1. Can I return the Poldauer rest, if it is not right for me?

Yes. We know that a new shoulder rest that works differently requires a certain change in posture. It takes a little time and patience, but it is definitely worth the effort. We recommend that you initially switch between your previous shoulder rest and the new one.

2. How can I send it back?

Send us an email (to: info@poldauer.com) and we can arrange for DHL to send you a return slip by email if you live in Germany.

3. Do I get my money back then?

Of course. You will get the full amount back when the Poldauer rest has been returned to us in good condition. We do not reimburse shipping costs.

4. How long can I send the Poldauer rest back for?

We give you 30 days to try it out. You cannot send them back any later than 30 days after receipt.

5. I would like to try the Poldauer rest, but unfortunately I do not live in Munich. Can I try it somewhere else?

Hopefully that will be possible soon. Find out more on our website. For this reason, we grant you 30 days to try it out.

6. I live outside of Europe or in Switzerland and would like to order the Poldauer. Is that possible?

At the moment we cannot process a purchase outside the EU countries via the webshop. Write to us at info@poldauer.com and we will get in touch with you.

7. Can I also swap if I think a smaller or larger variant would be right for me?

A swap is no problem at all. We deal with this in an uncomplicated manner (with return slip, see above). You pay the shipping costs twice (we as Poldauer GmbH pay 3x or possibly 4x). In this case, please write to us at: info@poldauer.com

8. Do I have to send the foil back?

If you haven't used it, please.

9. Can you use or move a foil multiple times?

Normally you always leave the foil on the back of your violin. This also helps you to orientate yourself where place the shoulder rest ideally. You only remove it if you want to change the position or for some other reason. If you take it off carefully in a dust free environment, you can apply the foil again. Otherwise, you can exclusively buy new ones from us if you have used the supplied ones up. This video describes how to place the foil on the violin. Please note the product data sheet for the foil.

10. Can you always play without a foil if sticks to the violin anyway?

You can do that. If the varnish of the violin is smooth and stable, this is not a problem and actually recommended.

11. Should I take off the Poldauer rest every time I put the violin back in the case?

That is up to the user. Experience has shown that the Poldauer rest will eventually come off if you place the violin on a smooth surface or in your violin case though it sticks to the violin as long as it is played with.

12. How do I find out which Poldauer rest is right for me?

Read the tables describing the sizes, at the top of the shop carefully. With the help of the instructions and information, you should be able to choose the right size (here).

13. Do I have to change my playing technique if I have previously played with a soft pad/cushion, foam or simple cloth?

If you have previously dealt with this type of pad, cloth or cushion, the Poldauer should work for you immediately, without any further change. Only the variable placement on the instrument allows optimization and you no longer have problems with the rest slipping, falling off or rubber bands that come loose.

14. Do I have to change my playing technique if I have previously played with a hard (type Kun or similar) shoulder rest?

We know that this new shoulder rest, which works differently, requires a certain change in posture. In the lower positions, the left arm has to hold up with the violin slightly, and the shoulder rest balances on the collarbone, making it easier to tilt but also less stable than you may be used to. This takes a bit of time and patience, which is definitely worthwhile, as the benefits will definitely outweigh the drawbacks (here). We recommend that you initially switch between your previous shoulder rest and the new one to make the transition smoothly. Also read what we wrote (here) and watch the videos of the virtuosos who play without support (here).

15. I have a long neck and the Poldauer shoulder rests all seem too low to me.

In case of a really long neck, we recommend increasing the height of the chinrest using the cork strips available as accessories in the shop (here). Since the violin should not be gripped tightly, it should work with a long neck.

16. If I play with a Poldauer, do I need a different chin rest?

That is possible, but not absolutely necessary. The longer you play with the new posture, the more you develop a feeling for this yourself. We recommend placing the chin rest in the middle.

17. As a viola player I should order the Poldauer Viola rest. But if I previously only used a very small pillow or cloth or no support, could one of the violin supports be right for me after all?

Since the viola is wide, it may well be that a small XS Poldauer rest is just right. If you tried both, you would quickly find out. We recommend you order both Poldauer rests and send the unsuitable one back at our expense, the amount overpaid will be transferred back to you (see also question 2).

18. The Poldauer violin rest is quite expensive compared to simple cushions or pads, although they are made of plastic. Why is this the case?

The shoulder rests have been developed and tested over several years. The design that makes them durable, elastic and springy at the same time, thanks to several interwoven spirals designed for each size and distribution of pressure, is only possible with a special and complex 3D printing technique. The plastic used is of very high quality, the rests have to be printed individually. In addition, they undergo a very durable and manually produced flocking procedure to make them non-slip.