest is to match a set of fittings in colour, we will pick out a slightly lighter piece of rosewood on request; the variation between pieces is usually small. For us a rosewood chin rest and a rosewood tailpiece make a harmonious set.
For us the New Flesch is the classic, and for most of the musicians we advise, the favourite. We recommend the Flesch Traditionell when the chin is looking for clear support in the middle.
When another model suits you better
Anyone looking for a central head position with even more hold will find two further shapes we recommend for this in the Berber and the Vermeer.
Frequently asked questions
Is Palisander the same as rosewood?
Yes, Palisander is the German and rosewood the English name for the same wood.
Are the dimensions in rosewood the same as in ebony?
Yes, for the same model the dimensions are identical; in height, natural wood and handwork produce small deviations of up to around 1 mm.
Do I need CITES papers for a rosewood chin rest?
No, because since 14 December 2019, musical instrument parts made of East Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) have been exempt from CITES certification; our rosewood chin rests therefore reach you without a separate certificate.
How do the New Flesch and the Flesch Traditionell differ?
The New Flesch is a little higher at around 2.5 cm and less strongly contoured; the Traditional measures around 2.0 cm and has a higher chin hump in the centre.
Do you make the Flesch in different heights?
No, the Flesch comes as the New Flesch and as the Flesch Traditionell, not in height steps; adjustment is made through the barrels.
These texts hold decades of experience and a great deal of heart. They are protected by copyright, C.A. Götz jr. GmbH. Please ask us before any use. Thank you for your appreciation.