Pirastro KorfkerSpring —
a flexible approach to chin rests
The fruit of a long-running collaboration between Pirastro and Dutch violinist Berent Korfker — a new spring-mechanism chin rest. Adjustable position, height, rotation and tilt. Tone-optimised materials. Available for violin and viola.
🔗 Table of Contents
What is the Pirastro KorfkerSpring?
Berent Korfker is a Dutch concert violinist with a teaching résumé that includes stints at London's Royal College of Music and the Yehudi Menuhin School. He is also an inventor who has spent a number of years collaborating with Pirastro. If you've ever wondered about the naming conventions of that company's KorfkerCradle, KorfkerRest, and KorfkerRest LUNA — your curiosity has found its answer. These are all results of that collaboration.
Not content to remain focused on the shoulder, Pirastro has recently added to its Korfker-related offerings with the KorfkerSpring, a lightweight and flexible chin rest. Strings Magazine (March/April 2026): "This chin rest comprises a system of springs and a convex chin plate of hardened Swiss maple. The springs are meant to facilitate greater comfort and freedom of movement; they allow customization in terms of position, height, rotation, and tilt."
Acoustic fidelity was also a concern for Korfker, and materials used are described as "tone optimized." Available for both violin and viola, the KorfkerSpring weighs in at 15 grams and can be either center or side mounted.
Berent Korfker and Pirastro — the collaboration that changed accessories
KorfkerCradle
Shoulder rest with a unique "cradle" construction for maximum shoulder mobility during playing.
KorfkerRest
Ergonomic shoulder rest with adjustable height and angle — for minimum muscular tension.
KorfkerRest LUNA
Premium version of the KorfkerRest with refined design and materials. Exclusive for demanding performers.
KorfkerSpring ← NEW
The first chin rest in the Korfker range. Spring mechanism, hardened Swiss maple, 15 g.
About Korfker: Berent Korfker is a concert violinist and educator. He taught at the Royal College of Music in London and the Yehudi Menuhin School — two of the UK's most prestigious music institutions. His interest in musician ergonomics and health led to his inventive collaboration with Pirastro.
Design and how it works
The KorfkerSpring is built around a system of six springs connecting the chin plate to the mounting mechanism. This is fundamentally different from traditional rigid chin rests: rather than locking the head and chin in a single position, the springs allow small natural movements, adapting to the performer's micro-adjustments.
6 springs
The spring system provides freedom of movement and adapts to the individual anatomy of the performer. Each spring is independent.
Hardened Swiss maple
Convex chin plate from hardened Swiss maple — chosen for both ergonomic and acoustic properties.
4 adjustment parameters
Position (center or side), height (25–50 mm in 5 mm steps), rotation and tilt — for the perfect fit.
Tone optimisation
Materials selected with their effect on violin resonance in mind. Minimal dampening of body vibrations.
Height range: 25 to 50 mm in 5 mm steps — six fixed positions. This covers the anatomical range from a short to a long neck, eliminating the need for additional raisers for most players.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Flexible chin rest with spring mechanism |
| Construction | System of 6 springs + convex chin plate |
| Chin plate material | Hardened Swiss maple |
| Adjustment parameters | Position, height, rotation, tilt |
| Height range | 25–50 mm (in 5 mm steps) |
| Mounting | Center or side |
| Instruments | Violin (3/4 and 4/4) and viola |
| Weight | 15 g |
| Includes | Chin rest + protective case |
| Price | ~$595 (recommended retail) |
| Official website | pirastro-rests.com |
| Press date | Strings Magazine, March/April 2026 |
✅ Pros
- Spring mechanism — freedom of movement, reduced tension
- 4 individual adjustment parameters
- Hardened Swiss maple — tone optimisation
- Just 15 g — among the lightest in its class
- For violin (3/4 and 4/4) and viola
- Center or side mounting
- Protective case included
⚠️ Notes
- High price (~$595) — aimed at professionals
- Requires time to set up correctly
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📞 Order the Pirastro KorfkerSpring or Get a Consultation
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