VLM Augustin Flex Shoulder Rest for Viola, red, ZSR-A80FVA-4

Viva la Musica Flex shoulder rest for viola, colour red. It has an S-shaped polycarbonate bar with feet that fold and rotate through 360 degrees.

• S-shaped polycarbonate bar
• Feet fold and rotate through 360 degrees
• Legs of springy tool steel

Technical data

Features

• Flex model
• For viola
• Available in all common instrument sizes
• Colour red
• Viva la Musica Avgustin manufactures in Celje, Slovenia

In practice

• The Flex offers similar adjustment options to the wooden models, made in plastic.
• Height first: when you place the instrument and lower your chin, the spine should stay straight and the head should not tilt. Better to start too low and raise it step by step.
• Then the tilt, and set each foot separately. The shoulder slopes away from the neck towards the arm; if one side sits in the air, only an edge is bearing.
• Chin rest and shoulder rest work together. With a long neck a higher chin rest can take over part of the height, so the shoulder rest need not be wound up to its limit.
• Rubber feet are wearing parts. Replaced in good time, they keep the rest secure on the rib and protect the varnish.
• Tighten screws and lock nuts occasionally. That way the height you set stays in place.

Sound and physics

Violas are sized by body length in centimetres or inches; adult sizes range from 15.5 to 17 inches.

The dimensions a shoulder rest engages with grow with the body length.

Viva la Musica's plastic lines rely on polycarbonate: the Compact is made of highly flexible polycarbonate with a patented adjustment system, the Flex of polycarbonate in pastel and transparent versions. The Original is the maker's oldest model and is made from a locally sourced material.

Of the Viva la Musica models in our range, the Compact has the lowest profile. The maker names the Flex sizes L (4/4 to 3/4), M (1/2 to 1/4), S (1/4 to 1/8) and XS (1/16 to 1/32), plus the viola. A Flex in size S weighs around 88 g net.

On the Flex Pastel, black and lilac come with black feet, the other colours with white feet. They are made in Slovenia.

When another model suits you better

Players looking for a wooden model will find the same maker's real wood lines in the Diamond, made of curly maple, and in the Professional.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in a shoulder rest for my viola?

What counts are the lower bout width and rib height of your own instrument; on a viola with a 42 cm body they are 244 mm and 39 mm. If in doubt, measure the lower bout across at its widest point.

Which Viva la Musica rest has the lowest profile?

Of the Viva la Musica models in our range, the Compact has the lowest profile, which suits players looking for a very flat setup.

What is the Viva Flex made of?

Polycarbonate; on the pastel version the feet come in black or white depending on the colour.