Chamois (or non-slip material)?
Hi, I was wondering if anyone knows where to get chamois or some type of non-slip material that people actually have reliably brought/used, (specifically online websites or local stores names). Preferably, I would like this material should be black.
Replies
I use a cosmetic red sponge.. they're about $3 on here : http://fiddlershop.com/accessories/shoulder-rests/red-round-rubber-pad-for-shoulder-rest.html
I use the square-bumpy plastic sheets for lining drawers; just don't leave them on the instrument or in the case between playing--all synthetics out-gas.
For starters, a decent and not expensive sample (sheep) can be found at Leevalley:
http://www.leevalley.com/US/garden/page.aspx?p=65657&cat=2,42194,40727,65657
If you want a real thing, try to find a local manufacture of leather jackets. They typically sell coloured leftovers of all kinds of leather, including deer and sheep, for next to nothing.
One thing to keep in mind that any chemical treatment of chamois, such as bleaching or colouring may damage your violin's varnish.
It is not clear whether you want this for your chinrest or for your shoulder.
I've used chamois or some variation of it on my chinrest since 1977 when another attendee at the San Diego Chamber Music Workshop alerted me to its use for preventing irritation and infection of the skin. It also keeps the instrument from slipping. I used a lunch break at the session to go to the nearest auto parts store and purchase some - because the intensity of our playing was causing me real problems.
I subsequently found a higher quality suede-type, flexible leather at a fabric/hobby shop (since gone out of business, but chain stores like Jo-Ann or Michaels might have it). I made patches that I fasten to my chinrests with velcro. It was available in many colors including black. I selected colors that matched my violins' finishes.
Andy
I was thinking for both the chin and shoulder, but all suggestions are welcome.
By the way, does anyone know what the Stradpad is made of? Is it chamois?
Latex foam from it's description
http://www.sharmusic.com/Accessories/Chinrests/Strad-Pad-Chinrest---Large---Elastic-Attach.axd#sthash.vDhgI3TJ.dpbs
Will, I think that unless you wear really slippery clothes, chin should be enough, so start there.
Andy
After a recommendation from Mim Zweig I highly recommend these as a non-slip piece of acoustic foam. Huber Shoulder Pad: http://www.thestringzone.co.uk/huber-shoulder-pad-kit
So if there's color it's more likely to harm the varnish, right? And does grip liner do anything to the varnish?
There is actually a site with the product you are looking for.
Check it out. I bought one myself.
So what is the difference between a $10 chamois and a $35 violin chamois?
Just a thought I'm passing on from a very good luther-friend. Best to store any synthetic shoulder rests or chinrest covers outside the instrument compartment because of possible outgassing. Everything breathes something out, even wood, but petro-products and other synthetics in an enclosed space might react with some varnishes--and who wants to find out the hard way?
They are especially suited for violinists. A good size and also a ready package. Other than that I guess they are pretty much the same. It all boils down to how much hassle you want to go through...
Thanks Isak!
Fair enough! :D
Anyone know where to get (or order) a darker (preferably black) colored chamois?
Anyone know where to get (or order) a darker (preferably black) colored chamois?
I don't. I'm not sure I've heard of a coloured chamois.
But you could try a square of suede as well...that should be easy enough to find in black (or any colour).
Does anyone know if shelf liner does anything to the varnish (colored or not)?
It shouldn't. I'm playing with some black liner at the moment and haven't noticed any issues.
As much as I like my red sponge...they're just a tad smallish...
Does anyway know of any reliable synthetic chamois? ex.) The Absorber, etc.?
For the shoulder you can use that stuff they put under carpets to stop them slipping - usually available at the dollar store.
Has anyone tried using a wallet? Will it harm the varnish?
How would you use a wallet?
If the leather doesn't stain (dye) then it should be fine.
I suppose you could make a cloth (fabric or leather) out of anything you like...trim it up...wouldn't be hard, especially for someone crafty...
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October 14, 2014 at 09:19 PM · You can get chamois leather from a car auto-shop and the non-slip carpet/kitchen cabinet padding at any supermarket or dollar store.