Pirastro KorfkerRest Viola

A shoulder rest built for the viola.
Bendable maple, free resonance.

Sized for viola and weighing 40 grams, the KorfkerRest Viola is a wooden shoulder rest designed to minimise acoustic damping so your instrument can speak as freely as possible.

What it is

A shoulder rest that thinks acoustically.

The Pirastro KorfkerRest Viola is a premium wooden shoulder rest designed by Berent Korfker to reduce the acoustic penalty of supporting the instrument on your shoulder. The bridge is made from high-quality laminated maple tone wood, rendered bendable through a purely mechanical process that preserves its acoustic character. Players shape it once to the exact contour of their shoulder, and it holds that form. Legs are forged from hardened aluminium alloy, keeping the rest stable at minimal weight. The feet contact the viola only at the very edge outside the purfling, and the composition of special polyamide and minimal rubber significantly reduces damping compared to conventional plastic rests. The ErgoPack (included in Model 2) opens further adjustment, and upgraded rubber pads improve grip and comfort. Four replacement pads come in the box.

Specifications

At a glance.

Detail	Spec
Brand	Pirastro
Model	KorfkerRest Viola (Model 2)
Bridge material	Bendable laminated maple tone wood
Leg material	Hardened aluminium alloy
Weight (viola)	40 grams
Adjustment	Position, height, tilt; ErgoPack included
Replacement pads	4 included
Instrument	Viola

Comfort and sound profile

Shaped to your shoulder, not the other way around.

The bendable maple bridge lets you adapt the rest permanently to the exact contour of your shoulder and collar, rather than padding around a fixed rigid shape. Leg adjustments for height and tilt, plus the ErgoPack, cover the ergonomic range needed across different body proportions and playing styles. Because the rest makes minimal contact with the viola body and uses acoustically neutral materials throughout, players consistently report a broader dynamic range and more responsive articulation, particularly in the lower registers where the viola's character lives. The reduction in mass and rubber contact compared to standard plastic rests is especially audible on the C and G strings.

How to use

Fitting and adjusting.

Attach the feet to the viola at the edge outside the purfling. The grip feet are designed to hold securely without slipping.
Bend the maple bridge gradually to match your shoulder shape. The mechanical process that makes it bendable means the wood holds its new form once set.
Adjust the leg height and tilt to suit your playing position and neck length.
Use the ErgoPack (included) for additional fine-tuning of foot position and individual fit.
Read the instruction manual before initial setup. The KorfkerRest rewards careful first fitting and returns the investment in time across every session thereafter.

Care and storage

Looking after the maple and hardware.

Wipe the maple bridge with a dry cloth; avoid liquid cleaners that could affect the wood or varnish. The aluminium legs require no routine maintenance. Replace the rubber pads (four spares included) when they show wear or reduced grip. Store the rest in its case or attached to the instrument; the grip feet hold reliably in transit. Avoid leaving the rest in direct sunlight or extreme heat for extended periods, as sustained heat can affect the bendable wood's set position.

Questions

Common questions.

Which viola sizes does this fit?

The KorfkerRest Viola is sized for standard viola body lengths in the 15.5 to 16.5 inch range. The adjustable feet and bendable bridge accommodate natural variation within this range. If your viola is significantly outside these dimensions, contact us before purchasing.

Does a wooden rest actually sound different from a plastic one?

Yes, noticeably so. Plastic and heavy rubber rests damp the instrument's vibration directly where the rest contacts the rib. The KorfkerRest uses laminated maple (acoustically similar to the instrument itself), minimal rubber, and aluminium legs, all of which resist absorbing string energy. Most players report a wider dynamic range and more colour in the sound, particularly in the lower strings. The effect is more pronounced on viola than violin because the instrument is larger and the damped frequencies sit more centrally in the viola's expressive range.

How do I set up the feet and adjust the height and tilt?

Attach the feet to the lower bout edge, outside the purfling. Start with the legs at a neutral height, then adjust the screws to raise or lower each leg independently, setting the tilt angle to match the angle of your shoulder when the viola is at rest in playing position. The ErgoPack enables further positional fine-tuning. The instruction manual covers each adjustment step in detail and is the best first reference.

I have a latex or rubber sensitivity. Is this rest safe to use?

The KorfkerRest uses significantly less rubber than conventional rests, and the contact points are small and positioned on the instrument rather than directly against the player's neck or chin. The main contact with your shoulder is via the maple bridge and the instrument itself. If you have a specific latex or rubber allergy, review the full materials specification before purchasing.

I currently use a Kun or similar plastic rest. Is this a significant upgrade?

It is a different category of rest rather than a direct iteration on the plastic design. The KorfkerRest is lighter, uses tone wood instead of plastic for the bridge, and is shaped permanently to your shoulder rather than relying on a spring-loaded clamp mechanism. Players coming from a Kun or Wolf rest typically notice the ergonomic improvement immediately and the acoustic difference within the first few sessions. The setup investment is higher, but it is a one-time process once the maple is shaped.

Viola Shoulder Rests

Pirastro KorfkerRest Viola