Where to Put Shoulder Rest in Violin Cases: Stop Forcing It!

Let's face it - if you've ever struggled to fit your shoulder rest into your violin case, you're not alone. After helping thousands of violinists find the perfect case and answering countless questions about this exact problem, we've learned something important: most violin cases simply weren't designed with shoulder rests in mind. It's one of those frustrating realities that many manufacturers don't talk about. You buy a beautiful, slim-shaped case only to discover your shoulder rest has become a daily puzzle of "will it fit without damaging my instrument?" In this article, we'll tackle the shoulder rest dilemma head-on. We'll explain why cramming your shoulder rest next to your violin's delicate neck and pegs is a recipe for disaster, show you the proper way to store it (when possible), and introduce you to cases that are actually designed for this essential accessory. By the end, you'll know exactly where to put your shoulder rest without playing that risky game of "force it and hope for the best" every time you pack up your instrument. The Challenge of Storing Shoulder Rests If you've ever felt like you're playing a game of Tetris trying to fit your shoulder rest into your violin case, you're experiencing a problem that violin makers have mysteriously ignored for decades. Here's the frustrating truth: most violin cases, especially those sleek, shaped ones, were designed as if shoulder rests don't exist. They provide a perfect cushioned space for your violin, two bow holders, maybe a tiny accessory compartment for rosin... and that's it. The shoulder rest? You're on your own. What typically happens is violinists end up jamming their shoulder rest wherever it might possibly fit - usually right up against the violin's neck and pegs. This creates two serious problems: first, it puts pressure on the most delicate parts of your instrument; second, it can damage both your violin and the shoulder rest over time. We've seen countless cases of violinists coming to us with scratched scrolls, damaged pegs, or shoulder rests with broken feet - all because they had no proper place to store this essential accessory. Even worse, many violinists simply carry their shoulder rest separately, which inevitably leads to forgotten shoulder rests at rehearsals or performances (we all know that feeling of panic). The good news? Some manufacturers have finally recognized this problem. But before we reveal which cases actually accommodate shoulder rests properly, let's talk about the best way to position your shoulder rest if you're stuck with a traditional case. If You Don't Have a Shoulder Rest-Friendly Case If you're using a standard case without these features, here are your best options for shoulder rest placement: Away from the violin's neck and pegs - Even if it's a tight fit, always position the shoulder rest away from these delicate areas. Consider placing it at the bottom of the case if there's room. Use soft cloth as a buffer - If contact between your shoulder rest and violin is unavoidable, wrap the shoulder rest in a soft microfiber cloth to prevent scratches. Secure it firmly - If your case has any straps or ties, use them to prevent the shoulder rest from moving during transport. Loose shoulder rests cause most of the damage we see. Consider A Shoulder Rest Bag For violinists who love their current case but struggle with shoulder rest storage, we highly recommend our dedicated Shoulder Rest Pouch. This specially designed accessory attaches externally to your case through D-rings or strap attachments, providing a safe storage solution that won't compromise your instrument. The larger size accommodates even bulkier shoulder rests like the Bon Musica shoulder rest, which many standard cases simply can't fit. Made from durable nylon cloth, it features both a buckle ring for D-ring attachment and a Velcro strap for securing to handles or backpack straps. At just $15, it's an affordable solution that prevents the need to replace your entire case. Remember, repeatedly forcing a shoulder rest into a too-small space puts your instrument at risk every single time you pack up. If you're struggling with this issue regularly, it might be time to consider a case that was actually designed with real violinists' needs in mind. Ideal Placement for Shoulder Rests When it comes to properly storing your shoulder rest, location is everything. If you're working with a standard case that wasn't designed with shoulder rests in mind, you'll need to get creative - but carefully. Here are the best cases we recommend to use a shoulder rest with. The Molto Solution: A Case Designed for Shoulder Rests The Molto violin case stands out specifically because it addresses this common frustration. As we discovered when examining these Taiwan-designed cases, they've done something surprisingly simple yet revolutionary: made their shaped cases slightly wider around the critical areas. Unlike typical shaped cases that follow the exact contours of the violin, the Molto case provides extra width specifically in the area where you'd naturally want to place your shoulder rest. This thoughtful design means you won't have to worry about your shoulder rest scratching against the scroll, neck, or pegs of your precious instrument. What really impressed us about the Molto design is the dedicated Velcro strap specifically for securing