Kun Bravo regular or collapsible, any disadvantage?
I'm thinking about buying a new shoulder rest, mainly to try out a wooden one and really liked the appeal of the Kun Bravo. Is there any particular reason that the bravo regular is seen more often than the collapsible version of it? Any disadvantages in terms of durability of the collapsible compared to the regular?
The Kun Collapsible 4/4 has been very good for playing long sessions of about 2 hours sometimes.
Anyone with experience of the bravo would be helpful to hear what they think about the rest.
Link: http://www.swstrings.com/product/accessories/violin/GP-187B
Replies (8)
Thanks for your response. I've found that the Kun Collapsible is quite good as previously mentioned. The Bravo is available in a collapsible version aswell. I'm considering it for the comfort.
I have used the collapsible for quite a while. I like that it folds to fit in my case. It is somewhat flexible but not to extent that it would press against the violin. It's very comfortable and reliable. I will definitely be buying another when this one eventually dies.
Greetings,
I strongly believe the Mach 1 is vastly superior to any thing made by Kun.
Cheers,
Buri
I have used two Kun models so far -- standard collapsible and Bravo. The Bravo, with its wood base, lets my instruments ring more -- I like this model a lot and have two of them. They've lasted 5+ years, though the rubber grips on the feet have worn out faster, requiring periodic replacement.
FWIW, with my build, I orient the device SW-NE as you view the back of the instrument. I set it at the lowest point on the shoulder side, about mid-height on the chest side. I have a fairly short neck and can't work with the SR any higher. This is my personal experience -- your build may be quite different. If you can first try out this model for comparison before buying, so much the better.
I started using a Bravo on my viola about 6 months ago. I had been using a Kun collapsible previously. It was always falling off. The wooden one stays on much better and, to my surprise, improved the tone of the instrument.
I tried the Mach 1, but its elegant curves are simply the wrong way round for my anatomy: the inward sweep on the shoulder conflicts with my collarbone, and the other end then doesn't rest on my pectorals..
Many of my colleagues find it perfect, though.
my pectoral died from eating cat litter last week.
cheers,
Buri
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April 13, 2014 at 05:39 PM · I am aware of 4 Kun models (on violin and viola):
- Standard, ajustable spacing at both ends;
- Collapsible, similar, but with folding legs;
- Super, one fixed foot and one sliding one;
- Bravo, thick laminated wood, brass legs, layout similar to the Standard.
I find the Bravo is the stiffest and most stable, gripping the violin the most strongly (with slight loss of tone on a sensitive instrument).
The Super is a little less rigid: To have it tight enough, I find the legs are rather splayed, so the feet grip less well on the edge of the fiddle. But I find its shape the most "anatomical".
The other two, I find almost too flexible for safety.