Viva la Musica Diamond Shoulder Rest for Viola, light maple, gold, all sizes, ZSR-A90VAG-L

Viva la Musica Diamond shoulder rest for viola, all sizes, light maple, gold-coloured fittings. It has end pieces of hardened steel with patented lateral adjustment.

• End pieces of hardened steel, laterally adjustable and rotatable
• Folding feet
• Soft plastic pad

Technical data

Features

• Diamond model
• For viola, all sizes
• Patented: US 7,888,569 B2 and EP 1 878 006
• Wood: light maple
• Gold-coloured fittings
• Viva la Musica Avgustin manufactures in Celje, Slovenia

In practice

• The real advantage of the Diamond is its lateral adjustment: the end pieces rotate and extend so the rest lies almost parallel to the collarbone instead of over the shoulder joint.
• For the basic setting of height and width, the Professional does the job just as well.
• On the Diamond you set the tilt at the feet; the bar itself keeps a fixed shape.
• 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 real wood lines are made in Celje, Slovenia: the wood is cut and then bent in a process the maker likens to a microwave oven. Curly maple, in light or dark varnish, and walnut are used.

A Diamond passes through 27 production stages. The Strad magazine ranked it among the three best shoulder rests in its 2020 accessories review.

The Augustin Professional in light maple with gold coloured fittings weighs 80 g net.

When another model suits you better

Players looking for a colourful rest in polycarbonate will find the right partner from the same maker in the Viva Flex.

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.

What distinguishes the Diamond from the Professional?

The Diamond has a patented lateral adjustment system and end pieces gilded with 24 carat gold.

Which viola rest suits very large violas?

Viva la Musica's XXL versions are designed for violas with a lower bout width of up to 27 cm.

Are there replacement screws for Viva la Musica rests?

The rests are supplied complete and the maker does not offer individual screws; replacement feet are offered as VIVA FEET.