What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a shoulder rest (for the viol

Question: What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a shoulder rest (for the violin)!?

Do I even need a shoulder rest!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

I started playing without a shoulder rest, and was able to get along fine but a shoulder rest really helps because it alleviates the tension in your left hand of holding up the violin, and aids in shifting to positions, vibrato, and overall ease in playing!. So I would recommend that you use one to prevent strain, and help your playing!Www@QuestionHome@Com

advantages: it gets the violin closer to your chind and jaw so you don't have to pull a "holding the cell phone between your ear and shoulder" move!.
-it gets the violin off your shoulder, improving the sound!.
-its less painful!.
-and yes you should use one!.

disadvantages: the most popular ones tend to fall off easily if not used correctly, and are kinda expensive, but you can get good, cheap ones tooWww@QuestionHome@Com