Why Neck Length Isn't Everything: A Professional Guide to Choosing Your Shoulder Rest

1. The Myth of the "Long Neck"

While neck length matters, it is often overridden by how you hold your instrument. We have seen players with long necks who require a Low model because of their high collarbone placement, and petite players who need a High model due to their open playing stance.

Before you reach for a ruler, look at your playing posture.

2. Horizontal Geometry: Where is your fingerboard pointing?

How you rotate your instrument significantly changes the space between your shoulder and the back plate.

Choose LOW: If your fingerboard points more forward (perpendicular to your shoulder line). In this position, the instrument naturally sits closer to your chest.

Choose HIGH: If your fingerboard points more to the side (parallel to your shoulder line). This creates a larger triangular gap that needs to be filled for stability.

3. Vertical Pitch: Floor vs. Ceiling

The angle of your scroll is the next piece of the puzzle.

Choose LOW: If you tend to point the scroll of your instrument toward the floor.

Choose HIGH: If you prefer to play with the scroll pointing toward the ceiling (common in professional orchestral settings).

4. Placement on the Instrument

Where do you "clip" your rest?

If you prefer your support closer to the neck (near the blocks), the gap is narrower. Choose LOW.

If you prefer the support further toward the center of the lower bout, the gap is wider. Choose HIGH.

5. The EFEL "Fist Test": Our 10cm Rule

If you are still unsure, we developed a simple, practical test used by professionals worldwide:

1. Assume your natural, relaxed playing position (without a shoulder rest).
2. Try to fit your closed fist (approx. 10 cm / 4 inches) between your chest and the back plate of the instrument.
3. Does it fit comfortably? Your posture and anatomy require the HIGH model.
4. Is the space too small for your fist? The LOW model will provide the most ergonomic fit.

The EFEL Advantage: High-Grade Spring Steel

Regardless of which model you choose, every EFEL support features our signature high-grade spring steel frame.

Unlike rigid plastic or wooden rests that force your body to adapt to them, our spring steel frame is designed to be hand-shaped to match the exact contour of your shoulder. This ensures that you aren't just buying a "standard" size—you are buying a professional support that can be micro-adjusted until it feels like a natural extension of your body.

Ready to find your perfect fit? Browse our professional collection here.