Adjustment of the chin plate along three axes
Positioning the chin plate along the mounting slot
Height adjustment from 25 - 50 mm in 5 mm steps
Side or center mounting
PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring® – Features and advantages
- First chin rest to use Pirastro’s revolutionary and patented spring system
- Allows precise personal adjustments of position, height, rotation, and tilt
- Six included springs enable height adjustment of 25 - 50 mm in 5 mm steps
- Enables freedom of movement and upper body tension release
- Offers exceptional playability, acoustic fidelity and sound projection
- Crafted from just 15 grams of high-end, tone-optimized materials
- Chin plate shaped from hardened Swiss maple
- For violin (3/4 - 4/4) and viola, center or side mounted
- Includes high-end protection case
The introduction of the PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring® responds to two major trends within the violin and viola community: the search for ergonomic tools to make playing physically more balanced and free, and the search for accessories that allow the instrument to sound at its best.
The first of these two trends is reflected by a growing awareness amongst musicians of the importance of a healthy, balanced, and free use of the body evidenced by an increased interest in supporting body work.
In support of this trend, product developer Berent Korfker has invented a flexible chinrest which empowers a new generation of players with a tool that enables free movement, supports upper-body tension release, and fosters a more natural, active connection with their instrument.
Simultaneously, the astonishing improvement in acoustic fidelity offered by the PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring® will delight those musicians looking to optimize the sound of their instruments.
Ergonomics and freedom of movement
The PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring® is the first adjustable chin rest designed to give players greater freedom of movement and instant feedback on the forces applied by the shoulder and neck.
The flexibility of the spring at the heart of the PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring® stimulates the innate balancing system in the neck and upper body, while the convex, finely adjustable and compact chin plate encourages holding the instrument with an elongated spine.
Adjustments are made by means of a small ball joint which can either be locked or left to move freely with the head. The modest size and simple convex shape of the chin plate have been refined to create a neutral, comfortable contact area that accommodates all players without restricting them to a single head position. A fine ridge provides stability during shifting and vibrato.
Featuring six interchangeable springs, the PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring® offers a height range of 25 to 50 mm in 5 mm steps. The low springs offer a more conventional chinrest feel, while the higher springs will suit players with a longer neck.
Freedom of sound
The PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring®, lets musicians discover a new level of playability. Enabling a uniquely free and instantaneous string response, it makes executing fine articulation a joy. Full projection is achieved with minimal effort, leaving players to focus on their musical flow.
Designed following similar acoustic principles, using the PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring and KorfkerRests together provides a new benchmark for acoustic fidelity. While the PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring® ensures that string energy generated during bowing is precisely and efficiently transformed into the vibration of the instruments body, our PIRASTRO KorfkerRest® Model 2 and LUNA® free the body of the violin so it can beautifully translate this energy into sound.
The positive effect of the PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring® is achieved through its unique spring design, which does not inhibit a whole section of the instrument’s edge from vibrating, its extreme light weight of just 15 grams, and the use of highly advanced, sound-optimized materials.
Materials
As users have come to expect, at PIRASTRO we selected only materials of the highest quality to craft the PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring®.
The chin plate is shaped from one piece of hardened European maple and therefore hypoallergenic. The clamp mechanism, also hypoallergenic, is made from high-grade, sound-optimized, anodized aluminum. The screw and disk of the mounting mechanism are silver plated, adding to the stunning looks of the PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring®.
All synthetic parts are made from customized compounds, developed for their unique mechanical and acoustical properties. These compounds represent the latest in polymer technology and enable the unique features the PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring® offers.
The cork pads of the PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring® are made from the highest-quality Portuguese cork. Featuring a synthetic, non-slip film, they protect the varnish and ensure the KorfkerSpring remains securely in place.
Weight
The ultra-light nature of the PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring® is one of its most noticeable features. It weighs just 15 grams compared to the 50 grams of the average chinrest.
The KorfkerSpring’s lack of weight does not only reduce its effect on the sound of the instrument, it also alleviates the strain on musician’s hands an arms. After experiencing the lightness of their instrument while using the combination of PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring® and PIRASTRO KorfkerRest®, musicians have expressed their delight about the lessened fatigue they experience in professional life.
Important advice
The carefully formulated material of the springs exhibits a break-in period during which the spring adapts to the user’s playing style. Applying substantial force to the chin plate will cause more initial deformation to the spring than more relaxed playing styles. Under continued high pressure, deformation will gradually increase until the spring eventually needs replacement. As the user learns to reduce the force used during playing, the service life of new springs increases. Players applying low pressure to the chin plate may never need to replace the spring.
Some users may need time to adapt to the unique playing experience offered by the PIRASTRO KorfkerSpring®. In particular, when playing without a shoulder rest or when using the highest springs, it is advisable to allow some time to become fully familiar with it.