Mach One Viola Shoulder Rest Maple Large

After trying many different viola shoulder rests, this is the first one that didn't hurt me, and after two years of using it, still doesn't hurt! I don't have broad shoulders, so I was always having difficulty finding a comfortable shoulder rest. I'm so glad I came across this shoulder rest.

I bought this shoulder rest after using a basic Kun for 5 years, so I thought this one would be an upgrade. I've been playing for a couple days and I can say it's a nice shoulder rest, it feels kinda weird at the beginning, but I got used to it. But it won't stay in it's place! Lost count of how many times I had to pause while playing to adjust it, I haven't been able to play for more than 15 minutes without having to adjust it. Tried different combinations of the forks to see if it stayed, but in the smaller setting it feels forced, I fear that I could damage the rest or even my viola, and in the setting for my viola size it keeps slipping out. I will keep playing with it, but there's a chance I won't keep it, the sliding could be a problem, specially when playing in a concert. Not great, not terrible, but I feel it could not be the one for me.

I thought I "deserved" a fancy new shoulder rest. I have a Mach for my violin, but have always had a basic Kun for my viola. I bought it in August, and used it here and there and thought I would adjust to it. (I am primarily a school music teacher and sadly don't play my viola in a professional setting as often as I'd like.) When I went to my community orchestra rehearsal, I would be annoyed with the number of times it would fall off of my instrument (I have a Tertis shaped instrument). Then, I played the Messiah 4 times in one weekend. By the 3rd time, I could not use it. My collar bone was bruised from this thing. I have unfortunately had it for too long and can no longer return it. VERY disappointed.