your shoulder rest. This prevents the common problem of shoulder rests shifting during transport and potentially damaging your instrument. Additionally, the case features two D-rings on each side where you can secure shoulder rest straps for extra stability. At just 4.6 pounds, the polycarbonate construction doesn't sacrifice protection for this added functionality. This isn't your $50 bargain bin polycarbonate either - it's the same high-quality material used in bulletproof glass, providing serious protection while accommodating all your accessories. Bam St. Germain: Smart Design with Dedicated Shoulder Rest Compartment Another excellent option is the Bam St. Germain Shaped Violin Case. Bam is known for their strong cases, has thoughtfully incorporated a dedicated zippered compartment specifically for shoulder rests on the top of the case. This specially designed pocket fits standard shoulder rests such as the Kun model perfectly, keeping them completely separate from your violin. This smart design eliminates the risk of your shoulder rest coming into contact with your instrument altogether. The St. Germain combines this practical feature with Bam's signature foam core protection, which acts as a suspension system to absorb impact if the case is dropped. Weighing in at 5.7 pounds, it's slightly heavier than the Molto but offers exceptional protection with its reinforced high-density foam shell. What makes the Bam solution particularly elegant is that they've managed to incorporate shoulder rest storage without compromising the sleek, shaped design that many violinists prefer. The case also includes a removable accessories pouch, two bow holders, and an external pocket for sheet music cleverly placed on the back rather than the top, preventing the case from becoming top-heavy when opened. Jakob Winter Greenline: Eco-Friendly with Room to Spare The Jakob Winter Greenline Shaped Violin Case provides another excellent solution for violinists struggling with shoulder rest storage. While it doesn't feature a dedicated shoulder rest compartment like the Ba, St. Germain, its smart design includes something equally valuable: space. At an ultra-lightweight 2.8 pounds (significantly lighter than both the Molto and Bam options), this case manages to provide enough interior room to comfortably fit most standard shoulder rests. The case's sustainable hard foam shell construction allows for slightly more flexible interior space than traditional rigid cases, making it easier to position your shoulder rest without putting pressure on your instrument. What makes the Jakob Winter particularly noteworthy is its eco-friendly construction. Made from natural fibers that are both sustainable and biodegradable, this case is manufactured using the innovative One-Shot press technique that eliminates harmful glues. This not only reduces environmental impact but also ensures your violin isn't exposed to toxic adhesives or odors that can be absorbed by the wood. Despite its lightweight design, the case doesn't compromise on protection. It features a suspension system with polystyrene inserts along the neck and lower bout of the violin that absorbs shock and provides cushioning. This system creates enough space to position your shoulder rest safely away from the instrument's delicate areas. For violinists who prioritize portability (especially students already carrying heavy backpacks), this case offers an ideal balance of weight reduction and functional storage. The water-resistant exterior provides additional protection in varying weather conditions, while the unique range of prints and designs ensures your case stands out from the typical sea of black cases. At a more budget-friendly price point than the Bam, the Jakob Winter Greenline proves that eco-conscious design can also solve practical storage problems for today's violinists. Finding the Right Solution for Your Shoulder Rest After helping thousands of violinists with this common problem, we've learned there's no one-size-fits-all answer to the shoulder rest storage dilemma. The right solution depends on your case, your shoulder rest model, and your priorities as a musician. For those with the budget for a new case, options like the Molto with its wider design, the Bam St. Germain with its dedicated shoulder rest compartment, or the eco-friendly Jakob Winter Greenline provide elegant built-in solutions. These cases were designed by manufacturers who understand that violinists need to carry shoulder rests safely, not just violins and bows. If you're happy with your current case but frustrated with shoulder rest storage, our dedicated Shoulder Rest Pouch offers an affordable external solution that protects both your instrument and your shoulder rest. At just $15, it's a small investment that can prevent potentially costly damage to your violin. Whatever option you choose, the most important thing is to stop forcing your shoulder rest into spaces that weren't designed for it. Your violin is a valuable, delicate instrument that deserves proper protection. A little thought about shoulder rest placement now can prevent scratches, cracks, and frustration down the road. Have questions about finding the perfect case for your shoulder rest needs? Feel free to chat with us using the chat bubble on the bottom right of this screen. We're always happy to help fellow violinists solve this surprisingly common problem!