A shoulder rest is a practical device, whose history spans more than 150 years. Prior to the invention of the Kun Shoulder Rest, however, players had struggled with limited or makeshift solutions to correct or avoid discomfort while supporting their violin or viola.

Introduced in 1972 by the late Joseph Kun, Violin and Bow Maker and renowned violin pedagogue in his native Czechoslovakia, the earliest Kun rest was handmade from metal in limited quantities. Still, this early Kun rest possessed two breakthrough characteristics: a new ergonomic shape for ease and comfort in playing, and simple mechanisms allowing the rest to be adjusted in three directions. And the Kun rest had been designed with sound quality in mind. Our objective was minimal contact with the violin or viola, so that vibrations would not be absorbed.

Over the next decade, Kun's basic prototype pioneered the market, and its original shape remains in use today. Together with all of the important features of Kun rests, it provides the ideal in shoulder rest functionality.

Led by Marina Kun since 1975, Kun Shoulder Rest has continued to set the standard in shoulder rest design and technology. Our strategy is simple and rigorous: we combine high quality with creativity and technical innovation to produce products that consistently lead the field.

Our innovations include pioneering the use of composite materials; unique folding mechanisms on our Collapsible and Voce rests; the striking Bravo model, with its Italian handmade flamed maple wooden base that echoes the back of a fine violin; and coloured rests that delight young players. The base member of our latest model, the Voce, is made from aerospace-grade carbon fibre, chosen for its superior acoustic properties, strength and light weight, and the Voce incorporates a unique new lateral adjusting mechanism.

Kun holds patents and trademarks worldwide, and is committed to ongoing research and development in order to meet the needs of players at all levels.

Our long history of innovation—together with quality, comfort, durability and good value—means that Kun shoulder rests are overwhelmingly preferred by players worldwide. From New York to New Caledonia to New Zealand, Kun resonates wherever it is heard.

Notes on Intellectual Property