Does the chin rest on a violin change the sound produced?

Question

I do not play the violin, but I have always wondered if the chin rest changes the sound produced by the violin in any way since whenever I see people play it they move their heads back and forth the same way on the chin rest. I suspect they are just really in to the music and move their heads accordingly, but if not let me know.

Answer 1

The purpose of the chin rest is to hold the violin more firmly. Otherwise, the violin rests against the hand, and that limits the player's fingering ability. The proper way to hold it is between the jaw and shoulder, without the left hand holding it up at all.

It might affect the sound somewhat, if there was no chin rest the violin might not vibrate quite as well.

Whether somebody sways the head is just a habit; some people have certain mannerisms while concentrating. The head swaying isn't really necessary. It's kind of like when a little kid sticks his tongue out while working on a math problem or something.

I play the fiddle, but I'm out of practice right now.

Answer 2

I play a bit of violin. First, what you mean is : "does the violinist control the sound he is making by moving his head against the chinrest ? " the answer is no. The head is probably moving because he/she is changing position with the left hand..
Many people may think you are asking about the chinrest possibly restricting the sound of the violin. It probably does but it is so small as to not be noticeable. They once used to play without chinrests.

Answer 3

That's actually I really good question... I have wondered that before.
I think violins (or violas) without a chinrest are incredibly hard to play, so even if it did make the sound better, people probably still wouldnt do it... at least in general...

Answer 4

The chin rest, if properly fitted, has no significant effect on the sound - other than the use or lack of use may affect the players ability.