Technical data
| Model | Berber |
| Material | Rosewood |
| Fittings | Screws and barrels in metal |
| Instrument | Viola |
| Item number | ZK-V269R |
Features
- Contact points lined with Portuguese cork
- 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.
The Berber is one of the shapes we recommend for a central head position. It is built with closed screws only, not with Hill screws.
In the titanium version we fit the Berber with 27 mm titanium screws. The Berber comes with a small tool for adjustment, and standard chin rest keys fit as well. The Berber with titanium screws comes in ebony, boxwood and rosewood; the upper parts are fitted, the lower parts are screwed on by hand.
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.
We are happy to recommend the Berber to anyone looking for a shape with closed screws for a central head position.
When another model suits you better
Anyone who would like to combine the central position with pronounced support in the middle will be well served by the Flesch Traditionell with its chin hump.
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.
Do you make the Berber with Hill screws?
No, we build the Berber with closed screws only, optionally in titanium.
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.
