I have been searching for the perfect shoulder rest for years and I've tried everything. I've taken recommendations from everyone, but every musician's set-up is different! Nothing has been comfortable because I need a low set-up, but a sponge just isn't enough. When I saw this wonky-shaped Mach one, I had to give it a try. I was skeptical because there isn't really any padding, and the shape is so different. However, as soon as I put it on my viola, I noticed a major difference. I no longer need to shift the position of my viola while playing because it stays on my shoulder. The rubberized bottom is comfortable, even thought there isn't any traditional padding on it. It doesn't feel "hard" or like it is "digging in." I was surprised, but I am so happy with this shoulder rest!

I was skeptical about the lack of padding and this shoulder rest felt a little stiff compared to my Kun the first time I used it, but after a day or so I was completely hooked. The rubbery surface is very stable while playing and the shape/angle is so comfortable for me that I don't even miss the padding! As a violist with a long neck it's been hard to find a shoulder rest that keeps everything at a comfortable height and angle for me but this one seems to do the trick. I've had no issues with the feet slipping and sliding off while playing and my viola feels more resonant with this shoulder rest compared to others I've used.

I really like the design of this new Mach One. The hook at the shoulder and the nubby strip keep my viola from sliding and there is a slight bit of "give" as well.

I just started playing viola and got this shoulder rest. The shoulder rest seemed uncomfortable and took a while to get used to (maybe partly because I needed to get used to holding the viola itself), but after I got used to it, it's actually pretty comfortable. Like it a lot