Chad Manning smiling with fiddle on shoulder

Handcrafted in Berkeley, California

Play with
natural
freedom

The Fiddle Ease moves your violin's support from chin, neck, and hand to your bow arm's underarm and back of your neck — letting your instrument rest at a natural angle.

See the Bundle
MaterialShaker Chair Tape
Made byKäthe Boyd
AdjustmentsThree Points
"Here's a violin tool just efficient enough to be revolutionary. It's effective, simple, and optional. It's helped me a lot."
— Darol Anger

How It Works

A new relationship with your instrument

By moving the fiddle's primary support to your bow arm's underarm and the back of your neck, your instrument extends naturally outward at a comfortable angle. Your chin, neck, and hand are finally free.

Three intuitive adjustment points let you dial in the perfect fit — whether sitting, standing, or dancing at a session. Works beautifully with or without a chinrest.

After 40 years of playing with a chinrest, Chad removed it entirely. Without it clamping the instrument, the violin opened up, resonating more deeply and naturally.

Fiddle Ease strap running across the violin body

The Bundle

Everything you need, together

Fiddle Ease strap and comfort pad in all four colors

Complete Fiddle Ease Bundle

Strap &
Comfort Pad

$60

+ $5 shipping

What's included:

Fiddle Ease Strap — handcrafted shaker chair tape with brass buckle, three adjustment points
Comfort Pad — organic cotton fleece with stainless steel snaps, four color options
Free exchange if the size isn't right
Order Your Bundle

Available Colors

Choose your color

Each Fiddle Ease is individually handcrafted by Käthe Boyd in Berkeley. Bundles are available in four rich, earthy tones — just mention your color preference when you email Anne.

Fiddle Ease straps and comfort pads in all four colors
Saffron Warm golden yellow
Slate Cool blue-grey
Charcoal Deep dark grey
Burgundy Rich deep red

Ordering Is Easy

How to get yours

1

Pick your color

Choose from Saffron, Slate, Charcoal, or Burgundy. One bundle includes both the strap and comfort pad in your color.

2

Email Anne

Send a note to anaaboe@gmail.com with your color, size, and shipping address. She'll reply promptly.

3

Pay your way

We accept Zelle, Venmo, check, or cash. Anne will confirm the details when she replies.

4

Play freely

Your bundle ships for just $5. If the size isn't right, exchanges are always easy — just ask Anne.

See It In Action

Watch the demonstration

Chad shows how to use the Fiddle Ease both with and without a chinrest, and walks through all three adjustment points.

The Strap in Use

Worn as naturally as music

Front view wearing Fiddle Ease
Adjusting the strap
Handcrafted buckle and padding detail
Violin back with strap
Fiddle Ease straps in various colors

Why Fiddle Ease

Crafted for the long haul

🌿

All-Natural Materials

The strap is sewn from traditional shaker chair tape — durable and supple, soft against the body. The comfort pad is organic cotton fleece with stainless steel snaps. Built to last.

🎨

Artisanal Colors

Four rich, earthy tones handcrafted by Käthe Boyd at her Berkeley studio. Her work is carried at select women-owned shops in the East Bay.

🎻

Pain Relief & Freedom

For players managing arm, neck, or shoulder pain. Students and professionals alike have found profound relief and new openness in their playing.

From Chad Manning

A tool born from experience

This strap not only saved me from significant arm pain but also gave me a new freedom that has made playing the fiddle even more enjoyable. Not having to support the fiddle gave me a whole new relationship with the instrument.

By chance I met Berkeley sewing master Käthe Boyd, whose beautiful work is carried at select women-owned shops across the East Bay. She embraced the idea, began crafting the straps and comfort pads, and added her own artisanal touch.

Anne, one of my fiddle students, manages all orders — so you're in good hands from start to finish.

I often work with students managing various pains, and for many of them the strap has provided profound relief. It's exciting to see their techniques improve as they find it easier to stay relaxed.

It's clearly unorthodox — but if it can help you play more comfortably, with less pain, and for many more years, it might be just what you need.

— Chad Manning

Fiddle instructor · My Fiddle Shack

Pointing to where the chinrest attaches

Sizing Guide

Finding your fit

The Fiddle Ease comes in multiple sizes. When choosing, we recommend going one size up from your usual — this gives you room to adjust when playing in layers or a jacket.

If the fit isn't quite right when it arrives, exchanges are easy. Just mention it when you email Anne.

Chad's Reference

I'm 5'7" and 160 lbs, and a medium fits me perfectly.

Fiddle Ease comfort pad detail

Care & Use

A few things to know

Please use care when using the strap, especially while moving with your fiddle attached. We do not recommend this product for children.

When playing without a chinrest, we recommend using a cloth to prevent sweat from affecting the varnish.

If you experience any discomfort or feel it doesn't suit your needs, we encourage you to discontinue use.

Responsibility: By purchasing Fiddle Ease, you accept responsibility for its use, acknowledging that while it's designed to help, it may not eliminate all discomfort or challenges.

Place Your Order

Ready to play free?

Email Anne to order your bundle. She'll confirm your color, size, and payment details. Replies are prompt and friendly.

anaaboe@gmail.com

We accept:

Zelle Venmo Check Cash

Bundle $60 · Shipping $5 · Exchanges always welcome