The Kun Collapsible fits 4/4 violins and, when adjusted to its smallest size, will also accomodate a 3/4 size instrument. Feet collapse for easy storage. This design is nearly identical to the Kun Original except for the underside material being brown in color instead of black. Very handy for those with shaped cases or those with insufficient space to store the standard Kun shoulder rests.

The Shoulder Rest That Set the Standard

The Kun shoulder rest is not simply a popular accessory — it is the reference point against which virtually every other shoulder rest on the market is measured. Developed decades ago by the Kun family, a celebrated Canadian instrument-making dynasty, it was designed from the outset to address the genuine ergonomic challenges that violinists encounter: neck strain, inconsistent instrument positioning, poor fit across different body types, and the fatigue that accumulates when a player cannot find a secure, natural hold. Vermont Violins has carried the Kun for as long as we have been in business, and it remains the rest we recommend most frequently — for good reason.

A Design That Has Earned Its Reputation

The Kun Sr. Collapsible is engineered around the reality that no two players share the same anatomy. Its wide range of adjustability — achieved by screwing the legs in and out to alter both height and spread — allows the rest to be customized to a degree that most competitors simply do not offer at this price point. The contoured padding sits comfortably over the shoulder and collarbone, distributing the instrument's weight naturally and reducing the tension that accumulates during long practice sessions or performances.

What truly distinguishes the Kun from the field, however, is its pivot system. The legs do not simply extend and retract — they swivel. This means that whether you prefer to project the instrument upward with a raised bell or favor a more relaxed, angled playing position, the rest accommodates that preference without compromise. The feet articulate to follow the lower bout of the violin across multiple orientations, allowing players to tilt and angle the instrument to match their playing style precisely.

An earlier criticism of the Kun — that its original rubber-tubing feet had a tendency to slip from the instrument's edge — has been fully resolved. The current foot design features a contoured, high-grip profile that seats firmly against the violin's ribs and is genuinely difficult to dislodge, even during aggressive playing or shifting.

The Collapsible Advantage

The collapsible leg mechanism is, in our view, the decisive reason to choose this model over the non-collapsible version. When the legs fold flat, the Kun Sr. tucks neatly into the accessory pockets of the vast majority of violin cases on the market — including shaped, contour-fit cases where standard shoulder rests simply will not fit. It is worth noting that because the Kun is the dominant shoulder rest in the market, most case manufacturers design their interior shoulder rest strapping and storage pockets with the Kun's dimensions specifically in mind. The fit, in most cases, is essentially perfect.

Fit Range and Sizing

The Kun Sr. Collapsible is sized for 4/4 full-size violins and, when adjusted to its minimum extension, will also accommodate a 3/4 instrument. For players with an exceptionally long neck who require additional height clearance, Kun offers extended replacement legs — a practical solution that eliminates the need to purchase an entirely different rest. For younger players on smaller instruments, the Kun Jr. Collapsible (1/2–3/4) and the Kun Mini (1/8–1/4) carry forward the same design principles in the appropriate proportions.

Sustainability and Longevity

The Kun is built to last. Most of our customers use theirs for many years without replacement. Should any component wear over time — the feet, the legs, the padding — all are individually replaceable. This modular design means you purchase the rest once and maintain it as needed, rather than discarding and replacing the whole unit. It is a small but meaningful commitment to sustainability that we appreciate, and it aligns with Vermont Violins' broader environmental values.

Vermont Violins' Assessment

We have fitted an enormous number of players with shoulder rests over the years, across every body type, age, and playing level. The Kun Sr. Collapsible consistently serves the widest range of players better than any other rest in its price category. It is not the only rest we carry, and for players with specific anatomical requirements — unusually narrow or wide shoulders, particularly pronounced collarbones — a more specialized option may serve better. But as a first rest, a reliable workhorse rest, or the standard against which to compare alternatives, the Kun Sr. Collapsible is the benchmark.