Wolf Forte Secondo Viola Shoulder Rest
All Wolf Forte shoulder rests are adjustable in two directions: Width, to adjust for a variety of different lower bout patterns; Height, to adjust for optimal comfort for the player.
Rubber padded, Secondo ergonomically curved bar. Height and pitch adjustable with screw-on swiveling legs. Height adjustable from 1 to 3-1/4 . Sliding width adjustment on one end.
Ratings & Reviews
Would (and did) buy again
I never got along with the Kun style rests-- the curve didn't fit my shoulder and hence was uncomfortable. I've had this one for probably 15-20 years now and it's still going strong and is comfortable. I like a high shoulder rest; it has additional extenders to help with this. Yes, the rubber feet did wear out after no less than ten years, but I asked the violin shop to put new rubber on and they did (I've also heard of people using surgical tubing for a DIY solution). When I recently bought a viola, this is the shoulder rest I decided to buy for it as well.
Love it!
After being very dissatisfied with the Kun I tried out the Wolf. This was way more comfortable, easy to adjust, and it did not keep slipping off my viola as the Kun did. I'm getting one for my violin too.
adult violin student
This shoulder rest allows the violin to resonate so much better than the other shoulder rests I have tried. Every time I try another shoulder rest, I always go back to the Wolf because my violin sounds "muffled" with the other brands. I had trouble with the Wolf shoulder rest detaching from the violin when I adjusted it really high by adding the plastic extenders. I needed a solution for my long neck, but to stabilize the shoulder rest, I set the Wolf at its "regular height" and added a taller chin rest to get the height I needed. The shoulder rest is now stable and doesn't pop off of the violin. NOTE: If the chin puts excess pressure on the chin rest, the Wolf shoulder rest will still detach. I learned to stop using so much pressure and it doesn't come off anymore. For me, the Wolfe served as a tension detector of sorts.
So far, so good.
I like this rest because of the flexibility it provides. Between the extended height adjustment and the bendable frame I think just about anyone could get a comfortable fit. Additionally it's much lighter than the Kun Bravo I have. It's particularly good if you want additional height on the treble side to offer a more horizontal position for the violin. My only concern is the fittings seem a little flimsy and the unit may not last, but so far so good.
comfortable but worn out
Iíve had this shoulder rest for probably 3 or 4 years now and the rubber feet on it are worn out to the point that the should rest will fall off with little to no prompting. It has been very comfortable and has had good flexibility and give to it while Iíve used it, but itís time is up. Would not recommend this product if you want it to stand the test of time.
It's OK....
It's definitely a comfortable shoulder rest. It's a little thicker than I expected, even lowered all the way. I'm a pretty tall fellow with a long neck. The worst thing about it is that it falls off all of the time. One of the feet twists to help with storage, but it definitely affects the stability.