🇺🇸 Shipping to North America? Visit our official North American store here →
🇺🇸 Shipping to North America? Visit our official North American store here →

Setup guide

Mastering Your EFEL

Everything you need to know about setting up and caring for your handcrafted shoulder rest.

Setup in minutes • Lasts for decades

Settings

Step-by-Step Setup

1

Attach to Your Instrument

Position the curved part of the shoulder rest under your chin rest. The open side of the wire frame faces the fingerboard—the flexible support surface rests on your collarbone. The wire feet hook securely under the edges with enough spring tension to hold firmly.

Tip: Ensure all rubber grips are in direct contact with the instrument's varnish.
2

Adjust Height

Pull the wire feet upward to raise the height or push downward to lower it. Adjust until both sides are roughly parallel and the rest sits comfortably on your shoulder.

⚠️ Wire Care & Longevity

The spring steel wire must be bent with force—this is necessary for its structural integrity. However, frequency is the enemy. The wire handles about 10 major reshaping adjustments safely. Once you find your setup, only minor fine-tuning is required.

3

Fine-Tune the Curve

You can mold the curve of the support to match your collarbone contour perfectly. Many players find the factory curve perfect, but don't be afraid to make small tweaks until it feels like an extension of your body.

Maintenance

Long-Term Care

Keep your EFEL performing perfectly for years

Regular Checks

  • ✅ Increase tension by bending feet slightly inward if fit feels loose.
  • ✅ Inspect rubber grips. Black ones last decades; gray ones may need replacement after 3-5 years.
  • ✅ Ensure the foam pad is clean from rosin accumulation.

Lending Your EFEL

If you lend your rest, let them know it's already hand-adjusted. Frequent major reshaping by other players will reduce the wire's lifespan.

Teach them the gentle adjustment technique shown in the video.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How tight should the wire feet be? ▼
The feet should be snug enough to keep the rest securely attached during play, but not so tight that they damage your instrument. You should be able to play vigorously without any shifting.
What if the wire breaks? ▼
Breakage is rare. The wire handles about 10 major adjustments. Minor fine-tuning is unlimited. If it breaks during your first uses, contact us—it might be a rare manufacturing defect. If it breaks after years of reshaping, the metal has simply reached its physical limit.
Are replacement parts available? ▼
Yes—rubber grips are available as replacement parts. The wire feet themselves cannot be replaced as they are permanently soldered to the spring base.

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help you get the perfect fit for your instrument.